Podcast
The Better Yoo Project: Optimizing Health, Hormones and Aesthetics.
Hosted by Lexi Yoo NP · EN
The Better Yoo Project Podcast is a weekly series covering the topics of functional medicine, case studies from her practice, nutrition of all varieties (Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Pegan, Macros, Low Fod Map, Cardiometabolic) etc, the role of the nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, hormones optimization, injectables and aesthetics, fitness and recovery, nutragenomics and supplement use!
The host is Lexi Yoo NP, wife -mom-small business owner- nurse practitioner, hormone balancer, gut guru, thyroid investigator, fitness fanatic, and health hacker out of the Hoosier State.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
109. Metabolism, Fasting, Perimenopause, and The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow
6d ago00:41:42Tap to summarizeCynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author and international speaker, with over 15 million views for her second TEDx talk (Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique). With over 25 years of experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in perimenopause/menopause and intermittent fasting, and her mission is to help empower women to live their most optimal lives in perimenopause and beyond. In her new book, The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond (Avery, on sale April 28, 2026), Thurlow offers a roadmap to reclaim balance and immune resilience after menopause.We’re welcoming Cynthia in this episode to explore how women’s health shifts in midlife and why the gut may be the missing piece to massively better health. We hear why she emphasizes “digestive rest” over aggressive fasting, especially for women who struggle to build muscle or meet protein needs. She explains how perimenopause alters the microbiome, how the “microgenderome” evolves across puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and why hormone replacement therapy can reshape the gut in meaningful ways. We also dig into hidden gut disruptors like alcohol, ultra-processed foods, antibiotics, and unresolved stress, along with the gut-brain connection, brain fog, and mitochondrial health. Cynthia challenges us to rethink restriction, prioritize muscle and sleep, and finally factor the gut into every hormone discussion. Topics discussed in this episode include:Who Cynthia’s upcoming book is meant to help.Why digestive rest is replacing aggressive fasting strategies.The risk of sarcopenia during extended fasting windows.How inadequate protein intake limits muscle preservation.Why muscle mass plays a huge role in determining long term metabolic independence.The influence of insulin resistance on fasting recommendations.What follicular and luteal phases signal about stress tolerance.Why perimenopause represents hormonal volatility before menopause stability.The importance of aligning fasting with stress and sleep status.Why estradiol modulates immune resilience and inflammation.The role of antibiotics, alcohol, and other irritants of microbiome health.The connection between unresolved trauma and gut dysfunction.How vagus nerve signaling links gut and brain health.Why hydration and electrolyte balance support performance.The necessity of sleep rituals for nervous system regulation.A very common yet overlooked source of fatigue that can be fixed today. Cynthia’s website (get The Menopause Gut here): https://www.cynthiathurlow.com Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →108. Beyond MTHFR: When More Isn’t Better in Genetic Health with Rachel Deffendall
3w ago00:41:43Tap to summarizeRachel Deffendall, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC is a board certified family nurse practitioner. In 2023 she founded and opened The Beaumont Med Spa, a specialty clinic with services focusing on bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT), weight loss and management, IV hydration and vitamin replacement, peptide therapies, genetic testing, hair restoration, facial dermal fillers, botox and customized skin care. The Beaumont Med Spa was recently named Best Med Spa in Wilson County in 2025, Best Med Spa in Middle Tennessee in 2024 by Main Street Awards, and most recently received honorable mention in the Med Spa category for the Guide to Tennessee Best of Tennessee 2025. Today, we unpack what methylation really means for our day-to-day health and long-term outcomes. We go beyond the buzz around MTHFR and get into how specific gene variants can shape everything from energy and anxiety to hormone metabolism, miscarriage risk, and cardiovascular disease. Rachel walks us through what happens when we can’t properly convert folate or B12, why homocysteine matters more than most of us realize, and how common interventions (like NAD or GLP-1s with synthetic B12) may backfire if we ignore methylation status. We also explore how genetic testing can guide decisions around estrogen detox, testosterone conversion, and even advanced therapies like ozone and EBOO. Topics discussed in this episode include:What methylation means at a biochemical level inside cells.How MTHFR variants C677T and A1298C alter folate metabolism efficiency.Why heterozygous and homozygous mutations create different symptom severity patterns.The connection between folic acid fortification and miscarriage risk.How synthetic folic acid differs from active methylated folate forms.What homocysteine reveals about inflammation and cardiovascular risk.How elevated homocysteine links to early hypertension in younger patients.The role of COMT and CYP genes in estrogen metabolism pathways.Why poor estrogen clearance