Everyday Wellness Everyday Wellness: Cynthia Thurlow, NP

I am delighted to have Shawn Wells, affectionately known as the Ingredientologist, joining me again today. Shawn is a leading nutritional biochemist and health optimization expert. He is also a biohacker and the formulator of over 500 supplements, foods, beverages, and cosmeceuticals. 
In our conversation today, we cover how to evaluate the quality of supplements, explain what proprietary blends represent, and explore several exciting new supplements like Peptide 185, Paraxanthine, and various nootropic agents. Shawn shares his optimal supplement stacks for sleep, metabolism, gut health, and regulating blood sugar, diving into the impact of delivery systems, including transdermal approaches and IV therapies. He also offers guidance on setting intentions and affirmations around supplement consumption. 
I trust that you will find this conversation with Shawn Wells as enjoyable and informative as I did while recording it.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Shawn shares his concerns about quality control in supplement manufacturing.

Why it is essential to buy supplements only from trusted brands when ordering from big retailers

Shawn discusses the potential benefits of the new supplement, Peptide 185, for muscle protein synthesis.

The potential leucine holds for age-related muscle loss and sports nutrition. 

Shawn dives into the physical effects of the caffeine metabolite paraxanthine.

BDNF-boosting ingredients for neuroplasticity and brain protection

How adaptogenic herbs can increase resilience and improve sleep quality, energy, and focus

Shawn highlights the importance of physical movement and proper posture for maintaining physical health.

How a leaky gut can lead to immunological problems and cognitive impairment

Shawn explores the effectiveness of supplementation versus methods like high-intensity interval training for boosting NAD levels.

Shawn explains how to use intention and affirmations to maximize the absorption of supplements.


Bio: Shawn Wells:
Shawn Wells MPH, LDN, RD, CISSN, FISSN is the world’s leading nutritional biochemist and expert on health optimization.
Meet the Ingredientologist, a visionary scientist behind over 1000 groundbreaking formulations, including 25 patented ingredients like Paraxanthine, Teacrine, Dynamine, and Dihydroberberine. Once a Chief Clinical Dietitian, he has empowered thousands with innovative health solutions like keto, paleo, fasting, and supplements, overcoming his own battles with Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and more.
As a world-renowned thought leader on mitochondrial health, he has spoken on five continents and featured in acclaimed documentaries and podcasts. Discover his practical, research-backed solutions in "The ENERGY Formula," hailed by USA Today, Forbes, and an Amazon best-seller. Experience greater resilience and boundless energy under his expert guidance.
Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com



Connect with Shawn Wells

On his website 

Shawn’s biohacking book, The Energy Formula


On Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok 


Previous Episode Mentioned
Ep. 126 – Plant Medicine: Bio-Hacking Your Way to Optimum Health featuring Shawn Wells

I am thrilled to have Gary Taubes back on the show today. (He was with me before on episode 137. Gary is an investigative science and health journalist whose work has been pivotal in catalyzing the low-carb keto movement. He has written many books, including his most recent, Rethinking Diabetes, and his articles are in many of the best anthologies. He has also received many science awards.
Today's discussion is particularly significant, given the recent report from the American Diabetes Association revealing that the annual cost of diabetes in the United States reached a staggering $412.9 billion in 2022, with individuals diagnosed with diabetes now representing one in every four dollars spent on healthcare. 
In our discussion today, we dive into the history of diabetes, pertinent statistics, the prevailing standard of care, and the transformative influence of insulin on diabetes management and reactive hypoglycemia. Gary provides insights into his reactions to GLP ones, the integration of medical and nutrition science into the medical field, and the influence of organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, AHA, USDA, and NIH. Our discussion also extends to the effects of pharmaceuticals, the shortcomings in our approach to diabetes management and existing models, and the challenge the low-carb community faces.
Stay tuned for today's eye-opening conversation, where we shed light on the complexities surrounding diabetes care, explaining how simple lifestyle changes can tremendously improve quality of life.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:


Rethinking Diabetes is a groundbreaking exploration of diabetes diagnosis, management, and treatment

Gary discusses the evolution of evidence-based medicine

Why the traditional medical approach to treating diabetes is inadequate

How the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association were based on outdated assumptions 

How medical treatments compare with lifestyle changes for managing diabetes

Controversies surrounding how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced the way medical associations have shaped their diabetes management policies

How medical guidelines and dietary advice have evolved

What constitutes a healthy diet?

