Ep. 525 We’ve Been Misled About Metabolic Health – The Shocking Truth About Cholesterol, GLP-1 & Aging with Dr. Nick Norwitz

I am delighted to have Amanda Nighbert with me on the podcast today! Amanda is a registered dietitian specializing in weight loss nutrition. She was on the show once before, in episode 23, when the podcast was still relatively new. I asked her to join me again today to talk about weight-loss resistance and reverse dieting.  As a dietician, Amanda is aligned fully with my perspectives, ideas, and dogmas. Before branching out into the online space, she spent about sixteen years as a weight-loss dietician, working with morbidly obese patients, including renal patients and diabetics who needed to lose more than a hundred pounds.  Amanda’s education taught her about calories in versus calories out and led her to believe that fat is bad for you. Her years of experience eventually made her realize that was wrong, and people were doing the opposite of what they needed to do to lose weight and maintain the loss over the long term.  In this episode, she explains why reverse dieting is so important and shares strategies for doing it. We go into metabolic adaptation, the diet industry, nutrition apps, and scale management. We also dive into why protein is the most vital macronutrient and how and why so many women are under-eating, over-exercising, and protein-deficient.  I hope you learn a lot from today’s conversation! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Amanda explains what it took to realize that the nutrition model had to change. Some of the strategies Amanda uses for women who have hit a plateau. The importance of getting enough sleep- especially as you age. Why does the quality of the food you eat still matter- even if you are getting enough macros? Amanda unpacks reverse dieting and explains when she would implement it as a strategy for her clients. Amanda explains how she helps women trust the process and work through their emotional issues around food.  Why is reverse dieting the missing piece for maintenance? How the app built into Amanda’s Lean Program helps people find their way back to a healthy metabolism.  Amanda explains why the nutritionix app is her favorite external app. Why should you avoid taking macro and caloric advice from tracking apps? It is all about finding the right balance. (Amanda feels that protein is the most important macronutrient for weight loss, and not all carbs are bad.) Why does it get harder for women to build and maintain muscle as they age?  Bio: Amanda Nighbert is a registered dietitian specializing in weight loss nutrition. Her passion and purpose are to empower others to break the all-or-nothing mindset and find sustainable change for long-term weight loss success. She presented this powerful message on the Ted X stage in March of 2021. With 20 years of knowledge and experience under her belt, she provides upper-level nutrition education and support to everyone she works with. With her custom LEAN Program, range of coaching services, and multiple shop offerings, she has cultivated a brand that focuses on giving participants the leading tools and resources to help them reach the best versions of themselves. Amanda’s goal is to provide the most current, cutting-edge nutritional techniques that not only provide results but are also sustainable for life. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Amanda Nighbert On her Website  Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, & Tedtalk

23 Feb 202247min

I am excited to have Jeffrey Smith joining me on the show today! Jeffrey is a bestselling author and filmmaker. He is also the founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology. He has spoken in 45 countries as a consumer advocate for healthier non-GMO options. For the last twenty years, his research has been bringing to light how biotech companies mislead policymakers and the public and jeopardize the health of our society and the environment.   Hardly any regulations exist anywhere in the world today to stop anyone from creating and introducing a GMO microbe with inexpensive and easily-available gene editing. Yet the microbiome is critical and central to life. That motivated Jeffrey to start the Protect Nature Now campaign to protect the microbiome. The process of genetic engineering creates collateral damage to the DNA. That could lead to allergins, toxins, carcinogens, and nutritional problems. In this episode, Jeffrey shares some vital information about GMOs that everyone needs to know. He dives into problems that could result from eating GMO crops, the consumer protection failure of the FDA, and how Monsanto rigged its research. He talks about why no GMO in the world has ever been tested properly and the time-bombs that exist in our food supply. He also discusses how glyphosate impacts our bodies, the impact glyphosate will have on future generations, and how to support healthy life with organic food alternatives. I hope you enjoy our eye-opening conversation! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Jeffrey explains what GMOs are and how they have changed over the years. Why do genetically engineered crops not die when sprayed with herbicide? Problems that could result from consuming genetically engineered crops. Jeffrey discusses the devastating levels of toxicity in glyphosate and Roundup. The role the FDA, the EPA, and other governmental regulatory agencies have played in failing to protect consumers. How and why Monsanto rigged its research. Why has no GMO in the world been properly tested? The health issues that independent studies on GMOs revealed. The correlation between glyphosate and GMOs, and autism and disorders. Jeffrey talks about his award-winning documentary, Secret Ingredients. How does glyphosate cause mineral deficiency? The connection between glyphosate and infertility and birth defects. You can find a list of healthy organic and non-GMO foods at responsibletechnology.org. How you can support a healthy life affordably with organic foods. Jeffrey created the Protect Nature Now campaign to protect the microbiome. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Jeffrey Smith Jeffrey’s documentary Your Milk on Drugs- Just Say No Institute for Responsible Technology Protect Nature Now Live Healthy Be Well Podcast

