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

You are in for a special treat today! We have the first episode in our new series of sponsored podcasts, and we are kicking things off with Jessica McNaughton, the CEO and Co-founder of C60 Power. Jessica is a true trailblazer in the world of health innovation. She is renowned for her ability to demystify complex information and challenge conventional wisdom while delivering practical, effective, and accessible wellness solutions fueled by her passion for transformative health. In our discussion, we explore C60, which is considered a super antioxidant, with studies suggesting that it is 100 to 1000 times more powerful than traditional antioxidants like vitamin C or E. We define what C60 is, what antioxidants are, and how they support the body and protect the mitochondria. Jessica explains how C60 gets created in the lab and walks us through the protocols for pairing C60 with fasting or intermittent fasting, looking at its potential for biohacking and how it supports athletic performance, cognitive clarity, mood, and even pet wellness. We also explore the benefits of C60 for women in perimenopause and menopause due to its role in supporting pregnenolone, the precursor molecule for all hormones. You will not want to miss this enlightening and information-packed conversation with its actionable insights and takeaways to support your journey to better health. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Value of C60 for middle-aged women How C60 supports pregnenolone The unique way C60 is structured C60 and energy, providing mental clarity and immune support Inflammation and C60 Mitochondrial health/support of athletic performance with C60 Improving the lives of pets with C60 Using C60 for better skin health How C60 can reduce oxidative damage to bones and support brain health  Benefits of C60 as an adjunct to HRT Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jessica MacNaughton On⁠ the C60 website⁠ ⁠The scientific research⁠ on C60 How C60 supports animals C60 on⁠ YouTube⁠

Today, I am thrilled to connect with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Stephanie Estima. Dr. Estima and I have similar audiences with many of the same concerns, so we decided to join up for a special episode where we can provide accurate answers to questions from the women in both our communities.  In our discussion, we dive into several topics we often get asked about on social media, including weight gain, insulin sensitivity, and how to identify where we are in terms of peak fertility years, perimenopause, or menopause. We discuss the significance of protein, looking at ways to increase our protein intake, the benefits of intermittent fasting, and when to consider doing that. We also explore how stress and hormones affect us in middle age, and we unpack some relevant research on fat loss and ways to fuel ourselves for exercise.  You have much to learn from today’s insightful and empowering conversation with Dr. Stephanie Estima! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the fear-driven content in wellness circles can cause anxiety instead of providing solutions Why previously effective diets may need to change during menopause Vilifying carbs and negative consequences if a keto diet or fasting is maintained long term How menopause impacts the gut microbiome Perimenopause and menopause are just natural stages of life and not indicators of decline. Strength training and why it’s never too late to start Benefits of eating protein first in meals  Practical advice for managing health challenges during menopause Acute stress vs. chronic stress Will fasting intermittently before exercising burn more fat than fasting afterward? The importance of adopting a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima On Instagram  On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie

I am thrilled to reconnect with a friend and colleague, Dr. Sandy Scheinbaum. She assists in training people to become functional medicine health coaches, and she helps practitioners and businesses hire them as she believes health coaches are the key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. Dr. Scheinbaum is also an educator, clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker with over 50 years of experience. Her latest book is called Your Health Coach Will See You Now.In our discussion, we dive into the limitations of allopathic medicine in addressing chronic disease and the looming shortage of over 130,000 physicians by 2030. We explore the impact of burnout and job dissatisfaction among providers, look at what defines patient-centered care, and discuss how health coaches can improve emotional wellness, support chronic disease management, and increase patient self-efficacy. We also examine the benefits of partnering with health coaches to solve the worsening mental health crisis in the United States and the standards to consider when working with a health coach. I believe you will find this insightful discussion with Dr. Scheinbaum particularly relevant when considering the state of primary care in our country today.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The limitations of our current medical model, which was designed specifically for acute care  Why lifestyle factors must be looked at when managing chronic diseases How the shortage of primary care providers affects patients Why so much burnout and job dissatisfaction exists among healthcare providers Health coaches and support of licensed healthcare providers to improve patient care How health coaches can help patients feel more connected and supported, and improve their overall well-being Why a team approach with health coaches working alongside healthcare providers is required How bedside manner has eroded in the current medical model Challenges of accessing mental health care today Importance of looking for only nationally board-certified health coaches who are licensed Bio: Dr. Sandra ScheinbaumDr. Sandra Scheinbaum trains people to become Functional Medicine health coaches and helps practitioners and businesses hire them because she believes that health coaches are key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. As Founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), Sandra is a leader in the field of health coaching education. An educator, clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker for nearly 50 years, she 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. Her latest book, Your Health Coach Will See You Now: Creating a Healthier Future Together, advocates for health coaching as a critical component of primary care.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum On her website (Functional Medicine Coaching Academy) Instagram Your Health Coach Will See You Now, by Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com