raises concern for carcinogenic metabolites.How SRD5A influences testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone.What genetic data reveals before DHT-related symptoms appear clinically.The risk of using NAD without correcting methylation pathways first.Why cyanocobalamin in GLP-1 formulations may worsen inflammation.The importance of methylated B12 forms for certain genetic profiles.How overmethylation presents with anxiety and mood-related symptoms.The role of EBOO therapy in detoxification and autoimmune support. The Beaumont Med Spa: https://www.thebeaumontmedspa.com Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/np_deffendall The Beaumont Med Spa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeaumontmedspa Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →107. The Glutathione Revolution: Rewriting the Rules of Detox, Aging & Methylation
4w ago00:41:34Tap to summarizeDr. Nayan Patel is a sought after pharmacist, wellness expert, and thought leader in his industry. He has been working with physicians since 1997 to custom develop medication for their clients and design a patient specific drug and nutrition regimen. He has been the pharmacist of choice to celebrities, CEO’s and physicians themselves. He is globally regarded as the foremost go-to expert on absorbable forms of glutathione, and holds the only patent on transdermal glutathione.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Patel to unpacks the science and real-world impact of glutathione and why he believes it sits at the center of so many health challenges. He walks us through his shift from traditional pharmacy into compounding and research, and how that path led him to focus on the body’s own antioxidant systems rather than symptom management. We explore what glutathione actually does inside the cell, why production declines around age 30, and how that decline connects to toxin buildup, hormone imbalance, fatigue, and even perimenopausal symptoms. From detox pathways and methylation support to weight loss, we examine how restoring glutathione levels may change far more than we expect.Topics discussed in this episode include:Why symptom management fails to address root biochemical dysfunction.The discovery of glutathione as the body’s primary antioxidant molecule.What glutathione does to neutralize free radicals every second.The role of glutathione in liver conjugation pathways and toxin elimination.How aging reduces natural glutathione production after age thirty.What nutrients and cofactors are required for internal glutathione synthesis.The connection between mitochondrial ATP decline and antioxidant depletion.Why NAD functions as an electron transfer molecule.How toxin accumulation contributes to hormone imbalance and estrogen metabolism issues.The relationship between glutathione and methylation pathway support.The limitations of oral and intravenous glutathione delivery methods.What challenges prevent peptides from entering the cell membrane.The development of a transdermal dextrin-based glutathione delivery system.What dosage levels support daily detoxification without overload.The possibility of temporary detox reactions during toxin release.How glutathione supports patients undergoing rapid fat loss.The secondary skin brightening effects from lowering systemic stress. Auro Wellness: https://aurowellness.com Get Dr. Patel’s new book: https://aurowellness.com/products/glutathione-revolution Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →106. Occlusion, Optimization, and Overload: BFR & Beyond with Joel Novak, PT
May 1100:50:09Tap to summarizeJoel Novak is an orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. Joel holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is certified in strength and conditioning through the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Joel is a certified instructor in Blood Flow Restriction training. He also has advanced education in the diagnosis and treatment of movement and muscle imbalances with the Functional Movement Systems.Alongside Joel, we’re checking out blood flow restriction (BFR) training and how it fits into rehab and performance work. He explains how he first encountered the method, why he doubted it, and how research and clinical experience shifted his view. We look at how restricting blood flow changes oxygen availability, how that affects fatigue, and how this can support muscle activation during rehab, including cases like ACL recovery or early post-operative strength loss. Joel takes us through how pressure is measured, how limb size and cuff design affect decisions, and why some BFR devices need careful use. We also step into discussions about growth signals, nitric oxide, myostatin, and how these responses shape strength and recovery.Topics discussed in this episode include:What early athletic experiences reveal about exposure to injury and recovery demands.How comparisons between athlete groups highlight differences in tolerance and training behavior.How home routines influence the outcomes of strength and rehabilitation programs.Why Joel’s initial skepticism toward BFR shifted after reviewing extensive research literature.What blood flow restriction aims to achieve through controlled modulation of circulation.How reduced oxygen availability accelerates fatigue during simple resistance activities.What factors determine safe pressure settings based on limb size and cuff design.Why specific patient groups require caution due to circulation or tissue vulnerabilities.What hormonal and cellular responses appear after restriction-based training sessions.How BFR influences early quadriceps activation during postoperative knee rehabilitation.Why lighter training loads can still create significant fatigue and size adaptations.What common BFR errors produce adverse outcomes such as dizziness or local bruising.How consumer devices vary widely in function, safety systems, and pressure control. My performance rehab: https://myperformancerehab.com Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelnovakpt Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →105. The Future Face: Regenerative Aesthetics and the New Era of Beauty
