Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

Get ready to venture into the realm of cutting-edge health and nutrition as I reconnect with Kara Collier, a registered dietitian and the co-founder of Nutrisense, the revolutionary continuous glucose monitor app! Our paths last crossed back in January of 2021, and I am thrilled to catch up with Kara again! Today, we delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of metabolic health in 2023, exploring the pivotal role of CGM labs and glucometers in understanding our bodies. In today’s captivating conversation, Kara unravels the significance of measuring glucose against other metabolites, unveiling the profound impact of macros, exercise, supplements, sleep quality, life stage, and bio-individuality on our well-being. With a plethora of invaluable hacks to optimize your blood sugar, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey that will leave you empowered to take charge of your health and transform your life! Gear up for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights you will not want to miss! Prepare to be inspired and informed as we uncover the secrets to unlocking your metabolic potential!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The current state of metabolic health What is leading to obesity in the US? Getting your fasting glucose value below 90 The pros and cons of glucometers Glucose monitoring and the 8020 rule Tracking your data to learn about yourself Hacks to improve your diet The role of movement in metabolic health How important is Zone 2 training for mitochondrial health?  Follicular versus luteal phase and insulin sensitivity The importance of protein and carbohydrates Blood sugar and sleep quality About Kara:Kara Collier is the co-founder and VP of Health at Nutrisense, one of America’s fastest-growing wellness-tech startups. After becoming frustrated with the shortcomings of the traditional healthcare system, she made it her mission to help others reach their maximum health potential using modern technology & expert coaching. She is the leading authority on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for health optimization and disease prevention. Kara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC).Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Kara CollierOn Instagram NutrisenseEp. 132 – Continuous Glucose Monitors: Why They’re Not Just for Diabetics Anymore with Kara Collier

Today, I am thrilled to welcome all of my wonderful, Everyday Wellness listeners to a special episode of the podcast they specifically requested- an Ask Me Anything session with yours truly!Interestingly, the subject that resonated most among listeners was hormone replacement therapy. To be crystal clear, I am here only to provide general insights and share information. If I answer your question today, I earnestly recommend that you listen, learn, and then find a practitioner who can best support your particular needs. It is essential to remember that we are all bio-individuals. So what works for me may not work for someone else. I also want to ensure that women who choose not to pursue HRT are fully informed about the potential consequences of that choice. So, I appeal to you not to let fear dictate your decision-making around HRT if it is appropriate for you. I believe informed consent is paramount, regardless of how you navigate the perimenopause and menopause phases of your life, and I ask you to embark on this journey with me, free from judgment. Stay tuned for my advice, recommendations, and resources!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Is it too late to start HRT at 62?  What is the net impact of menopause?  Why is estrogen essential for health and wellness? The benefits of progesterone therapy. What is the best time to take progesterone? How would I approach hormone therapy with a 52-year-old who has had a partial hysterectomy and has been in menopause for two years? When is the best time to start HRT? Adrenal support for perimenopause.  For how long should a woman stay on HRT? How can you increase your progesterone without taking a pill? Janet is 57 and still has a menstrual cycle. Does she need HRT? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow• Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn• Check out Cynthia’s websiteEp. 94 – Reclaim Your Vibrancy, Sexuality, Health and Happiness! – with Dr. Anna CabecaEp. 211 – Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara GottfriedEp. 220 A Detailed Guide to Healthy Hormones with Dr. Lara Briden

Step into the world of metabolic health and fasting as we embark on a captivating journey with the renowned Canadian clinical educator Megan Ramos!In an era when chronic illness and obesity have become alarmingly prevalent, and dieting has become a lifelong struggle for many, Megan is on a mission to revolutionize our understanding of metabolic health. Known for her expertise in therapeutic fasting and low-carb diets, she co-founded the revolutionary Fasting Method alongside the renowned Dr. Jason Fung and co-authored the bestselling book Life in the Fasting Lane. Now, she returns with her latest work, delving into the untold stories of women and fasting. In today’s captivating discussion, Megan and I explore the staggering statistics that reveal a nation plagued by chronic illness and weight issues, where even the average person has tried 126 diets in their lifetime. Megan shares her groundbreaking insights on women and fasting, unveiling the truth behind misdiagnosis, the myths surrounding intermittent fasting, the role of macros and insulin secretion, and the profound impact of the pandemic on our hormones, sleep, and stress levels. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking episode as we tackle pressing questions from listeners, covering the dawn effect, gout, insomnia, and invaluable strategies for achieving fasting success!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: My journey with PCOS Why does body composition matter so much? PCOS, the number one endocrine disorder in Westernized countries Common myths about intermittent fasting The fertility aspect of postmenopausal women The slippery slope of perimenopause Is fasting just an extreme form of calorie restriction? The impact of sleep and stress on glucose and insulin levels How to integrate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle Magnesium supplementation for insulin resistance How to deal with gout Connect with Cynthia Thurlow• Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn• Check out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Megan Ramos• The Fasting Method• Find Megan on social media @Megan J. Ramos• Purchase a copy of Life in the Fasting Lane • Purchase a copy of The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting For WomenPrevious Episodes Featuring MeganEp. 116 – Using Intermittent Fasting to Reverse Chronic Illnesses – with Megan RamosEp. 188 – Troubleshooting Your Fasting Method with Megan Ramos

