Well Beyond 40

Menopause changes your life... and your health. It can be a tough transition, but we need to shift our perspective on this important time. Menopause is not a disease; it’s a normal stage of life—and it’s a privilege to still be alive. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, a conventional board-certified OB-GYN who also practices integrative, holistic, and Ayurvedic medicine. We discuss the ways that the stages of menopause change your life for the better, and what you can do to protect your health throughout the transition. As you start to enter perimenopause and menopause, you can make adjustments and build healthy habits to mitigate long-term health issues, including heart disease, which is not discussed enough. The place to start is with hormones, according to Dr. Gilberg-Lenz, and also incorporating botanicals, herbs, and supplements as well. Another big factor that needs to be addressed is lifestyle. You’ll learn about adjustments you should make and why you must make yourself a priority during this time. Because with the right approach, your fifties can be a truly magical decade. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/menopausebootcamp Learn more about Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz: https://thedrsuzanne.com/ I recommend reading Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz’s book Menopause Bootcamp: https://amzn.to/3XJ8nl6 Listen to my podcast episode about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy during menopause: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-during-menopause-yes-or-no-397/ I recommend Joe Dispenza’s retreats: https://drjoedispenza.com/?rfsn=6914154.37386a&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a Read more about Dr. Prudence Hall: https://www.thehallcenter.com/ Read Uzzi Reiss’s book The Natural Superwoman: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Superwoman-Scientifically-Program-Feeling/dp/158333324X?ref_=ast_author_dp Get the FREE introduction to Suzanne’s book Menopause Bootcamp to optimize your health, empower yourself, and flourish as you age: https://jjvirgin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Suzanne-Gilberg-Lenz-Menopause-Bootcamp-Introduction.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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One of the biggest things that can take down your health is toxins, particularly mold. In this episode, I talk to air-quality expert Michael Rubino, the author of The Mold Medic, An Expert’s Guide on Mold Removal about why mold is such a problem in homes today, and how often you should test for mold in your house. Signs of mold exposure aren’t always obvious. We discuss common symptoms of mold toxicity, like brain fog and fatigue, and explore how mold exposure can show up in your body in a variety of ways. Mold poisoning could very well be a root cause for weight loss resistance, and you’ll learn why your body holds on to toxins in this way. How do you test for mold in your house? Michael gives suggestions for affordable testing, and how often you should test for mold. I’m convinced that detoxification is one of the most important things we have to do to support our health, so you don’t want to miss this conversation. Get Michael’s Free PDF guide 10 Mold Hacks to Prevent Mold in your Home https://www.jjvirgin.com/MoldHacks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sugar poses a huge threat to our health today. There are the obvious sources, like candy and soda, but it’s the sneakier sugars in your food that may be causing an addiction. I share five warning signs that you’re addicted to sugar, and reveal exactly what you need to do to break your sugar problem fast. I literally wrote the book on it! I have a wealth of tips and tools to share with you, including ways you can balance your blood sugar and retrain your taste buds, so you can finally conquer your sugar addiction... for good! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do so many people struggle with weight gain and obesity? Here’s one reason: A biological switch in our bodies designed to protect us from starvation can become stuck in the “on” position. This is a hidden source of weight gain, heart disease, insulin resistance, and other health challenges. But it’s not a life sentence; this switch can be turned off. In this episode, JJ talks with one of her heroes, Dr. Richard Johnson. He’s a practicing physician and an internationally recognized medical scientist researching obesity and diabetes, with a special interest in the role of sugar, especially fructose. Dr. Johnson explains why fructose is so different from other sugars and why it can be so problematic. You’ll learn why fructose can encourage fat storage, how this switch is being activated when we’re not in survival situations, the types of foods that can activate the switch and the behaviors that can turn things around. They also discuss leaky gut and its relation to food allergies, the role of fructose in damaging gut health, and how this sugar may be associated with dementia. This conversation gives you specific things you can do to help prevent this survival switch from causing weight gain and other health challenges in the long run.  Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/impactoffructose Listen to JJ’s previous podcast episode with Dr. Richard Johnson: What Causes Obesity?: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/what-causes-obesity-with-dr-richard-johnson-ep-490/ Read JJ’s book The Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book Read Dr. Johnson’s book, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat: The Surprising Science Behind Why We Gain Weight And How We Can Prevent—And Reverse—It: https://amzn.to/3QExPps Read Dr. Johnson's book, The Sugar Fix: The High Fructose Fallout Is Making You Fat: https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Fix-High-Fructose-Fallout-Making/dp/143910168X Read Dr. Johnson’s book, The Fat Switch: https://amzn.to/3H0XEgb Learn more about Dr. Richard Johnson: https://drrichardjohnson.com/ I use Extra Fiber to keep my gut, and thyroid, happy: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/extra-fiber Find out how much protein you need daily by using my protein calculator: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst Learn how to build the perfect plate:  https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate/ Read the Study: Cerebral Fructose Metabolism as a Potential Mechanism Driving Alzheimer's Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33024433/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Wherever you stand on the keto diet, this is a conversation worth hearing. In this episode, JJ talks with Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon who became a nutrition geek, about his book, Unlocking the Keto Code: The Revolutionary Science of Keto That Offers More Benefits Without Deprivation. First, Dr. Gundry talks about how he became interested in nutrition and lifestyle for heart health. Then, they delve into the common misuses of the keto diet and how it can be upgraded for optimal results. Ketones are NOT a miraculous fuel for the brain, as many people believe. After explaining why the body can’t run on ketones and fats alone, Dr. Gundry explains the concept of uncoupling and what it means for your health. You don’t have to restrict carbs to reap the benefits of ketosis. In fact, he explains how you can use other methods, as well as plant compounds called polyphenols to “unlock” the process of uncoupling for losing weight and better health. This fascinating conversation also touches on heart health: the truth about cholesterol and why it might not actually be the sole cause of plaque and heart disease. Sign up for Dr. Gundry’s Free Newsletter to receive regular tips to improve your health, happiness, and longevity by making simple changes to your diet. https://drgundry.com/ Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/DrGundry Learn more about Dr. Steven Gundry:  https://drgundry.com/ Read Dr. Steven Gundry’s book Unlocking the Keto Code: The Revolutionary Science of Keto That Offers More Benefits Without Deprivation: https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Keto-Code-Revolutionary-Deprivation/dp/0063118386 Read my blog Yes or No to Keto? How to Tell If a Keto Diet Is Right for You: https://jjvirgin.com/quick-question-ketogenic-diets/ Read Dr. Steven Gundry’s book The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain:  https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Paradox-Dangers-Healthy-Disease/dp/006242713X Read Martin Brand’s paper Uncoupling to survive? The role of mitochondrial inefficiency in aging: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556500001352?via%3Dihub I recommend Dr. Dispenza’s meditations:  https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/healing-collection-for-healthcare-professionals[…]e=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a Dr. Gundry’s telehealth program Gundry Health: https://gundryhealth.com/telehealth-platform/ Study: Virgin Olive Oil and Health: Summary of the III International Conference on Virgin Olive Oil: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770785/#:~:text=The%20PREDIMED%20trial%2C%20an%20intervention%20with%20a%20MedDiet,follow%20a%20low-fat%20diet%20%5B%2011%2C%2012%20%5D. I love to cold plunge, use code JJVIP500 for $500 off: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ I use Sunlighten Saunas, use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off: https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a Try Stephen Gundry olive oil:  https://gundrymd.com/food/olive-oil/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of feeling defeated by the numbers on the scale? You can take control of your health and weight in your 40s and beyond, and in this episode, JJ explains how body composition is key. How do you measure it exactly, and what are the best (and worst) tools for the job? You’ll learn the metrics that matter, because when you have the right information, you can take the right action. And, when you address what your body needs, you’ll naturally—and effortlessly—start to lose fat. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/bodycomposition I recommend using a bioimpendance scale at home: Tanita’s Body Composition Scale: https://amzn.to/3PqZcBf Learn more about a DEXA scan, which I recommend one to two times per year: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10683-dexa-dxa-scan-bone-density-test How to measure your waist-to-hip measurement plus a chart: https://www.healthline.com/health/waist-to-hip-ratio Evaluating your waist-to-height ratio is another important measurement: https://www.mdapp.co/waist-to-height-ratio-whtr-calculator-433/ Using BMI to help you evaluate your goal weight: http://jjvirgin.com/docs/ft/Setting_Your_Weight_Loss_Goals.pdf I recommend Tanita’s Segmental Body Composition Scale: https://amzn.to/3uNCewe The ideal body fat percentage from the American Council on Exercise:  https://woman.thenest.com/american-council-exercise-body-fat-percentage-16636.html JJ’s podcast episode What’s a Loaded Smoothie and How to Make One:  https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/whats-a-loaded-smoothie-how-to-make-one-ep-410/ Try my All-One-One Protein Shakes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes Try my Collagen Peptides Powder to add to your protein smoothies: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exercise and burning belly fat get harder as women age. Plus, a lot of outdated myths exist, so you might be doing things wrong. Debra Atkinson has helped 250,000+ women flip their second half of life with vitality and energy. She's the best-selling author of You Still Got It, Girl! The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women and Navigating Fitness After 50. In this episode, JJ and Debra reveal the best exercises for women over 50, with tips and truths you need to know. Debra gives her number one thing women of this age need to work on, and why. The truth is, yoga and Pilates are good, but they’re NOT enough. She discusses what building muscle does for women metabolically and why the old way of determining flexibility isn’t enough. Then, they talk about core exercise: why it’s important and myths surrounding this important type of exercise. Doing it right will help you lose belly fat and be stronger. Visceral fat is a killer, so you want to learn how to address this. You won’t want to miss the five specific exercises that women over 50 should do and how to do them from Debra. They are super short and doable, leaving you with more energy. If you’re not strengthening your body the right way, your health and your metabolism will suffer, so this is a conversion every woman over 50 needs to hear. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/flip Get Debra’s 5-Day Flip (5 short workouts over 5 days): https://www.flippingfifty.com/5dayflip Watch Debra’s TED Talk: What Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be A Lie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5IzLZ1mP94 Listen to The Peter Attia Drive Podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/ Read my Top 10 Ground Rules To Be The Best Fat Burner: https://jjvirgin.com/top-10-ground-rules-fast-lasting-weight-loss/ Read more from Mark Sisson about High-Intensity Repeat Training: https://www.marksdailyapple.com/hiit-vs-hirt/ Listen to my podcast with info about a DEXA body scan: The Best Way to Measure Body Fat: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/the-best-way-to-measure-body-fat-ep-509/ Learn more about Debra Atkinson:  https://www.flippingfifty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going through menopause can be challenging. So many changes are happening in your body, including hormone shifts and weight gain. In this episode, JJ talks about stress and weight gain during and after menopause, along with effective ways to manage them. She also discusses how to do an elimination diet as a vegetarian. Lastly, she provides strategies to lose belly fat, find your healthy weight, and manage the stress levels that can lead to weight gain. Whether your goals include managing menopause, weight loss, lowering stress, or feeling better, you don’t want to miss this fun, actionable-packed episode. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/3questions Support healthy digestion, weight management, blood sugar control and more with my DefendZyme supplement: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/defendzyme Learn how to use a body fat scale in this podcast episode: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/how-do-you-assess-body-composition-ep-480/ Listen to my podcast episode about Trauma Responses with Dr. Aimie Apigian: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/trauma-responses-with-aimie-apigian-ep-466/ Read my blog for 10 Ways to Lower Stress & Lose Weight: https://jjvirgin.com/10-ways-to-lower-stress-lose-weight/ Learn more about Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditations: https://drjoedispenza.com/ For supporting your body’s ability to fall asleep faster and stay asleep, I use Sleep Candy: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sleep-candy   I use Magnesium Body Calm to help with sleep:  https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/magnesium-body-calm Listen to my podcast episode about Bioidentical Replacement Therapy During Menopause: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-during-menopause-yes-or-no-397/ Watch my YouTube video about The Best Way to Measure Body Fat, including using a DEXA body scan:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9g_05bd0uA Read my blog on How to Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor: https://jjvirgin.com/how-to-use-a-continuous-glucose-monitor/ Try my plant-based All-In-One Shakes to help you get enough protein as a vegetarian: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes The Virgin Diet teaches you how to test your own food intolerances:  https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/the-virgin-diet-paperback The Virgin Diet Cookbook has vegan and vegetarian recipes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/the-virgin-diet-cookbook Find more vegetarian and vegan recipes on my website: https://jjvirgin.com/recipes/ Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to make a loaded protein smoothie:   https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/whats-a-loaded-smoothie-how-to-make-one-ep-410/ Try my Collagen Peptides Powder as another way to add more protein to your diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Listen to this podcast episode How Tapping Can Relieve Stress and Anxiety: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/how-tapping-can-relieve-stress-and-anxiety-nick-ortner-393/   I use Sparkling C Powder for lowering cortisol and stress: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sparkling-c-fizz Read my blog to learn how to eat by the plate for a balanced meal: https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate/ I recommend the Nutrisense continuous glucose monitor: https://www.nutrisense.io/?code=JJ25&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=jj.virgin Learn more about cold water therapy in my Facebook video:    https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/videos/1162287960917877/ Listen to my podcast with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz: Redefining Menopause: Why We Need a New Narrative:  https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/redefining-menopause-why-we-need-a-new-narrative-with-dr-suzanne-gilberg-lenz-ep-529/ I like to use Sunlighten Sauna, use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off: https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a Listen to my podcast with Dr, Amie Hornaman: Uncovering the Facts of Hyperthyroidism: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/uncovering-the-facts-of-hypothyroidism-with-dr-amie-hornaman-ep-551/ Listen to my podcast with Dr. Alan Christianson: How to Lose Weight with Thyroid Disease: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/thyroid-disease-dr-christianson-219/ I like the Kooru cold plunges, use code JJVIP500 for $500 off: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices