Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

I am delighted to reconnect with Lance Essihos today! He was with me once before on Episode 69, back in 2018. Lance is a Canadian traveler who made it his life's mission to help heal the world through the art of powerful storytelling and human connection. He is the host of the top-rated podcast, University of Adversity, which I have been honored to be on twice.In his new book, Mastering Adversity, Lance explores the quest for personal growth, leveling up, and healing. He believes that true mastery is an ongoing process and there will always be new challenges at every level of growth. Writing the book was challenging, and he is grateful to have completed it. He found sharing his thoughts with the world- especially his family, a tough yet transformative experience. In this episode, Lance talks about his book and dives into the transformational experience of how adversity shaped his life. We discuss his craving for personal growth and meaning and get into how our internal narrative can influence how we perceive the world. We also speak about masculine and feminine energy, why we must embrace the history of trauma, and how doing that can be a powerful motivator for health and change.I truly hope you will gain from today’s discussion and enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How adversity has impacted all of us.  How to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Why do most people get stuck in their stories? What is trauma, and how does it impact us? What makes us more vulnerable to trauma? Dealing with anxiety and addiction. How personal development work changes our relationships with others. Intermittent fasting in any aspect of life. Where does people-pleasing come from? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Lance EssihosOn his websiteOn InstagramThe University of Adversity PodcastEpisode 69: Living a Life with Purpose and Impact with Lance EssihosBooks mentioned:Lance’s book, Mastering Adversity: Unlock the Warrior Within90 Seconds to a Life You Love: How to Master Your Difficult Feelings to Cultivate Lasting Confidence, Resilience, and Authenticity by Joan I. Rosenberg PhDHow to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera

I am honored to reconnect with Dr. Will Cole today! The last time we connected was in 2021, on Episode 138. Dr. Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach. He is the author of many books, including The New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting and most recently, Gut Feelings, a book I think everyone will benefit from reading. Today, Dr. Cole and I dive into the impetus for his latest book and discuss the toxic food culture, mixed messages, the psychology of food, finding peace with food, and how to reduce our toxic tribalism. We also talk about inflammatory foods and their impact on our gut microbiome, the role of the vagus nerve, how chronic stress is the ultimate junk food for the body, the effects of adverse childhood events and trauma, and what shame-flammation is.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Cole discusses his latest book, Gut Feelings. The role of mixed messages. What is most important in the wellness world? Types of foods that do not serve the best needs of our bodies. Is it the grain? Or is it what we have done to it? What are we feeding our bodies, and what are we eating in our hearts? How to differentiate between poor vagal tone and dysautonomia. Stress and how it impacts our biochemistry. How stress is implicated in many health problems. Re-negotiating your relationship with life. The role of trauma in weight loss. How shame can be the basis of many physical and emotional health issues. Bio- Dr. Will Cole:Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and more. He is the host of The Art of Being Well podcast and author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting, and now, Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Will ColeOn his websiteThe Art of Being Well PodcastGet a copy of Dr. Will Cole’s new book, Gut FeelingsEp. 138 – Our Authentic Intuition: What It Can Teach Us About Fasting with Dr. Will Cole

I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She was with me before in Episode 174.Dr. Roseann is an incredible pediatric mental health expert who utilizes traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We dive into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and the brain connect with the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also get into Dr. Roseann’s unique ways of calming the autonomic nervous system and brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma.I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of Myo-inositol. The impact of having low magnesium in the body. How to protect yourself from the depletion of the microbiome. Why it is essential to listen to your body. The connection between the gut and the vagus nerve. How the magic in mental health is in the micro-changes. Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression. Why is it important to reframe negative thoughts? What happens when the brain is dysregulated? What is going on in the brain when we’re under stress? The root cause of mental illness. What you can do to improve your brain health. The role of trauma in mood disorders. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-HodgeOn her websiteDr. Roseann’s podcast, It’s Gonna Be OK!Ep. 174 – Identifying and Treating Your Children’s Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

