High Performance Health

Angela Foster

The High-Performance Health Podcast is all about optimising your body, mind and lifestyle for high performance.  Packed full of actionable insights, strategies, bio hacks, lifestyle hacks, mindset strategies and expert performance advice, Angela Foster is on a mission to optimise your human potential. Featuring interviews with some of the top experts on the planet in the fields of health, performance and business, this show aims to inspire, educate and empower you to live an energetic, healthful and limitless life.

  1. 7 HR AGO

    The Real Reason Perimenopausal Women Can't Lose Belly Fat (It's Not What You Think)

    Belly fat in perimenopause isn't just about eating less and moving more — and if that's still the advice you're getting, this conversation is long overdue. Nurse practitioner and metabolic health expert Cynthia Thurlow breaks down the real drivers behind midlife body composition changes: muscle loss, declining insulin sensitivity, shifting hormones, a changing gut microbiome, and the one factor almost everyone overlooks — chronic stress and unresolved trauma. There's a fascinating deep dive into the estrobolome and how the gut processes and clears oestrogen, why fibre has become the most polarising word in nutrition, and what bitter greens have to do with your gallbladder. Practical, evidence-led and genuinely eye-opening. The good news? These changes are not permanent. There's a lot that can be done — and it starts with understanding what's actually going on. Informed, honest and packed with actionable insight for women navigating midlife health. 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Belly fat in perimenopause has multiple root causes — muscle loss, declining oestrogen and testosterone, reduced insulin sensitivity, and a less diverse gut microbiome all play a role. Addressing just one without the others will only get you so far. The abdomen has 40 times more cortisol receptors than other areas of the body. Chronic stress — including unresolved childhood trauma — directly contributes to visceral fat accumulation and metabolic disease risk. The estrobolome — the part of the gut microbiome responsible for processing oestrogen — depends heavily on fibre intake. Without sufficient fibre, oestrogen gets recirculated rather than excreted, amplifying hormonal imbalance. Short-chain fatty acids, produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre, are critical signalling molecules that reduce inflammation, protect the gut lining, and support the body's own natural GLP-1 production. Body composition changes in perimenopause are not inevitable or permanent. Practical steps — deep breathing before meals, nutrient-dense whole foods, adequate hydration, and addressing stress — can meaningfully shift outcomes. QUOTES "We have 40 times more cortisol receptors in our abdomen — so when someone says they went through a stressful period and noticed body composition changes, I understand physiologically exactly why that happens." "The gut is this main communicator with the rest of the body — when I think about how many things about body composition are impacted by gut health, it is literally everything." "If your body does not feel safe, that will absolutely contribute. Unresolved stress and trauma are not separate from metabolic health." "Fiber has become the new F word because it is very polarising — but if you look at the research, it is missing from most people's diets." "These do not have to be permanent issues. There are definitely things we can do to buffer up against the changes that are happening." VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 ⁠https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/⁠ This episode is brought to you by Timeline. Support your mitochondrial health: Timeline Mitopure delivers Urolithin A at the clinically studied dose to support cellular renewal and energy production, helping counter the natural decline in mitochondrial function that comes with age..* Get 20% off Mitopure when you visit ⁠http://timeline.com/ANGELA⁠  and use code ANGELA.   *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.` ABOUT THE GUEST Cynthia Thurlow, NP is a nurse practitioner and metabolic health expert specialising in personalized nutrition and holistic healing for women, with a focus on bio-individuality and helping each woman find the approach that works for her unique physiology.   🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/⁠ 📺 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow

    14 min
  2. Dr. Robin Berzin: Why Perimenopausal Women Start HRT Too Late and When to Actually Begin 

    4 DAYS AGO

    Dr. Robin Berzin: Why Perimenopausal Women Start HRT Too Late and When to Actually Begin 

