Episodi

  • Episode 302- The Missing Signals Your Body Needs to Burn Fat, Balance Hormones, and Restore Energy with Ethan Okunas, RDN

    Episode 302- The Missing Signals Your Body Needs to Burn Fat, Balance Hormones, and Restore Energy with Ethan Okunas, RDN
    Oct 20 2026
    What if the missing piece to improving your metabolism, balancing your hormones, and restoring your energy has very little to do with what you're eating? What if the light you're exposed to, the timing of your meals, and the signals your body receives from its environment are just as important as the food on your plate? This week on Optimal Metabolism, I welcome fellow registered dietitian Ethan Okunas, also known as The Quantum Dietitian, for a fascinating conversation about circadian biology, mitochondrial function, and the environmental factors that influence our metabolic health. Ethan brings a unique perspective to nutrition, looking beyond calories and macronutrients to explore how our biological clocks, light exposure, and daily habits influence insulin sensitivity, cortisol, leptin, energy production, and our ability to maintain a healthy weight. We explore why someone can be doing everything "right" with their nutrition yet still struggle with stubborn weight gain, fatigue, blood sugar instability, and hormonal imbalances. We also dig into some lesser-known concepts in quantum biology and how understanding our body's natural rhythms may help us make more informed decisions about our health. If you've been frustrated by a lack of progress despite eating well and working hard to improve your health, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective on the signals your body needs to function optimally! WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Ethan's journey from traditional dietetics into circadian and quantum biology, and why he believes nutrition is only part of the metabolic health picture.Why two people can eat the exact same foods and experience very different metabolic responses.The connection between circadian rhythm disruption, insulin resistance, and weight-loss resistance.Why mitochondrial health is so important for energy production, metabolic flexibility, and overall wellness.How morning sunlight influences biological signaling and may affect cortisol, blood sugar, appetite, and nighttime sleep.The relationship between circadian rhythms, leptin signaling, hunger, and late-night cravings.Why eating the same meal in the morning versus late at night can produce different blood sugar and insulin responses.What "environmental mismatch" means and how modern lifestyles can interfere with our natural biological rhythms.What quantum biology actually means and how to distinguish established science from emerging theories.The concept of structured water and its proposed relationship with light and mitochondrial functionPractical circadian strategies to prioritize when dealing with insulin resistance, stubborn weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and low energy. MORE ABOUT ETHAN OKUNAS, RDN Ethan Okunas is a registered dietitian and founder of Quantum Dietitian. With a background in clinical nutrition and a passion for circadian and mitochondrial biology, Ethan takes an integrative approach to understanding metabolism and human health. He holds a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Fitness from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan is also the author of Quantum Nutrition and Quantum Weight Loss, exploring how nutrition, light, circadian rhythms, and environmental factors interact to influence human health. Website: https://quantumdietitian.com/ LET'S GET IN TOUCH: Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Feel Great System + COMPASS Metabolic Reset: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ MY PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES: Cortisol Calm: Learn how to support healthy cortisol, melatonin, and circadian rhythms through nutrition, light exposure, meal timing, and lifestyle strategies. https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course/ Low Insulin Academy: My signature course teaching you how to address insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, and stubborn weight struggles through sustainable nutrition and lifestyle strategies. https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand/ Cortisol Balance Mini Course: Learn foundational strategies for supporting cortisol regulation and improving your body's stress-response patterns. https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-mini/
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    1 ora e 13 min
  • Episode 301- Why You Still Feel Terrible When Your Labs Are Normal: The Missing Links Between Thyroid, Gut & Brain Health with Jim Chialtas

    Episode 301- Why You Still Feel Terrible When Your Labs Are Normal: The Missing Links Between Thyroid, Gut & Brain Health with Jim Chialtas
    Oct 13 2026

    Have you ever been told your lab results are perfectly normal, yet you're still struggling with exhaustion, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, digestive problems, or hormonal imbalances? You're not alone, and there may be important pieces of your health puzzle that haven't been explored.

    In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I welcome Dr. Jim Chialtas, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and advanced Functional Medicine practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Jim brings a unique perspective to chronic health challenges by combining Functional Medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine to investigate underlying imbalances and better understand how the body's systems work together.

    We dive into the fascinating connections between thyroid health, the brain, gut function, nervous-system regulation, and metabolism. We discuss why conventional lab testing doesn't always provide the full picture, how nervous-system dysfunction may contribute to persistent symptoms, and why seemingly healthy habits like fasting, exercise, and dietary changes don't always produce the results we're hoping for.