How patients often have trouble following diet recommendations, despite their best intentions

Is obesity a hormonal disorder or caused by overeating?

 
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Connect with Gary Taubes

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Previous Episode Mentioned:
Ep. 137 – High Blood Sugar Levels And Its Long-Term Damage with Gary Taubes

Book Mentioned:
Rethinking Diabetes What Science Reveals About Diet, Insulin, and Successful Treatments
is available from most bookstores or on Amazon.

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with one of my favorite physicians, Dr. Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health. 
Dr. Briden is on a mission to help women achieve natural menstrual cycles without relying on hormonal birth control. She has authored several books, including her latest, Metabolism Repair for Women.
In our conversation today, we dive into why we cannot consciously control energy balance, the impact of ultra-processed foods, epigenetic factors in obesity, the significance of satiety hormones, the role of muscle, and the effects of visceral fat versus subcutaneous fat. We also discuss ways to assess metabolic health and explore various treatments. 
This insightful discussion with Dr. Lara Briden is bound to captivate and inform all our listeners. Stay tuned for more.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Why energy balance is not under our conscious control

How the regulatory mechanism in the body naturally reduces hunger and burns energy

How ultra-processed foods were created to be addictive and lead to overeating

How the adiponectin hormone impacts insulin sensitivity and satiety

The importance of maintaining muscle mass and avoiding sarcopenia, particularly during menopause

The difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat

Measuring and managing visceral fat

How High triglycerides often indicate insulin resistance

The limitations of the fasting insulin test

Using the entrainment of circadian rhythm to improve metabolic health

The benefits of addressing gut problems for improving metabolic health


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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com



Connect with Dr. Lara Briden

On her website


On social media: @Lara Briden 


Dr. Briden’s latest book is titled The Metabolism Reset in Australia and New Zealand. Everywhere else, it is titled Metabolism Repair for Women

Other Books by Dr. Briden
Period Repair Manual
Hormone Repair Manual

Previous Episode Mentioned
Ep. 220: A Detailed Guide to Healthy Hormones with Dr. Lara Briden

I am sincerely honored to connect with Walter Green today. 
Walter served as the Board Chairman and CEO of Harrison Conference Services for 25 years and played a significant role in the Young Presidents Organisation. Since selling his company, he has dedicated himself to supporting various nonprofits, focusing on education and health for the underserved. 
Walter’s work is powerfully inspiring. I initially heard him on one of Peter Attia’s podcasts, which moved me so profoundly that I shared it with anyone willing to listen. In our conversation today, Walter shares his background and we discuss how I took purposeful action after hearing him talk on the podcast. We dive into gender socialization and emotional expression, the value of authenticity and integrity, the concept of saying it now, and the importance of intentionality and boundaries. We also discuss crucial elements of making meaningful connections, cultivating deep, authentic friendships, and transforming our lives to become agents of change. 
Having this conversation with Walter was invaluable for me, and I have no doubt you will also love it.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Reflecting on his 60 years of marriage, Walter highlights the importance of deep passion and respect in enduring relationships.

Walter offers his perspective on authenticity and openness in relationships, emphasizing the importance of being true to yourself.

How Walter values authenticity in his relationships and finds it hard to be open and vulnerable with those who are not candid and authentic  

How Walter’s career in finance influenced his relationships

Walter talks about gratitude and shares how at the age of 71, he shared stories with people he loved on Zoom, inspiring the Say It Now movement.

Walter shares his journey of intentional living, explaining the importance of thinking backward and aligning your actions with your ideal outcomes.

Why it is essential to consider the context of every decision you make in all aspects of life

The importance of finding your purpose and living in the present  

The benefits of developing deep and long-lasting relationships

How to identify those who have made a difference in your life

Walter discusses love languages, sharing the importance of understanding how others prefer to receive love and affection.


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Connect with Walter Green

On Just Say It Now website


On This Is the Moment website (For Walter’s book)

Walter’s Ted Talk: Why We Should Eulogize the Living


Peter Attia’s Podcast: The impact of gratitude, serving others, embracing mortality, and living intentionally with Walter Green

I’m honored to reconnect with Dr. Felice Gersh today! She is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certification in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. We connected once before in Episode 221, where we spoke about PCOS and metabolic health.
Today, Dr. Gersh joins me to dive into perimenopause and menopause. We discuss various issues surrounding the Women’s Health Initiative, and talk about estrogen as a family of hormones, estrogen-mimicking chemicals, synthetic hormones, and oral contraceptives. We get into the importance of thyroid function, the pro-inflammatory state of a loss of estrogen in perimenopause and menopause, and the importance of nutrition and exercise for the metabolism. We also speak about the lesser-known changes that occur in menopause, including changes in body odor, constipation, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and vocal changes. 
I intend to invite Dr. Gersh back to discuss women and mitochondrial health and to talk about her latest book, Menopause: The Fifty Things You Need to Know. 
Stay tuned to find out what menopause really is and what it does to a woman’s metabolic system.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Gersh discusses the Women’s Health Initiative study and its devastating effects.

The difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones.

How chronic diseases of aging can be delayed when hormones are incorporated along with other lifestyle refinements.

What do hormones do?

Why every immune cell in the body has receptors for vital hormones.

Why menopause cannot be defined by a specific moment in time.

Changes that occur physiologically during the perimenopause years.

How hormones can change the perimenopause paradigm entirely.

Why perimenopause translates into many sleep issues.

Why phytoestrogens are nature’s gift to women.


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Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh

On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine


On Instagram



All of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon
Episode 221 on PCOS with Dr. Felice Gersh

Resource Mentioned
Go to www.toxicology.gov to see all the ingredients in birth control pills listed as endocrine disruptors.

Today, I am delighted to connect with my dear friend, Dr. Mariza Snyder. Dr. Snyder is a best-selling author, dedicated wife, and wellness advocate passionately committed to empowering women through lifestyle changes, whole food nutrition, essential oils, and other health practices. 
In our discussion today, we dive into the perimenopausal journey, looking at the warning signs and ways to rediscover ourselves. We explore the impact of lifestyle choices and the importance of understanding cravings in middle age, offering practical strategies for navigating perimenopause and menopause. We get into the benefits of continuous glucose monitors and glucometers, the critical role of fiber and fermented foods, and the supplements Dr. Snyder recommends for optimal brain health. We also address gut health and the misconception that constipation is normal. 
I am confident you will find my conversation with Dr. Snyder as enlightening and enjoyable as I did.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Why women need to educate themselves about perimenopause and its symptoms

Common early signs of perimenopause

How lifestyle choices significantly impact the severity of perimenopause symptoms

Why women must eat enough protein

Importance of maintaining stable blood sugar levels

Benefits of using continuous glucose monitors

How strength training helps women maintain muscle mass and functional strength

The benefits of fermented foods for supporting the gut microbiome

Why managing stress and getting enough sleep are essential

Brain-boosting supplements Dr. Snyder recommends

How to avoid constipation 


Bio: Dr. Mariza Snyder
Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, women’s hormone expert, and the author of eight books: The newest book, The Essential Oils Menopause Solution, focuses on solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, focuses on balancing women’s hormones naturally. For the past fifteen years, she has lectured at wellness centers, conferences, and corporations on hormone health, metabolic health, nutrition, and detoxification. She has been featured on Dr. Oz, Oprah Magazine, Fox News Health, MindBodyGreen, and in many publications. Dr. Mariza is also the host of the top-rated Energized Podcast, (with over 11 million downloads) designed to empower women to become the CEO of their health. Check out her website, drmariza.com, for women's hormone tips, including recipes and supplementation. 

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com



Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder

On Instagram



Energized with Dr. Mariza (Podcast)

Dr. Snyder’s books are available on Amazon