Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

It is my pleasure today to introduce Jodi Cohen, a best-selling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and the Founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where her training in nutritional therapy and aromatherapy come together to craft unique and exclusive proprietary blends of organic and wildcrafted essential oils. Jodi has assisted more than 50,000 individuals in overcoming brain-related issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and autoimmunity. In our discussion today, we dive into the fundamental aspects of essential oils, looking at what they are and how they work. We examine the role of the blood-brain barrier and the influence of the autonomic nervous system, focusing on the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve. We explore the importance of vagal tone, the implications of vagal nerve dysfunction and toxicities, and the lymphatic system while also looking at the role of fascia in memories and trauma and the profound effects of essential oils on sleep quality, weight management, and more. I am excited to share this insightful conversation with Jodi Cohen, as it provides invaluable insights into the vast potential of essential oils in promoting holistic well-being.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What essential oils are and how they work clinically The most effective way to use essential oils How emotional or mental dangers can trigger the autonomic nervous system   The autonomic nervous system can cause inflammation, impaired digestion, and compromised immune function if it is constantly activated Stimulating the vagus nerve can improve resilience and reduce stress Some natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve The connection between the brain and digestion and how stress can impact digestion and overall health How fascia intertwines with the lymph and vagus nerve Essential oils can facilitate emotional release The benefits of essential oils for sleep and weight management during perimenopause and menopause Bio:Jodi Sternoff Cohen is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where she has combined her training in nutritional therapy and aromatherapy to create unique proprietary blends of organic and wild-crafted essential oils. She has helped over 50,000 clients heal from brain-related challenges, including anxiety, insomnia, and autoimmunity.For the past ten years, she has lectured at wellness centers, conferences, and corporations on brain health, essential oils, stress, and detoxification. She has been seen in The New York Times, Wellness Mama, Elephant Journal, and numerous publications. Her website, vibrantblueoils.com, is visited by over 300,000 natural health seekers every year, and she has rapidly become a top resource for essential oils education on the Internet today.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow On Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jodi Cohen Vibrant Blue Oils  On Instagram Facebook Use the coupon code WELCOME 10 for $10 off anything you purchase from the Vibrant Blue Oils ShopJodi’s book, Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body, is available on Amazon and most anywhere books are sold.

Calley Means, Founder of Truemed, discusses the dark side of food and pharma. Topics include conflicts of interest in obesity research, pharmaceutical profit priorities, US healthcare system failures, impact of processed foods, and dopamine regulation.

Today, I am delighted to connect with Caroline Alan, the Co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals. Coming from the corporate world, Caroline struggled until she discovered the incredible ability of plant-based minerals to support the body and restore its natural balance. She is now devoted to educating people about the benefits of mineral replenishment and the efficacy of plant-based humic and fulvic substances.In today’s discussion, Caroline shares her journey, and we dive into why we experience such significant mineral depletions in our modern-day lifestyles, looking at hidden hunger and the role of our mitochondria. We discuss the interrelationship between mineral storage and adrenal health, the extensive background of plant-based minerals, and the etiology of cramps and hydration. We also explore the signs and symptoms of mineral depletion and explain how to take mineral products for the best results.Join us to learn about the transformative power of plant-based minerals in our modern lives.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people experience mineral depletion at this time How soil health, food quality, and human health are all interrelated The fundamental role mitochondrial function plays in energy production and overall health Why adrenal health is critical for women during perimenopause and menopause The origins of humic and fulvic minerals How fulvic and humic acids help in preventing chronic diseases Why Caroline advocates for using fulvic acid products instead of salt-based electrolytes Caroline shares tips for managing Herxheimer reactions How do mineral deficiencies impact sleep and exercise performance? The benefits of magnesium spray for foot cramps and plantar fasciitis Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Caroline Alan On the Beam Minerals website  Find Beam Minerals on social media @beamminerals Caroline on social media @themineralgeek   

I am honored to connect with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson today.Dr. Peirce Thompson is an adjunct associate professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester and an expert in the psychology of eating. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Bright Line Eating.In our conversation today, we dive into the complexities of food addiction, exploring why it is even more challenging than drug or alcohol addiction, the importance of awareness around food addiction, and the impact of genetics and trauma. We discuss the addictive properties of sugar and flour, the bliss point in the processed food industry, and misconceptions surrounding artificial sugars. Dr. Peirce Thompson also shares her journey of addiction and recovery, offering invaluable insights on breaking the cycle of addiction and reframing our relationship with hunger. I am confident that today’s discussion with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson will provide valuable insights and provoke thoughtful reflections. Join us to learn how to break the cycle of addiction and reclaim control over your relationship with food.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why food addiction is more challenging to treat than other addictions What are the signs of food addiction? The role of genetics in obesity and food addiction How trauma can lead to food addiction Why hyper-palatable processed foods are so addictive How sugar impacts the brain Why it is best to avoid high fructose corn syrup and all artificial sugars How food companies use the bliss point to make their products addictive Why structured eating is essential in modern society Why hunger is not an emergency Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson Bright Line Eating 

