The Flipping 50 Show

• Protein for Menopause Hormone Support

  Let’s unpack something most midlife women are totally missing – protein for Menopause Hormone Support. Are you feeling moody, low-energy, or constantly craving carbs in midlife? It might not just be your hormones—it could be your protein intake… and its effect on your hormones.  In today’s episode, know how protein connects hormones and why your daily meals might be the hormonal tune-up you didn’t know you needed. Cortisol & Protein: The Stress-Balance Dance Cortisol levels increase in response to low blood sugar or stress, which are common when meals are high-carb and low-protein. A high-protein diet blunts cortisol spikes post-meal and improves the body’s stress response.   Insulin: Protein’s Role in Glucose Control Protein stimulates insulin—but in a modulated way that helps with blood sugar stability, not spikes. In midlife and beyond, protein helps preserve insulin sensitivity, especially when combined with resistance training.   Ghrelin & Leptin: Protein vs. Cravings Ghrelin = your hunger hormone. Protein is the most effective macronutrient at suppressing ghrelin. Leptin = satiety hormone. Protein helps regulate leptin sensitivity over time. The Protein theory goes that if the body doesn’t get enough protein it will message you it wants more. The problem is the message is not clear. It’s just a hunger signal. You’re left to figure it out or deal with the tempting cookies, cakes, and chocolate hidden in the icebox.    Estrogen: From Muscle Protector to MIA Estrogen is an anabolic hormone—it supports muscle maintenance, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic efficiency. As estrogen declines in perimenopause and menopause, its natural support of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) disappears. With estrogen no longer stimulating MPS, women must now rely on two primary tools to stimulate it: Resistance training Adequate high-quality protein (especially leucine-rich) “Estrogen enhances the anabolic response of skeletal muscle to both feeding and resistance exercise, and its loss results in anabolic resistance.”   More Truths About Protein for Menopause Hormone Support Muscle Protein Synthesis declines with age—and even more so without estrogen.  This is why RDA-level protein (0.8g/kg) is not sufficient in midlife - a statement agreed on by Registered Dietitians, longevity and geriatric experts alike.  Experts (ISSN) recommend ≥1.6–2.2g/kg of body weight for active women in midlife to maintain muscle, metabolism, and hormonal resilience.   The Anabolic vs. Catabolic Hormone Framework Anabolic Hormones = Build & Repair These are hormones that stimulate tissue growth and regeneration: Testosterone – promotes muscle growth, strength, libido Growth Hormone (GH) – supports repair, recovery, and fat metabolism Estrogen – helps preserve lean mass, regulates insulin sensitivity Insulin – can be anabolic by shuttling nutrients into cells, especially post-exercise Protein intake supports all of these by providing the amino acid building blocks needed for anabolic activity. Catabolic Hormones = Break DownThese are hormones that promote the breakdown of muscle, tissue, and energy stores: Cortisol – breaks down muscle for glucose during stress Epinephrine/Norepinephrine – mobilize energy in fight-or-flight Chronically elevated catabolic hormones + low protein = muscle loss, cravings, fatigue. Fat Storage Insulin isn’t actually a catabolic hormone but it does increase fat storage. You can’t be burning fat if insulin is high, as is true for many women. Focusing on boosting the anabolic hormones is the game-changer.    Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Can We Just Stop the Self Sabotage to Feel Your Best Ever  Next Episode - How and Why to Consider Meditation in Menopause More Like This - Where Protein Recommendations for Women Come From?   Resources:  This episode is brought to you by Flipping 50 Longevity Pro Protein & Fiber, the simplest ingredient, cleanest, third-party-tested protein powder formulated specifically for midlife metabolism. No bloat, no fillers, just functional fuel. Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off at checkout.   References:  Lemmens SG, Born JM, Martens EA, Martens MJ, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. PLoS One. 2011 Feb 3;6(2):e16826. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016826. PMID: 21304815; PMCID: PMC3033415. Layman et al., 2008 reported that diets with higher protein and lower carbs improved insulin sensitivity in adults. DOI: 10.1093/jn/138.3.514 Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):677-88. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.053116. Epub 2013 Feb 27. PMID: 23446906; PMCID: PMC3718776. Tang JE, Moore DR, Kujbida GW, Tarnopolsky MA, Phillips SM. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2009 Sep;107(3):987-92. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00076.2009. Epub 2009 Jul 9. PMID: 19589961.  

