Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ - Everyday Wellness™

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 351 Unlocking Nature's Secrets: Essential Oils 101 with Jodi Cohen Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

It is my pleasure today to introduce Jodi Cohen, a best-selling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and the Founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where her training in nutritional therapy and aromatherapy come together to craft unique and exclusive proprietary blends of organic and wildcrafted essential oils.

Jodi has assisted more than 50,000 individuals in overcoming brain-related issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and autoimmunity. In our discussion today, we dive into the fundamental aspects of essential oils, looking at what they are and how they work. We examine the role of the blood-brain barrier and the influence of the autonomic nervous system, focusing on the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve. We explore the importance of vagal tone, the implications of vagal nerve dysfunction and toxicities, and the lymphatic system while also looking at the role of fascia in memories and trauma and the profound effects of essential oils on sleep quality, weight management, and more.

I am excited to share this insightful conversation with Jodi Cohen, as it provides invaluable insights into the vast potential of essential oils in promoting holistic well-being.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

What essential oils are and how they work clinically
The most effective way to use essential oils
How emotional or mental dangers can trigger the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system can cause inflammation, impaired digestion, and compromised immune function if it is constantly activated
Stimulating the vagus nerve can improve resilience and reduce stress
Some natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve
The connection between the brain and digestion and how stress can impact digestion and overall health
How fascia intertwines with the lymph and vagus nerve
Essential oils can facilitate emotional release
The benefits of essential oils for sleep and weight management during perimenopause and menopause

Bio:

Jodi Sternoff Cohen is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where she has combined her training in nutritional therapy and aromatherapy to create unique proprietary blends of organic and wild-crafted essential oils. She has helped over 50,000 clients heal from brain-related challenges, including anxiety, insomnia, and autoimmunity.

For the past ten years, she has lectured at wellness centers, conferences, and corporations on brain health, essential oils, stress, and detoxification. She has been seen in The New York Times, Wellness Mama, Elephant Journal, and numerous publications. Her website, vibrantblueoils.com, is visited by over 300,000 natural health seekers every year, and she has rapidly become a top resource for essential oils education on the Internet today.

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Use the coupon code WELCOME 10 for $10 off anything you purchase from the Vibrant Blue Oils Shop

Jodi’s book, Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body, is available on Amazon and most anywhere books are sold.

Ep. 350 The Dark Side of Food and Pharma Revealed! with Calley Means Apr 06, 2024

Show notes

I am delighted to have the honor of connecting with Calley Means today. Calley is the Founder of Truemed, a company that facilitates tax-free spending on food and exercise. He also co-authored a book with his sister, Casey Means, called Good Energy, to be released later this year.

Calley graduated from Stanford and Harvard Business School. He was a consultant for food and pharmaceutical firms and now exposes their tactics to weaponize our trusted institutions.

In our conversation today, Calley and I examine the impact of drug utilization, including GLP 1s, on obese children and discuss the relevance of his background in food and pharmaceuticals and the problem of treating obesity as a disease. We dive into the role of food stamps and subsidies and look at ways we can help improve food quality in the United States and reduce the influence of the pharmaceutical industry, also addressing conflicts of interest between the NIH and universities, the effects of reduced subsidies and processed food consumption on families, and dopamine regulation.

This conversation has been long-awaited, and as a dedicated fan of Calley's work, I am thrilled to share it with you.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Calley highlights the conflicts of interest in obesity research and the ineffectiveness of the US healthcare system in addressing chronic obesity in children.
How the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes profit over health
Why the American health crisis is not only a medical problem but also a moral issue
The influence of processed food companies on nutritional research
The crucial need to address the root causes of chronic diseases
How the influence of pharmaceutical lobbyists corrupts Congress
The growing distrust in American institutions
How nutrition research funding impacts US food guidelines
The challenges of raising children when processed foods get weaponized to hook people
Calley discusses his upcoming book, Good Energy, and explains how his company, Truemed, helps patients unlock tax-free spending on metabolically healthy items.

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Ep. 349 Unlock the Power of Plant-Based Minerals with Caroline Alan Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Today, I am delighted to connect with Caroline Alan, the Co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals.

Coming from the corporate world, Caroline struggled until she discovered the incredible ability of plant-based minerals to support the body and restore its natural balance. She is now devoted to educating people about the benefits of mineral replenishment and the efficacy of plant-based humic and fulvic substances.