Apr 2700:27:06Tap to summarizeDr. Kay Durairaj is an internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon and bioregenerative aesthetics expert, known for helping patients—especially midlife women—age gracefully with confidence. Based in Los Angeles, she serves as Vice Chair of Huntington Hospital’s Department of Head & Neck Surgery and holds global leadership roles, including Scientific Coordinator for AMWC Monaco, Co-Director of Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, and advisory positions with the Anti-Aging World Congress in Monaco, Japan, and Miami.We explore regenerative aesthetics with Dr. Kay’s guidance today, looking at how we can move from surface-level treatments to methods that work with what the body already does. We talk through how we use growth factors, peptides, and hormone support, and why these tools shape so much of what we see on the face. Dr. Kay explains how GLP-1 use affects facial changes, how gut health shows up on the skin, and why iron and thyroid levels influence hair. We later move into how we think about sequencing biostimulators, testing, and peptide cycles, and why patient goals should always determine our next steps.Topics discussed in this episode include:What regenerative aesthetics means in relation to cellular repair and internal signalling pathways.How growth factors and peptides open new options for treatment planning.Why collagen biostimulators remain useful for structural support in multiple facial zones.What PRP and PRF provide when applied through microneedling or direct injection.How PDGF supports wound healing after microneedling, lasers, and surgical procedures.Why PDRN works best on calm skin needing short-term nucleotide replenishment.How facial anatomy guides the choice between biostimulators and hyaluronic gel fillers.Why hormone decline in midlife drives significant facial aging changes.How topical estriol blends influence epigenetic patterns in ongoing office trials.Why GLP-1 medication use accelerates visible changes in facial structure and tone.How gut microbiome shifts affect inflammation, metabolism, and visible skin behavior.Why yogurt has proven to effectively provide microbiome support.Why iron and thyroid evaluation is essential for understanding female hair loss patterns.How topical peptides, exosomes, and biologics contribute to evolving hair restoration strategies.How peptide cycling improves compliance compared to daily long-term injectable routines. Beauty by Dr. Kay: https://beautybydrkay.com Dr. Kay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybydrkay Dr. Kay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaydurairaj Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →104. Methylene Blue: The Mitochondrial Molecule Changing Medicine
Apr 1300:52:38Tap to summarizeDr. Scott Sherr is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician Certified to Practice Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe), a specialist in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and COO of Troscriptions (a Smarter Not Harder company). His clinical telepractice includes HOMe as its foundation alongside an integrative approach to HBOT that includes cutting edge and dynamic HBOT protocols, comprehensive testing (using the HOMe framework), targeted supplementation, personal practices, synergistic technologies (new, ancient, psychedelic), and more.Dr. Sherr walks us through how methylene blue has massively evolved from a textile dye into a tool with wide clinical use. He explains its role in supporting mitochondrial processes, its influence on redox cycling, and why he believes low doses can help us manage energy production without strain. We hear how it interacts with neurotransmitters, how it may influence mood, and how it pairs with approaches that shift us out of sympathetic drive. He leads us through dosage considerations, what happens when doses are too high, and when methylene blue becomes useful for infections, travel, or sudden physiological stress. We also explore how Dr. Sherr approaches biomarkers and how he uses methylene blue while assessing deeper issues like inflammation, gut challenges, and chronic immune activation.Topics discussed in this episode include:How mitochondrial dysfunction links to metabolic stress, toxins, and chronic sympathetic activation.How methylene blue concentrates in mitochondria and assists redox cycling during energy production.Why reactive oxygen influences inflammation patterns and cellular performance changes.How neurotransmitter levels shift through MAOI effects at specific controlled methylene blue doses.Cognitive challenges that are linked to mitochondrial strain, gut inflammation, and stress physiology.How sympathetic dominance limits healing progress and influences patient response.The pairing of methylene blue with neurotherapy approaches to support downregulation processes.How dosing considerations change when chronic infections are identified.Why higher doses become relevant during acute infections.How topical forms or combined peptide formulations expand methylene blue usage across tissues.Ways that nitric oxide behavior differs between inducible and endogenous pathways under methylene blue.How patient-specific cycling, tolerance, and half-life factors determine dosing patterns.How symptom changes at low doses can reveal hidden infections or biofilm disruption events.Myths about mitochondrial “over-optimization” or permanent tissue discoloration. Troscriptions: https://troscriptions.com Troscriptions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@troscriptions Dr. Sherr on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherr Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →103. Legislative Changes Affecting Med Spas: What Clinicians Need to Know
