The Advanced Women’s Health Podcast

The Advanced Women’s Health Podcast

Welcome to the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast, your trusted source for guidance and the latest insights in holistic women’s health. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Wilson, ND, this podcast is dedicated to empowering women to thrive at every stage of their lives. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading health professionals, cutting-edge medical research, and practical wellness tips to help you achieve optimal health and well-being. Tune in to discover how you can take charge of your health and transform your life with the power of naturopathic medicine and holistic wellness.

  1. 5h ago

    Episode 90: Ask Dr. Sarah: Muscle, Protein, Probiotics, and Gut Health Myths

    If you have been wondering why your supplements and fitness routine are not moving the needle, Dr. Sarah is answering the questions patients are actually asking in clinic. In This Episode, We Answer: Is muscle mass really that important for inflammation and metabolism?How much protein do I actually need to build muscle?Does my protein intake change if I have insulin resistance?Are probiotics actually worth taking?Do I need to worry about pre- and post-workout nutrition before fixing my basics?Key Takeaways: Muscle is not just for strength. It is your main glucose disposal site, a source of immune-signaling compounds called myokines, and a key factor in bone health, insulin sensitivity, and longevity. Building and preserving it is one of the highest-yield things you can do for your health at any age.Your protein requirements depend on your metabolic state. A metabolically healthy person and someone with insulin resistance need different amounts and types of protein to stimulate muscle growth. One gram per pound is a reference for healthy people, not a universal prescription.Most people do not need a probiotic. In many cases, gut symptoms come from too many bacteria, not too few. Adding a probiotic to an already-overgrown environment can make symptoms worse. The more important question is why the terrain allowed those bugs to overgrow in the first place.Quick Answers (FAQ): Q: Is muscle mass really that important for inflammation and metabolism?A: Yes. Muscle is your main glucose disposal site, produces immune-signaling compounds called myokines, supports bone density, and plays a direct role in regulating inflammation. The research shows low muscle mass and high inflammation are closely correlated, though the causation runs both ways. We go deeper into this at 03:45. Q: How much protein do I actually need to build muscle?A: For metabolically healthy people eating animal-based protein, 25 to 30 grams per meal is enough to trigger muscle protein synthesis via leucine. But this number changes significantly if you have insulin resistance, high inflammation, or are older. There is no universal answer without knowing your metabolic state. We go deeper into this at 10:45. Q: Are probiotics actually worth taking?A: Sometimes, but most people do not need them. Many gut symptoms come from bacterial overgrowth, not bacterial deficiency. Adding more bacteria to an overloaded environment worsens symptoms. The goal is to understand why the terrain allowed the overgrowth and fix that, rather than use a probiotic as a long-term fix. We go deeper into this at 25:00. Q: Do I need to worry about pre and post-workout nutrition before fixing my basics?A: No. If you are dealing with insulin resistance, the priority is getting your general daily meals right first: protein at every meal, stable blood sugar, consistent timing. Micromanaging your post-workout protein shake while eating a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast is backwards. We go deeper into this at 19:30. Resources Mentioned: Advanced Metabolic Rehab program: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs: info@advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caDr. Sam: Dr. Samantha Maloney, ND, AWH Brooklyn/Whitby location

    Episode 90: Ask Dr. Sarah: Muscle, Protein, Probiotics, and Gut Health Myths
  2. Jul 16

