Leaky Gut, Brain Fog & Autoimmune Risk in Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow

What if the missing piece to your menopause symptoms isn't your hormones—but your gut? If you've been struggling with bloating, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, constipation, inflammation, weight changes, or food sensitivities during perimenopause or menopause, this episode will completely change the way you think about women's health.Brigid sits down with nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, Cynthia Thurlow, to explore why the gut microbiome may be one of the most overlooked drivers of hormonal health. Together they unpack how declining estrogen affects your gut, why chronic stress and modern lifestyles can worsen inflammation, and the simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies that help support your microbiome through every stage of midlife.Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply want to protect your long-term health, this conversation is packed with practical, science-backed insights rooted in functional nutrition and the belief that food truly is medicine.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:Why gut health becomes increasingly important during perimenopause and menopauseHow estrogen influences the gut microbiomeWhat the estrobolome is and why it matters for hormone healthThe connection between leaky gut, inflammation, and autoimmune diseaseWhy gut health affects mood, anxiety, brain fog, and cognitive functionHow the vagus nerve connects your gut and brainWhy blood sugar balance supports both gut and hormone healthFoods and lifestyle habits that damage the microbiomeHow fiber, polyphenols, and plant diversity improve gut healthWhy protein alone isn't enough for healthy agingPractical strategies for reducing toxin exposureThe role of gluten, alcohol, stress, and sleep in chronic inflammationSimple daily habits to improve gut health and support longevityTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Cynthia Thurlow and the focus on women's gut health01:25 Why gut health is crucial during menopause02:25 Hormonal changes and their impact on the microbiome04:03 Effects of antibiotics and toxins on gut health06:23 Blood sugar, inflammation, and gut health09:15 Gut-brain connection and neurological symptoms12:30 Leaky gut and its role in autoimmune disease16:14 Autoimmune conditions and microbiome health17:42 Lifestyle factors affecting gut health in midlife women21:03 Changing lifestyle and diet as hormones decline23:19 Estrobilum and estrogen detoxification27:16 Toxin exposure and microbiome health34:27 Supporting microbiome diversity during menopause38:22 The importance of fiber and plant diversity43:15 Supplements and practical tips for gut health47:06 Foods to avoid and inflammatory triggers50:38 The impact of gluten and leaky gut55:25 Stress management and vagus nerve stimulation58:36 Reflections on lifestyle changes and menopause01:00:17 Resources and ways to connect with Cynthia ThurlowResources & Links:+ Watch the full episode on YouTube+ Cynthia’s Website+ Cynthia’s Instagram+ Cynthia’s Facebook+ Cynthia’s Twitter/X+ Cynthia’s Youtube+ Cynthia’s Podcast+ Cynthia’s Substack+ Join The Being Collective+ Brigid’s Website+ Brigid’s InstagramIf this episode helped you better understand the powerful connection between your gut and your hormones, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with a woman who deserves to fe