What if the key to a better night's sleep isn't just a pill, but better gut health?

I am so thrilled to welcome my dear friend Cynthia Thurlow, a brilliant nurse practitioner and expert in intermittent fasting, back to the studio to dive into the often-ignored connection between our hormones and the gut microbiome. In this episode, we explore why perimenopause and menopause aren't just about hot flashes, but involve a dynamic shift in our metabolism and immune health driven by our gut. We’re pulling back the curtain on how lifestyle habits, fiber, and even past trauma play a massive role in how you feel as you navigate this life transition.

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) Declining estrogen levels contribute to brain fog, memory issues, and irritability in women.

(05:46) Why Cynthia felt compelled to write about the missing link between menopause and the gut microbiome.

(07:00) Hormonal shifts change your metabolism, immune system, and the way your body extracts calories from food.

(10:58) Cynthia discusses the controversy surrounding fiber and why it is a critical signaling molecule for insulin sensitivity and inflammation.

(16:42) The importance of urolithin A and why only a small percentage of people can produce it naturally.

(18:36) An elimination diet can be a powerful tool for identifying food-related triggers for bloating and weight resistance.

(32:01) Cynthia’s hypothesis on how suppressed childhood trauma often resurfaces as health problems during the menopausal transition.

(40:46) Be your own health advocate and have the courage to fire providers who dismiss your symptoms.

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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/menopausegut

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