    Episode 89: The Real Reason You're Gaining Belly Fat in Perimenopause

    If what used to work has stopped working and nobody can tell you why, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Answer: Why am I gaining belly fat in perimenopause when nothing in my diet changed?What is visceral fat and why is it different from regular fat?Can perimenopause start in your 30s?Why can't I lose weight no matter what I do in perimenopause?What labs should I get to understand my hormones and metabolism? Key Takeaways: Perimenopause is not just a hormonal event. It is a metabolic one. When hormones fluctuate rapidly, the body shifts from depositing subcutaneous fat (under the skin) to visceral fat (around the organs). These two types of fat do not respond to the same interventions.Caloric restriction and resistance training alone are not enough to address visceral fat in perimenopause. The research is clear on this. You also need Zone 2 cardio, specific protein and carbohydrate targets, and a plan that preserves muscle while losing visceral fat.DHEA is what Dr. Sarah calls the secret hormone of resilience. When levels are appropriate for your age, it supports metabolic resilience, stress resilience, and muscle mass. It is almost never tested in standard care and almost always worth checking. Quick Answers (FAQ): Q: Why am I gaining belly fat in perimenopause when nothing in my diet changed? A: Rapid hormone fluctuation causes the body to shift from depositing fat under the skin to depositing it around the organs. This visceral fat does not respond to the same strategies as other fat and requires a different approach. We go deeper into this at 11:25. Q: What is visceral fat and why is it different from regular fat? A: Subcutaneous fat sits under your skin. Visceral fat sits around your organs in your abdomen. Visceral fat is metabolically active in a way that drives inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk, and it does not respond as well to caloric restriction or standard resistance training alone. We go deeper into this at 11:25. Q: Can perimenopause start in your 30s? A: Yes. Perimenopause is defined as the 2 to 10 years before menopause, and for some women that window begins in their late 30s. Hormonal fluctuation-based weight changes can also happen postpartum and when going on or off hormonal contraceptives at any age. We go deeper into this at 09:36. Q: What labs should I get to understand my hormones and metabolism? A: For this pattern, Dr. Sarah looks at DHEA, morning cortisol, a two-hour insulin and glucose challenge test, inflammatory markers, lipids (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and a liver panel. Together these build a metabolic map of what your body is doing with glucose and fat. We go deeper into this at 17:23. Resources Mentioned: Visceral Adiposity Index calculator: https://www.advancedwomenshealth.ca/vai-calculatorAdvanced Metabolic Rehab program: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs: info@advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.ca Related Episodes: Episode 86: Metabolic Rehab Type 1, insulin and insulin resistanceEpisode 87: Metabolic Rehab Type 2, stress and liver dysfunctionEpisode 88: Metabolic Rehab Type 3, gut hormones and inflammation Connect With Us: Advanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caInstagram: @drsarah_nd | @advancedwomenshealthBook an appointment: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs: info@advancedwomenshealth.ca Leave a review: wherever you're listening, it helps other women find this episode The Advanced Women's Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Sarah Wilson, ND, naturopathic doctor, clinic founder, and obesity and immunology researcher. This is the final episode in the four-part Metabolic Rehab series.

    Episode 89: The Real Reason You're Gaining Belly Fat in Perimenopause
  3. Jul 9

    Episode 88: Why Is My Gut Making It Harder to Lose Weight?

    If you have been told bloating, joint pain, allergies, and weight gain are unrelated, this episode connects the dots. In This Episode, We Answer: Why can't I lose weight even though I eat well?Is my gut health affecting my weight?What do gut bacteria have to do with fat storage?Why do I have such bad food cravings and food noise?What is inflammation doing to my metabolism?Key Takeaways: Ozempic, Wegovy, and tirzepatide are synthetic versions of hormones your gut makes naturally. When those gut hormones drop from yo-yo dieting, poor diet, or gut bacteria imbalance, weight loss becomes very hard regardless of effort.Your gut bacteria affect how many calories you extract from food, what hormones tell your body to store or burn fat, and what cravings you experience. This is biology, not willpower.A probiotic alone will not fix this. The pattern requires testing first (ESR, CRP, urate) to understand what is driving the inflammation, then a personalized plan based on those results.Quick Answers (FAQ): Q: Why can't I lose weight even though I eat well?A: Your gut bacteria may be extracting more calories from your food, lowering the gut hormones that control fat storage, and sending cravings signals to your brain that override your intentions. We go deeper into this at 12:00. Q: What do gut bacteria have to do with fat storage?A: In mice studies, transplanting gut bacteria from an obese mouse into a lean mouse causes the lean mouse to gain weight. In humans, giving lean microbiome bacteria to an obese person causes rapid weight loss. These bacteria are directly controlling the hormones that decide whether your body stores or burns fat. We go deeper into this at 12:30. Q: Why do I have such bad food cravings and food noise?A: The bacteria in your gut send signals to your brain instructing it to seek high-fat, high-sugar foods, because those foods feed the bacteria. The food noise you are experiencing may be coming from the bugs in your system, not from a lack of willpower. We go deeper into this at 13:00. Q: Is my gut health affecting my weight?A: Yes, and in multiple ways: calorie extraction, gut hormone production, insulin signaling, inflammation levels, and cravings. We go deeper into all of this starting at 11:30. Resources Mentioned: Advanced Metabolic Rehab program: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs inquiry: info@advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caHerbs mentioned: berberine, nigella (black cumin seed), resveratrol, glutamine, N-acetylglucosamine Related Episodes: Episode 86: Metabolic Rehab Type 1, insulin and insulin resistanceEpisode 87: Metabolic Rehab Type 2, stress and liver dysfunctionMetabolic Rehab Type 4: Perimenopause and Visceral Fat, coming next in this series Connect With Us: Website: advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caInstagram: @drsarah_nd | @advancedwomenshealthBook an appointment: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs: info@advancedwomenshealth.ca Leave a review: wherever you're listening, it helps other women find this episode The Advanced Women's Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Sarah Wilson, ND, naturopathic doctor, clinic founder, and obesity and immunology researcher. Subscribe so you don't miss the final episode in this series.