19 Feb 20221h

Today I have the honor of reconnecting with Dr. David Perlmutter. Dr. Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He joined me once before on episode 141: Reclaim your Brain, and we spoke about his book, Brainwash. He is with me today to talk about his newest book, Drop Acid, which focuses on the role of uric acid, fructose, metabolism, and metabolic health.  In the wonderful work he does, Dr. Perlmutter brings to light how our diets profoundly impact our metabolic health and metabolic markers and talks about the many changes we can make regarding our food choices and the supplements we use. In this episode, we have a mind-blowing conversation! Dr. Perlmutter dives into how our bodies process uric acid, the impact of alcohol and fructose consumption, and how our metabolic health is worsening due to our current dietary choices. We talk about how high fructose corn syrup impairs insulin and leptin production signaling which translates into no satiety. We discuss the impact of metabolic health on brain function, resulting in one in every ten people older than sixty-five having Alzheimer’s. We also explain how obesity impacts cognitive and behavioral health and talk about how we can prevent all of those problems. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Perlmutter gives examples of illnesses in the group of chronic degenerative diseases that the World Health Organization tells us are the number one cause of death on our planet. He highlights the importance of identifying their causes. The role of uric acid in human survival. Dr. Perlmutter shares some frightening statistics regarding the health of American adults and children and explains how bad lifestyle choices are threatening our ability to live a long and healthy life.  What is uric acid, where does it come from, and how are we getting it into our diets?  When we gain control of uric acid and combine it with healthy lifestyle choices, it can become a powerful tool, influence us positively, and help us regain and maintain our health. The difference between high fructose corn syrup and fructose in fruit. What does uric acid do in the body? The impact of fructose and uric acid on the brain. Why do high levels of salt consumption relate to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension? What does uric acid do that is threatening to our physical health? The fundamental importance of following a plant-based diet. Doctors can use a tape measure to measure people’s risk of developing dementia. Why do c-section babies have an increased risk of developing metabolic issues? Dr. Perlmutter talks about his LUV (Lower Uric Values) program, designed to help people reduce their uric acid levels.  Bio: Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. In addition, he is also a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, Columbia University, Scripps Institute, New York University, and Harvard University, and serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He also serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. David Perlmutter On his website     Get a copy of Dr. Perlmutter’s book, Drop Acid

