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

I am thrilled to have the Menopause Fitness Expert, Debra Atkinson, joining me today! Debra is the bestselling author of You Still Got It, Girl and Hot, Not Bothered. She is also the host of the Flipping 50 podcast with over 1 million downloads and the TEDx talk Everything Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be a Lie. Debra is a 37-year fitness expert, prior Senior Lecturer in Kinesiology, and founder of Flipping 50, the first and only online fitness membership dedicated exclusively to women in menopause. There is a common misconception that everyone should exercise in the same way. People tend to believe that because many authorities in the fitness industry are still operating on guidelines and position statements that view men and women of all ages as a collective. In reality, no one fits the norm. Women in menopause might not even be in the same place right now as they were six months ago, or where they will be, three to six months from now. Stay tuned today to get Debra’s insightful recommendations for navigating where you are and selecting a diet and exercise strategy to suit you as an individual.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do women approaching menopause need to exercise differently? Some of the physical changes that happen as women mature. The kind of exercise that helps with muscle development and the kind that helps with bone density. The importance of getting the right nutrition and enough sleep as you approach menopause. Why you need to tune into the feedback that your body is giving you. Reversing the effects of aging with strength training. How to gauge the right intensity for stimulating muscle growth. The best exercises for middle-aged women looking to lose body fat. The supplements that Debra most often recommends for her clients. How the loss of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone manifests in women approaching menopause. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Debra AtkinsonFollow Debra on Facebook and InstagramDebra’s websiteFlipping50 HNB 10 DAY Challenge The challenge offers a daily workout (or recovery) video PLUS an audio recording telling them exactly how what they'll do positively influences hormones. Those who get in early get access to mobility videos and "how-to" videos so they'll feel good even before it starts and complete with greater success. Check it out here:  Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge 

Today, I am excited to welcome Junaid Kalmadi as my guest! Junaid is the founder & CEO of Farmers Juice, which delivers organic cold-pressed juices and wellness shots, including keto-friendly options, at nearly half the cost of a juice shop. The juice stays fresh for thirty days, using an innovative technology called HPP. Farmers Juice has developed the world’s first keto-friendly and functional green juice line that includes adaptogens, antioxidants, and mushrooms to boost focus, calm, and athletic performance. Their mission is to make the highest quality cold-pressed juicing affordable, support the human rights of 2.4 million farmers in the US, and champion the next generation of farming with regenerative agriculture. Stay tuned today to hear about Junaid’s journey, and learn how to upgrade your diet by incorporating cold-pressed juices into your lifestyle.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What motivated Junaid to jump into the entrepreneurial space and get to where he is today. How the Standard American Diet (“SAD”) impacted Junaid’s mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. How Junaid managed to overcome his unhealthy lifestyle habits and improve his mental health when he was in college. Why you should care about soil. Why Junaid focuses on supporting the farmers. What you need to be looking for when purchasing a good quality cold-pressed juice. What cold-pressing does to fruit and vegetables. How you can prevent food waste in your home. The daily rituals that Junaid recommends for grounding yourself and helping you to evolve as an individual. What prompted Junaid to create a line specifically for carb and keto-conscious individuals. How to home-blend a delicious and nutritious smoothie.  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Junaid KalmadiOn his websiteOn Facebook, and InstagramGet five dollars off your juice here. Use the coupon code CYNTHIA at checkout

I am delighted to have Dr. Gil Blander, an internationally recognized anti-aging researcher, joining me on the show today! Gil has a background in the basic biology of aging and translating his discoveries into new ways of detecting and preventing age-related conditions. He received a Ph.D. in biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. He has been featured In CNN Money, The New York Times, Forbes, The Financial Times, and The Boston Globe.There are many connections between Gil’s childhood in Israel and his quest for longevity. One of his relatives passed away when he was twelve years old. When that happened, Gil realized that he would not live forever. It worried him, and that concern stimulated his interest in longevity and aging and prompted him to study biology, do a Ph.D. at the Weizmann Institute of Science, spend five years at MIT in the best lab to study aging, and found InsideTracker. Listen in today to find out all you need to know about the lifestyle choices that will promote anti-aging and longevity.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Gil shares his background. What prompted Gil to leave the lab at MIT to go into the private sector. How and why caloric restriction extends our lifespan. How Gil transitioned from academia into the private sector. Gil explains what happens in the body when calories are restricted. How Gil managed to find the best blood biomarkers for longevity,   performance, and wellness. How Gil found the interventions to optimize anti-aging blood biomarkers. How nutrition and lifestyle changes can aid longevity. How the InsideTracker process works, and why it utilizes blood rather than saliva or urine for the testing. Gill talks about bio-individuality and clarifies some of the confusion often associated with epigenetic testing. Foods that promote or prevent longevity. The lifestyle choices that are essential for anti-aging and longevity. Gil talks about supplements. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Gil Blander (InsideTracker)On the website – Save 25% on Inside Tracker by using this referral link!On Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn,   and TwitterBook mentioned:Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To  by Dr. David Sinclair

