I am delighted to have the privilege of reconnecting with Dr. Deb Matthew today. She joined me once before on Episode 259. She is a distinguished best-selling author, international speaker, and dedicated educator known as the Happy Hormone Doctor. 

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, causing one of every 3.2 deaths among women annually. In our conversation today, Dr. Matthew and I delve into the realm of cardiovascular disease, exploring the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, essential laboratory testing, medications, and the neurocognitive changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. We also focus on lifestyle, gut testing, and the all-time favorite topic of weight loss resistance. 

Stay tuned for today’s engaging, enriching, and enlightening discussion with Dr. Deb Matthew.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How HRT reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease 
• How long-term use of estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease over time
• Why should you do a hormone panel before starting HRT?
• How cortisol levels impact cardiovascular health
• How the coronary calcium score helps to predict heart attack risk
• Cholesterol markers and their significance in cardiovascular risk assessment
• Managing cholesterol levels in perimenopausal women
• The importance of addressing underlying hormonal imbalances in women to mitigate cognitive decline and lipid disorders
• The connection between gut health and brain fog
• How women’s testosterone levels impact their cognition and motivation
• Hormone imbalance and weight loss resistance in women

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Deb Matthew

• On her website
• On Facebook and Instagram

Purchase Dr. Deb Mathew’s book This is Not Normal on Amazon or download the ebook 

Ep. 295: HRT’s Impact on Women’s Health Through Time with Dr. Deb Matthew

I am thrilled to have Dr. Elisa Song joining me today. 

Dr. Song is an integrative pediatrician and author of Healthy Kids Happy Kids. She trained at Stanford University, New York University (NYU), and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). 

In our conversation today, we dive into kids in crisis, exploring the butterfly effect of crisis impacting teens and young adults. We discuss the significance of the gut microbiome, dispelling myths surrounding antibiotics and addressing the resulting global health crisis. We touch on PANS, PANDAS, rheumatic fever, and strategies for restoring the gut microbiome of children, post-antibiotics. We also look at the significance of food labeling and constipation in children, explore the importance of the vagus nerve and heart rate variability, and examine the impact of sugar, glyphosate, and other forever chemicals. 

Stay tuned for today's insightful and enlightening conversation with Dr. Elisa Song as we dive deeply into crucial aspects affecting pediatric health and wellness.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Dr Song discusses the crisis surrounding the health of children and the shifts and trends she has seen in pediatric medicine over the last two decades
• Why do we need to address the root cause of illness instead of just treating the symptoms?
• How autoimmune disease rates in children are rising
• The importance of empowering teens through education and support to make healthy choices 
• How do antibiotics impact children’s health?
• Strategies for restoring the gut microbiome of children after antibiotics
• How the vagus nerve impacts the gut microbiome and brain
• How sugar affects children’s health
• The importance of gut health for brain function and detoxification
• How to improve children’s health through diet, exercise, and integrative treatments

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Elisa Song

• On her website
• Find out more about Dr Song’s book here 

I am excited to share AMA number eight with all our listeners today, where we dive deep into listener questions concerning sleep and HRV. 

In today's AMA episode, we investigate the physiology of sleep, also looking at changes that occur with perimenopause and menopause. We discuss supplements for better sleep, explore sleep hygiene and metrics for REM and deep sleep, examine melatonin and glycine, touch on heart rate variability, and review various gadgets beyond the Aura that can enhance sleep quality.

Join me for a comprehensive exploration of HRV and the benefits of better sleep.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Why middle-aged women experience poor sleep during perimenopause
• Why sleep hygiene is essential, particularly during perimenopause and menopause
• Which supplements help with better sleep?
• The benefits of a low-carb or ketogenic diet for improving sleep quality
• How HRT helps to induce better sleep 
• The benefits of melatonin for improving sleep quality
• Why deep sleep is essential for memory consolidation, improving the immune system, and overall health
• Factors that could impact heart rate variability (HRV)
• How to improve your heart rate variability (HRV)
• Gadgets I have found helpful for sleep
• Tips for improving sleep quality

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Resources:

Ep. 301 Creatine: The Best Supplement for Better Bones & Brain Health with Darren Candow, PhD, CSEP-CEP

Purchase myo-inositol

Purchase creatine

Research: 

Nocturia through the menopausal transition and beyond: a narrative review

The influence of high and low levels of estrogen on diurnal urine regulation in young women

Technically sleeping? A clinical single-case study of a commercial sleep robot 

I am excited to share our fourth class in our informative Lipid Masterclass series today, with the esteemed Dr. Thomas Dayspring. Dr. Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology and is a distinguished fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion today.

