Episodes

  • ZONULIN, GLUTEN & ECOLI - a strange connection

    ZONULIN, GLUTEN & ECOLI - a strange connection
    Jun 26 2025

    🎙️ Midlife Mayhem Show Notes: Zonulin & Leaky Gut — Why You Can’t Not Be Affected

    📆 Tight28 starts July 6–August 2! Enjoy your gluten-filled 4th of July… then join us for 28 days of discovery, education, and possibly the biggest physical and mental relief you didn’t know you needed. 👉 Tight28.com

    🔬 Episode Topic: Zonulin – The Gatekeeper of Your Gut (And Why You’re Not Immune)

    In today’s episode, we’re getting real about zonulin—what it is, what it does, and why it might be quietly wrecking your health (yes, even if you feel “fine”).

    Unlike a food sensitivity (which affects some), zonulin affects everyone. It’s not subjective. It’s not up for debate. And it might just be turning your digestive system into a fishnet factory.

    🧠 What You’ll Learn:

    • What is zonulin? A protein made in the small intestine that controls your gut’s tight junctions (think: gatekeeper).

    • Cheesecloth vs. Fishnet Stockings Analogy A visual breakdown of what a healthy gut lining should be doing… and what happens when zonulin is chronically elevated.

    • The Origin Story Discovered by Dr. Alessio Fasano (Italian gastroenterologist), zonulin was the missing link in how gluten triggers immune responses, even in non-celiacs.

    • Why It’s a Universal Problem Zonulin loosens your gut lining in everybody, not just those with gluten sensitivity. When that lining opens too wide, stuff gets into your blood that shouldn’t. Your immune system freaks out. Cue: inflammation, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, skin issues, and more.

    • Enter LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) When zonulin opens the gates, LPS—an inflammatory toxin from normal gut bacteria—sneaks in. It’s been linked to insulin resistance, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue.

    • Zonulin Triggers

      • Gluten (especially gliadin)

      • Bacterial overgrowth (E. coli, salmonella, SIBO)

      • Toxins & inflammation

    • Why the Body Even Makes Zonulin It’s a defense mechanism—but it backfires when activated daily by diet. Occasional gluten = recoverable. Daily gluten = chronic gut permeability.

    • Kevin’s Case Study Gluten out, inflammation gone. Kevin lost 15 lbs in 10 days—pure inflammation and water. Not fat. Just normalized gut havoc.

    🧪 Can You Test Zonulin?

    Yes.

    • Stool Test (GI Map, Doctor’s Data): Measures zonulin in the gut

    • Blood Test (Serum Zonulin): Measures zonulin that’s leaked into the bloodstream—often high in autoimmune or chronically inflamed individuals

    💥 Key Takeaways:

    • Zonulin ≠ Sensitivity. It’s a biological mechanism. It works the same in everyone.

    • Gluten increases zonulin. Period. Doesn’t matter if you “feel fine”—your gut lining is still impacted.

    • This is reversible. Remove the irritants, and the results are often shockingly fast.

    🎯 Ready to Discover What You've Normalized?

    Join me for Tight28 (July 6–August 2) We dive into:

    • Food reactivity

    • Histamine & inflammation

    • Gut-brain-skin connections

    • How to feel actually better—without going full-on monk mode

    👉 Tight28.com Let’s clean up your gut without a “cleanse.” Just smart, scientific education with a side of sass. 🎯

    📣 Final Thoughts:

    If you eat gluten regularly and think you're unaffected—you're not. Zonulin guarantees it. And you can feel better than you do right now.

    🎧 Listen. Learn. Question Everything. That’s Midlife Mayhem.

    🔗 Tight28.com | Starts July 6 #MidlifeMayhem #Tight28 #GutHealth #Zonulin #FoodSensitivities #BodyComposition #Inflammation #GlutenFacts #LeakyGut #LPS #GlutenFreeCurious #MidlifeStrong
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    24 mins
  • HISTAMINE & HORMONES