    Most women doing everything right in perimenopause still feel exhausted, foggy, and frustrated by belly fat that won't shift. This is not a willpower problem. It is an estrogen problem, and most women are being told to wait when they should be acting now. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley Health, to explore why belly fat accumulates around the middle as estrogen shifts, why 43% of ADHD diagnoses in women hit between 41 and 50, and why estrogen loss drives brain fog and dopamine decline that most doctors are missing. Dr. Berzin also makes the case for starting hormone therapy early and shares what data from 120 million women tells us about HRT, dementia risk, and long-term protection for your brain, bones, and heart. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why brain fog gets worse in perimenopause • The link between estrogen, dopamine, and focus after 40 • Why so many women are being diagnosed with ADHD in their 40s • The early signs of perimenopause  • How HRT reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's in women • How low progesterone affects your sleep, skin, and mood • How to track perimenopause symptoms and labs over time • How magnesium helps with ADHD, anxiety, and sleep in perimenopause • How zone two cardio and yoga improve focus and brain function after 40 VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ This episode is brought to you by Timeline. Support your mitochondrial health: Timeline Mitopure delivers Urolithin A at the clinically studied dose to support cellular renewal and energy production, helping counter the natural decline in mitochondrial function that comes with age..* Get 10% off Mitopure when you visit http://timeline.com/ANGELA  and use code ANGELA. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Robin Berzin is a functional and longevity medicine physician and founder and CEO of Parsley Health. She specialises in helping women overcome chronic conditions through personalised, root-cause medicine that addresses the underlying cause rather than managing symptoms alone. Website: https://robinberzinmd.com/Parsley Health https://www.parsleyhealth.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robinberzinmd/?hl=en

    59 min
  3. Why Belly Fat Gets Worse in Perimenopause (And How to Actually Shift It) | Dr. Mary Claire Haver

    1 MAY

    Why Belly Fat Gets Worse in Perimenopause (And How to Actually Shift It) | Dr. Mary Claire Haver

    Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified obstetrician-gyneacologist, explores the physical and biological shifts women experience during perimenopause and menopause. She discusses the common issue of visceral belly fat and its health implications, emphasising the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fibre and whole foods over a weight-centric focus.  Dr. Haver also addresses digestive changes like bloating, linked to a shifting gut microbiome, and offers guidance on essential supplements such as Vitamin D, fibre, and creatine to support long-term health and muscle maintenance. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The biological cause of belly fat: Understand how hormonal fluctuations during menopause lead to a natural shift in body composition and the accumulation of visceral fat. How the gut microbiome changes: Discover the relationship between menopause and digestive symptoms like bloating as the gut's bacterial profile begins to shift. Dietary strategies for hormonal health: Learn the benefits of an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet and the specific role of fibre in managing menopausal symptoms. The role of key supplements: Identify which supplements, like Vitamin D, magnesium, and creatine, can effectively support health goals when paired with a balanced lifestyle. VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ A BIG thank you to our partner who makes the show possible: • Timeline – Support your mitochondrial health and muscle strength with Mitopure®, the only clinically validated Urolithin A supplement backed by 15+ years of research. Use code ANGELA for 20% off 👉 https://www.timeline.com/promotions/exclusive-offer-for-angela-foster-s-community

    10 min
  4. Always Bloated, Foggy, and Exhausted in Perimenopause? Your Cell Membranes May Be Why | Jessica Kane

    24 APR

    Always Bloated, Foggy, and Exhausted in Perimenopause? Your Cell Membranes May Be Why | Jessica Kane

    If you're in midlife and doing everything right but still battling fatigue, brain fog or bloating, this episode will change how you think about why. I'm joined by Jessica Kane, cellular health expert and co-owner of Body Bio, to explore how cell membrane health drives energy, hormone signalling, and gut function, and what you can actually do to improve them. This is a grounded, science-backed conversation for women who want to feel like themselves again. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why perimenopausal women feel tired even when they’re doing everything right • What causes brain fog in midlife women and how to improve focus and mental clarity • Why bloating gets worse in perimenopause • How gut health affects hormones, mood and energy in women over 40 • How poor cellular health can make perimenopause symptoms worse • Why HRT works for some women but not others • How stress and cortisol affect weight gain, cravings and resilience in midlife • What butyrate does for bloating, blood sugar and gut health • How healthy fats support hormones, skin, brain health and energy in midlife TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Why Busy Women Over 40 Are Always Exhausted 09:21 Why You're So Bloated in Perimenopause and How Butyrate Fixes It 15:33 How Phosphatidylcholine Clears Brain Fog After 40 29:43 How to Actually Sleep Through the Night After 40 34:16 Are You Taking Too Much Fish Oil? What Women Over 40 Get Wrong 39:42 Can the Right Fats Flush Microplastics Out of Your Body? 45:45 Why Your Hormones Feel Off Even When Blood Tests Say You're Normal 56:12 The B Vitamin Mistake Most Women Make in Midlife VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ A BIG thank you to our partner who makes the show possible:• BodyBio - Support your cellular health from the inside out with BodyBio PC, a science-backed phosphatidylcholine supplement trusted by over 35,000 healthcare practitioners to support cell membrane integrity, brain function, energy production, and detoxification. Backed by three generations of research.  👉Use code ANGELA for 15% off UK - https://bodybio.co.uk/ANGELA US - https://bodybio.com/Angela ABOUT THE GUEST Jessica Kane is the co-owner of BodyBio, a third-generation family business focused on cellular health, and is passionate about translating complex science into practical tools that help women improve energy, resilience and overall wellbeing. Website: https://www.bodybio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesskane/