Today, I have the privilege of connecting with an exceptional friend and colleague, McCall McPherson! McCall’s profound expertise in thyroid health has paved the way for a revolutionary approach to functional medicine. As the visionary behind the cutting-edge Modern Thyroid Clinic in Austin, Texas, and a former TEDx speaker, she joins me to discuss the intricate differences between Grave’s Disease and Hashimoto's. In this episode, we also delve into the unique treatment methods of the Modern Thyroid Clinic and the crucial role of comprehensive lab work support. Our conversation ventures into disordered eating, the detrimental effects of yo-yo dieting, and the starvation diet mentality, emphasizing the significance of metabolic potency. We also explore the impact of synthetic oral contraceptives, the importance of informed consent in hormone resets, and the merits of hormone replacement therapy. My discussion with McCall encompasses a wide range of strategies that include the utilization of low-dose Naltrexone, GLP-one agonists, fasting techniques, and the pervasive effects of fear-driven food restrictions and weight loss resistance. Join me as I share our enlightening conversation that promises to leave you informed and inspired!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is Grave’s Disease, and how is it treated? What are the symptoms of Grave’s Disease? What they do at the Modern Thyroid Clinic to reduce Grave’s antibodies. How Naltrexone acts in the body, and what it does for thyroid patients. McCall discusses the supplements she uses for thyroid and explains why she will not use compounded thyroid medication. How disordered eating has crept into the intermittent fasting space. How the hormonal shifts during perimenopause can lead to weight gain. Why is it essential to allow blood sugar to drop, retrain itself, and tap into your fat stores? McCall discusses the labs she prefers using for individuals with some degree of weight loss resistance or presumed metabolic inflexibility. What is the net impact of oral contraceptives? Some common reasons for women becoming weight loss resistant. McCall shares her perspective on iodine. About McCallMcCall McPherson is the Founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas, and the owner and Chief-Hope-Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is a physician assistant, TEDx speaker, and thyroid expert by way of being a thyroid patient. Her passion is helping women rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of thyroid and hormonal disorders. Her philosophy is simple: There is no reason to still have thyroid symptoms.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with McCall McPhersonOn her websiteOn Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and InstagramSign up for McCall’s courses

I am thrilled to announce a monumental milestone in our podcast journey! At the time of this recording, our latest podcast reached an astounding 4 million downloads! With continued support and enthusiasm from our dedicated listeners, we hope to surpass 6 million downloads by the end of this year!Today, I am delighted to dive into an intriguing topic as we explore the latest collaboration between MD Logic Health and myself. Joining me on the podcast is Scott Emmons, the esteemed COO of MD Logic Health and a fellow health entrepreneur.For this episode, our focus centers on Alpha GPC, a groundbreaking cobranded supplement that will redefine the landscape of brain health, exercise performance, and neuroprotection. This remarkable supplement will captivate your attention as we explore its multifaceted benefits and synergistic mechanisms alongside creatine monohydrate. Acting as a precursor to acetylcholine, Alpha GPC plays a pivotal role in cognition, learning, memory, and attention, with the ability to traverse the formidable blood-brain barrier.Brace yourself for an in-depth discussion on the cutting-edge research surrounding these mechanisms and their profound implications. Mark your calendar, as Alpha GPC will be launched in July 2023, accompanied by exclusive pre-sale incentives you will not want to miss!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is Alpha GPC, and how does it work? The benefits of green tea and coffee for Alpha GPC. Key areas in terms of benefits for Alpha GPC. Little tricks to make your coffee taste great. Keeping your wits about you as you get older. The effect of caffeine on the mitochondria. The remarkable physical benefits of Alpha GPC. How Alpha GPC elevates human growth hormone. The efficacy of Alpha GPC on physical endurance. Why recovery is more important than the exercise. How Alpha GPC impacts the brain. I chose to incorporate Alpha GPC as my third product due to my personal experience with its remarkable benefits. Over the past six months, intermittent use of Alpha GPC has provided me with enhanced mental clarity without the need for caffeine. I have also noticed improved information retention and memory, complementing my lifestyle practices such as quality sleep, exercise, nutrition, and intermittent fasting.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow• Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn• Check out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Scott Emmens MD Logic Health On LinkedIn On Instagram (@longevityprotocol) Relevant research:Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine - PubMed (nih.gov)Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study - PMC (nih.gov)Evaluation of the effects of two doses of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on physical and psychomotor performance - PubMed (nih.gov)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/#:~:text=Acute%20supplementation%20with%20caffeine%20or,large%20individual%20variability%20between%20subjects.https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/110/6/1416/5540729https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235064/