    HISTAMINE & HORMONES
    Jun 22 2025
    Tight28 starts July 6 — only offered once a year in LIVE format. This isn’t a gut reset or an elimination diet. It’s a discovery program for anyone who knows they don’t feel as great as they could. Join now → WWW.TIGHT28.COM 💥 Episode Overview: In this episode, Joanne takes a deep dive into a topic that's rarely discussed but highly impactful: histamine intolerance. Often mistaken for allergies or hormone issues, histamine overload can be the hidden cause behind bloating, anxiety, brain fog, poor sleep, and even body composition challenges. This episode is rich with information—even if you don’t listen, the notes below will give you a full understanding of: What histamine is and why your body needs it What causes histamine intolerance (spoiler: it’s not just about food) Why midlife women and men are particularly vulnerable How histamine can derail your sleep, hormones, and fat loss What foods to watch for (and why some “healthy” ones might be causing symptoms) How to support your body’s ability to clear histamine and feel better fast 🧪 What Is Histamine? Histamine is a naturally occurring compound in your body, essential for: Regulating stomach acid Acting as a neurotransmitter for alertness Supporting the immune system’s defense mechanisms Histamine isn’t bad—but too much of it with too little clearance leads to histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance = Buildup > Breakdown 🔍 What Causes Histamine Intolerance? The key enzyme that breaks histamine down is DAO (diamine oxidase)—and it’s made in your gut lining. If your gut is inflamed, leaky, or imbalanced (which it likely is if you’re eating processed foods or have high stress), DAO levels drop. Add in some high-histamine foods or DAO-blocking substances, and boom—you’re suddenly reacting to foods you used to tolerate just fine. 🚨 Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance Flushed or red face after meals Headaches, migraines Nasal congestion, postnasal drip Itchy skin or unexplained rashes Anxiety or panic after eating Dizziness or rapid heartbeat Intolerance to HRT Bloating, water retention PMS or worsened menopause symptoms Intolerance to wine or fermented foods Sound familiar? It often gets misdiagnosed as a hormone imbalance, allergy, or “just getting older.” 🧬 Why Midlife Women and Men Struggle More Midlife Women: Estrogen increases histamine release and suppresses DAO. Women on HRT may suddenly experience itchy rashes or anxiety and blame estrogen—when histamine overload is the real issue. DAO supplementation and gut support can allow HRT to work better without side effects. Midlife Men: Declining testosterone + rising visceral fat = higher inflammation. This inflammation weakens the gut, decreases DAO, and worsens histamine sensitivity. Restoring gut integrity + using DAO support = less bloating, better energy, clearer mind. 🧰 What You Can Do About It Short-Term Fix: Try a low-histamine diet for 1–2 weeks. Focus on fresh-cooked, non-fermented meals. Avoid leftovers and “healthy” foods like avocado, spinach, or sauerkraut temporarily. Support DAO Production: Nutrients: Vitamin C, B6, copper, magnesium DAO-Supportive Foods: Pea sprouts, mung beans, arugula, watercress DAO Supplements: Look for porcine kidney extract (take 15–30 mins before meals) Heal the Gut: Glutamine, collagen, zinc carnosine, bone broth Support detox: Glutathione, NAC, milk thistle, broccoli sprouts Use probiotics that don’t promote histamine-producing bacteria 🎯 How It Impacts Body Composition Poor sleep = impaired fat-burning hormones (growth hormone, testosterone) Increased estrogen dominance = more fat storage, less muscle tone Inflammation = bloating, water retention, digestive distress Dysregulated appetite = cravings, over-snacking, stubborn belly fat 💬 Final Thoughts Histamine intolerance is a hidden disruptor—and most people never realize it. That mystery bloating? Restless sleep? Feeling anxious after a glass of wine? It might not be your hormones or aging. It might be your histamine load. You don’t need to cut everything out forever—just support your system, heal your gut, reduce the overload, and reintroduce foods with clarity and confidence. 🎓 Join Tight28 – Starts July 6 Tight28 isn’t about restriction. It’s about discovery. In this one-of-a-kind 4-week coaching program, we explore: Histamine intolerance Enzyme function & absorption Leaky gut & LPS Cross-reactivity (gluten, dairy, soy) Gut-brain-skin axis Estrogen & gut motility Appetite, food sensitivities, inflammation, and more You’ll walk away with clarity, tools, and a completely new understanding of how your body actually works. Only offered LIVE once a year. Join us here → www.tight28.com July 6 - August 2
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    30 mins
  • Chronic Bloating, Fatigue, or Joint Pain? It Could Be a Food Sensitivity

    Chronic Bloating, Fatigue, or Joint Pain? It Could Be a Food Sensitivity
    Jun 16 2025
    💥 Feeling Swollen, Tired, or Frustrated With Your Progress?