Apr 600:49:44Tap to summarizeAlex R. Thiersch founded the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), a trade group that provides legal and business resources for medical spas and medical aesthetic practices throughout the United States. With over 3,000 members, AmSpa is one of the fastest growing and most sought-after resources in the aesthetic industry, and its website receives over 30,000 visits a month. Alex’s law practice focuses on representing plastic surgeons, medical spas, and aesthetic practices in business and compliance matters. In this episode, we sit down with Alex to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in the medical aesthetics and wellness space. We hear how rapid industry growth, public scrutiny, and pharmaceutical influence have led to bills like Indiana’s Senate Bill 282, and why many providers were caught off guard. Alex explains how compounding regulations became tied to med spa oversight, how GLP-1 medications factor into the conversation, and why independent injectors and functional medicine practices may be more affected than they realize. He also breaks down medical director responsibilities, good faith exams, telemedicine, and what proactive compliance should look like moving forward.Topics discussed in this episode include:How rapid industry growth has exposed widespread compliance gaps.Why social media amplification increases scrutiny of aesthetic outcomes.The impact of patient injuries and counterfeit products on legislation.How private equity and pharmaceutical investment intensify oversight.Why GLP-1 medications have shifted attention towards wellness practices.The tension between dermatology groups and independent injectors.Why Senate Bill 282 advanced quickly through Indiana legislature.The separation between compounding regulations and med spa registration requirements.Why physician-owned practices remain exempt from registration mandates.The definition of med spa now encompassing IV and wellness clinics.How good faith exams function as medical clearance requirements.Why telemedicine remains permissible, but faces increased scrutiny.The reality of independent practice limitations for nurse practitioners.How other states propose stricter supervision and ownership models.Why compliance audits and legal consultation prevent future investigations.Medical Spa Show registration – April 9-12, 2026 in Las Vegas: https://www.medicalspashow.com AmSpa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amspa_americanmedspa Medical Spa Insider on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medical-spa-insider/id1340962270 Medical Spa Insider on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CmYjPYiyuiaSvl3KC6lW8?si=db217b97671a49d2 Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →102. Reclaiming Intimacy: Biologics, BHRT & Whole-Body Sexual Wellness
Mar 3000:47:19Tap to summarizeHeather Witt is the founder and CEO of The Retreat Wellness + Aesthetics, and hosts the podcast The Retreat Radio. As a board-certified Physician Assistant and advanced aesthetic injector, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. Heather firmly believes in the concept of beautiful and natural aesthetic treatments, which serves as the foundation of her practice. She understands that beauty is a marathon, not a sprint, and takes pride in guiding her patients through their individualized treatment plans.In this episode, we talk with Heather about the realities of sexual wellness and the many layers that influence it. We go through how she breaks intimacy into stages of desire, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm, and helps us understand where things can stall. We explore why so many women feel confused about changes in libido and sensation, and how burnout, dopamine depletion, relationship dynamics, hormone imbalance, and pelvic floor tension all play a role. We also get into how she approaches assessment through personal history, targeted questions, and detailed lab work before choosing any treatment. Throughout the conversation, we uncover surprising links between stress, nervous system state, and sexual response, as well as learn just how many options exist when we address these concerns with intention.Topics discussed in this episode include:How Heather defines sexual wellness using a four-stage functional framework.Why desire, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm operate as distinct but connected processes.What differences appear between male and female patterns of sexual challenges.How Heather evaluates psychological factors influencing desire and relational dynamics.Why dopamine depletion from stress significantly reduces interest in sexual activity.What physiological clues signal problems with arousal, lubrication, or sensation issues.How specific medications like SSRIs negatively influence libido and sexual response.What lab markers Heather reviews when assessing hormones, inflammation, and metabolic health.How hormone balance influences sexual function across multiple interconnected pathways.Why testosterone