Ep. 250 Denver's Diet Doctor: Metabolic Health, Toxic Food Environment, & Therapeutic Fasting

Today, we have the next episode in our series of sponsored podcasts with highly vetted companies.  I am delighted to connect with Sarah Kennedy, the founder and CEO of Calocurb, a revolutionary product for weight management that became commercialized after 15 years and $30 million of research from the New Zealand government. Calocurb currently sells in five international markets and continues to grow rapidly through channels and geographies.  Sarah is a veterinarian by training and has held several senior executive positions in the agribusiness and food industries. In our conversation today, we explore the science behind Calocurb, the evolutionary mechanisms of satiety, and how Calocurb reduces caloric intake by 18%. We discuss endogenous GLP-1 drugs, highlighting how Calocurb’s mechanism of action differs, and examining current research on gender differences in GLP-1 secretion, including their impact on the menstrual cycle and intermittent fasting. Sarah also covers the four core tenets of Calocurb, shares upcoming research that excites her, and explains the key differences between Calocurb and other supplements, like berberine and chromium. This conversation is truly invaluable, so it's worth revisiting. I am excited about Calocurb’s potential to support a variety of needs, helping those looking to improve their hunger and satiety mechanisms, and assisting those taking GLP-1 medications who want to reduce their dosage and transition off GLP-1 medications without compromising the long-term results. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How Calocurb began How Calocurb supports those on GLP-1s looking to lower their doses or taper off (in conjunction with their healthcare team) Sarah explains why Calocurb is very safe, and its four to six-hour mode of action.  The three primary use cases for Calocurb, and how it helps to reduce the side effects and costs associated with GLP-1 injections The importance of making lifestyle changes when transitioning off GLP-1 medications How Calocurb stimulates natural GLP-1 receptors, making it easier to manage food cravings during intermittent fasting Sarah shares how Calocurb helped her manage her love-hate relationship with food. How to take Calocurb for optimal effectiveness Sarah outlines Calocurb’s four core values.  How Calocurb differs from other supplements Foods that help to reinforce the satiety mechanism Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Sarah Kennedy Calocurb  Research Articles: Gastrointestinal delivery of bitter hop extract reduces appetite and food cravings in healthy adult women undergoing acute fasting  New Zealand Bitter Hops Extract Reduces Hunger During a 24h Water  Only Fast Body weight reduction in women treated with tirzepatide by reproductive stage: a post hoc analysis from the SURMOUNT program

15 Sep 47min

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Kelly Caspersen, a urologist who empowers women to live their best love lives. She is a two-time author, with her latest being The Menopause Moment. In our conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, from navigating UTI purgatory and understanding the vaginal microbiome to how vaginal estrogen can dramatically reduce the risk of sepsis and death in the ICU. We unpack the evolving language of hormones- specifically progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone and we examine censorship and bias on social media, and the differences between prescribers and non-prescribers. We explore the effects of SSRIs on bone and brain health, changes in self-perception in middle age, and the effects of the baby boomer generation and the Women’s Health Initiative, exposing the medical gaslighting behind the use it or lose it narrative. We also offer practical options for women who cannot take hormones, and Dr. Kelly shares her go-to supplements and those she avoids. This conversation is one of my recent favorites. Dr. Kelly’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her straightforward approach makes complex topics clear, practical, and unforgettable. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why recurrent UTIs can feel like UTI purgatory How hormone terminology is evolving, and what that means for women in midlife The value of vaginal estrogen, and the potential it holds for saving women’s lives How the approaches of prescribers and non-prescribers differ How SSRIs can raise the risk of bone fractures  The brain health and self-perception shifts that often occur in midlife  Why the use it or lose it belief is misleading, and how it veers into medical gaslighting How the baby boomer generation and the Women’s Health Initiative still influence women’s healthcare today Some alternative options for women who cannot take hormones Dr. Kelly shares her preferred supplements and those she avoids Bio:  Dr. Kelly Casperson, MD Urologist • Author • Podcaster • Women's Health Thought Leader Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, best-selling author, and top-ranked international podcaster empowering women to take control of their health, hormones, and sexuality. Known for blending science with storytelling, she transforms complex medical topics into relatable and actionable insights that help women live fully and fearlessly—especially in midlife. With her signature candor and evidence-based clarity, Dr. Casperson dismantles long-held myths around sex, menopause, and desire. Her acclaimed podcast, You Are Not Broken, has become a go-to resource for hundreds of thousands of women seeking real answers about their bodies and brains. Her groundbreaking work integrates urology, neuroscience, and mindset coaching to drive lasting change in intimacy, confidence, and overall well-being. As a keynote speaker and educator, Dr. Casperson challenges outdated norms in medicine while offering bold, science-backed solutions. She’s on a mission to build a world where women are educated, empowered, and no longer afraid of their own bodies. Whether she’s on stage, in a clinic, or behind the mic, Dr. Casperson is leading a health revolution—one smart, honest conversation at a time. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson On her website On Instagram You Are Not Broken (Podcast) The Menopause Moment is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