    Join me for Tight28, starting July 6th – a deep dive into food sensitivities, inflammation, and organ health that could be the missing link in your journey to looking and feeling your absolute best.

    Tight28 isn’t just a meal plan. It’s 28 days of discovery – uncovering how certain foods may be silently sabotaging your health, comfort, and body composition. This is the only live round for 2025, and the non-scale victories are often immediate. 👉 Learn more at www.tight28.com

    🎧 Episode Title: How Food Sensitivities Might Be Causing Your Swelling, Fatigue, and Stubborn Body Fat 🔍 What This Episode Covers:

    • The Differences Between Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances

    • Why skin issues, joint pain, and chronic fatigue might all point to food

    • How food sensitivities can sneak past your radar and still wreak havoc

    • The surprising link between inflammation, ATP energy production, and brain fog

    • Why some people gain 6–8 lbs from a single meal (and what to do about it)

    • The connection between gluten, thyroid tissue, and brain inflammation

    • How your genotype may dramatically raise your risk for Alzheimer’s if inflammation isn’t addressed

    • Why Tight28 gets the best (and fastest) results – especially for people who didn’t quite “crack the code” in my Signature Program

    🧠 Key Takeaways:

    • Allergies are immediate. Sensitivities are sneaky. If you were truly allergic to something, you wouldn’t keep eating it—it hits fast and hard. Sensitivities, though? They creep in days later.

    • Joint pain? Swelling in one area? It might not be "just your knee" acting up again. It could be your immune system responding to food from days ago—especially in joints with a history of injury.

    • That ‘swollen all over’ feeling isn't in your head. It could be chronic inflammation from food sensitivities—something Tight28 was specifically created to help uncover.

    • Fatigue that no nap can fix? It could be reduced ATP production, the cellular energy currency—often hindered by chronic low-grade inflammation caused by hidden food sensitivities.

    • Even “healthy” foods can cause issues if you’re sensitive to them. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy—which is why they’re removed for just 28 days in the Tight28 program.

    • Brain fog, poor focus, or memory lapses? Food sensitivities—especially gluten—can trigger inflammation in the brain. If you carry the APOE4 genotype (linked to Alzheimer’s), chronic inflammation dramatically increases your risk.

    🥗 Why Tight28?

    ✔️ 9 Live Coaching Calls ✔️ Brand New 2025 Content Library ✔️ Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, and Added Sugar-Free Meal Plans ✔️ In-depth education on food sensitivities, organ health, and cardiovascular strategy ✔️ 6 months access to all program materials ✔️ Life-changing results—especially for people who’ve “tried everything”

    Whether your weight is stable but you still don’t feel your best, or you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to feel energized and less bloated, Tight28 is your next step. It’s not about restriction—it’s about revelation.

    👉 Sign up now before we kick off July 6th.

    📚 Coming Up on the Podcast:

    • Thyroid Health: How to Know If You’re Undiagnosed or Mismanaged

    • Overtraining & Fasting: Are You Slowing Down Your Metabolism?

    • The 4 Forces of Success: Why Weight Loss is Never Just About Food

    • Deep Dive into Menopause, Perimenopause, and Hormone Support

    • Training Smarter After 40: HIIT vs. Steady State – Which Builds the Better Body?

    🙏 Special Shoutout:

    Paul—thank you for the kind words! "Tell Joanne to keep doing the podcast" absolutely made my day.

    🔗 Links & Resources:

    • 🌐 Tight28 Program → www.tight28.com

    • 📘 Book: When Calories and Cardio Don’t Cut It – Available on Amazon

    • 🎥 Programs: Signature 21-Day, Peak Week, Muscle Month, Tight28, Mastering Midlife - www.jlcstrong.com

    🎤 Hosted by: Joanne Lee Cornish – Body Composition Coach, Midlife Health Educator, Former Bodybuilder, and Relatable Science Nerd 📍 Based in Eagle, Idaho – Coaching Globally
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    29 mins
  • Selenium, Thyroid Health & Mercury Detox

    Selenium, Thyroid Health & Mercury Detox
    Jun 14 2025
    🔥 First, a Quick Heads-Up…

    Tight28 is back July 6–August 2! If you’ve been feeling "okay, but not great," this program is for you. Tight28 dives into advanced topics like food sensitivities, inflammation, organ health, and how those invisible issues affect your weight, energy, bloating, joint pain, and even your mood—especially if you think you’re doing everything right.

