Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

Jackie Piasta is a Vanderbilt-trained, board-certified women’s and gender health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience. In a thought-provoking discussion, she delves into why less than 3% of women choose hormone replacement therapy, dispelling myths and sharing insights on personalized care. Jackie explains the impact of conditions like endometriosis on menopause and differentiates between hypoactive sexual disorder and low libido. The conversation also highlights the complexities of treatments like IUDs and the importance of tailored health strategies for women.

Welcome to today's special AMA episode, where we dive into questions from listeners regarding supplementation to support hormonal health, hormone replacement therapy, and the specific circumstances surrounding perimenopause and menopause. We have included the relevant research links with actionable information to take to your providers. We will also happily share the provider PDF we compiled featuring experts across the United States who specialize in perimenopausal and menopausal hormone replacement therapy and links to MIDI Health, a telemedicine company I find beneficially conservative in that they can provide access to appropriate FDA-approved options to help women use their insurance to gain access to estrogen patches, oral micronized progesterone, and compounded options inexpensively.I know you will find all the information about hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, menopause, and targeted supplementation invaluable, and please keep on sending us your questions.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are the benefits of DHEA for pre-menopausal women? Why the keto lifestyle and cardio exercise may not be giving Mary her desired results Amanda asks about incorporating estradiol into her hormone replacement regimen The difference between micronized and compounded progesterone Can Jody start HRT at 72? The symptoms of estrogen dominance What are the optimal estrogen and progesterone levels for brain, bone, and heart health? The importance of cardiovascular risk assessment for women on HRT The complex interrelationship that exists between hormones and neurotransmitters Is HRT safe for women with a family history of cancer? Why strength training, quality sleep, and stress management are all essential for menopausal women Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

I am delighted to connect with Brad Kearns today! Brad is a New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record setting professional Speedgolfer, #1 ranked USA high jumper, and a former US national champion and triathlete. He hosts the B.rad podcast covering healthy living, peak performance, and personal growth.Brad has always had high standards and a competitive edge that he never wants to let go of, especially as he ages. In this episode, we define fitness and dive into the cultural programming within the western medicine mindset. We talk about avoiding overtraining or training when we are stressed or sick, stress hormones, and the importance of having an ancestral health perspective on your physical activity. We also spoke about nutritional dogma, nutritional philosophies, critical thinking, and more. I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Brad Kearns as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned to learn how to pursue peak performance with passion throughout your life! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of preserving functional lean muscle mass throughout life for longevity. How to improve your level of fitness in a healthy and stress-free manner as you age. Fitness does not have to be an ordeal that involves struggling and suffering.  The benefits of sprinkling opportunities to be more active into your daily routine rather than going to extremes and pushing yourself too hard. What happens to your metabolic and hormonal processes when you over-exert yourself physically? Brad shares a formula to work out your heart rate limit for aerobic activities. How to change your mentality and become more peppy and active throughout the day.  How to do more appropriate high-intensity workouts. What happens to your body when you go too hard for too long? Overcoming patterns of over-exercising, over-fasting, and avoiding certain macros. Brad discusses his nutritional evolution over the last ten to fifteen years, shares his personal alternative to fasting, and talks about his Carnivore Scores Chart. How to maintain optimum metabolic health and avoid losing muscle mass as you get older.  Bio:Brad Kearns is a New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record setting professional Speedgolfer, #1 ranked USA age 55-59 high jumper and former US national champion, and #3 world-ranked professional triathlete. He hosts the B.rad podcast covering healthy living, peak performance, and personal growth with his carefree style and lively sense of humor.  Brad has written over twenty books on diet, health, peak performance, and ancestral living, and is a popular speaker, retreat host, and host of numerous online multimedia educational courses at BradKearns.com. In 2017, The Keto Reset Diet (co-authored with Mark Sisson) became New York Times bestseller, and #1 ranked overall bestselling book on amazon.com for two days.  Brad's main message is to encourage the pursuit of peak performance with passion throughout life. He promotes the importance of performing a daily morning exercise routine for a natural energy boost, improved strength, mobility, and flexibility, and better focus and discipline in all areas of life.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Brad Kearns On the B.rad podcast On his website Resources:Jay Feldman’s The Energy Balance PodcastMark Sisson’s Primal Essential Movements on YouTubeBooks mentioned:Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine by Robert. H. LustigThe Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever by Mark Sisson

I am delighted to have Dr. Alexandra Sowa joining me for our second conversation today. Dr. Sowa is a pioneer in obesity medicine, known for combining scientific expertise with compassionate patient advocacy. She is also the author of the new Ozempic Revolution book. In our discussion, Dr. Sowa shares her insights on GLP-1 medications and their role in metabolic health and weight management, and we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about these drugs, exploring the differences between Metformin and GLP-1s and examining the damaging effects of ultra-processed foods have on our brains. We discuss the impact of the body positivity movement, yo-yo dieting, and microdosing, and Dr. Sowa offers her perspective on metabolic adaptation. We dive into the science behind how GLP-1s work in the body and some specific concerns about their side effects, and we also provide practical guidance on insurance coverage and answer a broad range of listener questions. I know you will love this invaluable discussion with Dr. Alexandra Sowa.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sowa shares her experience with GLP-1 medications Why you must understand your metabolic health before starting with GLP-1s Some of the broader benefits of GLP-1 medications Dr. Sowa explains what food noise is and clarifies how GLP-1 medications can help reduce it Why healthy-at-any-size and GLP-1 medications are not mutually exclusive Why is Dr. Sowa opposed to microdosing? The importance of using GLP-1s for health benefits rather than thinness How yo-yo dieting impacts metabolic health The mechanism of action and side effects of GLP-1s Some tips for navigating insurance coverage and accessing GLP-1s The importance of protein and the benefits of low-carbohydrate diets for individuals with insulin resistance Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Alexandra Sowa On her website   On all social media: @alexandrasowamd  Purchase a copy of Dr. Sowa’s book, The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor's Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself from Disease

Today, I am thrilled to have my friend and colleague, Sahil Bloom, joining me. Sahil is an inspirational writer and content creator who captivates millions with his insights and bi-weekly newsletter. He is also a successful entrepreneur and the author of The Five Types of Wealth. In our conversation today, we explore the scientific research on the relationship between money and happiness, diving into time as our most valuable asset, how busyness can hinder progress, and why comfort does not lead to growth. We also discuss the impact of technology on our daily lives, the importance of stillness and solitude, the paradox of choice, the effects of loneliness, the power of curiosity, and much more. This discussion with Sahil Bloom is invaluable, and I highly recommend reading his thought-provoking book, The Five Types of Wealth.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How money, beyond a certain income level, does not increase happiness Why it’s hard to break the psychological patterns that link money with happiness Why time is our most valuable asset How busyness and technology can negatively impact our personal growth and relationships The importance of being present and working through difficulties in relationships How loneliness affects people’s physical health How relationships tend to evolve and change over time Why Sahil views curiosity as the fountain of youth The dynamic nature of purpose Sahil shares a strategy to foster curiosity Bio: Sahil BloomSahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his insights and biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. Bloom is a successful entrepreneur, owner of SRB Holdings, and the managing partner of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment fund. Bloom graduated from Stanford University with an MA in public policy and a BA in economics and sociology. He was a four-year member of the Stanford baseball team.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Sahil Bloom On his website On all major platforms: @sahilbloom Find out more about The 5 Types of Wealth Buy a copy of The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom

Today, I have the privilege of engaging with Kashif Khan.Kashif is the author of The DNA Way. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker, a celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, an innovative company at the forefront of personalized medicine that has leveraged unique insights into the human genome. In our conversation today, we dive into the impact of our current healthcare system and share daily practices to help men and women enhance their longevity. We discuss the genome, considerations for bio-individuality and genetics, and how mood and behavior impact our overall well-being. Kashif also addresses some issues women face in midlife, including sleep problems, weight loss resistance, and bone health. I am sure anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these matters will find our discussion significant and most valuable.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the focus of our current healthcare system is on symptom management, not prevention The fundamental principles of the 2018 Harvard study on five practices that every male and female can do to live longer Kashif explains how his company created a tool to make genetic testing more accessible and personalized  Why personalization in healthcare is so important How dopamine pathways affect the perception of pleasure and reward The symptoms of serotonin dysregulation Sleep disruptions and circadian rhythm in perimenopause and menopause How circadian rhythm disruptions can lead to sleep problems How our emotional intelligence impacts our ability to connect and empathize with others How broken detox pathways can lead to inflammation and disease How hormone dominance affects menopause, weight loss, and overall health Bio:Kashif Khan is the author of The DNA Way, a two-time TedX Speaker, Celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, where personalized medicine is being pioneered through unique insights into the human genome.Growing up in Vancouver, Canada in an immigrant household, Kashif developed an industrious entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Before his tenure at the DNA Company, Kashif advised several high-growth start-ups in a variety of industries.As Kashif dove into the field of functional genomics as the Founder of The DNA Company, it was revealed that his neural wiring was genetically designed to be entrepreneurial. However, his genes also revealed a particular sensitivity to pollutants.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Kashif Khan On Instagram On his website   Go to Kashif’s special landing page   The DNA Company

Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and 23-year breast cancer survivor, shares her journey navigating health challenges and advocating for menopause education. The conversation unveils how the Women's Health Initiative has instilled fear in many women regarding breast cancer risks. Dr. Menn discusses the misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy, its benefits for managing menopause, and the need for personalized care. She emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment in confronting healthcare disparities and improving women's well-being.