12 Feb 202259min

Today, I am excited to have Ashleigh VanHouten and Beth Lipton joining me on the show to talk about their new book, Carnivore-ish! Ashleigh and Beth are both powerful women who are helping to rewrite the narrative around the carnivore-ish diet.  Ashleigh is a health coach, speaker, podcast host, and author of the only nose-to-tail, organ-meat-centric cookbook It Takes Guts. She is also the host of the Muscle Maven Radio podcast. Beth is a recipe developer, food and wellness writer, and cookbook author. She is an incredibly talented woman, and I was honored to have her working with me on my book, Intermittent Fasting Transformation.   Some problems exist within the weight-loss and weight-management industry, especially with how food, fitness plans, and ideologies get marketed to women. When it comes to making money, Beth and Ashleigh prefer to empower people and teach them what food does for them and how to eat it, rather than asking them to keep on signing up for workout plans and diets. In this episode, Ashleigh and Beth discuss their book and dive into the weight-loss and weight-management industry. They explain how mindset impacts food choices- particularly with women, and the need for more nutrient density and protein. We unpack plant-based versus animal-based diets, discuss the benefits of a carnivore-ish diet, and Beth and Ashleigh explain how to eat nose-to-tail and create a strategy to integrate more organ meat into your lifestyle. We also debunk some common myths around protein consumption and talk about spices and ways to jazz up your meals. Carnivore-ish is an inspiring book! It will have a huge impact on anyone considering following a more animal-based diet, particularly those who would like to learn more about organ meats. You are sure to learn a lot from listening to this episode, so stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Ashleigh discusses the red flags within the weight-loss and weight-management industry and explains what she and Ashleigh are doing differently. Ashleigh and Beth debunk the myth that fun, delicious food cannot be healthy. Things that work best for your health are usually not sexy. They are often things your Grandma taught you. Some sustainable first steps that will help you to improve your health. Beth and Ashleigh want to help women understand that eating   nutrient-dense animal protein is excellent for their health, particularly pregnant women. The benefits of following a varied omnivorous diet. How you will benefit nutritionally from eating a lot of animal protein, particularly organ meats. Why should plant-based protein not be your primary source of protein? Beth explains why she encourages people to try a carnivore diet to cleanse and reset after eating a lot of sugar or drinking more alcohol than they usually do. Ashleigh talks about the value of eating organ meats. Ashley and Beth share some tips for getting into eating organ meats and making them taste delicious. Beth talks about her favorite spices and seasoning blends. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn    Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Ashleigh VanHouten On Instagram On her website Connect with Beth Lipton On Instagram

5 Feb 20221h 7min

I am delighted to welcome Vinnie Tortorich back onto the show! Vinnie was with me once before, in episode 133. Today, he is joining me to talk about his impressive new documentary, Beyond Impossible, coming out soon. I was fortunate to be the first person outside of Vinnie’s team to see his new documentary. It homes in on plant versus animal-based protein and takes a deep dive into methodologies, what marginal land represents, and the net impact of methane and cows.  Vinnie Tortorich is a truth-teller and disrupter. He encourages people to think outside of their comfort zones in an informational yet non-confrontational way. He has connections with individuals like Nina Teicholz, who can easily articulate scientific ideas and research. Ten years ago, Vinnie launched his Fitness Confidential Podcast. It amasses more than a million downloads per month. The following year, he published his book, Fitness Confidential, which became an instant bestseller. In 2019, Vinnie wrote, produced, and starred in Fat, a documentary that rose to number one in several categories across iTunes and ranked well on Amazon and Amazon Prime. A sequel, titled Fat: A Documentary 2, was released earlier this year. Vinnie was one of the first people ever to talk about the benefits of low carb and ketogenic diets on the internet. In this episode, he and I talk about non-meat products, how our health and wellness have changed since the 1980s, and how much metabolic inflexibility we are currently seeing. We also discuss how some plant-based vegan scientists have influenced public policy and how common misnomers regarding health and wellness can affect our advancement, both as individuals and as a country. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why Vinnie decided to create his new documentary, Beyond Impossible. Why do we need to consume animal-sourced proteins? The issues with fake meat. Are cows truly an invasive species on earth? Why is veganism a social construct of wealthy countries? Why Vinnie describes the liver as a gangster. Some very wealthy corporate benefactors and investors do not take good care of themselves, yet they drive the public policies that impact everyone else. What happened in the 1980s that changed the narrative around fats? Why the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet will not improve your health. What is driving the concept of the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet, and what will happen as a result of the policies that have ensued from it? You can watch Vinnie’s new documentary, Beyond Impossible, on Amazon or iTunes, or you can pre-order it. It will be out in early January 2022. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Vinnie Tortorich On his website On Twitter and Facebook  Book mentioned: Eat to Win by Dr. Robert Haas