I am honored to have Dr. Stephanie Estima back on the show today! (She was with me before in 2020, on Episode 123.)Dr. Estima is an exceptionally well-read and well-versed individual! She is an expert on female metabolism and body composition, the author of a fantastic resource called the Betty Body, and the host of an incredible podcast called The Better Podcast. Dr. Estima is one of my favorite voices in the health and wellness space! She and I dive into an Ask Me Anything format today. We speak at length about the ideal percentage of body fat for perimenopause and menopause, thyroid health, the impact of diastasis, and weight training based on that core imbalance. We discuss the Gardasil vaccine, optimal nutrients, Hashimoto’s, period cramps, and general PMS symptoms- particularly with inter-uterine devices. We also get into sleep basics, supplement support, the role of parasympathetic days and hormesis, and talk about load management and optimization. I know you will love today’s conversation with Dr. Stephanie Estima!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is diastasis recti, and how do you treat it? Dr. Estima dives into pelvic floor rehabilitation. The mortality risk versus the benefit of the Gardasil vaccine. What causes low Oestrogen? What happens when you have low estradiol? Why patients often tend to be confused about what they should be doing. Stress management in autoimmune diseases. What hormones can be the most impactful on body fat? How women can overcome insulin resistance. The side effects of the copper IUD. How to support undisturbed sleep.  How to get the best sleep of your cycle in the luteal phase.  How to eat to support the luteal phase. How to optimize your load management.   Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Stephanie EstimaOn Instagram On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie, where she explores the human potential, hormones, metabolism, and a life well-lived.Get a copy of Dr. Stephanie Estima’s #1 bestselling book, The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess' Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative SexEpisode 123 – Menstruation, Muscle, Maternity, & Metabolism: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima

Today, I am honored to connect with Jason Wachob, the co-author of The Joy of Wellbeing! Jason is the Co-CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellbeing, and the host of the mindbodygreen Podcast, on which I recently had the honor of being a guest.In this episode, Jason shares his and his wife, Colleen’s backstory, and their pain-to-purpose mission, and we dive into the role of longevity, epigenetics, joy span, and the impact of the lack of connection and loneliness during the pandemic. We discuss social media algorithms, nutrition concerns over tribalism, bio-individuality, the processed food industry, exercise, and hormesis. We also talk about forever chemicals and toxins and how they impact our health.I loved reading Jason and Colleen’s new book, The Joy of Wellbeing, and I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Jason!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Jason and Colleen’s health issues motivated them to create mindbodygreen. How Colleen re-assessed what was important in her life, and where she wanted to be, after being diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. The importance of nutrition and sleep. The power of epigenetics. How the science of longevity has advanced tremendously. How crisis tends to amplify what is already wrong in the world.  The importance of connection.  The importance of incorporating exercise and movement into your day. The role of sarcopenia.  The benefits of intermittent fasting and hormetic stressors. The impact of forever chemicals in the world. Why is it essential to be thoughtful about where you spend your money?  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Jason Wachob Websites: mindbodygreen and The Joy of Wellbeing  The mindbodygreen Podcast Jason and mindbodygreen on Instagram Jason and mindbodygreen on Twitter Additional social handles: @mindbodygreen BookThe Joy of Well-Being: A Practical Guide to a Happy, Healthy, and Long Life