    Episode 88: Why Is My Gut Making It Harder to Lose Weight?
  4. Jul 2

    Episode 87: Why Is Stress Making Me Gain Weight?

    If you gain weight in your middle when you're stressed, can't tolerate things you used to, and feel like diet and exercise are making things worse, this episode explains why. In This Episode, We Answer: Why do I gain weight when I'm stressed even if I'm not eating more?Why is my belly fat not responding to diet and exercise?What is cortisol actually doing to my weight?Does stress cause fat storage?Why do I feel flat, unmotivated, and burnt out all the time?Key Takeaways: Stress causes your liver to release glucose into your bloodstream. When you're sitting at a desk, that glucose has nowhere to go except fat cells. This is called auto-generating fat, and it happens completely independent of what you eat.Eating less and exercising more can make this pattern worse. If your body reads calorie restriction and intense exercise as additional stressors, it generates more fat, not less.Cortisol isn't the whole story. The initial stress response (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) runs on epinephrine and norepinephrine. Cortisol comes about 20 to 30 minutes later. Both matter, and they affect your metabolism differently.Quick Answers (FAQ): Q: Why do I gain weight when I'm stressed even if I'm not eating more?A: Cortisol signals your liver to release glucose into the blood. Since you're not moving, that glucose converts to fat. It's independent of food. We go deeper into this at 13:45. Q: Why is my belly fat not responding to diet and exercise?A: If stress is auto-generating fat, no amount of calorie restriction or cardio will outrun it. You need to address the cortisol and liver piece first. We go deeper into this at 14:30. Q: What is cortisol actually doing to my weight?A: Cortisol on a healthy circadian rhythm is beneficial. When it stays persistently elevated, it drives glucose dysregulation, fat storage, and eventually hormone and immune dysfunction. We go deeper into this at 12:00. Q: Why do I feel flat, unmotivated, and burnt out all the time?A: After years of chronic stress, the body starts to shut down the stress response because it isn't helping. That shows up as flatness, low drive, and feeling switched off. It's a physiological pattern, not a personality problem. We go deeper into this at 16:00. Resources Mentioned: Advanced Metabolic Rehab program: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs inquiry: info@advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caHeart rate variability tracking: Oura Ring, WHOOP, Fitbit (mentioned as tools used in-clinic)Continuous glucose monitors (CGM): used in-clinic for real-time stress and glucose trackingRelated Episodes: Episode 86: Metabolic Rehab Type 1, insulin and insulin resistanceMetabolic Rehab Type 3: Fat and Inflammation, coming next in this seriesMetabolic Rehab Type 4: Perimenopause and Visceral Fat, coming this summerConnect With Us: Website: advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health: advancedmenshealth.caInstagram: @drsarah_nd | @advancedwomenshealthBook an appointment: advancedwomenshealth.caClinically guided programs: info@advancedwomenshealth.caLeave a review: wherever you're listening, it helps other women find this episode

    Episode 87: Why Is Stress Making Me Gain Weight?
  5. Jun 25

    Episode 86: Why Can't I Lose Weight No Matter What I Do? | Metabolic Rehab Type 1