    💡 This is the only live round of Tight28 in 2025—and for some, it's the program that changes everything in just one week. 👉 Learn more and join us at www.tight28.com

    🎧 In This Episode: The Hidden Hero Called Selenium

    This week, we’re talking about something small but mighty: Selenium—a trace mineral that plays a huge role in midlife health, especially for the thyroid, brain, and metabolism. Here's how this episode came to be (shoutout to Tom, the neighbor with all the wild Alaskan fish 🐟)...

    We cover:

    • Why Selenium is essential for thyroid conversion (T4 ➡️ T3)

    • How a deficiency can show up as fatigue, cold intolerance, and brain fog

    • Its critical role in protecting the thyroid from oxidative damage

    • How Selenium binds to mercury and helps neutralize toxicity (especially relevant if you eat a lot of fish)

    • What the research says about Selenium lowering thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s

    • Why two Brazil nuts a day might be the most delicious prescription you’ll ever get

    • Foods rich in Selenium (besides Brazil nuts): wild fish, sunflower seeds, turkey, eggs, and shiitake mushrooms

    • How too much Selenium can be toxic—why more isn’t better

    • A sneak preview of the upcoming Mastering Midlife program (August!)

    🧠 Key Quote:

    “No Selenium, no thyroid conversion. You can have all the T4 in the world, but unless it’s turning into active T3, your metabolism is stuck in neutral.”

    🎯 Takeaways:

    • If you’re always cold, sluggish, or foggy—check your thyroid and Selenium status.

    • Food-based Selenium is often enough, especially if you enjoy Brazil nuts or wild fish.

    • Ladies in midlife and beyond: keep Selenium on your radar—especially if you have or suspect Hashimoto’s.

    • Test, don’t guess. And remember: more is not better when it comes to trace minerals.

    🎉 Final Reminder:

    Tight28 starts July 6—your chance to uncover hidden blocks like inflammation, organ dysfunction, and food sensitivities that may be sabotaging your progress. 🔗 www.tight28.com — let’s fix what’s really going on behind the scenes.

    📍Share this episode with someone who loves fish, Brazil nuts, or just wants to stop being tired and cold all the time.
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    40 mins
  • What 3 Studies Show Us About Dieting, Belief, and Food Addiction

    What 3 Studies Show Us About Dieting, Belief, and Food Addiction
    Jun 10 2025

    Tight28 starts July 6! This 28-day advanced program eliminates dairy, gluten, soy, and added sugar to reset your system, reduce inflammation, and finally move the needle on progress stalls. Learn more at 👉 www.tight28.com

    In this thought-provoking episode of Mastering Midlife, Joanne Lee Cornish connects three powerful studies that shine a light on the psychological, metabolic, and societal complexities around food, dieting, and body composition—especially in today’s world of quick fixes and hyper-palatable temptations.

    💡 Here's what we cover:

    1. 🧠 The Minnesota Starvation Study

      • Conducted post-WWII, this landmark study reveals the shocking physical and psychological toll of calorie restriction—even at 1,500 calories per day.

      • Discover how restriction damages metabolism, distorts thinking, sparks binge behavior, and alters emotional health.

    2. 💭 The Hotel Worker Study

      • This modern study shows how belief alone—without any behavior change—can lead to measurable improvements in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

      • A fascinating dive into the science of self-perception and how we often sabotage ourselves by believing we're not doing enough.

    3. 🐀 The Rat & the Cheesecake Study

      • When rats were exposed to ultra-palatable foods, their appetite regulators broke, and they ignored real food—even to the brink of death.

      • This is the chilling parallel to modern food addiction, especially in people under 40 raised on processed foods. Joanne explains how food preferences are not just habits—they’re chemically wired responses that can be reprogrammed.

    🧩 Key Takeaways:

    • Dieting doesn't fail because of lack of willpower—it fails because of biological and emotional backlash.

    • Belief systems directly impact health outcomes.

    • Processed food has hijacked taste buds and disrupted our natural hunger signals—but it’s reversible with the right approach.

    • Teens and adults alike need education, not more rules.

    🔥 Plus, Joanne shares how these findings are shaping her upcoming Teenage Thrive program and how Tight28 provides real answers to chronic inflammation, fatigue, bloating, and stubborn body fat.