supports desire, sensation, orgasm intensity, and neurotransmitter activity.What role PT-141 plays in supporting dopamine-driven desire patterns.How oxytocin enhances emotional connection, relaxation, and sexual engagement capacity.What benefits localized estrogen and DHEA provide for tissue quality and lubrication.How advanced biologics like exosomes or stem cells enhance O-Shot outcomes.How men benefit from dopamine support, oxytocin, and testosterone optimization.The Retreat Wellness + Aesthetics: https://www.theretreatwellness.com The Retreat Radio on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1886812437The Retreat Radio on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MLBKpfxlCqCWGwY7vdWhDHeather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskin_pa The Retreat Aesthetics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theretreat.aesthetics The Retreat Wellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theretreat.wellness Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →101. Beyond Healing: Regenerative Medicine and the Power of StemWave
Mar 1600:52:44Tap to summarizeDr. Gerald Morris is a board-certified physician with a passion for regenerative medicine, peptide therapy, and human longevity. His unique approach integrates advanced therapies such as stem cell treatments, exosomes, PRP, and peptide protocols with lifestyle strategies designed to optimize performance, recovery, and long-term vitality.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Morris to explore the therapies that are reshaping how we heal, recover, and age, with a specific focus on regenerative medicine StemWave. From surprising truths about PRP to the emerging role of peptides and the misunderstood potential of StemWave, this episode goes deep into what’s possible when we stop masking symptoms and start repairing the body at its root. Dr. Morris provides stories that challenge what you thought you knew about pain, inflammation, and aging. Topics discussed in this episode include:How foundational habits influence whether advanced therapies actually work.Why regenerative medicine focuses on repairing and reprogramming damaged tissues naturally.How aging accelerates cellular decline and increases the need for true restoration.Why PRP quality depends entirely on lifestyle, health markers, and metabolic status.How donor-derived biologics offer advantages for older or inflamed patients.Why exosomes act as the body’s molecular messaging system for repair.How we decide between using exosomes, stem cells, or layered combinations.How neuropathy treatments require patience, realistic expectations, and multimodal strategies.Why many patients wrongly expect regenerative procedures to be “one and done.”Why StemWave’s electrohydraulic shockwave technology activates cellular repair pathways.How mechanical transduction triggers anti-inflammatory and vasodilation effects in tissue.Why peptides like BPC-157 and TB4 are paired with shockwave for deeper repair.How treatment frequency and duration influence long-term regenerative outcomes.How the future of regenerative medicine is moving toward personalization and patient-driven care. Dr. Morris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drg.amgforlife Dr. Morris’ website: https://www.gmorrismd.comAMG Aesthetics: https://www.amgregenerativemedicine.com Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →100. Muscle, Metabolism, and Hormones: What Every Woman Should Know
Mar 200:44:18Tap to summarizeMeghan Jones holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is board-certified as a Nurse Practitioner. Her specialties include hormone replacement therapy, advanced peptide therapeutics, thyroid optimization, and weight management. By combining these advanced therapies with a focus on longevity and anti-aging, she strives to empower individuals to achieve optimal health and vitality.With her unique background in bodybuilding, Meghan unpacks the critical role of muscle in women's health, especially as we age. She explains common myths surrounding muscle growth and explores why strength training is vital for achieving a toned physique, without the need to fear becoming bulky. Meghan shares advice on balancing hormones and nutrition, including the use of peptides and growth hormones to support muscle health. We also discuss how hormones like testosterone and estrogen can boost motivation and energy for workouts.Topics discussed in this episode include:Why functional and anti-aging medicine are integral to empowering women's health.How strength training (and not just cardio) is essential for achieving a toned physique.Why muscle growth involves more than just "calories in versus calories out."How inflammation, hormones, and gut health affect muscle gain and fat loss.Why preserving muscle while losing fat requires proper nutrition and resistance training.How peptides and hormones, like growth hormone releasing hormones, support muscle health.Why both testosterone and estrogen play roles in motivation and energy for workouts.How GLP-1s contribute to weight management in a personalized nutrition approach.Why macronutrient balance and lifestyle habits are crucial for sustainable health outcomes.How to begin a fitness journey with simple steps like walking and body weight exercises.Why focusing on time under tension and basic movements benefits muscle growth.How consistent, less intense training can yield significant muscle maintenance and strength gains. Racquel Aesthetics: https://racquelaesthetics.com Racquel Aesthetics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racquel_aesthetics Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com
Transcribe →