    If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right and still can't lose weight, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Answer: Why can't I lose weight no matter what I do?Is my metabolism broken?How does insulin resistance affect weight?What labs should I get to understand my metabolism?Why do I crave sugar so badly?Key Takeaways: Insulin is a storage hormone, not just a number on a lab. When it stays high all the time, your body can't access stored fat for energy, no matter how little you eat.Feeling hangry between meals (that hungry, shaky, angry combination) often isn't actual low blood sugar. It's your brain sensing it can't access fuel efficiently, which creates a stress response on its own.A standard ferritin test can miss anemia entirely if you're also inflamed. Ask your doctor for a full iron panel, not just ferritin alone.Resources Mentioned: Advanced Metabolic Rehab system: advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health (partner support): advancedmenshealth.caFinally Lose It: A professional woman's guide to stop dieting, fix your hormones and overcome weight loss resistanceRelated Episodes coming next in this series: Metabolic Rehab Type 2: Fat and InflammationMetabolic Rehab Type 3: Perimenopause and Visceral FatMetabolic Rehab Type 4: Stress, the Liver, and WeightConnect With Us: Website: advancedwomenshealth.caAdvanced Men's Health (partner support): advancedmenshealth.caInstagram: @drsarah_nd | @advancedwomenshealthBook an appointment: advancedwomenshealth.caLeave a review: wherever you're listening, it helps other women find this episode. Quick Answers (FAQ): Q: Why can't I lose weight no matter what I do? A: Weight loss is driven by hormones, not just calories. If insulin stays elevated even after fasting overnight, your body never gets the signal to burn stored fat. We go deeper into this at 12:04. Q: Is my metabolism broken? A: Probably not broken, but it may be stuck communicating the wrong message. Insulin tells your body whether to store or burn fuel. When that signal stays stuck on "store," weight loss becomes hard regardless of effort. We go deeper into this at 08:34. Q: What labs should I get to understand my metabolism? A: A fasting glucose and HbA1c only show part of the picture. A two-hour insulin and glucose challenge test, plus markers like uric acid and free fatty acids, show what's actually happening when you eat. We go deeper into this at 17:55. Q: Why do I crave sugar so badly? A: When your body can't efficiently access stored fuel between meals, your brain senses a shortage and pushes you toward quick energy, usually sugar or refined carbs. We go deeper into this at 13:58.

    Episode 86: Why Can't I Lose Weight No Matter What I Do? | Metabolic Rehab Type 1
  6. Jun 18

    Episode 85: Histamine, MCAS, POTS & Endo: The Hidden Connections

    Dizziness. Headaches. Random food reactions. Bloating. Palpitations. Period pain that doesn't make sense. If you've been collecting diagnoses — endometriosis, MCAS, POTS — and seeing a different specialist for each one, this episode is going to connect the dots no one else has. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Karina dive deep into histamine, mast cells, and how conditions that seem completely unrelated are often driven by the same underlying mechanisms. In this episode they cover: What histamine actually is — an inflammatory messenger released by mast cells, and why antihistamines only block one piece of a much bigger puzzleThe gut-histamine connection — how gut bacteria imbalances increase histamine production, and why some people react to foods they were totally fine with yesterdayMast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — a systemic, more intense version of histamine intolerance, with symptoms ranging from skin flushing and hives to brain fog, palpitations, and breathing issuesPOTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) — how histamine creates vascular leakiness, why standing up can trigger dizziness or fainting, and a simple at-home heart rate test you can tryThe EDS connection — how a genetic collagen defect (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) compounds the vascular issues seen in POTS and MCASPMDD and hormones — why histamine fluctuates with your cycle, and why PMDD often has a histamine and inflammatory componentThe nervous system's role — both external stress and internal stress (nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar swings) drive mast cell instabilityThe 6 health pillars AWH uses to map it all out — insulin & blood sugar, gut & liver health, nutrient deficiencies, oxidative stress, energy production, and nervous system regulationAlso in this episode: an update on AWH's new patient onboarding system, the Advanced Metabolic Rehab program, and what's coming this summer — fertility deep dives and "the core four" of perimenopause. Resources & Links 🌐 Book with Dr. Michelle, Dr. Karina, or any AWH practitioner: advancedwomenshealth.ca📧 Ask about clinically guided programs (Metabolic Rehab, Fertility & more): info@advancedwomenshealth.ca📲 Follow Dr. Sarah: @drsarah_nd🏥 Advanced Women's Health: @advancedwomenshealth🎙️ Mentioned: Episode 3: Understanding Histamine Intolerance with Dr. Michelle Mussar, ND — Dr. Michelle's original histamine deep dive