Today, I have the privilege of engaging in a fascinating and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Judy Morgan, a renowned figure in the field of veterinary care. As a certified veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractic owner, and food therapist, Dr. Morgan's expertise extends way beyond traditional allopathic medicine. Although she retired from clinical practice in 2020, her dedication to promoting exceptional veterinary care remains unwavering, both within the United States and abroad. In our discussion, we dive into the factors contributing to the declining health of our beloved pets, such as the alarming obesity rates affecting 60% of pets in the United States. We also explore the flaws within the pet food industry, including the significant influence of Mars Petcare, a conglomerate that has acquired a substantial portion of the processed food industry. Our conversation covers a myriad of topics, ranging from the distinctions between rendered and food-grade meat to the complexities surrounding grain-free diets. We touch on the contentious subject of vaccines, explain how to navigate between core and non-core vaccinations, and discuss specific concerns, such as lipomas, tooth care, exercise, and grooming. We also explore the best approaches to selecting flea and tick preventatives and the potential health implications of chemicals and plastics on our pets. As someone who once contemplated a career in veterinary medicine, it was a true delight to interview Dr. Morgan- especially considering my allergies prevented me from pursuing that path! I encourage you to explore her insightful books and online resources because I am confident you will find them invaluable. Join me in this enlightening discussion that will undoubtedly shed light on essential aspects of pet care and welfare!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why the health of our animals is declining. The difference between feed-grade and food-grade meat or food. How conglomerates are taking over the care of our pets- and not in a good way. Pet food that has Dr. Morgan’s stamp of approval. What to look out for when reading the list of ingredients on a bag of pet food. The longest chapter in Dr. Morgan’s brand new book, Raising Naturally Healthy Pets, is on vaccines. Dr. Morgan shares her recommendations for navigating flea and tick season. Dr. Morgan talks about lipomas. Why do you need to brush your dog’s teeth every day? The problem with ignoring dental disease. Why dogs and cats need to exercise every day. What to look out for if you have to have your pet’s anal glands cleaned out all the time. An entire chapter in Dr. Morgan’s new book is dedicated to finding a veterinarian who is right for you. Bio: Dr. Judy Morgan:Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT is a certified veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractitioner, and food therapist. After 36 years, Dr. Morgan retired from clinical practice in 2020. She now focuses on empowering pet parents to provide longer, healthier lives for their pets through educational courses, seminars, blogs, and speaking engagements. Her e-commerce site, Naturally Healthy Pets, provides high-quality products to enrich the lives of animals. She is a best-selling author of four books and has appeared on CNN, PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, and hundreds of radio shows and podcasts. Her goal is to change the lives of over ten million pets by teaching pet owners worldwide how to minimize the use of chemicals, vaccinations, and poor-quality processed food while using natural healing therapies.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Judy MorganOn her websiteOn Facebook and InstagramThe American Holistic Veterinary Medical AssociationDr. Morgan’s books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or her website.

In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton! Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave. In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS. With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women. Why sex education should include the concept of consent. The impact of coming off oral contraceptives. Changing the narrative for all women. Why do women need more time to get aroused? The mind-body connection. How hormones and menopause influence women’s sexuality. Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond. How to avoid endocrine disruptors. Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program. Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD. Bio: Dr. Jolene BrightenDr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgemental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones through her website and social medical channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Jolene BrightenOn her websiteFind Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene BrightenOrder your copy of Is This NormalOrder Dr. Brighten’s digital cookbook 