Today, the amazing, smart, and talented Melanie Avalon joins me once again! Melanie is a SAG-AFTRA actress, author of What When Wine: Lose Weight and Feel Great with Paleo-Style Meals, Intermittent Fasting, and Wine, host of the top iTunes podcasts The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast, and The Intermittent Fasting Podcast with Gin Stephens, and she has appeared on this podcast twice before. Melanie is certified as a wine specialist by the WSET and as a holistic nutritionist by the AFPA. She is also a member of MENSA. Melanie developed the top iTunes app, “Food Sense Guide", to help those with food sensitivities, and she currently runs three rapidly growing Facebook groups.A few months ago, Melanie and I had a long conversation and decided to do two episodes at the same time. The first was Episode 143, which aired in April. In that episode, we focused on biohacking, for which Melanie is well-known. For today’s episode, we pivot and focus on blood sugar dysregulation. Melanie and I will bring you up to speed with everything you need to know about managing your blood sugar, tapping into the intrinsic hormonal regulation in your body, and ensuring that your blood sugar is well supported. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Melanie first became interested in the science of dieting. Melanie talks about metabolic flexibility, the amount of energy stored in our body fat, and the purpose of insulin. Why your bio-individuality needs to be taken into account when figuring out the best diet. What a continuous glucose monitor is, what it does, and the benefits of using it. Why Melanie decided to bring carbs back into her diet. Why Melanie feels that the definitions of low fat, high carb versus a high fat, low carb are so important. Dairy is a hormonal food designed for growth. Melanie talks about the Lumen, which is one of the easiest biohacking devices to use. Melanie discusses the Biosense ketone meter. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Melanie AvalonOn Facebook or PaleoOMAD, or Clean Beauty and Safe Skin Care On Twitter On her websiteThe Intermittent Fasting PodcastThe Melanie Avalon Biohacking PodcastBooks mentioned: The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf

I am happy to have Dr. Robert Lustig joining me today! He is an Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and a Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition. He is one of the leaders of the current “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry. Dr. Lustig graduated from MIT in 1976 and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He also received his Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2013. He is the author of the popular books Fat Chance (2012), The Hacking of the American Mind (2017), and the recently-released book Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine.Many people assume that any food sold in the grocery store is healthy. But the truth is that most of the food-like substances that people are consuming today are far from real, and they do not metabolically support either a healthy body or a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Lustig lived in the ecosystem of modern medicine for forty years. Then, after doing some research, he saw that the data he was generating did not conform to the party line. So, in 2007, he started speaking out about what he thought to be the biggest problem in nutrition- sugar. Stay tuned to find out how Dr. Lustig is debunking modern medicine and chronic disease, and learn what you can do to navigate the modern-day nutritional battlefield.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What Dr. Lustig discovered when he started doing research. Why Dr. Lustig wrote his first book, Fat Chance. The difference between nutrition and food science. How most food has become poison. Why the concept of calories should be disregarded. Dr. Lustig talks about leptin resistance and explains what you can do to overcome it. Why eighty-eight percent of Americans have metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Lustig explains what we need to eat to have a healthy diet. Dr. Lustig shares his proposed definition of healthy. The importance of fiber. The problem with Big Pharma. Dr. Lustig explains why food subsidies do not make sense. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. LustigOn his website Get his new book here! On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter 