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  49:50
• Can We Just Stop the Self Sabotage to Feel Your Best Ever

  If you want to lose weight, get in shape, or keep a relationship, you may know the desire to stop the self sabotage all too well.  My guest and I talk about her weight loss, coming down from 200 lbs. Not achieving a skinny size 4, but an all important and often missing love for the body and the curves she has.  If you don’t need to lose weight but aren’t where you want to be in relationships, business or finance, stay tuned to know how to stop the self sabotage.   My Guest: Junie Moon, CEO of Midlife Love Out Loud, a Global Love Mentor, Best-selling Author, Women's Empowerment Leader, and Certified Shadow Work® Coach, has supported thousands of women over the past 30 years to claim their birthright: the freedom to be and love themselves without apology. Junie is dedicated to guiding women in midlife on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Through heart-centered coaching, she helps her clients cultivate a deep sense of self-love and confidence.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:03:39] [00:07:05] Tell us your story… Is it true you were 200 pounds and cracked the code for successful weight loss and vibrant living? [00:14:16] Many women sabotage themselves. Why? [00:27:46] How can we break these painful patterns? [00:08:34] You speak of the shadow and healing the shadow, what and why is it important to do shadow work?   The Real Root of Weight Struggles The cycle of dieting, deprivation, and rebound. Emotional eating in a dysfunctional marriage. You eat food to self-soothe. Shift from "food problem" to self-worth problem. What is Shadow Work? Personal growth model with special processes that shines a light on the 95% of the unconscious mind that's running in the background. Learn your worthiness, lovability, voice, value, and what matters.   How to Really Stop the Self Sabotage and How to Shed It? What is Self-Sabotage? It's the monster under the bed. It’s something we've picked up along the way that’s something's wrong with us. It’s self-protection. Fear of change and the illusion of safety in discomfort. Subconscious patterns and limiting beliefs from childhood. Mind-Body Connection & Illness Healing the mind leads to healing the body. The power of releasing suppressed emotions. Small, safe steps — not dramatic overhauls — lead to lasting change.   Key Takeaways Weight struggles are often rooted in emotional and psychological wounds, not just food habits. Shadow work helps uncover hidden parts of ourselves shaped by shame and unworthiness. Self-sabotage often stems from fear and a subconscious desire for safety. Our "risk manager" brain will create illness, injury, or limiting beliefs to avoid perceived danger. Healing starts with awareness and self-compassion, not self-blame. True transformation is possible at any age and can lead to finding love, purpose, and peace.   Connect with Junie: Junie Moon’s Midlife Love Out Loud Facebook - Midlife Love Out Loud Facebook Group - Find Fabulous Love After 40 Instagram - @MidlifeLoveOutLoud YouTube - @MidlifeLoveOutLoud Podcast - Midlife Love Out Loud   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Is Your Liver Preventing Muscle Growth in Menopause?  Next Episode -  More Like This - Why You Sabotage Your Weight Loss (and How to Fix It)   Resources: Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.  Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community. Understand how sleep relates to your hormones, muscle mass and weight loss with Flipping 50 Sleep Yourself Skinny.  

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  42:04
• The 3 Tests You Should Do Before Considering BHRT