    If you've been doing everything right but still aren't feeling your best, this conversation will encourage you to look beyond individual symptoms and better understand the interconnected nature of your health!

    WHAT WE DISCUSSED:
    • Why conventional lab results can appear normal even when someone is experiencing significant symptoms.
    • How two people with nearly identical symptoms can have completely different underlying health challenges.
    • The connection between thyroid function, metabolism, fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain.
    • How the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems influence digestion, hormones, and overall well-being.
    • What functional dysautonomia is and how nervous-system imbalance may contribute to chronic health problems.
    • The surprising relationship between the brain, gut, and metabolic health.
    • Why treating digestive symptoms alone may not address the underlying contributors to gut dysfunction.
    • How fasting, low-carb diets, and intense exercise may not be appropriate for everyone, especially when the body is already under significant stress.
    • What Traditional Chinese Medicine can contribute to understanding health patterns that may be overlooked by conventional approaches.
    • How combining Eastern and Western approaches can offer a broader perspective on complex chronic health conditions.
    • Why identifying underlying contributors to illness is different from simply managing symptoms.
    CONNECT WITH DR. JIM CHIALTAS:

    Website: https://afunctionalapproach.net/

    LET'S GET IN TOUCH:

    Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/

    Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fasttohealnutritiontherapy

    MY FREE RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS:

    Feel Great System: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH

    Low Insulin Academy: Learn strategies for addressing insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, and stubborn weight struggles.

    https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand/

    Cortisol Calm: Explore how circadian rhythms, light exposure, nutrition, and nervous-system regulation can support healthier cortisol and sleep patterns.

    https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course/
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    1 ora e 3 min
  • Episode 300- Could Mold Be Sabotaging Your Metabolism, Hormones & Nervous System? with Ariana Thacker of MoldCo

    Episode 300- Could Mold Be Sabotaging Your Metabolism, Hormones & Nervous System? with Ariana Thacker of MoldCo
    Oct 6 2026
    300 EPISODES! 🎉 After more than six years behind the microphone, I am so grateful to every one of you who has listened, shared an episode, learned alongside me, and supported the evolution of the Optimal Metabolism Podcast. I couldn't think of a more fascinating topic for this milestone episode! Today I'm joined by Ariana Thacker, founder of MoldCo, whose work in the mold space began after her own devastating experience with mold exposure. Ariana became extremely ill, was dismissed by eight different doctors, and ultimately discovered mold was at the root of what was happening to her health. This conversation also became very personal for me. I have long suspected mold could be an issue in my son's apartment. He has struggled with frequent illness, coughing and mucus, along with anxiety and nervous-system symptoms. MoldCo sent me one of their home testing kits, so we tested his apartment—and his results came back with a HERTSMI-2 score of 18, which MoldCo categorizes in its highest warning range and recommends further investigation and remediation. Ariana and I unpack what those results mean, why mold-related illness can be so difficult to recognize, symptoms you may never think to connect to your environment, and how mold exposure may intersect with inflammation, hormones, your immune system, nervous system, and metabolic health. If you've been doing "all the right things" but continue to struggle with unexplained symptoms, your environment may be another piece of the puzzle. WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Ariana's personal experience with mold exposure and being dismissed by eight different doctorsHow her own health crisis ultimately led her to create MoldCoWhy mold exposure and water-damaged buildings can be overlooked when investigating chronic symptomsCommon and surprising symptoms associated with mold exposureWhy someone can feel chronically sick even when conventional testing continues to come back "normal"The connections between mold exposure, inflammation, hormones, the immune system and nervous systemHow environmental exposures may interfere with metabolic healthWhy certain people can be much more sensitive to mold than othersMy son's ongoing coughing, mucus, frequent illness, anxiety and nervous behavior—and why I finally tested his apartmentWhat we discovered when his MoldCo home test returned a HERTSMI-2 score of 18What HERTSMI-2 testing measures and how to interpret the resultsWhat to do when testing reveals elevated mold levels in your home or apartmentTesting versus guessing: where to begin if you suspect moldPractical next steps for addressing both your environment and your health LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 🏠 MOLDCO Learn more about MoldCo, home mold testing, and their approach to identifying potential mold exposure: Explore MoldCo 💨 AIR OASIS AIR PURIFIERS After learning more about mold exposure—and seeing the results from my son's apartment—I decided to take another step toward improving the air quality in our homes. I ordered Air Oasis air purifiers for my entire family. If you're also looking for ways to support cleaner indoor air and reduce airborne contaminants in your home, you can check out the Air Oasis purifiers below. Use code SHANAH to save 10% on your order. Shop Air Oasis Air Purifiers — Save 10% with code SHANAH CODE: SHANAH | 10% OFF 🥤 THE FEEL GREAT SYSTEM If you're working on blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, appetite, or overall metabolic health and are looking for a natural approach, check out the Feel Great System. The system combines a concentrated yerba mate drink used in the morning to support energy, focus, and appetite control, plus a clinically studied fiber-based drink mixed with water and taken before meals to help moderate the glucose and insulin response to food while supporting healthy lipid levels. Order the Feel Great System here Want to dig into the science for yourself? Read the Feel Great clinical studies ❤️ READY FOR A COMPLETE METABOLIC HEALTH RESET? If you're struggling with stubborn weight, insulin resistance, blood sugar issues, cortisol problems, low energy, poor sleep, cravings, or a metabolism that simply doesn't seem to be responding anymore, this is where I recommend starting. My Complete Metabolic Health Reset helps you get back to the foundations and look at the bigger metabolic picture instead of continuing to chase individual symptoms. Start the Complete Metabolic Health Reset LET'S GET IN TOUCH 🎙️ Optimal Metabolism Podcast: Listen to more episodes 🌐 Shana Hussin Wellness: Visit my website 📲 Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn
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    1 ora e 12 min
  • Episode 299- How Chris Reade Reversed Type 2 Diabetes: The Soluble Fiber Solution