The pandemic has changed so much for so many of us. Our children are growing up facing unforeseen challenges, and many of us feel uncertain and fearful about what lies ahead. Human beings were never meant to be alone. Yet today, people are suffering from social isolation, a lack of contact, and not touching or connecting physically with anyone.I am happy to have Jon Levy joining me as my guest for today! Jon is a behavioral scientist best known for his work in influencing, human connection, and decision making. More than a decade ago, Jon founded The Influencers Dinner, a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the occasional princess. With thousands of members, Influencers is the largest community of its type worldwide. In Levy’s latest book, You’re Invited, readers are guided through the art and science of creating deep and meaningful connections with anyone, regardless of their stature or celebrity. The book demonstrates how we develop influence, gain trust, and build community so that we can impact our communities and achieve that which is important to us.In this episode, Jon talks about the impact that the pandemic has had on our society, and discusses the effect it has had on people's wellbeing, happiness, and longevity. Be sure to stay tuned today to find out what you can do to improve your current situation, create more connectedness in your life, adapt to this ever-changing world, and help your children to thrive going forward into the future.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Jon discusses the impact of the loneliness and lack of physical connection that so many of us are experiencing now due to the pandemic. Jon shares some of the foremost predictors of human longevity. Anti-fragility is a critical characteristic of humans. Jon explains why building and retaining a social muscle is vital. What happens to people when they spend several hours per day on social media. Jon discusses the trade-offs that we have to make to live long and happy lives. Experience post-traumatic growth rather than post-traumatic stress. Jon explains how to foster a sense of connection with others as things start to open up again after fifteen months of isolation. Jon explains what bonds us as humans. Vulnerability builds trust and strengthens relationships. Knowing where to draw the line when giving to others is vital. Jon discusses the big issue with behavioral change. Creating more connectedness in your life. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Jon LevyOn his website    On Facebook, Instagram, TwitterAdditional Social Handles: @JonLevyTLB on Clubhouse   Jon’s new book: You're Invited: The Art & Science of Cultivating InfluenceBook mentioned:The Rabbit Effect by Kelli Harding

I’m excited to have Lara Adler as my guest for today’s show! Lara is an Environmental Toxins Expert and Educator. She is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, who teaches health coaches, nutritionists, and other holistic health practitioners how to eliminate the number one thing holding their clients back from the results they are seeking- the unaddressed link between chemicals and chronic health problems. Lara trains practitioners to become experts in everyday toxic exposures so they can improve client outcomes without spending hundreds of hours researching on their own.The information about environmental toxins that Lara will be sharing today is vital for you, the listeners, on many different levels. People are often surprised to learn that there is not much protection in the US, even though we have federal agencies designed to protect consumers. Even from my perspective, as a savvy, allopathic, western medicine, functionally-trained nurse practitioner, I learned a lot from Lara that I did not know before, so stay tuned today to hear about the nasty truth behind environmental toxins.This episode is important, so be sure to listen to it several times, take actionable steps, and share it with your loved ones! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Lara discusses the scope of the issue of environmental toxins. Why the products in the marketplace are not guaranteed to be safe. Our skin is our largest organ, yet most people don’t even think of skin as an organ. We absorb many of the chemicals and compounds that we put on our skin. How the levels of chemicals, and the associations between chemical exposures and certain illnesses or outcomes, are determined. Lara talks about what sparked her interest in the area of environmental toxins. Lara talks about endocrine-disrupting chemicals. She explains what they are and why we need to be concerned about them. Lara talks about phthalates and some of the other more common obesogens. We need to be a voice for others and protect those who have no access to workable solutions or organic food. How to make meaningful changes, starting with things that are free and easy. The problem with non-stick cookware. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Lara shares some healthy resources. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Lara AdlerOn her websiteOn Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramResources:Watch “The Devil We Know” and “Dark Waters” on Netflix.Lara has curated several shopping guides on her website.

I am delighted to have Phoebe Lapine joining me as my guest for today’s show! Phoebe is a food and health writer, gluten-free chef, wellness personality, culinary instructor, award-winning blogger, recipe developer, Hashimoto’s advocate, prior podcast host, and speaker. She was born and raised in New York City, where she continues to live and eat. Many people suffer from the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) for years without ever getting the right treatment or knowing that their symptoms might be caused by something much deeper. Sixty percent of IBS is caused by SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which is Phoebe’s area of expertise. There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings around SIBO because it is so nuanced. Phoebe is joining me today to shed some light on the topic. She will explain how to uncover the root causes of SIBO and discuss the connection between SIBO and thyroid issues. She will also talk about finding the best diet for healing IBS and tell us which ones work best. Be sure to stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Where Phoebe’s passionate interest in SIBO first started. What SIBO is. The physical symptoms that could result from SIBO. Phoebe explains what happens when the gut does not move things along as it should. Phoebe talks about the correlation between old injuries, abdominal surgery, and developing SIBO. Although food poisoning might seem innocuous, it could cause problems down the line. Why thyroid replacement therapy puts people at risk for SIBO. The vicious cycle between hormone levels and gut health. Phoebe talks about testing for SIBO. The different types of SIBO. How lifestyle choices can impact recovery from SIBO. The power of the mind-gut connection. Some suggestions for relieving the pain, gas, and bloating associated with SIBO. Phoebe talks about the benefits of the Low FODMAP Diet for SIBO. Ways to use your diet as a tool for overcoming leaky gut. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Phoebe LapineFollow Phoebe on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterPhoebe’s websiteOrder Phoebe’s books, SIBO Made Simple, or The Wellness Project