I am honored to reconnect with Dave Feldman today. Our last encounter was in December 2020, for Episode 128, where we delved deeply into the topic of cholesterol.Dave is an engineer by profession. He is profoundly clever and commands great respect within the low-carb and keto community due to his willingness to challenge prevailing narratives, encouraging us to explore alternative perspectives on lipid metabolism and reconsider our understanding of LDL, particularly in the context of lean mass hyper-responders like myself.In our discussion today, we dive into how LDL became so vilified, with Dave shedding light on several crucial research findings. We explain what low-mass hyper-responders are, examine biases and cognitive dissonance, touch on Dave’s new LMHR study, and discuss the Miami Heart study, a longitudinal study of the roles of LDL and plaque burden. We also explore the impact of ApoB and reflect on the essence of science as a pursuit of truth, and Dave shares what lies ahead for himself and his research.I trust you will find this conversation engaging and thought-provoking.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why LDL is considered a villain  How AMRs and APB lipoproteins have influenced how we look at risk stratification What is a lean mass hyper-responder? How a low-carb, high-fat diet can improve the metabolic health of lean mass hyper-responders How Dave, an engineer turned scientist, challenges conventional wisdom in the health and wellness space Dave discusses a study on plaque progression in healthy individuals, focusing on correlating LDL levels  How we are at the forefront of finding the significance of lean mass hyper-responders and LDL Dave shares the next thing he and his team will look at to substantiate his findings on lean mass hyper-responders Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dave Feldman On his website Instagram X     Facebook Previous Episode MentionedEp. 128 – Cholesterol Obsession: Why It’s the Intellectual Property of the Animal Kingdom with Dave Feldman

I am delighted to have Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, the CEO and Co-founder of Pendulum, joining me today. Dr. Cutcliffe is a proud alumnus of Johns Hopkins, with over 25 years of experience leading and managing biology teams in academia, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. Before starting Pendulum, she was the Senior Manager of Biology at Pacific Biosciences and a scientist at Elan Pharmaceuticals. In our discussion today, we dive into the emerging science of the gut microbiome, examining the effects of aging, antibiotics, nutrition, stress, travel, and menopause on gut health and discussing how vaginal and C-section deliveries differ in impact. We explore differentiators for various categories of bacteria and the roles of butyrate and fiber, looking at fecal transplants and the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and post-biotics, and explaining why Akkermansia is an essential bacteria for regulating insulin satiety, fortifying the mucin layer, and facilitating targeted delivery of butyrate. Dr. Cutcliffe also shares her top tips for mitigating the effects of travel on the gut microbiome and offers a special discount for listeners. I am confident that you will find today’s discussion with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe engaging and enlightening. Stay tuned to learn how to adjust your lifestyle for a healthier gut microbiome.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of a vaginal delivery Various factors that disrupt the gut microbiome Why it is essential to get enough fiber in your diet What are the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut microbiome? The benefits of fecal transplants How the vagus nerve fosters communication between the gut and brain Why artificial sweeteners might not be as harmful to the gut microbiome as previously thought How prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are interconnected and necessary for overall health The role of Akkermansia in the gut microbiome How to maintain a healthy gut microbiome while traveling  Bio: Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe:Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pendulum. She has over 25 years of experience leading and managing biology teams in academia, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Before starting Pendulum, Colleen was the Senior Manager of Biology at Pacific Biosciences and a Scientist at Elan Pharmaceuticals. Colleen received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University and her B.A. in Biochemistry from Wellesley College.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Colleen CutcliffeOn the Pendulum Life website Use code THURLOW for 20% off your first order of Pendulum products.

