BONUS: Eat Smarter: The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Your Gut, Brain and Metabolic Health with Shawn Stevenson

Today, we have the first episode in a two-part mashup series focused on metabolism and weight loss resistance.  I am delighted to be joined today by Dr. William Li, Michelle Shapiro, and Lara Adler. Dr. Li and I explore how our metabolism shifts throughout our lifetime, the role of excess body fat, the influence of lifestyle choices, and the distinction between different types of fat. Michelle and I discuss the complex relationship between weight, shame, and self-perception, including how internal dialogue, orthorexia, and adverse childhood events shape our health journey. Lara and I examine how metabolic health and insulin resistance are affected by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday products, food, and the environment.  You will love this invaluable compilation, packed with insights and practical knowledge from our expert guests. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How metabolism changes as we age The difference between brown (biologically active) and white fat  Excess body fat drives inflammation and hormonal changes. How our internal dialogue influences our lifestyle choices  Impact of adverse childhood experiences on long-term health and stress responses Dietary strategies can fail when driven by fear or perfectionism. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals block or mimic hormones  Early-life chemical exposures set the stage for lifelong metabolic challenges Reducing toxic exposure can support weight management and metabolic resilience.  How reducing your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in everyday products can support your metabolic health and help you manage your weight  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. William Li On social media: @Dr William Li On his website Sign up for Dr. Li’s free newsletter  Ep. 354 Metabolism Myths Debunked: Weight Gain Insights with Dr. William Li Connect with Michelle Shapiro On her website Quiet the Diet Podcast Ep. 390 Understanding Shame, Food Behaviors & Weight Loss with Michelle Shapiro Connect with Lara Adler On her website On Facebook and Instagram Ep. 159 Lara Adler Explains The Link Between Chemical Exposure And Weight Gain & Other Health Issues

19 Marras 1h 4min

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Aaron Hartman, a triple-board-certified physician who recently wrote the book "Uncurable."  In today’s expansive conversation, we delve deeply into the structural flaws of traditional allopathic medicine. Dr. Hartman shares how his own clinical approach has evolved and recounts Anna’s story, explaining how her experience became a turning point in his professional growth. We highlight the importance of lifelong learning, patient advocacy, and the benefits of removing restrictions to allow providers to deliver patient-centered care. We examine the legacy of the Flexner Report, the rigidity it introduced to modern medicine, and the broad potential of GLP-1s beyond weight loss. We discuss the hidden factors that shape medical errors, the effects of insurance reimbursement, the challenges of existing in the current medical system, and how fear of liability influences clinical decisions. We also explore the triangle of health and the effects of unresolved trauma. This episode is packed with valuable insights, so you will likely want to revisit it more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How traditional allopathic medicine is structurally rigid and limits patient-centered care Dr. Hartman shares how patient advocacy and curiosity-driven learning fueled his clinical evolution. How the Flexner Report created a hierarchy that discourages innovation and integrity The therapeutic potential of GLP-1s beyond weight loss  Why being open-minded as a clinician does not mean being reckless How insurance reimbursement models reward overdiagnosis and procedural volume instead of outcomes What the fear of litigation leads to, regarding defensive medicine and unnecessary testing How clinical decisions, overtesting, and overdiagnosis can inadvertently contribute to serious medical errors and harm patients What the triangle of health is, and how it underpins overall wellbeing Why unresolved trauma can cause physical illnesses Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Aaron Hartman On his website Purchase a copy of Uncurable

17 Marras 59min

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Doug Lucas for the first episode of a two-part masterclass on bone health. Dr. Lucas is double board-certified as both an orthopedic surgeon and an osteoporosis specialist. He is on a mission to show the world that osteoporosis is both preventable and reversible.   In our discussion today, we take a deep dive into existing guidelines and their limitations and examine how Depo-Provera and oral contraceptives affect women’s bone physiology, particularly in younger women. We clarify why no ovulation means no bone balance, how breastfeeding affects bone health, and the importance of peak bone density. We explore the importance of early interventions and screenings, risk factors for poor bone health, the concept of relative energy deficiency, and the limitations of DEXA scans compared to REMS technology. Dr. Lucas also discusses bone health markers and the effects of frailty, falls, and sarcopenia, and shares the foundational pillars of health and longevity. Stay tuned for part two of our masterclass on bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How existing osteoporosis guidelines tend to overlook the key nuances of prevention and care The importance of early bone-health screening  How Depo-Provera and the contraceptive pill disrupt bone physiology in younger women How bone balance becomes disrupted with suppressed ovulation  Why peak bone density is a critical target in early adulthood How breastfeeding affects bone density  Where DEXA scans fall short and how REMS technology offers a clearer picture of bone health How relative energy deficiency impacts bone health in active women Why muscle mass is essential for protecting bone health and preventing frailty  The lifestyle pillars for long-term bone health and longevity Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Doug Lucas The OsteoCollective Community The Dr. Doug Show

15 Marras 59min

It’s Nurse Practitioners Week, and today, we have a special episode to highlight a historic moment in time. On November 11, the FDA changed the labeling on hormone replacement therapy.  Join me for a short, focused episode where I read a recently published JAMA article detailing those changes, to keep you up to date on this significant development. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How recent FDA updates are changing menopausal hormone therapy The history of estrogen’s role in heart and bone health How past research sparked fear around hormone therapy What the new labeling means for patients and prescribers How individualized treatment is reshaping dosage and timing decisions. Updated FDA labeling now distinguishes between systemic and topical therapies Key considerations for menopause-related urinary and genital health How these updates will potentially impact women’s long-term health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