I am excited to welcome Dr. Sylvia Tara today as my guest for the show! Dr. Tara was driven to research fat, science, and lifestyle after she finally got fed up with eating less and exercising more than her slimmer friends throughout her life. Her experiences told her there was more to weight loss than just “calories in, calories out.” As a biochemist, she was driven to get to the bottom of fat’s mysteries and the reasons it vexes us. In her best-selling book, The Secret Life of Fat, she reveals the complex biology of fat, how it resists loss, and what to do to remove stubborn fat. Dr. Tara holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California at San Diego and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After trying dozens of different diets and failing with all of them, she started using every tool at her disposal, talking to researchers, and reading as many research papers as possible to learn the truth about fat and find out why she had so much difficulty losing weight. What she learned was surprising, and it answered all of her questions. Be sure to listen in today to find out what Dr. Tara discovered about fat and the way it functions.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Tara talks about her book, The Secret Life of Fat, and discusses her motivation for writing it. The most surprising aspect of fat. Dr. Tara talks about leptin and the communication between fat tissue and the brain. Why it is so hard for some people to lose weight, and what you need to be mindful of to be a successful dieter. Dr. Tara shares some strategies for maintaining weight loss. Dr. Tara has recently launched a course to help people navigate through the science of fat. There are reproductive differences that women experience as they age that impact their ability to lose weight. The many benefits of exercise for women as they age. The importance of maintaining a healthy layer of fat as you age. Certain viruses can be correlated to fat and can cause a higher risk of obesity. Navigating your way around the endocrine-mimicking chemicals that we are often exposed to environmentally or through food. Some of the genetic propensities that make some people more susceptible to gaining weight. Dr. Tara talks about the bacteria in the gut biome that can impact the ability to gain or lose weight and what you can do to control it. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Sylvia TaraThe Secret Life of Fat WebsiteOn Facebook     The Secret Life of Fat on Amazon

I am excited to welcome a fellow nurse practitioner, Dr. Stephanie Gray, as my guest for today’s show! Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP-C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable and optimal health and longevity so that they can focus on what matters most to them!  Stephanie helps women in mid-life, who feel like their bodies have betrayed them, step back into their bodies by restoring optimal hormone levels so they can regain their sleep, figure, mood, and feel amazing once again. She is known for keeping hormone replacement therapy sexy, safe, and effective.Stephanie saw a lot of incontinence while doing her graduate training in nursing homes. She realized that urinary incontinence was the primary reason for people being admitted to long-term care facilities. So she learned the art of pessary fitting, and through that, discovered that there were non-surgical and non-pharmacological options for urinary incontinence. Those options helped people regain some dignity and allowed them to stay in their own homes. Stephanie decided that there had to be a similar approach for every other condition, so she sought out the necessary training, became a nurse practitioner, and started a practice of her own. Be sure to listen in today, to hear Stephanie’s story, and learn all you need to know about hormones and hormone therapy.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Stephanie discusses what motivated her to focus on hormone therapy. Stephanie’s health journey led her along the route of learning functional medicine, which involved optimizing her hormones. The first signs of hormonal imbalance in the body, which could tip people off that there is something wrong. Stephanie discusses pellets, BiEst, and TriEst and talks about the age at which people can start using hormone therapy safely, and the length of time that hormone therapy can continue being used. Some of the reasons for women getting hot flashes. Stephanie discusses the tests that she prefers for her patients. Stephanie explains why it is vital to find someone who can test your hormone levels effectively. Stephanie talks about hormones, bone density, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormone medications. Stephanie explains what having a hysterectomy represents for a woman. Some tips to help middle-aged women to optimize their estrogen metabolism. Stephanie owns Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Stephanie GrayThe website for her book podcast/blog/supplementsThe Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic WebsiteOn Social media: stephaniegraydnpResources:Thanks10 will provide 10% off purchases at www.yourlongevityblueprint.com (including Stephanie’s book, Your Longevity Blueprint.)If you purchase Stephanie’s book, she has 2 free pdfs, a quick start guide, and a pdf of questionnaires to help you determine where you need to start. Go to https://yourlongevityblueprint.com/ylb-bonus/