Today I have the honor of connecting with Temple Stewart! She is a registered dietician specializing in low-carb dieting for women’s weight loss. I have spoken on the stage with Temple several times over the last year, and she is delightful! In this episode, she shares her background, and we dive into how she was able to reverse her PCOS and Hashimoto’s by adopting a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. We discuss food psychology, woke nutrition, whether or not “if it fits your macros” is a good philosophy, issues surrounding the traditional allopathic nutrition model, and challenges related to nutrition research. We also get into plateau busters and share five ways to measure success other than the scale. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Temple transformed her life by using nutrition as medicine. Which foods tend to provoke inflammation in the thyroid gland in women? How people’s relationships with food play into the work Temple does. Temple shares her thoughts on woke nutrition. Temple dives into some of the big issues with the allopathic nutrition model. I share some interesting statistics related to American health. How creating consumer awareness will hopefully lead to consumers demanding more for their health regarding food supply and health care. Why is it so challenging to do nutritional research? Temple shares a starting point for addressing weight loss resistance. What carbohydrate reduction or restriction does for us metabolically. The benefits of following a carnivore diet. Why do we need to read food labels and become aware of where sugar may sneak into our diets? Temple shares her favorite ways to break plateaus. Five ways to measure success other than the scale.  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Temple StewartOn Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Spotify (@the.ketogenic.nutritionist)The Ketogenic Nutritionist PodcastBooks mentioned:Metabolical, by Robert Lustig

Today I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Sharon Melnick!Dr. Sharon is a leading Executive Coach and Speaker in the area of resilience, power, and women’s leadership. She was intricately involved in research at Harvard Medical School and is a Marshall Goldsmith Top 100 Coach who has coached and trained at over 60 Fortune 500 organizations and numerous equity-owned and startup companies. She is the author of In Your Power.In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon shares her background, and we dive into trauma, intergenerational trauma, triggers, how to change a definition and narrative, how to distinguish between being in your power and feeling powerless, regaining a sense of control and confidence, the metaphor of the thermostat versus the thermometer, ways to align more closely with your power, strategies for dealing with intrusive people, and more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do we tend to create unhealthy self-soothing behaviors to cope with the uncomfortable feelings associated with unhealed trauma? Dr. Sharon defines triggers. The power of reframing and changing the narratives of triggering situations. How to regain a sense of control when you are in an acutely emotional or reactive state. How to reconnect with yourself and regain your power after moving through difficult emotions. Dr. Sharon shares a technique for moving from being reactive to becoming intentional. What it means to be in your power, and how being in your power differs from having power. Dr. Sharon explains why she wrote her book. How our built-in protective mechanism prevents us from feeling good enough and taking control of our lives. How to become more resilient. How to re-establish your power and use it effectively. How to align with others and influence them to do as you ask.  How to stay in your power when your boundaries get disrespected, or when dealing with narcissistic people. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Sharon MelnickDr. Sharon's WebsiteGet Dr. Sharon’s resources: www.inyourpowerbook.com

Today, I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Robynne Chutkan, one of the most recognizable gastroenterologists in the United States. She is also the author of Anti-Viral Gut, one of the books I enjoyed reading most in 2022!Knowledge of the microbiome dates back to the 1600s when Anthony van Leeuwenhoek observed bacteria in his dental plaque through a microscope. However, it has taken us several centuries to understand the interdependence and beneficial nature of those bacteria. The terms "microbiome" and "microbiota" are often used interchangeably. They refer to the organisms and genes that live in and on our bodies, predominantly in the GI tract. Those organisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, parasites, and archaea, which, despite their microscopic size, collectively weigh around four to five pounds. Today, Dr. Chutkan and I dive deep into the physiology of the microbiome and discuss how that interplays with immunology. We discuss the benefits of hydrochloric acid, the impact of proton pump inhibitors and other medications on the health of the gut microbiome, and the role of dysbiosis and the Estrobolome. We get into how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced both medical practice and the outlook of healthcare providers, and we talk about the impact of sleep, exercise, stress, and alcohol on the gut. Dr. Chutkan also shares top tips from her anti-viral diet book on the best ways to support the gut. (One of her tips is to consume 30 plant types per week for a healthier gut microbiome.) This show has been one of my favorite podcasts I have recorded in the last year. I hope you enjoy listening to it!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is the microbiome, and why is it important? Why do we need to understand the interrelationship between the oral microbiome, the gut microbiome, and the vaginal microbiome? The importance of stomach acid. How do proton pump inhibitors affect gut health? The three big things that interfere with digestion. How pharmaceutical companies have taken over medical education. The role of statins in women. The importance of the Estrobolome test. The three different types of estrogens in the body. Why exercise is an important contributor to gut health. The net impact of low-quality sleep on immune function. Dr. Chutkan shares her top tips for a healthy gut microbiome. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Robynne Chutkan On her website On Instagram (@gutbliss)Books by Dr. Robynne Chutkan:The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside OutGutbliss: A 10-Day Plan to Ban Bloat, Flush Toxins, and Dump Your Digestive BaggageThe Bloat Cure: 101 Natural Solutions for Real and Lasting ReliefThe Microbiome Solution: A Radical New Way to Heal Your Body from the Inside OutBooks mentioned:Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker