Ep. 229 Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Better Understand your Brain and Body

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Nina Teicholz, an investigative science journalist, author, nutritional thought leader, and a science writer I love to follow.  In our conversation today, Dr. Teicholz highlights the challenges of distinguishing real news from propaganda, and we examine how nutritional dogma shapes the identity of many individuals. We explore the history and consequences of our food guidelines, including the Diet-Heart Hypothesis and the Seven Countries Study, looking at the impact of cancel culture in science, the role of seed oils and processed carbohydrates, and the misconceptions about red and processed meats. She also shares her vision for the future, which includes much-needed shifts in nutritional guidelines to improve metabolic health.  This discussion with Nina Teicholz is eye-opening, so you may want to listen to it more than once. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Difficulties with finding real information and reliable advice on nutrition and health Why we need to be open-minded about dietary changes Biological truths that apply to all humans  How toxins and chronic stress impact our health Historical context of our dietary guidelines How the Seven Countries Study impacted the Diet-Heart hypothesis Long-term influence of the Diet-Heart hypothesis on our dietary guidelines Nina outlines the unintended consequences of the Diet-Heart hypothesis Challenges of changing the current diet guidelines How the notion that red and processed meats cause cancer came about Bio: Nina Teicholz Nina Teicholz, a science journalist, is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Big Fat Surprise, which upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat–especially saturated fat—and spurred a new conversation about whether these fats in fact cause heart disease. Named a *Best Book* of the Year by The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and Mother Jones, among others, it continues to be called a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the amazing story of how we came to believe fat is bad for health and what a better diet might look like. Nina is also the founder of the Nutrition Coalition, a non-profit working to ensure that government nutrition policy is transparent and evidence-based-work for which she’s been asked to testify before the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Senate. Teicholz is a graduate of Stanford and Oxford Universities and previously served as associate director of the Center for Globalization and Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Dr. Teicholz lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Nina Teicholz On Instagram X (@bigfatsurprise) Unsettled Science The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet Nutrition Coalition Dietary Guidelines Primer

26 Helmi 20251h 1min

Today, I am honored to connect with Catharine Arnston, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of ENERGYbits.  I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Catharine in person this past July at KetoCon in Austin. Much of her work focuses on optimizing mitochondrial function and recognizing that mitochondria are pivotal to our metabolism, longevity, brain and gut health, sleep, digestion, and almost everything else.  In our conversation, we dive into what got Catharine passionate about algae. We speak about her transition from a corporate economic development role into a budding entrepreneur, the distinctions between micro and macroalgae, and the more than 100,000 studies that have been done- especially in Asia, that show algae are of the most alkaline and nutrient-dense foods available. We differentiate between spirulina and chlorella and explain their roles in our mitochondrial health. We also discuss how our stressful lifestyles impact our cellular health and talk about autophagy, red light therapy, immune function, and more. I hope you enjoy today’s eye-opening discussion about the value of consuming microalgae daily. Stay tuned to find out what microalgae are and what they do to keep you healthy! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How an issue with her sister’s health resulted in Catharine becoming passionate about algae as a food source. Algae is a food, not a supplement.  How do macroalgae differ from algae? Spirulina and chlorella are grown as fresh-water crops. So they contain no iodine. They also have no lectins or oxalates.  Catharine explains why algae are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available.  Why are algae critical for maintaining mitochondrial health? Consuming microalgae every day means you do not have to deteriorate as you age. What makes spirulina’s absorption rate so high?  The health benefits of consuming chlorella. Catherine explains how spirulina and chlorella differ and work together synergistically. How does chlorella differ from activated charcoal? What are the benefits of having chlorophyll in your body when exposed to red light? Catharine unpacks the immune-supportive aspects of spirulina and chlorella. Spirulina and chlorella are keto-friendly, can be used when fasting intermittently, and are safe for people with diabetes.   Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Catharine Arnston On her website (Use the 20% discount code: CYNTHIATHURLOW On Facebook On Instagram (@energybits) On Twitter (@energybits)  Resources: Why Algae is a Food, Not a Supplement Article Algae Article Chlorophyll Article Collagen Article