    💥 Ready to go beyond the macros?

    Join the next round of Tight28, starting July 6. This is a deeper-dive body composition program covering not only nutrition, but also the roles of cardio, liver, kidney, and heart health in achieving your goals.

    🖥️ Learn more and enroll at 👉 www.tight28.com
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    36 mins
  • Where Did My Butt Go? Midlife Glute Loss, Hormones, and How to Get Your Shape Back

    Where Did My Butt Go? Midlife Glute Loss, Hormones, and How to Get Your Shape Back
    Jun 5 2025

    👉 Next Program: TIGHT28 starts July 6 – Aug 2 A powerful 28-day body composition reset for anyone experiencing stalled progress, inflammation, bloating, or hidden food sensitivities. 💻 Learn more: www.tight28.com

    Episode Summary:

    Have you looked in the mirror and thought, "Where did my butt go?" You’re not alone — and today we’re diving deep into why glutes seem to vanish in midlife, and exactly what you can do to get them back 🔥

    From hormonal shifts to training mistakes, we're covering everything from fast-twitch muscle fibers to mTOR activation to reverse lunges done right. Whether you're a guy with "dead butt syndrome" or a woman watching your glute shelf flatten out, this one’s for you.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    💪 The Real Reason Your Glutes Disappear

    • Hormones, aging, and glute atrophy

    • Lifestyle changes and “gluteal amnesia”

    • Why your favorite activities may no longer be doing the trick

    🔬 Glute Science 101

    • Why glutes are mostly fast-twitch muscle fibers

    • How to train them for size and shape (hint: not with endless bar class pulses)

    • Understanding hip extension, hinge mechanics, and muscle recruitment

    🔥 Top Exercises for Glute Growth

    • The truth about squats, deadlifts, reverse lunges, and Smith machine lunges

    • Hip thrusts: when they work, and why they’re sometimes overhyped

    • The art of hinging vs. bending over — don’t let your back take the hit!

    📈 Progressive Overload Without Injury

    • How to train glutes as a standalone body part

    • Building effective supersets without constantly upping the weight

    • Why variation can backfire — and when to stick to the same angle and hammer it

    🥩 The Protein Equation

    • How to trigger mTOR and stimulate muscle protein synthesis

    • Why "I can’t eat that much protein" won’t get you results

    • The leucine threshold you must hit if you want growth

    🧠 Glute Focus & Activation: Real or Myth?

    • Why the mental connection to your glutes is non-negotiable

    • The only reason “glute activation drills” might still be worth your time

    🧬 High Androgen Receptor Areas: Glutes, Delts & More

    • Why your glutes are one of the most hormonally responsive areas of your body

    • Which body parts are the hardest to grow — and why it’s not your fault

    😬 Under-Recovery & Cardio Mistakes

    • Why your post-leg-day run might be killing your gains

    • The truth about combining cardio with glute hypertrophy goals

    • How to structure your training for maximum growth and recovery

    Mentioned Programs:

    🌟 TIGHT28 (Starts July 6): A full metabolic reset and advanced body composition program. Designed for those who eat well, train hard, but still feel stuck. 🧠 Includes:

    • Deep dives into food sensitivities

    • Gut, liver, and cardiovascular system insights

    • Daily cardio strategy + 9 live coaching calls 🔗 Sign up at www.tight28.com

    💪 Muscle Month Program: A detailed look at fast- vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers, hypertrophy science, and how to train with purpose. 📥 Request access or get the video: www.musclemonth.com

    Resources & Links:

    • 📩 Need help with hinge mechanics or glute programming? Email Joanne at @jlcstrong

    • 🎧 Subscribe to Midlife Mayhem on your favorite platform for more muscle, metabolism & mindset insights
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    44 mins
  • INFLAMMATION & BODY COMPOSITION