In this class, we dive into lipid and lipoprotein dynamics during the menopausal transition, exploring the impact of estrogen on gut health and its effects on laboratory findings. We look at the differences between hyper absorbers and hyper synthesizers, sharing clinical insights on routine lipid panels that can let you know if you are one of those individuals. We talk about Boston Heart Testing, highlighting the impact of specific biomarkers on brain health lipids and lipoproteins, and we get into the staggering differences between the half-lives of peripheral cholesterol and brain cholesterol. We discuss lipid permeability across the blood-brain barrier, highlighting those at risk for brain health concerns as they age, and we reveal strategies for managing lipid abnormalities. We also focus on LP(a), an ApoB lipoprotein with potent atherogenic and thrombotic properties, and its implications regarding calcific aortic stenosis. 

I am sure you will find this enlightening conversation with Dr. Dayspring invaluable. There is one more class yet to come in this masterclass series. Be sure to listen in!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How cholesterol absorption in the gut increases in perimenopausal women
• How hyper cholesterol absorbers tend to have elevated HDL cholesterol
• The impact of phytosterols on cholesterol absorption
• When should hyperabsorbers consider treatment?
• What research has shown regarding the differing effects of estrogen on brain health for older versus younger menopausal women
• What happens if a statin crosses the blood-brain barrier?
• How cholesterol synthesis relates to cognitive impairment 
• The importance of understanding LP-PLA2 test results
• How Lp(a) levels in women tend to fluctuate, particularly during menopause
• Should women with heart disease consider hormone replacement therapy?

Bio:

Thomas Dayspring MD is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. After practicing in New Jersey for 37 years, in 2012, he moved to Virginia to serve as an educational director for a nonprofit cardiovascular foundation until mid-2019 as a Chief Academic Advisor for two major CV laboratories. Since then, he has served as a virtual cardiovascular / lipidology educator. Career-wise, he has given over 4000 domestic (in all 50 states) and several international lectures, including over 600 CME programs on atherothrombosis, lipids/lipoproteins (and their treatment), vascular biology, biomarker testing, and women’s cardiovascular issues. He has authored several manuscripts and lipid textbook chapters and performed several podcasts. For several years, he was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He received the 2011 National Lipid Association’s Presidents Award for services to clinical lipidology and the 2023 Foundation of NLA Clinician/Educator Award. He has over 34K followers on his educational Twitter (X) feed (@Drlipid). He has Gold Heart Member status as a professional member of the American Heart Association, and he serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring

• On Twitter (@DrLipid)
• On LinkedIn

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Nick Bitz, a renowned naturopathic physician specializing in Ayurvedic medicine. 

Dr. Bitz is an influential figure in the natural products industry, specializing in nootropics, anti-aging, medicine, biohacking, herbology, nutrition, and dietary supplements. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Product Development at Neurohacker Collective.

In our discussion, we cover cellular senescence, zombie cells, and distinctions with autophagy, highlighting some hallmarks of the aging process. We discuss the gut microbiome and the significance of akkermansia, also exploring the impact of senomorphics and senolytics, brain aging, lifestyle factors, the challenges of sarcopenia, and anabolic resistance.

Join us for today’s enlightening conversation with Dr. Nick Bitz as we journey into various aspects of holistic health and wellness.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How modern lifestyle factors exacerbate age-related cellular dysfunction
• Why it is critically important to consume enough fiber each day 
• Senescent cells and their impact on aging, health, and disease
• What is the difference between senolytics and senomorphics?
• How senolytics get used in a clinical setting to target different body parts
• Diet, lifestyle, and supplements for brain health
• How adaptogens are used in Ayurvedic medicine
• The role of senescent cells in muscle aging
• Dr. Bitz discusses the popular senolytic product he created with Neurohacker Collective

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Nick Bitz

• Neurohacker Collective
• Collective Insights Podcast

Use the code EverydayWellness to save 15% on any Qualia formulation

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Felice Gersh today for our fourth discussion. 

Dr. Gersh is a globally recognized expert on women's hormones. As the Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, she often collaborates with numerous research organizations. 