    Episode 299- How Chris Reade Reversed Type 2 Diabetes: The Soluble Fiber Solution
    Sep 29 2026

    What if one of the most overlooked tools for improving blood sugar has been sitting right in front of us all along?

    In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I'm joined by Chris Reade, entrepreneur and author of Beating Diabetes, to talk about his personal journey with type 2 diabetes and the discoveries that changed the trajectory of his health.

    Chris shares how his diagnosis pushed him to dig into the research for himself—and why soluble fiber ultimately became such an important part of his approach. We unpack what soluble fiber actually does, how it can influence post-meal blood sugar and metabolic health, and practical ways to incorporate more of it into your everyday life.

    I also share how this conversation connects with the strategies I teach for improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. If you've been diagnosed with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes—or you're simply trying to improve your metabolic health—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

    WHAT WE DISCUSSED
    • Chris's type 2 diabetes diagnosis and what prompted him to take a deeper look at his health
    • The changes he made to improve his blood sugar
    • Why soluble fiber became such an important part of his approach
    • How soluble fiber can affect digestion, satiety, and the post-meal glucose response
    • Practical ways to increase soluble fiber in your diet
    • How fiber can fit alongside other metabolic strategies such as meal timing and fasting
    • Common mistakes people make when trying to improve their blood sugar
    • Why improving metabolic health doesn't have to mean following an extreme or complicated plan
    • Chris's advice for someone newly diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
    • Why there is hope for people struggling with their metabolic health
    A SIMPLE WAY TO ADD MORE FIBER

    This conversation about soluble fiber also ties beautifully into one of the tools I personally use and recommend—the Feel Great System.

    The system pairs a pre-meal fiber drink, with a concentrated yerba mate tea, making it simple to incorporate metabolic support into your everyday routine.

    I'm especially excited about the new Balance Apple formula. It provides about 5 grams of fiber per serving and combines multiple fiber sources with apple polyphenols and apple cider vinegar. The formula is designed to support fullness, the gut microbiome, and a healthier post-meal glucose response. balance-appledistributor-guidee…

    Ready to learn more?

    🍎 Get the Feel Great System WITH the new Balance Apple:
    Shop the Feel Great System + Balance Apple

    🌿 Learn more about the Feel Great System:
    Explore the Feel Great System

    🍏 Want Balance Apple only?
    Shop Balance Apple

    LINKS & RESOURCES

    📖 Learn more about Chris Reade and his book, Beating Diabetes:
    Beating Diabetes

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Optimal Metabolism:
    Optimal Metabolism Podcast

    LET'S GET IN TOUCH

    Shana Hussin Wellness

    Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn

    Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness
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    1 ora e 3 min
  • Episode 298- (REDONE!) How Long Does It Take to Reverse Insulin Resistance? What Can Change in 90 Days

    Episode 298- (REDONE!) How Long Does It Take to Reverse Insulin Resistance? What Can Change in 90 Days
    Sep 23 2026

    How long does it actually take to reverse insulin resistance? Is it 30 days, 90 days, six months—or years?