14 Marras 13min

I’m excited to share a new AMA episode with you today, dedicated to risk factors specific to women. In this AMA session, I dive into the lifestyle factors that influence lipids, exploring the latest research and discussing Lp(a) and ApoB. Rather than answering your individual questions, I have woven them into the overall outline to create a cohesive and informative conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How women’s lifestyle choices directly affect their lipid profiles How knowing if you’re a hyper absorber or hyper producer of cholesterol will change your treatment strategy What the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance test will reveal about your body’s ability to handle cholesterol The best treatments for hyper absorbers, and the best treatments for hyper producers How hard plaque differs from soft plaque, and why that matters for women’s heart health How the new AI-assisted Clearly scan provides a more complete cardiovascular risk picture than a standard calcium score How chronic stress and elevated cortisol fuel insulin resistance and inflammation, and damage blood vessel linings The benefits of Mediterranean-style eating for improving lipid balance, vasomotor symptoms, and overall metabolic health The importance of managing trauma, stress, and emotional health in midlife How my “n=1” experiment with Zetia and micro-dosed GLP-1s significantly improved my ApoB and inflammation markers Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Resources:  Dietary natural products as emerging lipoprotein(a)-lowering agents The Effects of Menopause Hormone Therapy on Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis An Update on Lipoprotein(a): The Latest on Testing, Treatment, and Guideline Recommendations

12 Marras 46min

I am thrilled to have Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman with me on the show today. Dr. Bogunovic is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the medical director of the alcohol, drug, and addiction outpatient program at McLean Hospital. and Holly directed the documentary As Prescribed. In today’s discussion, we dive into the ongoing benzodiazepine crisis in the United States, with over 92 million prescriptions written each year for medications like Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. We discuss the origin of those drugs in the 1970s as treatments for anxiety and how they lead to tremendous physical dependency. Holly shares her experience with the neurological effects she suffered after long-term use of Klonopin, and we examine challenges in psychiatric care, the need for informed consent, and the impact of social media. We also cover the role of lifestyle, the need for psychotherapy and psychosocial support, and the significance of hope. This conversation is truly invaluable! Given how frequently benzodiazepines get prescribed, everyone must understand their associated risks and considerations. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How prescribing practices have evolved over the last two decades The significant consequences older adults face when they suddenly stop using benzodiazepines  Holly shares how doctors misinformed her when she began taking Klonopin.  Holly describes the benzodiazepine-induced symptoms and cognitive issues she experienced Why people must get informed about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines when consenting to take them How benzodiazepines work in the body and impact the brain Why benzodiazepines are ineffective when used long-term for insomnia The challenges certain people face when accessing psychiatric care What is BIND, and what are its symptoms? The significance of diet and holistic approaches for managing mental health, and why community support is essential in the recovery process Why As Prescribed is an educational documentary for everyone Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic ⁠The McLean Hospital⁠  The documentary, As Prescribed, is available in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, Apple, Kanopy, Tubi, and Google.

10 Marras 53min

I am honored to connect with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Berry Fairchild, today. Dr. Fairchild blends surgical precision with artistry to create natural, lasting results. Known for her expertise in facial aesthetics and complex breast surgery, she is also deeply committed to philanthropy and ongoing international surgical missions. In our discussion, we explore how societal expectations shape how women perceive themselves, the complex process of facial aging, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in supporting these changes. Dr. Fairchild highlights the essential elements of effective skin care, including hydration and sunscreen, and the use of retinoids, lasers, microneedling, neuromodulators, hyaluronic acid, fillers, and fat transfers, diving into the role of surgery and the value of conversations around various facial and body procedures. She also shares strategies for optimizing post-surgical recovery and how philanthropy has shaped both her personal and professional journeys. Stay tuned for a truly enlightening conversation with Dr. Berry Fairchild, who is caring and open-minded about listeners’ questions regarding the aging process and ways to address an aging face and body. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Facial aging actually starts deep below the skin How losing even a small amount of weight can alter your facial appearance Why surgical decisions must always  be individualized The positioning of the eyebrows and the upper eyelid skin can help determine facial expression. Why you could still consider surgical improvements even after you have had previous eyelid surgery Deep-plane vs. SMAS-based facelifts Importance of choosing a plastic surgeon with proven expertise and proper credentials  Some surgeries, like breast reductions, go beyond cosmetic value to relieve pain. Preparing yourself before having surgery for a faster and smoother recovery Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Berry Fairchild On Instagram TikTok

8 Marras 56min

I am delighted to reconnect with my friend and colleague Robb Wolf today. Robb is a former research biochemist and a two-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling Author of The Paleo Solution and Wired to Eat.  In our conversation today, we examine the pitfalls of diet dogmatism, the lure of oversimplified health narratives, and the effects of Giardia. We unpack the seed oil debate, exploring how the longevity craze might actually be making us sicker, and we highlight the benefits of sun exposure and targeted lab testing. We also touch on the neuroscience of obesity and how food exposure shapes overeating and palate fatigue. As always, my conversation with Robb is insightful, practical, and packed with knowledge, so I know you will find it both inspiring and invaluable. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The problem with dogmatic diets How Giardia impacts gut health How aggressive screening often creates risks, stress, and costs without improving outcomes The health benefits of adequate sun exposure Why consuming seed oils occasionally is not a huge concern The overwhelming impact of our modern food environment Why palate fatigue could cause overeating How our culture has normalized constant indulgence Some simple lifestyle actions that can yield massive health benefits Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Robb Wolf  Robb’s Substack

5 Marras 55min