    1hr 2min
  5. Why Eating Tomatoes Shrinks Belly Fat in Perimenopause (The Brown Fat Trigger) | Dr. William Li

    24 APR

    Why Eating Tomatoes Shrinks Belly Fat in Perimenopause (The Brown Fat Trigger) | Dr. William Li

    Dr. William Li explores the fascinating science of brown fat, a specialised type of fat that acts like a cellular furnace to burn off harmful visceral fat. He reveals how a simple daily habit, like eating a single ripe tomato an hour before lunch, can trigger this fat-burning mode, potentially shrinking waistlines and reducing inflammation.  From the historical discovery of brown fat in hibernating animals to modern breakthroughs in PET scan technology, Dr. Li explains how we can use elemental eating and cold exposure to optimise our metabolism and reclaim our health. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Eating one ripe tomato a day, particularly an hour before lunch, has been shown to activate brown fat and can lead to a reduction in visceral fat and waist circumference. Brown fat is packed with mitochondria that burn fuel to generate heat, especially when activated by certain foods or cold temperatures. Tomatoes are rich in bioactives like lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and directly fire up brown fat cells. Returning to a diet of whole, unprocessed foods allows the body to take full advantage of its natural metabolic hardware. VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ A BIG thank you to our partner who makes the show possible: • Timeline – Support your mitochondrial health and muscle strength with Mitopure®, the only clinically validated Urolithin A supplement backed by 15+ years of research. Use code ANGELA for 20% off 👉 https://www.timeline.com/promotions/exclusive-offer-for-angela-foster-s-community

    14 min
  6. 20 APR

    Why Your Gut Is the Missing Link in Perimenopause | Cynthia Thurlow

    Women’s gut is not just a digestive organ. In perimenopause, it is the control centre for your hormones, your mood, your weight, and your brain. If you are bloated, exhausted, gaining weight around your middle, this episode explains what is actually happening in your gut during perimenopause and what you can do to fix it.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why is my gut health getting worse in perimenopause? • Why am I suddenly bloated all the time after 40? • What causes food sensitivities in perimenopause? • Does leaky gut cause weight gain in menopause? • How does cortisol cause belly fat in women over 40? • Does HRT improve gut health and the microbiome? • The link between anxiety, mood swings, and gut health in perimenopause • How fibre helps with oestrogen balance and bloating after 40 • What is TUDCA and should women in perimenopause take it? • What causes fatigue and low energy in perimenopause?   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Link Between Gut Health & Perimenopause 12:27 Why Anxiety Gets Worse in Perimenopause 19:04 Why Women Lose Energy After 40 and How to Get It Back 29:00 The Real Reason Belly Fat Increases in Perimenopause 36:04 Fiber and the Estrobolome: The Key to Balancing Estrogen After 40 41:46 Sudden Food Sensitivities After 40? This Is What's Happening in Your Gut 50:16 What Causes Bloating in Perimenopausal Women 55:16 Does HRT Help Your Gut Microbiome in Menopause? 01:04:39 The Health Habits That Keep High Achieving Women Thriving After 40 VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ This episode is brought to you by Timeline. Support your mitochondrial health: Timeline Mitopure delivers Urolithin A at the clinically studied dose to support cellular renewal and energy production, helping counter the natural decline in mitochondrial function that comes with age..* Get 20% off Mitopure when you visit http://timeline.com/ANGELA  and use code ANGELA.   *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.` ABOUT THE GUEST Cynthia Thurlow, NP is a nurse practitioner and metabolic health expert specialising in personalized nutrition and holistic healing for women, with a focus on bio-individuality and helping each woman find the approach that works for her unique physiology.   🌐 Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow

    1hr 10min
  7. 17 APR

    The Real Reason Women Over 40 Can't Lose Abdominal Fat (It's Not Calories) | Sarah Berry

    Angela is joined by Sarah Berry to talk about the complex relationship between visceral fat and insulin resistance, particularly during the menopause transition. They discuss how these two factors influence each other in a cyclical manner, making it challenging to pinpoint a clear starting point for weight gain and metabolic issues. They highlight the various symptoms women experience during menopause, such as anxiety, mood swings, and poor sleep, which can hinder motivation for healthy eating and physical activity WHAT YOU’LL LEARN There is a complex relationship between visceral fat and insulin resistance, where each can exacerbate the other, creating a circular process that complicates weight management during menopause. Common symptoms during the menopause transition include anxiety, mood swings, depression, brain fog, and poor sleep, which can negatively impact motivation for healthy eating and physical activity. The loss of oestrogen during menopause leads to changes in fat distribution, shifting fat storage from the hips to the abdomen, which is associated with increased visceral fat. Postmenopausal women experience poorer metabolic responses to carbohydrates, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased hunger, which can result in consuming more calories throughout the day. It is important for women to show kindness to themselves and support each other through the menopause transition, as many experience similar challenges and changes in their bodies. VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ A BIG thank you to our partner who makes the show possible: • Timeline – Support your mitochondrial health and muscle strength with Mitopure®, the only clinically validated Urolithin A supplement backed by 15+ years of research. Use code ANGELA for 20% off 👉 https://www.timeline.com/promotions/exclusive-offer-for-angela-foster-s-community

    8 min
  8. How Estrogen Decline Destroys Your Energy in Perimenopause (And How to Reverse it)

    13 APR

    How Estrogen Decline Destroys Your Energy in Perimenopause (And How to Reverse it)

    Most women in perimenopause assume their energy crash is a sleep or a stress problem. Jen Scheinman, Head of Nutrition Affairs at Timeline, explains what the real reason is, and why estrogen loss makes it dramatically worse for women than men. If you have been doing everything right and still feel like you are running on empty, this episode explains what is actually happening at the cellular level, and what women in midlife can do about it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why women's energy levels drop faster in perimenopause? • When does mitochondrial decline start and how fast does it progress? • What is Urolithin A and why can't you get enough from food? • What is mitophagy and why does it matter for energy after 40? • Does Urolithin A build new mitochondria or just clear out damaged ones? • What is the right dose of Urolithin A and does timing matter? • Can Urolithin A reduce fine lines and improve skin in perimenopause? • What does the research say about Urolithin A and immune aging? • Should you take Urolithin A as a supplement and use it topically? • Can Urolithin A help with brain fog after 40? VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 https://biosyncing.scoreapp.com/ A BIG thank you to our partner who makes the show possible: • Support your mitochondrial health: Timeline Mitopure delivers Urolithin A at the clinically studied dose to support cellular renewal and energy production, helping counter the natural decline in mitochondrial function that comes with age..* Get 20% off Mitopure when you visit ⁠http://timeline.com/ANGELA⁠ and use code ANGELA. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ABOUT THE GUEST Jen Scheinman, MS, RDN, CDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in nutrition, wellness, and healthy aging. Jen is currently Director of Scientific Communications at Timeline, the Swiss longevity brand behind Mitopure, the first clinically studied Urolithin A supplement proven to trigger mitophagy and support mitochondrial renewal in humans. 🌐 Website: https://nextjenhealth.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenscheinman_nutrition/

    51 min

About

The High-Performance Health Podcast is all about optimising your body, mind and lifestyle for high performance.  Packed full of actionable insights, strategies, bio hacks, lifestyle hacks, mindset strategies and expert performance advice, Angela Foster is on a mission to optimise your human potential. Featuring interviews with some of the top experts on the planet in the fields of health, performance and business, this show aims to inspire, educate and empower you to live an energetic, healthful and limitless life.

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