In today’s discussion, Caroline shares her journey, and we dive into why we experience such significant mineral depletions in our modern-day lifestyles, looking at hidden hunger and the role of our mitochondria. We discuss the interrelationship between mineral storage and adrenal health, the extensive background of plant-based minerals, and the etiology of cramps and hydration. We also explore the signs and symptoms of mineral depletion and explain how to take mineral products for the best results.

Join us to learn about the transformative power of plant-based minerals in our modern lives.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Why so many people experience mineral depletion at this time
How soil health, food quality, and human health are all interrelated
The fundamental role mitochondrial function plays in energy production and overall health
Why adrenal health is critical for women during perimenopause and menopause
The origins of humic and fulvic minerals
How fulvic and humic acids help in preventing chronic diseases
Why Caroline advocates for using fulvic acid products instead of salt-based electrolytes
Caroline shares tips for managing Herxheimer reactions
How do mineral deficiencies impact sleep and exercise performance?
The benefits of magnesium spray for foot cramps and plantar fasciitis

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Connect with Caroline Alan

On the Beam Minerals website
Find Beam Minerals on social media @beamminerals
Caroline on social media @themineralgeek

Ep. 348 Bright Line Eating: Exploring the Complexity of Food Addiction with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson Mar 30, 2024

Show notes

I am honored to connect with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson today.

Dr. Peirce Thompson is an adjunct associate professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester and an expert in the psychology of eating. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Bright Line Eating.

In our conversation today, we dive into the complexities of food addiction, exploring why it is even more challenging than drug or alcohol addiction, the importance of awareness around food addiction, and the impact of genetics and trauma. We discuss the addictive properties of sugar and flour, the bliss point in the processed food industry, and misconceptions surrounding artificial sugars. Dr. Peirce Thompson also shares her journey of addiction and recovery, offering invaluable insights on breaking the cycle of addiction and reframing our relationship with hunger.

I am confident that today’s discussion with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson will provide valuable insights and provoke thoughtful reflections. Join us to learn how to break the cycle of addiction and reclaim control over your relationship with food.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Why food addiction is more challenging to treat than other addictions
What are the signs of food addiction?
The role of genetics in obesity and food addiction
How trauma can lead to food addiction
Why hyper-palatable processed foods are so addictive
How sugar impacts the brain
Why it is best to avoid high fructose corn syrup and all artificial sugars
How food companies use the bliss point to make their products addictive
Why structured eating is essential in modern society
Why hunger is not an emergency

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Connect with Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson

Bright Line Eating

Ep. 347 Expanding Perspectives on LDL, Lipids, and LMHRs with Dave Feldman Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

I am honored to reconnect with Dave Feldman today. Our last encounter was in December 2020, for Episode 128, where we delved deeply into the topic of cholesterol.

Dave is an engineer by profession. He is profoundly clever and commands great respect within the low-carb and keto community due to his willingness to challenge prevailing narratives, encouraging us to explore alternative perspectives on lipid metabolism and reconsider our understanding of LDL, particularly in the context of lean mass hyper-responders like myself.

In our discussion today, we dive into how LDL became so vilified, with Dave shedding light on several crucial research findings. We explain what low-mass hyper-responders are, examine biases and cognitive dissonance, touch on Dave’s new LMHR study, and discuss the Miami Heart study, a longitudinal study of the roles of LDL and plaque burden. We also explore the impact of ApoB and reflect on the essence of science as a pursuit of truth, and Dave shares what lies ahead for himself and his research.

I trust you will find this conversation engaging and thought-provoking.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Why LDL is considered a villain
How AMRs and APB lipoproteins have influenced how we look at risk stratification
What is a lean mass hyper-responder?
How a low-carb, high-fat diet can improve the metabolic health of lean mass hyper-responders
How Dave, an engineer turned scientist, challenges conventional wisdom in the health and wellness space
Dave discusses a study on plaque progression in healthy individuals, focusing on correlating LDL levels
How we are at the forefront of finding the significance of lean mass hyper-responders and LDL
Dave shares the next thing he and his team will look at to substantiate his findings on lean mass hyper-responders

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Previous Episode Mentioned

Ep. 128 – Cholesterol Obsession: Why It’s the Intellectual Property of the Animal Kingdom with Dave Feldman

Ep. 346 Gut Health: Unveiling the Science of the Microbiome with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe Mar 23, 2024

Show notes

I am delighted to have Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, the CEO and Co-founder of Pendulum, joining me today.