I am happy to reconnect with Dr. Carrie Jones today! (She was with me before in ⁠Episode 106⁠, in July of 2020.) Dr. Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones. She has her Master's in Public Health and was one of the first to become board-certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. I like to think of Dr. Jones as the Queen of Hormones! In today’s episode, we dive into common hormone imbalances that occur in perimenopause and menopause. We discuss the difference between healthy and non-healthy mitochondria, the impact of toxins on our hormones, and thyroid function. We talk about the impact of puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, and perimenopause on our immune system. We also get into non-thyroidal illnesses, the role of skeletal muscle, things that no longer serve us in middle age, and why we tend to become more weight loss-resistant with age. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Dr. Carrie Jones as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Understanding our changing hormones as we approach perimenopause or menopause.   What happens to our mitochondria as we transition to menopause? Ways to support mitochondrial health. How hormonal shifts affect thyroid function. Why do we need to test for the less common autoimmune markers? Why we may still feel terrible after taking medication for an underactive thyroid. When to start advocating for additional thyroid testing. Why is the DUTCH urine test helpful as we approach menopause? Things, other than medications that may impact the ability to process estrogen properly. The most popular tests for gut health. The truth about testosterone. Why is it essential to have a healthy amount of skeletal muscle as we age? Three weight loss-resistant issues most people do not know about. Bio: Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. She has her Master’s in Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. She was the Medical Director for the DUTCH Test for several years, and currently, she is the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health and host of the Root Cause Medicine podcast. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠  Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On her ⁠website⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠

I am delighted to connect with Kim Vopni today, who is passionate about sharing information on pelvic health. She is a self-professed pelvic health evangelist known as the Vagina Coach. She is also a certified fitness professional, a published author, and the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc., which offers pelvic health programs, products, and coaching. In our discussion today, we dive into the role of the pelvic floor, looking at the core four and the challenge of addressing uncomfortable topics. We explain why the diaphragm is significant, and we look at the ABCs of posture. We also explore the impact of incontinence, constipation, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and some common ideologies of pelvic floor dysfunction, including footwear, ankle positioning, and hypermobility issues. This invaluable discussion with Kim Vopni is a complementary conversation to the recent episode with Dr. Rina Malik. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why most women feel embarrassed or are secretive about having pelvic floor or genitourinary issues The role of the pelvic floor in avoiding continence and supporting the internal organs and the sexual response Why it is essential to address pelvic floor issues early  Kim explains her concept of the core four Importance of proper posture and breathing for pelvic floor health Constipation may lead to pelvic floor issues. How statistics highlight the need for more awareness about the prevalence of incontinence in older women   Benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy and biofeedback devices for managing fecal incontinence Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse Why individuals with connective tissue disorders have an increased risk of pelvic floor dysfunction Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Kim Vopni On her website Instagram YouTube On all social media channels: @vaginacoach Kim’s book, Your Pelvic Floor, is available on Amazon and most major bookstores.

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Natalie Jill, the founder of Natalie Jill Fitness and Midlife Conversations. In our insightful discussion today, we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding fat loss in middle age. We dive into the power of mindset shifts, the importance of breaking free from limiting beliefs, and investigating and understanding your body, and explain the role of gut health and the impact of toxins. Natalie also shares her experience with breast implant illness, highlighting the need for honesty and authenticity, and opens up about what she does to age optimally in her early 50s. This conversation with Natalie is invaluable, and I truly appreciate her honesty and transparency.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The challenges of weight loss in middle age How feeling she was fraud after gaining weight in middle age led Natalie to re-evaluate her approach to health and fitness. Importance of remaining open-minded about any potential drivers of health issues How Natalie came to discover that toxins and hormones were affecting her health How her health improved significantly after Natalie had her breast implants removed  The emotional and physical challenges of having breast implants removed The importance of strength training and progressive overload for maintaining muscle mass and bone health  Natalie shares her approach to age optimization. Why being kind to yourself, recognizing your natural rhythms, managing  stress, and finding ways to relax are essential Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Natalie Jill On her website On all social media: @Natalie Jill Fit Midlife Conversations Podcast