    Episode 85: Histamine, MCAS, POTS & Endo: The Hidden Connections
  7. Jun 11

    Episode 84: The Real Reasons Behind Women's Fatigue

    You're exhausted. You've been told your labs are normal. And you still feel terrible. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Steph are breaking down the real reasons behind chronic fatigue in women — and why it is almost never just one thing. In this episode, they cover: Nutrient deficiencies — B12, iron, vitamin D, and why being "in range" isn't the same as being optimal. Plus: why ferritin can actually be falsely elevated during inflammation and mask an iron deficiencyInsulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation — the energy crashes, brain fog, and cravings that come from riding the blood sugar rollercoaster all day. And why fixing the gut is half the equation (40–60% of insulin signaling is determined by gut bacteria)Sleep dysfunction and cortisol — why blood sugar drops at 3 AM trigger a cortisol surge that wakes you up, and what's really happening hormonally in perimenopause and menopauseThyroid dysfunction — why a TSH alone isn't enough, what Hashimoto's has to do with fatigue, and why the autoimmune piece goes underinvestigatedImmunological fatigue — what happens when your immune system is constantly fighting something (infections, autoimmune activity, endometriosis) and why that by itself creates deep, unrelenting exhaustionChronic infections — recurrent UTIs, strep, cold sores, mono, shingles. When infections keep coming back, the immune system needs investigation — not just antibioticsOxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction — the cellular rusting that happens when the body can't keep up with its own cleanup, and why this is especially common post-viral illness📍 Resources & Links 🌐 Book with Dr. Michelle, Dr. Steph, or any AWH practitioner: advancedwomenshealth.ca📲 Follow Dr. Sarah on Instagram: @drsarah_nd🏥 Advanced Women's Health: @advancedwomenshealth

    Episode 84: The Real Reasons Behind Women's Fatigue
  8. Jun 4

    Episode 83: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): The Skin Condition Nobody Is Talking About

    If you've ever had a recurring boil in your armpit, groin, or under your breast and been told it's just ingrown hair or a sign of poor hygiene, this episode is for you. Dr. Sarah and Dr. Dasha are diving into hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is far more common than most people realize, deeply connected to insulin resistance and immune dysfunction, and almost always misdiagnosed or dismissed. Here's what they cover: What HS actually is — a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle, not an infection, not caused by poor hygiene, and absolutely not your faultThe three Hurley stages — from a single boil to interconnected tunnels and scarring, and why catching it early mattersWhere HS shows up — armpits, groin, under the breasts, buttocks — and why it's so often mistaken for ingrown hairs or shaving irritationThe root causes — immune dysregulation, insulin resistance, genetics, gut dysbiosis, and a significant metabolic component (Dr. Sarah has never seen a single case without underlying metabolic dysfunction)Food and lifestyle triggers — high insulin-demand foods, histamine-rich foods (bread, vinegar, fermented products, alcohol), smoking, and sedentary behaviorWhy exercise actually helps — and why the "sweating makes it worse" myth is causing real harmWhat treatment actually looks like — from dietary shifts and targeted supplements (zinc, vitamin D, doxycycline at low doses) to biologics and surgery for severe casesThe hormonal piece — androgens, the cycle connection, and why "estrogen dominance" is not the right explanationWhat an AWH visit looks like — from assessment and staging through to a flare plan and a maintenance planTakeaways from this episode: HS is not caused by poor hygiene — it's an immune and metabolic conditionIf you have recurring boils in classic locations AND PCOS/PMOS or insulin resistance, get screened A fasting insulin test isn't enough — a 2-hour glucose challenge reveals the real pictureLow insulin demand eating and managing metabolic health are foundational to managing HS Sweating does not make HS worse — exercise actually improves outcomes If a provider just gives you one thing and sends you home, that's a red flag — this condition requires a comprehensive plan There is hope — this condition can be brought under control with the right team📍 Resources & Links Book with Dr. Dasha or the AWH team: advancedwomenshealth.caFollow Dr. Sarah: @drsarah_ndFollow Dr. Dasha: @dr.dashalenevaAdvanced Women's Health: @advancedwomenshealth

    Episode 83: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): The Skin Condition Nobody Is Talking About

Trailer

About

Welcome to the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast, your trusted source for guidance and the latest insights in holistic women’s health. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Wilson, ND, this podcast is dedicated to empowering women to thrive at every stage of their lives. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading health professionals, cutting-edge medical research, and practical wellness tips to help you achieve optimal health and well-being. Tune in to discover how you can take charge of your health and transform your life with the power of naturopathic medicine and holistic wellness.

You Might Also Like