13 Sep 1h 10min

I am delighted to connect with Shanna Pearson today. She is the Founder and President of Expert ADHD Coaching, which is the most extensive ADHD coaching program of its kind in the world, providing one-on-one, action-based coaching for adults who are easily distracted and seeking personal, professional, and financial success. Shanna is also the author of Invisible ADHD.  In our discussion, we take a clear and practical look at what ADHD really is. We unpack the chemical changes that occur in the brain, highlighting the gender differences, and exploring why women have become the lost generation and why so many people get misdiagnosed. We also discuss common conditions that often accompany ADHD, the challenges of social conditioning, and share practical tools for addressing ADHD. Whether you have ADHD or you struggle with overwhelm, this discussion offers helpful insights and strategies that are sure to make a real difference. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: What ADHD truly is The brain biochemistry of those with ADHD How ADHD differs in men and women Why Shanna refers to women whose ADHD is undiagnosed until perimenopause or menopause as a lost generation    How ADHD in women often gets misdiagnosed How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause impact ADHD symptoms How societal expectations tend to exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women Strategies for managing ADHD Lifestyle factors that are essential for managing ADHD symptoms How her book, Invisible ADHD, can help anyone struggling with ADHD or overwhelm Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Shanna Pearson Expert ADHD Coaching   Purchase your copy of Invisible ADHD here, or on Amazon

10 Sep 58min

I am thrilled to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Anthony Youn, today.  Dr. Youn is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon and the author of many best-selling books. He has a massive social media presence and hosts the widely acclaimed podcast The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show. In our conversation today, we dive into Dr. Youn’s new book, Younger for Life, and he offers valuable insights on skin health and overall well-being. We explore the aging process and address oxidative-free radical damage, chronic inflammation, autophagy, and the impact of processed foods. We also explore helpful supplements for skin support, examine the concept of greenwashing, and discuss sunscreen, exfoliation, in-office treatments, breast implant illness, and the impact of lifestyle choices. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How to avoid aging too quickly through nutrition and lifestyle changes How sugar and seed oils impact skin aging The benefits of collagen supplements for healthier skin  Hormonal changes that affect the metabolism and skin health after menopause The importance of screening the ingredients in skincare products How chemical sunscreens differ from physical sunblocks Using Retinol for anti-aging and skin health Non-invasive fat reduction treatments and their potential risks Dr. Youn discusses breast implant illness What you need to look out for when using Botox Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with Dr. Anthony Youn On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠Youn Beauty⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube

8 Sep 1h 13min

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Heather Quaile. She is a double board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and advanced forensic nurse with specialty training in female sexual medicine. Her training focused on integrative gynecology. Today, we dive into trauma-informed care, defining big and little T trauma, examining how adverse childhood events impact gynecologic care, and clarifying how chronic stress and trauma affect ovarian aging. We discuss the role of recalibration of the nervous and autonomic nervous systems during perimenopause and menopause, and explore the importance of estrogen in supporting serotonin, dopamine, and adrenal health in middle age. We cover GLP-1s, reframing packaging around vaginal estrogen, FDA approval for testosterone, the new terminology of PET, and holistic management of low libido, and we also tackle the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, new terminology, barriers, self-advocacy, and the significance of pelvic floor Health.  This conversation with Dr. Quaile is truly invaluable. She is a most helpful resource on everything related to integrative gynecology, sexual medicine, and self-advocacy. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How big and little T trauma differ What trauma-informed care is, and why it is particularly relevant for women in perimenopause and menopause Symptoms and behaviors that indicate trauma in women How the interrelationship between estradiol and serotonin affects our worldview, self-perception, sleep, and relationships  The benefits of addressing any hormonal imbalances before using GLP-1s for weight loss The pros and cons of gaining FDA approval for testosterone and commercializing it   Factors that could cause decreased libido in middle-aged women The genitourinary changes that occur in different life phases of women, or with cancer, or when going through gender reassignment How PET (progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone) terminology is evolving to include women outside of perimenopause and menopause  The five questions Dr. Quaile has in her DSDS (decreased sexual desire screener) for clinicians, to get to the root cause of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in patients The importance of women being comfortable about advocating for themselves Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Heather Quaile On her website  Instagram