24 Helmi 20251h 5min

We have a mashup episode today, exploring heart health during menopause and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.  In this episode, Dr. Felice Gersh dives into the role of estrogen in immune function, inflammation, and heart health. Dr. Deb Matthew highlights the importance of assessing cardiovascular risks and hormone balance in perimenopausal and menopausal women to optimize heart health and minimize reliance on statins. Join us as Dr. Matthew and Dr. Gersh share their insights on heart health, hormones, and menopause. Ep. 356: Menopause, Heart Health, and HRT with Dr. Felice Gersh [00:01:53] Dr. Gersh guides listeners in understanding and appreciating the impact of estrogen on immune function, inflammation, and the healing processes within the body. [49:33] Estradiol is vital for heart health, and its decline after menopause can lead to issues like stiffening of the heart, heart failure, and arrhythmias in women. Ep. 325 Menopausal Toolkit: Heart, Brain and Hormonal Health with Dr. Deb Matthew [00:01:30] Most women fear breast cancer more than heart disease, even though cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Yet, clinicians fail to talk enough about the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in mitigating the risk of heart disease during perimenopause and menopause.  [00:04:04] While estrogen can benefit the cardiovascular health of women, the risks associated with oral estrogen and synthetic forms, including blood clots and artery plaque instability, have led to hesitancy in using hormone replacement therapy despite its potential long-term benefits when administered correctly. [00:11:26] The balance of hormones like testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. Imbalances, such as flat cortisol patterns due to stress, potentially increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Matthew uses tests like coronary artery scans and coronary intima-media thickness to assess cardiovascular risk in patients before considering hormone replacement therapy. [00:20:22] Dr. Matthew emphasizes the importance of advanced lipid testing, addressing the nuances of cholesterol particle size and inflammation, balancing hormones, and optimizing thyroid and blood sugar levels to manage cardiovascular risk instead of immediately resorting to statins. Bio: Dr. Deb Matthew Dr. Deb Matthew MD, The Happy Hormones Doctor, is a best-selling author, international speaker, educator, wife, and mom of four boys. After suffering for years from fatigue and irritability due to hormone imbalances, her quest to resolve her personal health led her to change everything about her practice of medicine. She has been featured on national podcasts, radio, and broadcast shows, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. Her books, This Is NOT Normal! and Why Can't I Keep Up Anymore? address hormone health in women and men. Bio: Dr. Felice Gersh Dr. Felice Gersh is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certification in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is also a recognized expert on PCOS. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine Instagram Connect with Dr. Deb Matthew On her website Facebook Instagram

19 Helmi 20251h 19min

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz today! She is a PharmD, an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease. She is also the author of three books. Her most recent book is The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Dr. Wentz joins me to dive into how to identify what is going on with our adrenal health and why adrenal issues tend to occur along with thyroid issues. We speak about her background and how it influenced her life’s work, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and HPA dysfunction. We also discuss the physiology of the adrenals, acute versus chronic stress, signs of a dysregulated HPA axis, lifestyle, the impact of trauma, and how Dr. Wentz’s protocol works.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Wentz explains what led her to write The Adrenal Protocol. What happens in the body when we experience significant amounts of fatigue? How the physical impact of acute stress differs from that of chronic stress. Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction (other than chronic fatigue). How does sleep apnea tie to Hashimoto’s and mitochondrial health? Lifestyle factors that may contribute to adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens and supplements that can assist in balancing cortisol levels. How to know when to cut back on exercise. Foods that support thyroid and adrenal health, and foods that could negatively impact thyroid and adrenal health. What is molecular mimicry? How does trauma impact adrenal health? Dr. Wentz talks about her latest book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Something you can do right now to improve your adrenal health. Bio: Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of three books on Hashimoto’s: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, and Hashimoto’s Protocol, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Dr. Wentz currently lives in Texas with her husband, Michael, and their son, Dimitry. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz On her website Facebook and Instagram Get Dr. Wentz’s adrenal healing guide: The ABCs of Adrenal Support Find Dr. Wentz’s new book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol  Book Mentioned: From Fatigued to Fantastic by Jacob Teitelbaum

17 Helmi 202550min

I am excited today to connect with my friend and colleague, Jackie Piasta. Jackie is Vanderbilt-trained and has been board-certified as a women’s and gender health nurse practitioner. She has been practicing since 2010. She serves on medical advisory committees for several foundations and co-hosts the justASK Podcast.  In our conversation, we dive into the challenges and complexities surrounding menopausal hormone replacement therapy and FDA-approved formulations, looking at the minute percentage of women currently on menopausal hormone replacement therapy. We discuss supraphysiologic-dosing of hormones and lab work strategies regarding prescribing lifestyle, and Jackie clarifies how she differentiates hypoactive sexual disorder from low libido and dysfunctional uterine bleeding from early menopause. We explore IUDs, ablations, and other long-term bleeding therapy options, explaining how endometriosis can impact the onset of menopause. Jackie also shares her approach to managing patients who have had ablations or are using IUD therapies and not getting regular menstrual cycles, helping them to determine when they transition into menopause. This conversation is full of valuable insights, and we look forward to having Jackie back for a further deep dive into this pivotal stage of women’s health. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Jackie compares the varying information and lack of a one-size-fits-all approach in HRT with that of other medical treatments. Overwhelming options and fear surrounding HRT can make it challenging for clinicians to prescribe those treatments. How compounded HRT formulations differ from commercially available formulations The difference between a normal physiologic and a supraphysiologic dose How low libido differs from hypoactive sexual desire disorder Challenges of diagnosing menopause in women who have had ablations or hysterectomies or use long-acting reversible contraceptives   Importance of evaluating postmenopausal bleeding to rule out endometrial cancer Transparency and open communication with patients about the benefits and risks of HRT Other health interventions to be addressed alongside HRT How endometrial biopsies confirm the presence of uterine disease rather than ruling it out Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jackie Piasta On her website   My Monarch Health on Instagram Jackie on Instagram The justASK Podcast

15 Helmi 20251h 2min

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

12 Helmi 20251h 6min

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

10 Helmi 20251h 13min

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

8 Helmi 20251h 7min