    This episode of Optimal Metabolism was originally recorded as an Instagram LIVE, where I answered this question and talked about what it really takes to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

    There isn't one universal timeline for reversing insulin resistance, but that doesn't mean you have to wait years to start seeing progress. I break down the symptoms that can tell you your metabolism is moving in the right direction, the lab values that can help you objectively measure progress, and why fasting glucose alone doesn't always tell the whole story.

    Most importantly, we talk about how much progress you can make in 90 days when you stop jumping from one strategy to another and consistently work on the right things.

    WHAT I DISCUSS:

    • Why there isn't one timeline for reversing insulin resistance

    • What affects how quickly insulin sensitivity improves

    • Early signs your metabolic health is improving

    • Hunger, cravings, energy, weight, and other symptoms to watch

    • Symptom resolution vs. lab values—how do you actually know you've reversed insulin resistance?

    • Metabolic markers that can help you track your progress

    • Why fasting glucose alone doesn't tell the whole story

    • Why consistency matters more than constantly changing strategies

    • How much progress you can make in 90 days

    • How the COMPASS Reset + FEEL GREAT system can help you put these strategies into action

    READY TO SEE WHAT CAN CHANGE IN 90 DAYS?

    My COMPASS Reset starts Wednesday!

    This is your opportunity to stop guessing and spend the next 90 days consistently working on the foundations that can help you improve your metabolic health and FEEL GREAT.

    🧭 COMPASS RESET

    Want the full details about the 90-day COMPASS Reset?

    https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/

    🎓 WANT THE CLASSES ONLY?

    If you want to participate in the COMPASS Reset classes without the full option, you can join here:

    https://smhnutritionandwellness.thrivecart.com/compassreset/

    ❤️ READY TO FEEL GREAT?

    If you want to order FEEL GREAT and automatically gain access to my COMPASS reset, you can get started here:

    https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH

    Give your body 90 days of consistently doing the right things and see just how much can change.

    LET'S GET IN TOUCH:

    Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn

    Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/

    Podcast: https://shanahussinwellness.com/podcast/
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    41 min
  • Episode 297- Is Your Light Environment Wrecking Your Metabolism? How Light Impacts Cortisol, Blood Sugar, Energy & Sleep with Roudy Nassif