Dr. Cutcliffe is a proud alumnus of Johns Hopkins, with over 25 years of experience leading and managing biology teams in academia, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. Before starting Pendulum, she was the Senior Manager of Biology at Pacific Biosciences and a scientist at Elan Pharmaceuticals.

In our discussion today, we dive into the emerging science of the gut microbiome, examining the effects of aging, antibiotics, nutrition, stress, travel, and menopause on gut health and discussing how vaginal and C-section deliveries differ in impact. We explore differentiators for various categories of bacteria and the roles of butyrate and fiber, looking at fecal transplants and the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and post-biotics, and explaining why Akkermansia is an essential bacteria for regulating insulin satiety, fortifying the mucin layer, and facilitating targeted delivery of butyrate. Dr. Cutcliffe also shares her top tips for mitigating the effects of travel on the gut microbiome and offers a special discount for listeners.

I am confident that you will find today’s discussion with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe engaging and enlightening. Stay tuned to learn how to adjust your lifestyle for a healthier gut microbiome.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

The benefits of a vaginal delivery
Various factors that disrupt the gut microbiome
Why it is essential to get enough fiber in your diet
What are the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut microbiome?
The benefits of fecal transplants
How the vagus nerve fosters communication between the gut and brain
Why artificial sweeteners might not be as harmful to the gut microbiome as previously thought
How prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are interconnected and necessary for overall health
The role of Akkermansia in the gut microbiome
How to maintain a healthy gut microbiome while traveling

Bio: Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe:

Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pendulum. She has over 25 years of experience leading and managing biology teams in academia, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Before starting Pendulum, Colleen was the Senior Manager of Biology at Pacific Biosciences and a Scientist at Elan Pharmaceuticals. Colleen received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University and her B.A. in Biochemistry from Wellesley College.

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On the Pendulum Life website Use code THURLOW for 20% off your first order of Pendulum products.

Ep. 345 EMF Awareness: Impact and Protection Strategies with Juraj Kocar Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Today, I have the honor of connecting with Juraj Kocar, the CEO of Somavedic Technologies. Somavedic is a groundbreaking frequency therapy device providing practical and easily accessible solutions for EMF exposure, improved sleep, and energy revitalization.

Juraj is a perpetually optimistic and forward-thinking entrepreneur motivated by a profound passion for developing and expanding products that significantly impact the lives of others, and he is currently propelling his dream project to new levels of success. In our discussion today, we meticulously define the role of EMFs, diving into how they affect our health, discussing proactive protection measures, and sharing strategies for mitigating EMF exposure while traveling. We also explore how the revolutionary Somavedic device works, my experience using it, how to choose the correct model, the effects of structured water, and biohacking strategies that Juraj uses daily.

Join us for an enriching conversation where we provide valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your health.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

What are EMFs?
Juraj discusses the biological effects of chronic EMF exposure
How to protect yourself from or minimize the impact of EMF exposure
How to deal with EMF exposure when traveling
Juraj explains how the Somavedic technology works
What structured water is
Why it is beneficial for us to drink structured water
Juraj discusses his daily health routine
Strategies for improving your health
How to select the Somavedic device that best suits your needs

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Connect with Juraj Kocar

On his website *Get a 10% discount on Somavedic products by using the code CYNTHIA (Discount code is valid all year long!)
On Instagram
Via email: hello@somavedic.com

Ep. 344 Lipid Masterclass: A Deep Dive into Our Cardiovascular Needs with Dr. Thomas Dayspring Mar 16, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Thomas Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He joins me today for the second class in our series of Lipid Masterclasses.

In today’s class, Dr. Dayspring shares valuable insights on cardiovascular health and lipid management. We dive into the complexities of cardiovascular disease, focusing on lipoproteins, atherogenesis progression, and its implications on myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). He explains the mechanisms of ApoB invasion into arterial walls and discusses the critical importance of finding competent healthcare providers, particularly for women navigating the perimenopausal to menopausal transition. He also gets into the limitations of bikini medicine, and we tackle pertinent issues surrounding hormone replacement therapy, including potential side effects and clinical observations.