In our discussion today, we dive into cardiovascular disease risks and menopause, highlighting the metabolic transition that menopause represents and exploring risk factors like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and PCOS. We get into the use of oral contraceptives, particularly before the age of 20, early puberty, and premature ovarian failure, while examining the role of the RAS system, synthetic hormones, and the differences between estrone and estradiol. We discuss the optimal timing for starting hormone replacement therapy and explain why we should love our menstrual cycles, addressing the risks related to circadian rhythm disruption. We also look at arterial changes, cholesterol dynamics, the autonomic nervous system, gut health and cardiac wellness in menopause, and proactive ways to support our bodies. 

I am confident you will find today’s conversation with Dr. Felice Gersh most enlightening and informative.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Why women need to understand basic female physiology 
• How pregnancy-induced insulin resistance and leaky gut can lead to cardiovascular issues later in life
• Dr. Gersh highlights the importance of metabolic health in pregnancy and menopause
• Why it is risky for young women to use oral contraceptives
• What irregular bleeding in perimenopausal women might indicate
• Why the inflammatory response is critical for survival, even though it may become problematic if not properly regulated
• How estrogen is a family of hormones, not a single hormone
• How estradiol differs from estrone
• Why should menopause be treated like any other hormone deficiency state?
• The optimal time for hormone replacement therapy
• Why post-menopausal women are more susceptible to heart attacks than men 

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh

• On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine
• Instagram

All of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon

Ep. 297 Dr. Felice Gersh: Estrogen, Immunity & Menopause Mysteries

Ep. 237 Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Didn’t Know with Dr. Felice Gersh

Ep. 221 Part 1- An Integrative Approach to PCOS and Menstrual Irregularities with Dr. Felice Gersh

I am thrilled to have the award-winning personal trainer, Doug Bopst, joining me today. 

Doug is also an author and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast. He is a former convicted felon and drug addict who spent time in jail and is now on a mission to inspire others to conquer adversity and realize their fullest potential.

Today, Doug and I engage in a thought-provoking conversation on gratitude, how exercise enables individuals to confront their fears and connect with themselves, the distinction between healthy and unhealthy habits, and the restrictions associated with seeking validation externally. We also discuss the transformative power of resilience, faith, and learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

Doug’s remarkable journey from adversity to triumph serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals seeking transformation, and I am confident that our conversation will resonate deeply with listeners. Stay tuned for Doug’s profound insights on personal development.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How gratitude reshaped Doug’s life
• How people use drugs as a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain
• Doug explains how he realized he had power and was able to control his life despite feeling powerless 
• How exercise can catalyze self-discovery and growth
• Why anxiety and stress are normal responses for those raised in troubled environments
• Why do some individuals constantly seek external validation instead of seeking self-worth internally?
• How self-awareness can help to conquer the need for external validation
• The benefits of coaching and therapy for overcoming unhealthy relationships with food
• Why many women avoid pushing themselves to the limit during workouts
• How faith helped Doug to transform his pain and become a better person

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Doug Bopst

• On his website
• Instagram
• The Adversity Advantage Podcast 

I am delighted to have the remarkable Dr. William Li joining me again today. He was previously with me on Episode 260, which became one of the most popular podcasts in 2023. 

Dr. Li is a world-renowned physician-scientist and New York Times bestselling author known for his role as President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation. 

In our conversation today, we dive into the vocabulary surrounding health and microbiome-supporting foods, exploring how to measure the microbiome, the benefits of fermented foods, and the role of the appendix. We also look at pre, and post-biotics, strategies for supporting the microbiome after a colonoscopy prep, foods to avoid, immune function, and metabolic nuances, and discuss the differences between subcutaneous visceral fat, brown fat, and white fat, and polyphenol-rich beverages. 

I know you will find today’s conversation with Dr. William Li as enlightening as I did. I eagerly anticipate inviting him back to the podcast later this year.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Dr. Li explains the importance of the gut microbiome 
• The interrelationship between the microbiome, body fat, and the metabolism
• How to measure your gut microbiome
• Foods that promote gut health and support the microbiome
• The role of the appendix
• How a colonoscopy prep impacts the gut microbiome
• How excess body fat can fuel the metabolism rather than slowing it down
• Why sleep is crucial for metabolism
• The role of brown fat in weight loss
• The benefits of polyphenols in coffee and tea

Bio:

William W. Li, MD, is an internationally renowned physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author of “Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, Live Longer”. His groundbreaking work has led to the development of more than 30 new medical treatments and impacts care for more than 70 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart disease, and obesity. His TED Talk, “Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?” has garnered more than 11 million views. Dr. Li has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and the Rachael Ray Show, and he has been featured in USA Today, Time Magazine, The Atlantic, and O Magazine. He is the president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. William Li

• On Social media: @ Dr William Li
• On his website
• Sign up for Dr. Li’s free newsletter

Ep. 260 Eat To Beat Your Diet: Achieve a Balanced and Healthy Lifestyle with Dr. William Li

Today, I am thrilled to bring you our seventh AMA episode.