    Episode 297- Is Your Light Environment Wrecking Your Metabolism? How Light Impacts Cortisol, Blood Sugar, Energy & Sleep with Roudy Nassif
    Sep 15 2026
    What if one of the biggest missing pieces in your metabolic health has nothing to do with your diet—and everything to do with the light you're exposed to every day? In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with Roudy Nassif, founder of VivaRays and a leading educator in light, circadian health, and quantum biology. Roudy's passion for light began with his own search for answers after years of struggling with ADHD, depression, mood swings, and chronic exhaustion that no diet, doctor, or supplement seemed to fix. That journey ultimately led him to discover just how profoundly our exposure to light—and darkness—can influence our biology. We dive into the connection between your light environment and cortisol, blood sugar, sleep, energy, mood, and metabolic health. We also discuss why getting your nutrition "right" may not be enough if your circadian rhythm is working against you. If you've been struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, insulin resistance, weight loss resistance, or cortisol issues despite doing all the "right" things, this conversation may help you recognize a missing piece. WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Roudy's personal journey from ADHD, depression, mood swings, and chronic exhaustion to discovering circadian and light biology Why light may be one of the most overlooked pieces of metabolic health Can you eat a great diet and still struggle metabolically because of your light environment? How morning sunlight influences your circadian rhythm, cortisol, blood sugar, energy, and metabolism How spending our days indoors under artificial light may affect metabolic and hormonal health The relationship between light exposure, cortisol dysregulation, and chronic exhaustion Roudy's experience with ADHD and mood and how changing his light environment affected his health Why circadian health may be especially important for women in perimenopause and menopause Common mistakes we're making with artificial and blue light What makes blue-light-blocking glasses different—and when should you actually wear them? Roudy's ideal daily light routine from morning through bedtime Simple light-related strategies you can begin implementing right away SPECIAL VIVARAYS OFFER ☀️ I've personally been using VivaRays blue-light-blocking glasses and absolutely love them! From September 14 through October 5, use code SHANAH to save 15% on VivaRays. After October 5, the same code will continue to give you 10% off. Shop VivaRays through my special link: https://vivarays.com/shanahussin CODE: SHANAH COMPASS METABOLIC RESET IS BACK! 🧭 I'm starting another round of my COMPASS Metabolic Reset on September 23 for Feel Great users! If you're already a Feel Great user, you can learn more about the reset and get started here: Join the COMPASS Metabolic Reset: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ If you're not yet using Feel Great, but you're interested in participating in the reset and want to learn more about getting started with the products, you can start here: Get Started with Feel Great: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH I've also heard from many of you who aren't currently Feel Great users but would still love to participate in the COMPASS Metabolic Reset. I'm working on an option that will allow non-users to join our meetings live for a fee and receive the replays. Those details are still being finalized, so watch my emails and social media for the official announcement and registration details. My hope is that once you experience the reset and learn more about the benefits we're implementing, you may decide becoming a Feel Great user is the right next step for you! ABOUT ROUDY NASSIF: Born in Lebanon and trained as an engineer, Roudy Nassif's interest in light and circadian health grew out of his own struggles with ADHD, depression, mood swings, and chronic exhaustion. After embarking on a worldwide journey to better understand himself and the natural world, Roudy immersed himself in quantum biology, circadian science, and the effects of light on human physiology. Today, Roudy is a health entrepreneur, martial artist, light educator, and founder of VivaRays. He has educated thousands of functional medicine and naturopathic doctors on using light to support sleep, energy, focus, and overall vitality. His mission is to help one billion people live in greater alignment with nature's light and dark cycles. CONNECT WITH ROUDY: VivaRays: https://vivarays.com/shanahussin Discount Code: SHANAH LET'S GET IN TOUCH: Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ Podcast: https://shanahussinwellness.com/podcast/ MY PROGRAMS & RESOURCES: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ Low Insulin Academy: Say goodbye to insulin resistance, stubborn weight issues, and blood sugar instability for good. Cortisol Calm: Learn how to bring cortisol, melatonin, and leptin—your master circadian hormones—back into balance naturally. Personalized Coaching: Get individualized help to uncover ...
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    1 ora e 19 min
  • Episode 296- Raising Sextuplets, Losing Her Husband, and Transforming Her Health: Amy Van Houten's Incredible Story

    Episode 296- Raising Sextuplets, Losing Her Husband, and Transforming Her Health: Amy Van Houten's Incredible Story
    Sep 8 2026
    Amy Van Houten has a story you won't soon forget. As a mom of sextuplets, Amy already knew what it meant to navigate a full and demanding life. Then everything changed when she unexpectedly lost her husband to a heart attack and found herself moving forward as a single mom. In this episode, Amy shares the deeply personal story of navigating loss, motherhood, her own health transformation, and ultimately finding a renewed sense of purpose through it all. We also talk about Amy's experience with the Feel Great system and the changes she began noticing in her health. What started as something she was doing for herself eventually became something much bigger. Amy began sharing her experience with others and has since built a thriving business—all while raising her family and staying grounded in her faith. This conversation is about so much more than physical health. It's about what can happen when improving your health gives you the energy and confidence to start saying yes to possibilities you may never have imagined for yourself. If you are in a season where you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what your next chapter looks like, I think Amy's story will leave you feeling incredibly encouraged! WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Amy's health before discovering the Feel Great system and what led her to try something different The changes Amy experienced in her weight, energy, appetite, and overall health Raising sextuplets and what life looked like for Amy and her family Unexpectedly losing her husband to a heart attack and navigating life as a single mom Prioritizing her own health while carrying tremendous grief, stress, and responsibility The important role Amy's faith has played throughout her journey How Amy's personal health transformation naturally led her to start helping other people Going from simply using Feel Great herself to building a thriving business What this opportunity has given Amy as a single mom beyond additional income Why you do NOT have to consider yourself a "salesperson" to successfully share something you genuinely believe in Turning some of life's hardest circumstances into an opportunity to serve others and discover a new purpose READY FOR YOUR OWN 90-DAY RESET? My next 90-Day COMPASS Reset begins in mid-September! If you're struggling with stubborn weight, cravings, energy, blood sugar, or simply feeling metabolically stuck, this is your opportunity to experience the Feel Great system with guidance, accountability, and a community alongside you. If you're using the Feel Great System, you're already in! That's the only requirement. CURIOUS ABOUT PARTNERING WITH ME? Maybe you listened to Amy's story and found yourself thinking: "Could I do something like this?" If you are passionate about health, love helping others, or are looking for an opportunity you can build around your existing life, I'd love to talk with you about partnering with me and Unicity. You do not need to be a salesperson, have a huge social media following, or already know how to build a business. Amy's story is such a beautiful example of what can happen when you simply start by sharing something that has genuinely impacted your own life. Reach out to me at shana@shanahussinwellness.com to learn more! CONNECT WITH AMY VAN HOUTEN: Made 2 Be Redeemed Website: made2beredeemed.com LET'S GET IN TOUCH: Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Website: shanahussinwellness.com Podcast: Optimal Metabolism with Shana Hussin, RDN
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    1 ora e 9 min
  • Episode 295- The Menopause Gut: Why Your Metabolism Changes After 40 with Cynthia Thurlow, NP