Dr. Dayspring has a wealth of information to share today, and we have several additional masterclasses coming up to follow this class. Be sure to tune in for those episodes.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How lipids get transported, and how energy gets produced in the body
How the liver prevents fatty liver tissue from building up
Dr. Dayspring explains the process of lipolysis
What is the role of LDL particles in atherosclerosis?
How the buildup of plaque in arteries can lead to blockages, causing heart attacks or strokes if left untreated
Why high cholesterol needs to get diagnosed and treated as early as possible
The importance of HDL cholesterol in immunity and oncogenesis
Why ApoB is essential for lipid panel analysis
Why women need comprehensive medical care, especially during menopause

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cynthiathurlow.com/lipids

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Ep. 343 The Autoimmune Cure: Trauma's Connection to Autoimmunity with Dr. Sara Gottfried Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a board-certified physician practicing evidence-based integrative precision and functional medicine. (She last joined me for Episode 211.)

Dr. Gottfried graduated from Harvard and MIT. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She is also the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including her recent publication, The Autoimmune Cure.

In our discussion today, we discuss the interrelationship between trauma and autoimmunity, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women. We dive into the impact of trauma, explaining its correlation with autoimmune conditions and demystifying the role of the PINE network (the Psycho Immune Neuro Endocrine system). We explore triggers for perimenopause and menopause, gender differences specific to the changes in immunity and vulnerability in women, the consequences of burnout in various professions, the shortcomings of conventional allopathic methods in addressing mental health and trauma, and immunomodulation, including vitamins, polyphenols, low-dose Naltrexone, and somatic-based therapies.

With Dr. Gottfried’s invaluable insights into crucial health topics, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How the traumas we experience as children could make us more susceptible to autoimmune conditions later in life
How trauma impacts our immune, neurological, and endocrine systems
Addressing trauma through gut health, heart rate variability, and hormone balance
How the metabolic and immune system changes triggered during perimenopause and menopause can make women more susceptible to autoimmune issues
How men in combat and women with sexual assault show similar trauma responses
How childhood trauma can shape our direction in life
The potential benefits of alternative therapies like LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca
How measuring gut health can provide valuable insights for treatment options
Using low-dose Naltrexone for sleep and immune system modulation
The potential of somatic therapies and breathwork for stilling the autonomic nervous system and promoting body awareness

Bio: Dr. Sara Gottfried:

Sara Szal Gottfried, MD, is a physician, researcher, author, and educator. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and MIT and completed a residency at UCSF, but is more likely to prescribe a CGM and personalized nutrition plan than the latest pharmaceutical. Dr. Gottfried is a global keynote speaker and the author of four New York Times bestselling books about hormones, nutrition, and health. Her latest book is called THE AUTOIMMUNE CURE (March 2024). She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She takes care of executives and professional athletes. Her focus is on the interface of mental and physical health, N-of-1 trial design, personalized molecular profiling, use of wearables, and how to leverage these tools to improve health outcomes.

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Dr. Gottfried’s new book, The Autoimmune Cure, is available from most bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Previous Episode Mentioned

Ep. 211 – Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried

Ep. 342 Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women's Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi Mar 09, 2024

Show notes

I am delighted and honored to interview Dr. Lisa Mosconi today. She is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Cornell Medicine and Director of the Women's BRAIN Initiative and the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a globally acclaimed neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and nuclear medicine and the author of the New York Times bestseller The XX Brain and, more recently, The Menopause Brain.

In our conversation, we discuss how women’s brains change during perimenopause and menopause, looking at the significance of puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the lack of medical research on women and medical gaslighting. We explore the concept of bikini medicine and its misconceptions regarding women's health and hormones, alongside the crucial roles of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in our neuroendocrine system. Dr. Mosconi also provides insights into evolving menopausal treatments, including lifestyle interventions.

Dr. Mosconi is an esteemed figure in neuroscience and a prominent voice in women's health. I am confident you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from my discussion with her today.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How women's brains change during perimenopause and menopause
How the lack of information for young girls can lead to medical gaslighting and confusion during perimenopause
Dr. Mosconi explains how a simple sugar is used as a tracer to track glucose metabolism in the brain during perimenopause
Why brain changes during menopause may lead to mental fatigue and brain fog
How the lack of training and research on menopause in medical residency programs leads to a poor understanding among clinicians
Why women need to consider their brain and metabolic health during perimenopause
Why estrogen is essential after menopause
The benefits of HRT for menopausal women
How stress impacts hormone production

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Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)
Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting TransformationBook
The Midlife Pause supplement line

Connect with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

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