  If you are considering BHRT, this is for you. Even if you’re currently on BHRT, you’ll learn or confirm something here. If you’ve got daughters or DIL, in my case, there’s something here for you on that front too. If you’ve wondered why does cholesterol go up for so many women or why do autoimmune numbers increase in midlife? There’s a reason to be considering BHRT, and our guest explains why.    My Guest: Dr. Shilpa Sayana, MD is a Triple Board Certified in Internal, Obesity Medicine and Functional Medicine. She is recognized by her peers by receiving the “Most Humanistic Intern and Resident” award in all three years of her Internal Medicine Residency and celebrated by her patients by being presented the Best Doctors Women’s Choice Award. She treats women in perimenopause and menopause, optimising their hormones, energy and weight, especially if they have been previously told that their labs are normal.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:07:54] What are natural ways to improve your hormones above 45? [00:14:27] What tests do you recommend to a woman considering hormones? [00:22:30] Do you have a unique opinion on starting both progesterone and estrogen at the same time or layer in one?  [00:26:06] Do you advocate for women taking testosterone and what are the benefits and side effects of using TRT? [00:30:21] Why do autoimmune markers increase in perimenopause and menopause? and what to do about it? [00:32:04] What can help cholesterol and blood sugar levels?  #1 Longevity Hormone Panel  Purpose: To get a baseline of all key hormone levels Includes: Morning cortisol (before 10am) DHEAS (hormone that makes cortisol) TSH (thyroid) Free T4  Autoimmune Reverse  T4 (Hashimoto’s) Reverse T3  Estrogen, Progesteron, Testosterone Total Testosterone Free Testosterone Sex Binding Hormone Globulin  ANA (antinuclear antibody or autoimmune antibody) ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate to check inflammation rate for autoimmune) CRP (C-reactive protein) Ferritin  Genetics Vitamin B12  Vitamin D   More Tests to Truly Know If You’re Ready Before Considering BHRT   #2 Gut Test Purpose: To assess inflammation, microbiome health, and how well your body can process and eliminate hormones   #3 Toxin/Environmental Load Testing Purpose: To detect environmental toxins that may be disrupting hormone production or metabolism   Track Your Hormones Functional vs. Conventional medicine’s approach to lab results: Functional Medicine Focuses on what’s optimal, not just normal. Listens to the whole person (hormone networks), not just the labs. Conventional Medicine Labs are often labeled "normal" if they fall within the wide reference range. No action is taken unless results are severely out of range.   Connect with Shilpa: Website - Sayana Medical  Instagram - @sayanamedical YouTube - @SayanaMedical Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Smart Movement for Aging Better with Lara Heimann Next Episode - Can We Just Stop the Self Sabotage to Feel Your Best Ever More Like This - Restore Hormones to Factory Settings? More Science for bHRT More Like This - How to Have and Still Thrive with Autoimmunity in Menopause Resources: Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra. Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community.  

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  40:25
• Smart Movement for Aging Better with Lara Heimann

  If there is a way to enhance movement for aging better - whether we’re already exercising or we’re in need of getting started - we’re in!  If you’ve ever said or felt, “every time I start to exercise I get hurt,” this is for you. This episode will also hit you right where you love to exercise.  We know exercise has a major impact on the brain. It’s a dose of clarity, problem solving, creativity. There’s no lack of science to prove the mind-body-and spirit can no longer be separated. They’re an integrated part of all components of wellness. Feeling a little stiff? You may feel better by the end. Know the smart movement for aging better!   My Guest: Lara Heimann is an internationally recognized yoga pioneer, Physical Therapist, and founder of the revolutionary LYT Method®—an evidence-based approach to movement that combines the principles of yoga, physical therapy, and functional movement. Lara’s passion lies in empowering people of all ages to move better, live pain-free, and optimize their physical and mental well-being. Her work has reached thousands of students and teachers across more than 50 countries, transforming lives with her innovative blend of movement science and spiritual connection. She holds a BA in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy and an MS in Physical Therapy from Duke University, along with a Neurodevelopmental Training Certification through Stanford University.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:28:13] Why is moving well so important for aging?  [00:30:28] What are common misconceptions people have about aging and exercise?  [00:18:44] [00:31:10] What role does neuroplasticity play in aging?  [00:21:28] How can people optimize longevity and vitality?   Neuroplasticity & Movement Neuroplasticity is your brain's ability to grow and change Movement “rewires” the brain - you grow your brain from movement. Use developmental movement patterns to re-educate the nervous system. Your brain craves novelty.   Your Guide to Movement for Aging Better The Myth of ‘Aging = Body Decline’ Move more with age, not less. Joint mobility and strength are important as we age. Incorporate movement into daily routines (e.g. cleaning your house, climbing stairs). If you look at people who live long and live well, the one common thing is they're active and stay active. If you're in the middle part of your life and you haven't been active, it's never too late.   Pain & Movement Inefficient movement creates and sustains pain. Move in a smarter way but don’t stop moving.    Key Takeaways Movement rewires the brain. It’s not just about fitness—movement helps with cognition, mood, and longevity. Neuroplasticity isn’t age-limited. You can retrain your brain and body at any age. Already active? You can get even better. Advanced movers have more potential for growth when incorporating neuro-focused training. Repetition isn’t always progress. Novelty challenges your brain and creates stronger, smarter movement patterns. Pain is information, not a stop sign. Pain (not injuries) often lingers due to patterns. New movement can break that cycle. Aging isn’t a reason to scale back, but a cue to level up.   Connect with Lara: Try LYT Yoga: A physical therapy yoga to promote functional movement Link: https://flippingfifty.com/lytyoga Code: Movebetter What’s in it for you? Try it out for $5 for 5 weeks Instagram - @lara.heimann and @lytmethod Facebook - Lara Heimann and The LYT Yoga Method   Other Episodes You Might Like: Next Episode - Is Your Liver Preventing Muscle Growth in Menopause?  More Like This – Yoga Booty, Yoga Belly, and Now Yoga Brain: Better with Yoga   Resources: Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community. Get the Flipping 50 STRONGER 12-week program for your at-home safe, sane, simple exercises.    