Prepare to be enlightened by an engaging discussion with a true powerhouse in women's health!I have the pleasure of being joined once again by the esteemed Dr. Felice Gersh, a renowned physician with a cutting-edge career in obstetrics, gynecology, and integrative medicine. In today’s episode, Dr. Gersh and I explore the intricate interplay between estrogen and immune function, delving into the impact of ovarian aging, menopause, bone health, mental cognition, sleep, and mood. We traverse the vast landscape of the gut microbiome and vascular system, unraveling the secrets of different estrogen types and receptors while addressing the crucial role of inflammation. With a keen focus on hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Gersh also shares her invaluable insights on the critical window for intervention and her exceptional approach to caring for women in perimenopause and menopause.Dr. Felice Gersh is an invaluable resource on women’s health! Tune in for an enriching discussion that will leave you eagerly anticipating more episodes with this esteemed physician! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Gersh discusses hormone supplementation and menopause.  The role of estrogen in the immune system The systemic effects of estrogens How to turn off the switch to inflammation The connection between estrogen and the gut microbiome   The role of estradiol in the body Having a healthy gut will translate into a healthy liver and vice versa. The magic of phytoestrogens The perfect storm for creating breast cancer Is there a magic window of time for menopause? Estrogen receptors and the risk of blood clotting  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Felice GershOn her website: Integrative Medical Group of IrvineInstagramAll of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on AmazonPrevious Episodes MentionedEp. 221 Part 1- An Integrative Approach to PCOS and Menstrual Irregularities with Dr. Felice GershEp. 237 Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Didn’t Know with Dr. Felice Gersh

Aging is the leading risk factor for cognitive decline, and projected statistics show that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will reach 8.5 million by 2030 and 11.2 million by 2040. Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor and the founder and medical director of Solcere Health, a San Diego-based brain optimization clinic, and Marama, the first residential memory care facility that aims to return its residents to independent living. Dr. Sandison is also the New York Times bestselling author of Reversing Alzheimer's. In our conversation today, Dr. Sandison and I explored the most common signs of early cognitive decline, looking at ways to differentiate dementia from formal Alzheimer's disease. We dive into the causes of dementia and Alzheimer's, examining six key imbalances that can affect ApoE status and tackle the limitations of current approaches to Alzheimer's research. We also share information on current drug modalities and touch on the importance of brain-nurturing environments and helpful activities for maintaining cognitive status as we age. I look forward to having Dr. Sandison back for a second conversation, where we will dive deeper into practical ways to support and improve brain health.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Some early signs of neurocognitive decline Barriers to care for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s What differentiates dementia from Alzheimer's? Various factors that could cause Alzheimer's The role ApoE genetics play in Alzheimer's risk How addressing lifestyle factors can help prevent cognitive decline. The limitations of current Alzheimer's treatments How the results of clinical trials on the Bredesen intervention have shown significant improvements in cognitive function Why individualized treatments are essential for managing Alzheimer's and dementia Making healthy choices accessible and creating environments that support cognitive function The benefits of making positive changes in your daily life and taking small steps to enhance brain health  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Heather Sandison On her website Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

In this engaging conversation, Todd Durkin, CEO and Co-founder of Impact-X Performance, shares his insights on blending faith, fitness, and purpose. He discusses how his blue-collar upbringing shaped his values and the importance of family and community support. Todd dives into the significance of establishing morning and nighttime routines, using journaling and prayer for personal growth. He emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity and the power of a positive mindset in overcoming challenges, making this chat both inspiring and motivating.

This podcast is the first episode in a series featuring companies I am eager to explore and share with my community.Today, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Andrew Salzman, a Harvard-trained medical doctor, pioneering scientist, and esteemed inventor. Dr. Salzman is the Chief Medical Officer at Wonderfeel, where he applies over three decades of medical innovation. His research into DNA repair with NAD-activated enzymes led the way for a groundbreaking treatment for BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers, which he licensed to Genentech. Dr. Salzman was among the first researchers to publish papers on the gut microbiome and leaky gut syndrome in the 1980s, and he has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers and holds more than 50 patents.In our conversation today, we dive into what NAD is, its significance, why it matters, and how it impacts fertility, menopause, and sexual health. Dr. Salzman walks us through the symptoms of NAD deficiency and explains how an enzyme called CD38 can emerge when NAD levels are low, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. We explore the difference between pharmaceutical agents and nutraceuticals, examining why oral NMN is preferable and how sleep and alcohol can influence NAD levels. We cover the risk factors for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, looking at what we can do to reduce them, and we also talk about Wonderfeel and how their supplements and botanicals enhance wellness for women. This is an invaluable discussion with Dr. Salzman, so you will likely want to listen to it more than once.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How our NAD levels change as we get older The role of NAD in energy production  How oxidative stress and inflammation affect NAD levels in the ovaries Why NAD is essential for sexual health Lifestyle choices that could affect NAD levels How inflammation can increase CD 38 levels and deplete NAD Why oral administration of NMN or NR is the most practical and effective method for maintaining NAD levels How alcohol affects NAD levels and increases the risk of cancer How, with Dr. Salzman's input, Wonderfeel developed a product combining NMN with botanicals to enhance NAD levels Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Andrew SalzmanOn the Wonderfeel website .