    Episode 295- The Menopause Gut: Why Your Metabolism Changes After 40 with Cynthia Thurlow, NP
    Sep 1 2026
    If your body suddenly seems to be playing by a completely different set of rules in perimenopause or menopause, this episode is for you! For the first time ever on Optimal Metabolism, I am welcoming back a three-peat guest! Cynthia Thurlow, NP, is a two-time TEDx speaker, international speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Everyday Wellness podcast. Her viral TEDx talk on intermittent fasting has surpassed 15 million views, and she has become a leading voice in women's metabolic health, perimenopause, menopause, and intermittent fasting. Cynthia joins me to discuss her latest book, The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond. We're digging into the connection between declining estrogen and the microbiome—and why changes in your gut may affect everything from insulin resistance and stubborn weight gain to inflammation, energy, sleep, brain health, and hormone balance. If you've been eating healthy, exercising, fasting, and doing all the things that used to work—but your body isn't responding the same way anymore—this conversation may help explain why. WHAT WE DISCUSS: Why the gut becomes increasingly important as estrogen declinesHow the microbiome changes during perimenopause and menopauseThe connection between gut health, insulin resistance, and blood sugarWhy stubborn weight gain in midlife isn't simply about calories or willpowerWhat the microgenderome is and why women should know about itWhy digestive problems and food sensitivities can suddenly appear after 40The estrobolome and the relationship between gut health and estrogen metabolismHow chronic stress can influence the gut and the menopause transitionWhy sleep and circadian rhythm matter for gut and metabolic healthThe gut-brain connection and why anxiety and brain fog can increase during midlifeHow gut and hormonal changes may influence immune health and autoimmunityWhy extreme dieting and exercise strategies may stop working in midlifePractical ways women can begin supporting their microbiome and metabolism ABOUT CYNTHIA THURLOW, NP Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, two-time TEDx speaker, international speaker, and founder and CEO of the Everyday Wellness Project. With more than 25 years of experience in health and wellness, she specializes in perimenopause, menopause, intermittent fasting, and women's metabolic health. She is the bestselling author of Intermittent Fasting Transformation and The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond. CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA + GET THE BOOK 📕 The Menopause Gut: Cynthia's latest release and the foundation of her gut-centric approach to perimenopause and menopause. Order the book here: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/the-menopause-gut Or order from any major book retailer. 🎁 Bonus Resources + Gut-Type Guide: https://themenopausegut.com/ 🌐 Cynthia's Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ READY TO WORK ON YOUR OWN METABOLIC HEALTH? 🧭 90-Day COMPASS Reset If you're tired of guessing what your body needs, COMPASS gives you a structured 90-day roadmap to help improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar, metabolic health, and body composition—with education, accountability, weekly coaching, tracking, and support along the way. Our next COMPASS session begins mid-September 2026. Learn more + join COMPASS: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ ✨ The Feel Great System Want to start with something simple? The Feel Great System is a simple two-step daily system designed to support blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, cravings, fasting, energy, and overall metabolic health. Learn more about the Feel Great System: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/ CONNECT WITH SHANA 🎙️ Optimal Metabolism Podcast: https://shanahussinwellness.com/podcast/ 🌐 Shana Hussin Wellness: https://shanahussinwellness.com/
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    1 ora e 9 min