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  40:47
• How to Have and Still Thrive with Autoimmunity in Menopause

  In this episode, we answer the questions you might have about common and lesser-known autoimmune diseases: whether you are more prone during menopause, how hormonal changes may impact autoimmunity, some of the easiest lifestyle changes you can implement starting today, and perhaps most importantly that you are not alone.  My guest today will share his unique experience with both arthritis and something I’ve dealt with in clients, spondyloarthritis. As a physician and a patient of arthritis, he has a very unique perspective on autoimmunity in menopause.   My Guest: Dr. Micah Yu is an integrative rheumatologist who incorporates complementary medicine with traditional rheumatology. He is triple board-certified in Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He obtained his MD from Chicago Medical School and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and Biomedical sciences. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He is a graduate of the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. In addition, he is certified in functional medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. He is able to understand his patient’s medical problems from a patient perspective. The foundation of his practice is to combine allopathic medicine with complementary medicine. He works with his patients to come up with a treatment plan that not only fights the disease but also is aligned with his patient’s goals.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:05:16] What is rheumatoid arthritis vs other types of arthritis? [00:16:00] How can people use integrative medicine to help with their autoimmunity? [00:18:21] Do people have to go on medications when they get diagnosed with a rheumatic disease? [00:26:01] Is there any connection whatsoever with post -exercise soreness and autoimmune response? [00:27:24] How will a plant-based diet sustain muscle? Don’t Let Autoimmunity in Menopause Hold You Back What are the different Arthritis Disease? Gout NOT an autoimmune arthritis and NOT wear and tear. It’s an arthritis that’s inflammatory that’s caused by uric acid deposition in the joints. Usually comes out as a single joint (e.g. big toe, knee) and get repeated over time. Rheumatoid Arthritis IS an autoimmune arthritis. Can attack multiple joints (e.g. fingers, toes, shoulders, elbows, knee) Usually come up with swelling, retinas, stiffness of the joints. Predominant in females Spondyloarthritis Overall arching term of different arthritis (e.g. psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) Usually comes out in fingers, TMJ (temporomandibular joints), elbows, shoulders, knees, feet, ankles.   What is the medication for autoimmune disease? Depends on the background, beliefs, and severity of the disease. Some may use medications, others may use alternative medicines, supplements and therapists.   What is a Whole Food Plant Based Diet (WFPB)? Helped Dr. Micah with pain remission after 2 months Whole foods include beans, organic tofu, edamame, fruits and vegetables. No highly processed vegan protein, soy protein. Soy is included in WFPB Has phytonutrients Decreases breast cancers Use clean unprocessed soy (e.g. organic tofu, edamame) Does not include processed vegan meat Some people may be sensitive to soy.   What are Inflammatory Foods? Ultra-processed foods (e.g. fast food, chips, cookies, cakes, ham, pepperoni). Food with high salt. WHO says that diet must be up to two grams of salt. Seed oils can be inflammatory when used for cooking.   The 2 times in a woman life with more risk of getting autoimmune disease: After giving birth When they go into menopause   Connect with Dr. Micah for the Summit: Join Dr. Micah’s FREE summit on May 12–18, 2025: The Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmunity Symposium Facebook - MYAutoimmuneMD Instagram - @MYAutoimmuneMD Youtube - @MYAutoimmuneMD   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Is Your Liver Preventing Muscle Growth in Menopause? Next Episode - Smart Movement for Aging Better with Lara Heimann More Like This - Prevent or Reverse Autoimmune Conditions   Resources: Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.

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  37:51

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