I am delighted to have my good friend and fan-favorite, Dr. Tabatha Barber, joining me again to share her wisdom on the podcast! Dr. Tabatha is a triple board-certified OB/GYN specializing in menopause and functional medicine. She has a wonderful podcast called The Gutsy Gynecologist Show and is often referred to affectionately as the Gutsy Gynecologist. Dr. Tabatha was with me in two previous podcast episodes, #206 and #212, and both are in the top twenty downloaded podcasts in the last 18 months!Many women suffer unnecessarily when going through perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Tabatha and I have an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode today. We discuss weight gain related to perimenopause and menopause, issues with estrogen replacement therapy, how libido can be impacted by many different factors, how to address a partial hysterectomy and HRT, and bioidenticals versus synthetic hormones. We also get into lab work, skin reactions relative to perimenopause and menopause, emotional eating, leptin resistance, and many other topics. I’m grateful for all the great questions and have no doubt this episode with Dr. Tabatha will be another fan-favorite!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do too much estrogen and too little estrogen both cause weight gain?  How fragrances and plastic contribute to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. How changing to organic tampons and pads, or using a Diva cup, can be a game-changer for women. Should women who have had a partial hysterectomy and are on HRT still check progesterone and testosterone levels and fast like a post-menopausal female? Dr. Tabatha shares her thoughts on plain estradiol versus Biest and Triest. Dr. Tabatha offers her recommendations for a healthy 48-year-old female with zero libido. What can a 17-year-old with high testosterone do to get her testosterone level within the normal range? Is there a biological or mindset issue at play if you never feel full and always want to eat, irrespective of how healthy or satisfying the foods you eat are? The benefits of fasting.  What can we do to support our pelvic joints? How do our hormones affect our skin? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Tabatha BarberOn her websiteThe Gutsy Gynecologist ShowEpisode 206 Pt 1: A Deep Dive into Perimenopause- Hormonal Imbalances and Birth Control with Dr. Tabatha BarberEpisode 212 Pt. 2: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Imbalances and Menopause with Dr. Tabatha BarberBooks mentioned:The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi

I am delighted to have Jessie Inchauspe, the Glucose Goddess, joining me on the podcast today!Metabolic health is my passion! It is a huge area of focus in my work, and Jessie is truly a gift in the space! She is a rising star author and biochemist with a clear and accessible way of explaining the science behind glucose metabolism. Jessie joins me today to discuss the impact of glucose metabolism and spikes. We dive into her background and how an accident created her pain-to-purpose story. We discuss the role of continuous glucose monitors and how glucose spikes impact our mitochondria, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We get into glycation and aging, how weight gain is a protective aspect of glucose spikes- or hyperglycemia, and the role of vinegar, movement, and fiber. We also talk about Jessie’s new book, her opinions on fasting, and so much more. I loved interviewing Jessie! Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it is easy to understand why she is such a beloved author in the health and wellness space!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Jessie shares how an accident led her to where she is today. How a continuous glucose monitor changed everything for Jessie. How Jessie came up with her simple principles to steady glucose levels. What is the purpose of glucose in the body? How do glucose spikes impact our mitochondria? Jessie shares a fascinating vinegar hack for reducing side effects and symptoms of glucose spikes. How being metabolically unhealthy impacts the aging process. The benefits of having savory breakfasts and eating vegetables first with every meal. Jessie talks about her new book, The Glucose Goddess Method. How gaining weight protects our bodies from the impact of glucose spikes. How walking or moving after meals balances blood sugar levels. Why is blood sugar so important? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Jessie InchauspeOn her website  On InstagramJessie’s booksThe Glucose Goddess MethodGlucose Revolution

I’m honored to connect with Dr. Anurag Singh today! Dr. Anurag Singh is the Chief Medical Officer at Timeline Nutrition, where they develop next-generation advanced nutritional and skincare products targeting improvements in mitochondrial and cellular health. His background is in internal medicine and immunology. He has authored over 40 articles for top science journals and has more than 15 patents. He has designed and led more than 50 randomized controlled studies. Today, Dr. Singh and I dive into his background, key biological hallmarks of aging, what accelerates aging, and what we can do to address aging proactively. We discuss sarcopenia, mitochondrial health, the gut microbiome, supplementation, and the differences between prebiotics, probiotics, and post-biotics. We also get into the benefits of Mitopure and the research behind it.Mitopure is a supplement I have been taking for several years. I feel it has been instrumental in improving and maintaining the mass and strength of my muscles. Research has been emerging specific to brain health and cognition, immune and metabolism, and topical applications of Mitopure.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The key biological hallmarks of aging. How healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to our health and longevity. How can improving our mitochondrial health impact our lives and delay some of the comorbidities of aging? The key role nutrition plays in everything we do, including how we age. Some of the biggest contributors to the aging process. Five lifestyle choices that can benefit mitochondrial health.  Dr. Singh gives a simple view of the mitochondrial life cycle and shares his approach to mitochondrial health. How Urolithin A was discovered, and how it works. The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and post-biotics. Dr. Singh discusses the research that resulted in the advent of Mitopure. Dr. Singh dives into the natural aging process of muscles and sarcopenia. Why is it critically important to boost and maintain our muscular health? How modern-day lifestyles impact the gut microbiome. What are all the benefits of Mitopure? Bio:Anurag Singh is currently Chief Medical Officer at Timeline Nutrition, which develops next-generation advanced nutritional and skincare products targeting improvements in mitochondrial and cellular health. With an M.D. in internal medicine and a Ph.D. in immunology, his experience includes work at top consumer health (Nestlé, Nestlé Health Science) and startup companies (Amazentis/Timeline). He’s authored > 40 articles for top science journals, been awarded >15 patents, and has designed and led > 50 randomized clinical trials. His research over the past decade across multiple clinical trials on the postbiotic Urolithin A and its health benefits has led to the launch of multiple consumer products.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Anurag SinghWebsites are: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/ and https://www.mitopure.com/ 

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Anshul Gupta today! Dr. Gupta is a best-selling author, speaker, researcher, and world expert on Hashimoto’s. He educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto’s disease. He is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who worked at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic alongside Dr. Mark Hyman.In this episode, Dr. Gupta shares his personal story, and we speak about the root of autoimmunity, how Hashimoto’s causes the slow destruction of the thyroid gland, and the impact of chronic stress, food, and an imbalanced gut microbiome. We also talk about toxins and infections, labs to look out for, fasting and thyroid disease, as well as medication options, peptides, and the issues surrounding iodine supplementation. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Dr. Gupta as much as I did recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gupta’s personal health journey sparked his passion for thyroid issues. What is autoimmunity, and what is Hashimoto’s? How increasing doses of thyroid medication indicates a deterioration of the thyroid gland. Dr. Gupta shares five major root causes of Hashimoto’s. Why do foods like gluten and dairy make it much harder for the thyroid gland to function? Why are heavy metals such a big issue? The impact of exposure to mold and mycotoxins. How the Epstein-Barr virus interacts with the thyroid, to make people more susceptible to Hashimoto’s. How does exposure to stress impact thyroid function? Some natural ways to detoxify the body. Dr. Gupta talks about lab testing for the thyroid and Hashimoto’s. The benefits of fasting for mitochondrial health- particularly for people with thyroid issues.  Dr. Gupta discusses different medication options for people with Hashimoto’s, including peptides and LDN (low-dose naltrexone). Dr. Gupta shares his thoughts on iodine. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Anshul GuptaOn his websiteOn YouTube and other social media (@AnshulGuptaMD)

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz today! She is a PharmD, an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease. She is also the author of three books. Her most recent book is The Adrenal Transformation Protocol.Dr. Wentz joins me to dive into how to identify what is going on with our adrenal health and why adrenal issues tend to occur along with thyroid issues. We speak about her background and how it influenced her life’s work, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and HPA dysfunction. We also discuss the physiology of the adrenals, acute versus chronic stress, signs of a dysregulated HPA axis, lifestyle, the impact of trauma, and how Dr. Wentz’s protocol works. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Wentz explains what led her to write The Adrenal Protocol. What happens in the body when we experience significant amounts of fatigue? How the physical impact of acute stress differs from that of chronic stress. Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction (other than chronic fatigue). How does sleep apnea tie to Hashimoto’s and mitochondrial health? Lifestyle factors that may contribute to adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens and supplements that can assist in balancing cortisol levels. How to know when to cut back on exercise. Foods that support thyroid and adrenal health, and foods that could negatively impact thyroid and adrenal health. What is molecular mimicry? How does trauma impact adrenal health? Dr. Wentz talks about her latest book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Something you can do right now to improve your adrenal health. Bio:Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of three books on Hashimoto’s: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, and Hashimoto’s Protocol, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Dr. Wentz currently lives in Texas with her husband, Michael, and their son, Dimitry.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Izabella WentzOn her websiteOn Facebook and InstagramGet Dr. Wentz’s adrenal healing guide: The ABCs of Adrenal SupportFind Dr. Wentz’s new book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol Books mentioned:From Fatigued to Fantastic by Jacob Teitelbaum