I am delighted to interview Chris Kilham today. Chris is a medicine hunter and educator with a wealth of knowledge to share as an expert in his field. He has been involved in natural health since 1971 and has written several books.  In today's discussion, we explore the differences between traditional plant-based medicines and pharmaceutical agents, looking at patents, industry trends, gut health, mental acuity, and inflammation. We touch on medical tourism and infobesity and discuss the limitations of plant-based therapies. Chris also shares his favorite plants for brain and neurocognitive health, his experiences with other experts and shamans, some fascinating details about psychedelic agents, and his work with the global plant exploration program at Groupe Berkem. This fascinating discussion on plant-based medicines is full of intriguing insights, and I look forward to having Chris back on the podcast.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How plant medicines, which have been around for millennia, differ from pharmaceutical agents The high cost of bringing new drugs to market  How patents impact pharmaceutical companies How emerging trends in the plant medicine industry are focusing on gut health, mental acuity, and inflammation The benefits and challenges of medicinal tourism The rise of misinformation and the importance of having credible sources of information Chris explains what infobesity is Chris shares his intense and positive Bufo Toad psychedelic experience and a story of a 103-year-old woman he met while traveling around, investigating shamans. How to navigate the purchase of good quality plant medicine products The challenges of regulation and the need for consumer awareness Bio: Chris KilhamChris Kilham is a medicine hunter, author, educator, and TV personality who has researched medicinal plants in over 45 countries and lectures worldwide about holistic wellness and botanical medicines.Currently, he is engaged with Groupe Berkem of Bordeaux, France, a high-quality botanical extraction and science innovation company. Chris works on sustainable supply chains, botanical field exploration, and new product development.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Chris Kilham On his website   Facebook LinkedIn

I am honored to connect with Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum today. Dr. Scheinbaum is the Founder of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, an initiative focused on helping practitioners and businesses hire health coaches who focus on chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. She is an educator and clinical psychologist with a career spanning over 40 years, lecturing prolifically on the psychology of wellbeing, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating, and writing several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety.In our conversation today, we dive into nutrition confusion, scientific evolution, biased myths and beliefs, contradictory messages, and how cognitive dissonance affects people’s eating patterns and attitudes toward food. Dr. Scheinbaum shares how she transitioned from being a vegan to becoming an omnivore, and we explore the role of Erikson's stages of development and family dynamics in shaping theories and behaviors around food. We look into the psychology of eating, social messaging, and the consequences of appetite judgments, food shame, and orthorexia. Dr. Scheinbaum also explains how to find local practitioners who can assist you in navigating your relationship with food, mind-body medicine, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.Stay tuned for today's insightful discussion, where Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum unravels the psychology that shapes our eating patterns, attitudes, and approaches to food. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why is there so much confusion around nutrition? The psychology of food labeling How eating habits get shaped by childhood experiences and cultural influences How we need self-compassion without judgment to develop a healthier relationship with food The potentially negative impact strict food rules can have on the mental and physical health of children How social influences and the desire to fit in affect people’s eating habits Dr. Scheinbaum tells her story of shifting from veganism to becoming a meat eater How gender differences impact eating habits The benefit of having a health coach to support lifestyle changes How thoughts and physical sensations are interconnected  Bio:Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum trains people to become Functional Medicine health coaches and helps practitioners and businesses hire them because she believes that health coaches are the key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. As the Founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine, Sandi is a leader in the field of health coaching education. As an educator and clinical psychologist for over 40 years, she has lectured extensively on the psychology of well-being, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating. She wrote several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety. Sandi founded FMCA at age 65 because, rather than retiring, she is on a mission to grow the health coaching profession so that millions of people can get the support they need to lead healthier lives.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Learn Functional Medicine Coaching Connect with Sandra Scheinbaum On her website Instagram  The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy on Instagram Books Mentioned:Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael MossThe Dorito Effect by Mark Schatzker

I am thrilled to reconnect with Esher Blum today. She is an integrative dietitian and menopause expert who has helped 1000s of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones, and self-advocacy.We begin today’s conversation by looking at the disparities in menopause care for women, the midlife suit of armor, and the importance of developing mental strength and maintaining bone density. We explore the impact of meno-washing, facial estrogen, foods for menopausal health, and strategies to address facial aging, including peptides, lasers, and collagen peptides. We also dive into carb tolerance, testosterone, and low-dose Naltrexone, and Esther shares her hormone replacement journey and some of the common challenges she sees as an integrative dietitian. You will love this valuable and insightful conversation with your fan-favorite, Esther Blum.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How disparities in menopausal care impact women- especially those in rural areas The difficulties women face in finding capable clinicians to prescribe HRT Esther explains her concept of the midlife suit of armor.  Why women in menopause must maintain their muscle mass How meno-washing gets used in marketing to target products toward menopausal women  The benefits of using vaginal estrogen on the face Various anti-aging techniques and the value of vitamin C, vitamin A, and peptide therapies for skin health Why women in perimenopause and menopause must consume enough protein to build muscle, maintain bone density, and support cognitive function How hormonal changes in menopause disrupt the microbiome  How testosterone can improve women’s mood, energy, and body composition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Esther Blum On her website   On Instagram Esther’s Trainings Previous Episodes Mentioned:Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause as a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator! with Esther BlumEp. 334 Hormone Insights: Advocacy, Trends, and Tips for 2024 with Esther Blum