29 Jan 20221h 28min

I am delighted to have Autumn Smith joining me on the show today! Autumn is a co-founder of Paleovalley, one of my favorite socially-conscious companies. Paleovalley has a mission to create products that live up to their strict standards, and they always prioritize health over profit.  From the age of ten, Autumn suffered from intermittent, painful digestive issues. When she got to high school, her digestive issues became even more challenging, and she also started to experience mental health problems. At the time, she was unaware of the intimate connection between the brain and the gut, so she began to abuse substances, and her life spiraled out of control.  Years later, when her husband moved in with her, he saw how much she was suffering and researched chronic digestive issues. That led them to change their diet. Within thirty days, Autumn’s digestive issues disappeared, and over the next year, her mental health returned. Autumn and I are in full alignment about the quality of fats, saturated fats, avoiding seed oils, and getting enough high-quality omega 3’s and omega 6’s. In this episode, Autumn shares her backstory. We look at animal-based protein diets from an ancestral health perspective and discuss the importance of eating for satiety. We talk about regenerative farming practices, agriculture, the value of pasture-raised animals, and discuss the impact of pesticides and toxins like glyphosate on our health. We also dive into greenwashing strategies and bringing high-quality, pasture-raised animal products to the general public at more affordable prices. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Autumn tells her story explains what led her to start her company. The foods that caused Autumn to suffer from IBS and skin problems. Exercise and movement contribute to Autumn’s mental and physical health. Tracy Anderson developed a life-changing system that wakes up all the muscles in the body. Why are highly processed and refined seed oils unhealthy? The quality of the animal products we consume does matter. Small changes can have a big impact! How can you make better choices when buying animal products? Eating for satiety is very important. What is the problem with conventional feed-lot meats? We need to be more aware of the cruelty and greenwashing practices that happen with the production of animal products. What is regenerative agriculture, and why is it so important? Autumn’s bio: Autumn Smith suffered from debilitating digestive issues and crippling anxiety for most of her life. Specialist after specialist told her nothing could be done, and she was ready to give up. But as one final attempt at a life free of health issues, Autumn decided to harness the power of whole foods. She cleaned up her diet and in just 30 days, her IBS was cured. But that was just the beginning. She also had less anxiety, was mentally sharper, and a bubbly side of her that she forgot existed came back. Since then, Autumn has dedicated her life to helping others harness the power of whole foods to live vibrant lives. In 2013, she and her husband Chas launched Paleovalley, a company dedicated to helping people get the essential nutrients they need, without added sugars, grains, and other harmful ingredients. But they didn’t stop there. After learning about the healing powers of grass fed, pasture raised meat - both for our bodies and the planet - Autumn and Chas started their next venture. In 2018, they launched Wild Pastures, a regenerative meat delivery service that sends 100% grass fed pasture raised meat directly to your doorstep. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Autumn Smith The Paleovalley website Email Autumn at autumn@paleovalley.com  The Wild Pastures Burger Company website