I am super excited to connect with all of you today to share valuable insights and answer your questions about dysfunctional uterine bleeding, hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, and menopause. I will also be addressing queries on blood loss thresholds and dysfunctional uterine bleeding and offering strategies for managing endometriosis and cravings. 

Join me as I answer many questions from listeners, shedding light on all these critical concerns and several more. I love doing the AMA episodes, and I know you love listening to them, so keep your questions coming!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How an estrogen and progesterone imbalance could cause persistent bleeding 
• How much blood loss should there be in a menstrual cycle?
• Why some women crave sweet and salty foods at night during perimenopause and menopause
• Strategies for managing cravings during perimenopause and menopause
• How endometriosis often links to autoimmunity and digestive issues
• Why would someone experience unusual symptoms like itchy ears, crankiness, and bloating in menopause?
• Various hormone replacement therapy options for perimenopause
• Why you should implement lifestyle changes before considering HRT
• The benefits of oral progesterone for sleep and bone health

Join my free Facebook group to have me answer your questions personally, or you can send your questions to my admin team ([email protected])

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Dr. Thomas Dayspring joins me again today for the third class in our Lipid Masterclass Series. Dr. Dayspring brings a wealth of expertise as a certified specialist in internal medicine and clinical lipidology, holding fellowships with the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association.

This hour-long class is devoted to women's health and abnormal lipids. We continue with our conversation about ApoB, discussing ways to look at other lipid abnormalities related to abnormal ApoBs and talking about our ideal lab values and lifestyle modifications, briefly touching on my lipid journey and the medication I have been taking for the past six months. We examine diagnostics and their limitations, getting into CACs, coronary artery calcification scoring, CIMT, the labs we need to look at, the role of Lp(a), and how it affects our heart. We look into the changes women experience from losing estrogen in menopause, clues women can use to predict future cardiovascular risk, how estrogen helps clear LDL from the body, and the changes occurring with menopause, including higher ApoBs. We also dive into risks women face for cardiovascular disease, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative study, and absorption and synthesis challenges with cholesterol.

Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Why ApoB testing for inherited lipoprotein disorders is essential 
• Why hypo beta lipoproteins (HDL) are critical for maintaining good health
• The benefits of a holistic approach to treating high cholesterol
• The three stages of prevention for atherosclerosis
• How Lp(a) impacts heart health
• The importance of assessing early heart function through Lp(a) testing
• How your pregnancy history can help in predicting your risk for cardiovascular disease
• Why should women be more concerned about cardiovascular disease than breast cancer?
• How the Women’s Health Initiative led gynecologists to be more cautious about prescribing HRT
• How genetically mediated cholesterol abnormalities can impact our ability to absorb and synthesize cholesterol

Bio:

Thomas Dayspring MD is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association and is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. After practicing in New Jersey for 37 years, in 2012, he moved to Virginia to serve as an educational director for a nonprofit cardiovascular foundation until mid-2019 as a Chief Academic Advisor for two major CV laboratories. Since then, he has served as a virtual cardiovascular / lipidology educator. Career-wise he has given over 4000 domestic (in all 50 states) and several international lectures, including over 600 CME programs on atherothrombosis, lipids/lipoproteins (and their treatment), vascular biology, biomarker testing, and women’s cardiovascular issues. He has authored several manuscripts and lipid textbook chapters and performed several podcasts. For several years, he was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He was the recipient of the 2011 National Lipid Association’s Presidents Award for services to clinical lipidology and the 2023 Foundation of NLA Clinician/Educator Award. He has over 34K followers on his educational Twitter (X) feed (@Drlipid). He has Gold Heart Member status as a professional member of the American Heart Association, and he serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• Follow on Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring

• On Twitter (@DrLipid)
• LinkedIn

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.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

• On Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Jodi Cohen

• Vibrant Blue Oils 
• On Instagram
• Facebook

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.