Today, I have the honor of connecting with Juraj Kocar, the CEO of Somavedic Technologies. Somavedic is a groundbreaking frequency therapy device providing practical and easily accessible solutions for EMF exposure, improved sleep, and energy revitalization. Juraj is a perpetually optimistic and forward-thinking entrepreneur motivated by a profound passion for developing and expanding products that significantly impact the lives of others, and he is currently propelling his dream project to new levels of success. In our discussion today, we meticulously define the role of EMFs, diving into how they affect our health, discussing proactive protection measures, and sharing strategies for mitigating EMF exposure while traveling. We also explore how the revolutionary Somavedic device works, my experience using it, how to choose the correct model, the effects of structured water, and biohacking strategies that Juraj uses daily.Join us for an enriching conversation where we provide valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your health.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are EMFs? Juraj discusses the biological effects of chronic EMF exposure How to protect yourself from or minimize the impact of EMF exposure How to deal with EMF exposure when traveling Juraj explains how the Somavedic technology works What structured water is  Why it is beneficial for us to drink structured water Juraj discusses his daily health routine  Strategies for improving your health How to select the Somavedic device that best suits your needs Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Juraj Kocar On his website *Get a 10% discount on Somavedic products by using the code CYNTHIA (Discount code is valid all year long!) On Instagram Via email: hello@somavedic.com 

Dr. Thomas Dayspring, a clinical lipidology expert, delves into cardiovascular health complexities. Topics include lipoproteins, atherogenesis, ApoB invasion, and the importance of competent healthcare providers for women transitioning into menopause. He discusses limitations of bikini medicine, hormone replacement therapy, and clinical observations.

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a board-certified physician practicing evidence-based integrative precision and functional medicine. (She last joined me for Episode 211.)Dr. Gottfried graduated from Harvard and MIT. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She is also the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including her recent publication, The Autoimmune Cure. In our discussion today, we discuss the interrelationship between trauma and autoimmunity, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women. We dive into the impact of trauma, explaining its correlation with autoimmune conditions and demystifying the role of the PINE network (the Psycho Immune Neuro Endocrine system). We explore triggers for perimenopause and menopause, gender differences specific to the changes in immunity and vulnerability in women, the consequences of burnout in various professions, the shortcomings of conventional allopathic methods in addressing mental health and trauma, and immunomodulation, including vitamins, polyphenols, low-dose Naltrexone, and somatic-based therapies. With Dr. Gottfried’s invaluable insights into crucial health topics, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the traumas we experience as children could make us more susceptible to autoimmune conditions later in life How trauma impacts our immune, neurological, and endocrine systems Addressing trauma through gut health, heart rate variability, and hormone balance How the metabolic and immune system changes triggered during perimenopause and menopause can make women more susceptible to autoimmune issues  How men in combat and women with sexual assault show similar trauma responses  How childhood trauma can shape our direction in life The potential benefits of alternative therapies like LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca How measuring gut health can provide valuable insights for treatment options Using low-dose Naltrexone for sleep and immune system modulation The potential of somatic therapies and breathwork for stilling the autonomic nervous system and promoting body awareness Bio: Dr. Sara Gottfried:Sara Szal Gottfried, MD, is a physician, researcher, author, and educator. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and MIT and completed a residency at UCSF, but is more likely to prescribe a CGM and personalized nutrition plan than the latest pharmaceutical. Dr. Gottfried is a global keynote speaker and the author of four New York Times bestselling books about hormones, nutrition, and health. Her latest book is called THE AUTOIMMUNE CURE (March 2024). She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She takes care of executives and professional athletes. Her focus is on the interface of mental and physical health, N-of-1 trial design, personalized molecular profiling, use of wearables, and how to leverage these tools to improve health outcomes. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sara Gottfried On her website    On Instagram Dr. Gottfried’s new book, The Autoimmune Cure, is available from most bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Previous Episode MentionedEp. 211 – Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried

I am delighted and honored today to interview Dr. Lisa Mosconi. She is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Cornell Medicine and Director of the Women's BRAIN Initiative and the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a globally acclaimed neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and nuclear medicine and the author of the New York Times bestseller The XX Brain and, more recently, The Menopause Brain.In our conversation, we discuss how women’s brains change during perimenopause and menopause, looking at the significance of puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the lack of medical research on women and medical gaslighting. We explore the concept of bikini medicine and its misconceptions regarding women's health and hormones alongside the crucial roles of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in our neuroendocrine system. Dr. Mosconi also provides insights into evolving menopausal treatments, including lifestyle interventions. Dr. Mosconi is an esteemed figure in neuroscience and a prominent voice in women's health. I am confident you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from my discussion with her today.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How women's brains change during perimenopause and menopause How the lack of information for young girls can lead to medical gaslighting and confusion during perimenopause Dr. Mosconi explains how a simple sugar is used as a tracer to track glucose metabolism in the brain during perimenopause Why brain changes during menopause may lead to mental fatigue and brain fog How the lack of training and research on menopause in medical residency programs leads to a poor understanding among clinicians Why women need to consider their brain and metabolic health during perimenopause Why estrogen is essential after menopause The benefits of HRT for menopausal women How stress impacts hormone production Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Lisa Mosconi On her website On Instagram The Menopause Brain will be released March 12th, 2024.