22 Jan 202259min

I am delighted to have Dr. Sonya Jensen joining me on the show today! Dr. Sonya is a Naturopathic Physician with a mission to change the way women understand their bodies and themselves. She believes that women are the center of their families and communities, and by supporting them, they create a ripple effect that supports the whole. Dr. Jensen is a mother of two boys, an author, a yoga teacher, a podcaster, and a workshop and retreat leader. She runs her practice with her husband, and they help their community move into a state of thriving from surviving. Her background in cell biology and her lived experience with Ayurvedic Medicine in her home have given her insights into the human body that help her serve the women and families she works with from multiple different lenses. She is the co-founder of Divine Elements Health Center, The Longevity Lab, and The Health Ignited Academy, alongside her husband, Dr. Nicholas Jensen. Dr. Sonya believes it is everyone’s birthright to live a happy, healthy, joyful, and abundant life. Younger women often tend to pressure themselves to be perfect, both personally and in their professional lives. That sometimes occurs unknowingly. It usually happens because of peer pressure and the expectation, influence, and conditioning they get from their families. In this episode, Dr. Sonya talks about her new book, Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story. She discusses the effects of stress, talks about contraception, and explains how synthetic hormones like oral contraceptives can influence women's lives. She also shares some tips for coping with the changes that occur as women approach menopause. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sonya explains what motivated her to write her book, Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story. The conditioning we get from our families starts in the womb, and it affects many of the choices we make in our lives. Most children experience traumas, micro-traumas, and stresses that impact them in profound ways. What happens in a woman’s body when she is under stress and in survival mode? Dr. Sonya shares strategies for bringing women out of the fight, flight, freeze, or please mode and back to the calm parasympathetic reproductive physical state. The effect that synthetic hormones like oral contraceptives have on women’s bodies. Dr. Sonya talks about various contraceptive options that will allow you to honor your body and stay connected with it. The physical and emotional changes women can expect to experience as they approach menopause. Dr. Sonya shares some tips for dealing with the changes that occur as women transition into perimenopause. Dr. Sonya explains how fasting is a strategy for supporting your hormones, becoming more aligned, and honoring your life. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Sonya Jensen On her website  On Instagram  Buy a copy of her book (The book is also available from Amazon and other booksellers) Books mentioned: The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing by Bessel van der Kolk Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor  The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences by Sarah Chapman Hill

15 Jan 20221h 2min

The amazing Megan Ramos was on the show with me in Episode 116, and I am delighted to have her join me again today! Megan is a Canadian clinical educator and expert on therapeutic fasting and low carbohydrate diets, having guided more than 14,000 people worldwide. She is the co-author of the New York Times Bestseller Life in the Fasting Lane and co-founded The Fasting Method with her colleague, Dr. Jason Fung. Modern agriculture and the processed food industry have led to the mass production of hyper-palatable, highly salted, and sugared foods designed to be addictive. That has resulted in millions of people becoming obese and developing inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Fasting is an effective method for overcoming those problems. Megan and I both feel that it is vital for women to know that and to understand that fasting is a sustainable lifelong strategy for maintaining optimum health. In this episode, we debunk the myths and misconceptions around women and intermittent fasting. We talk about the evolution of the agricultural processed food industry and the impact it has had on people’s health. We also discuss leptin resistance, how stress impacts hormones, different types of body fat, fasting in women who are still cycling versus those in menopause, PCOS, the impact of fasting on thyroid health, weight loss plateaus, and troubleshooting while fasting. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Megan unpacks and busts the myths and misconceptions around women and intermittent fasting and explains how fasting enhanced every aspect of her health and the health of thousands of other women. How modern processed food was designed to be addictive. Why do we need to cut out snacking and start eating less? What   leptin resistance is, and how to overcome it with fasting. Megan explains why the fear-mongering around fasting is unfounded. The body is a whole system. So if there is one hormonal imbalance, that will probably trigger others. Megan talks about the success she has seen in women with PCOS who fast. The body composition of a tophi individual and the difference between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Why should healthy women fast? Megan explains why postmenopausal women find fasting easier than other women do. What are the benefits of using the DUTCH dried urine hormone test? What can women do to deal with weight-loss plateaus? Megan shares some tips for avoiding having diarrhea when breaking your fast. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Megan Ramos The Fasting Method website The Fasting Method Podcast@ the fasting method on all social media Books mentioned: Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

8 Jan 20221h 12min