6 Sep 46min

We have the next episode in our series of thyroid-focused podcasts today. In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone, Dr. Alan Christianson, and Dr. Amie Hornaman join me to dive into medications, treatment options, personal preferences, and the fear that often drives medical decision-making. We discuss the current prevalence of thyroid-related conditions and why iodine remains a controversial topic in thyroid physiology. We also cover the role of micronutrients and the impact and symptoms of hypothyroidism, clarifying the concept of thyroid pause, and the specific lab tests required for evaluation, in addition to sharing some practical strategies.  Dr. Shawn Tassone advocates for a personalized approach to thyroid treatment, often preferring desiccated or compounded medications over standard synthetics, depending on patient response, insurance coverage, and symptom relief. He also addresses the ongoing resistance within conventional endocrinology to T3-based therapies, despite clear clinical improvements in patients using them. Dr. Alan Christianson explains that the dramatic rise in thyroid disorders over recent decades is due to increased iodine exposure, particularly from processed foods, dairy, supplements, and cosmetics. While iodine is essential for thyroid function, even small excesses can overwhelm the system, triggering autoimmune responses. However, reducing iodine intake can significantly improve or even reverse thyroid dysfunction in many people. Dr. Amie Hornaman explains that optimal thyroid function is essential for overall health, and the active thyroid hormone, T3, is needed by every cell in the body. She highlights the importance of comprehensive thyroid testing to detect dysfunction often missed by standard TSH tests, particularly in women over 40 or those experiencing symptoms linked to perimenopause, menopause, or Hashimoto’s. This enlightening conversation, with three leading thyroid authorities, is packed with valuable insights, so you should revisit it more than once. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Shawn Tassone On his website Instagram (Appointments: drshawntassone) Call Dr. Tassone’s office: 512 956029 Facebook Connect with Dr. Alan Christianson On his website Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman On her website Facebook and Instagram YouTube The Thyroid Fixer Podcast Ep 243 Balancing your hormones and thyroid health with Dr. Shawn Tassone Ep. 154 Thyroid & Intermittent Fasting Reset: How to Normalize Your Thyroid Function with Dr. Alan Christianson Ep. 426 Thyroid Health Masterclass: Labs, Diets & Autoimmune Insights with Dr. Amie Hornaman (DCN)

3 Sep 44min

I am happy to connect with Coach Bronson Dant today. He has spent over a decade guiding and training people in health and fitness. He discovered the benefits of a whole-food, animal-based ketogenic diet for optimizing metabolic health and performance, and wrote The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Book. In our discussion today, we dive into the powerful story of Coach Bronson’s pain-to-purpose journey. We explore the value of mindset and examine how age-related changes impact muscle, inflammation, and metabolic flexibility. He shares his three pillars of muscle health related to nutrient density, bioavailability, and satiety, and we examine the importance of sleep, the impact of extremes in exercise, and the value of stress management. We also unravel the complexities of weight loss resistance, and Coach Bronson discusses his research from the Journal of Nutrition Metabolism and Health Science, sharing his perspective on macros and functional movement in menopausal women. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Coach Bronson shares his three pillars for nutrition The limitations of basing nutrition on calories alone How the hormone piece impacts effective weight management How to avoid physical deterioration through fitness and nutrition Why Coach Bronson advocates for living life to the fullest and dying quickly How does muscle mass impact metabolic health? The importance of taking a balanced approach to weight loss How sleep aids muscle recovery and growth  Stress management, nutrition, and fitness for overall well-being How alcohol affects our health and fitness The benefits of combining functional movement training and proper nutrition for older adults  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Bronson Dant On his ⁠website⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠The Ultimate Ketogenic Fitness Bundle⁠

1 Sep 1h 4min

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, researcher, educator, podcaster, and entrepreneur. He is on a mission to help people get their brains unstuck for better mental and cognitive health.  In our conversation today, we explore brain inflammation and its connection to longevity, the differences between acute and chronic inflammation, the influence of environmental factors, and how exposure to negative news and biases can elevate stress and affect our brain health. We examine how consumer culture promotes stress and disconnection, and we unpack the immune-metabolic effects of estrogen and its impact on neuroplasticity and our ability to learn. We also focus on the role of nutrition and nutraceuticals, and we discuss the relationship between the brain, gut, and the vagus nerve. This discussion with Dr. Austin Perlmutter is rich and insightful, and I look forward to welcoming him back for further exploration into the science and research. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why brain inflammation becomes an issue for many women as they navigate middle age and beyond How inflammation leads to constant changes in our cognitive and mental state Various environmental factors and other inputs that could influence brain inflammation Some easy ways to positively impact your brain health and cognition How chronic stress affects the brain How the gut microbiome and the gut immune system influence cognitive and mental health The long-term health benefits of avoiding processed foods and following a Mediterranean diet  The importance of being conscientious and purposeful about the quality of the foods you eat Dr. Perlmutter shares easy and cost-effective ways to improve your cognitive, mental, and overall health Bio: Dr. Austin Perlmutter is a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, published researcher, and a leading expert on how lifestyle and environmental factors impact mental health. His mission is to help people reclaim their mental and physical health by addressing the biological basis of “stuckness” that disrupts brain function and emotional balance. He is a co-producer of the Alzheimer’s: The Science of Prevention series and the host of the Better Brain Blueprint series, where he provides actionable strategies to support brain resilience. Dr. Perlmutter currently serves as the Managing Director at Big Bold Health, a food-as-medicine company focused on helping people rejuvenate health through better immune function, where he has published a pioneering study exploring the effects of plant nutrients on human aging through epigenetics. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Austin Perlmutter On his website On social media: @draustinperlmutter Find out more about the research on immuno-metabolism pathways  Big Bold Health on social media: @bigboldhealth

30 Aug 58min