    INFLAMMATION & BODY COMPOSITION
    Jun 2 2025
    🔥 What Is Inflammation—and Why It Matters for Fat Loss The Dates are now set for my next program TIGHT28 July 6 - August 2 Definition & Context Inflammation is a normal and essential immune response meant to be temporary and restorative. Chronic inflammation, however, is a constant internal stressor. It hijacks hormones, distorts metabolism, and impairs the body’s ability to burn fat effectively. This is a major reason people get stuck even when they feel like they’re “doing everything right.” Key Distinction Temporary post-workout inflammation = good. Persistent, systemic inflammation (often rooted in gut health) = problematic for fat loss and overall metabolic function. 🧬 Root Cause #1: Leaky Gut & Immune Activation What is Leaky Gut? Imagine your intestinal lining like a cheesecloth: it should only let fully digested nutrients pass into the bloodstream. With leaky gut, that lining becomes more like fishnet stockings—allowing undigested food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Immune Response Triggered The immune system sees these large food particles as foreign invaders → triggers an immune response → creates inflammation. This results in chronic immune activation every time you eat. Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut: Bloating Food sensitivities (especially to foods you frequently eat) Fatigue, puffiness, joint pain Food Sensitivity Tests Mislead Many foods test “red” not because you're truly sensitive, but because they're leaking into the blood undigested. Heal the gut, and sensitivities often disappear. 🧠 How Inflammation Derails Fat Loss Mechanisms Liver Dysfunction Inflammation causes insulin resistance in the liver, which misinterprets the insulin signal and starts producing and releasing more glucose. This elevates blood sugar even in the absence of food—undermining fat loss. Fat Storage vs. Muscle Loss Inflammation sends a protective signal: “Don’t burn fat; store it.” The body turns to breaking down muscle for energy—especially in arms and legs. Rapid weight loss often = high muscle loss if inflammation is present. Hormonal Disruption Leptin resistance: The brain doesn’t receive the signal that you’re full → increased hunger, slowed metabolism. Ghrelin dysregulation: Hunger signals spike; cravings worsen. Cortisol is elevated → promotes belly fat storage, muscle breakdown, and sleep disruption. Damaged Mitochondria Mitochondria (your energy generators) become sluggish in an inflamed environment. Result: Less energy, slower metabolism, reduced fat oxidation. Water Retention & False Fat Gain Aldosterone-driven fluid retention masks progress on the scale. People feel fatter even when losing weight—leading to discouragement. 🔍 Common Inflammation Triggers Processed foods (lack fiber, high sugar) Alcohol Environmental toxins (mold, heavy metals) Chronic stress & poor sleep Sedentary lifestyle Long-term medications Past infections or medical trauma 📏 How To Know If You’re Inflamed Visual & Physical Signs Waistline is > 50% of your height Constant bloating, puffiness, fatigue Chronic joint pain Difficulty losing fat despite eating well Key Blood Markers to Watch Marker What It Indicates Optimal Range HS-CRP Systemic inflammation <1.0 mg/L IL-6 Gut-driven inflammation <1.5 pg/mL TNF-α Insulin resistance, fat storage <2.8 pg/mL (lab-dependent) Homocysteine Methylation issues, inflammation <8 µmol/L Ferritin Iron stores; inflammation marker Women: 40–100 ng/mL Men: 50–150 ng/mL Vitamin D Immune modulation 50–80 ng/mL ESR Chronic inflammation (non-specific) <20 mm/hr GGT Liver inflammation Women: <30 U/L Men: <50 U/L 🧩 The Plateau Trap: Why “Clean Eating” Alone Doesn’t Cut It People often change their diet and still plateau. Why? Because inflammation hasn’t resolved yet. This is not a sign to give up. It’s a sign to dig deeper. 💡“The obstacle is always pointing to the solution.” When inflammation is present, fat loss results can be delayed. That’s why education—understanding what’s happening—is everything. Where to find all of my coaching programs www.jlcstrong.com Not sure where to start? jo@theshrinkshop.com
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    42 mins
  • Thyroid Trouble or Pre-Diabetes? Why Your A1C Might Be Lying to You

    Thyroid Trouble or Pre-Diabetes? Why Your A1C Might Be Lying to You
    May 26 2025
    Thyroid Trouble or Pre-Diabetes? Why Your A1C Might Be Lying to You If you’re a woman in midlife and just got lab results showing thyroid issues and a rising A1C, this episode is a must-read. Whether you’re premenopausal or postmenopausal, it’s more common than you think—and far too often misunderstood by conventional care. Visit www.JLCstrong.com to explore my full library of self-study programs and subscribe to be notified when my next live program—Mastering Midlife—opens. 💥 What’s Going On When Thyroid & A1C Are Both Off? You're doing everything "right"—eating well, exercising regularly, staying consistent. Then your blood work comes back and it knocks the wind out of you: TSH is high TPO antibodies are present And your A1C is suddenly 5.9, 6.1… maybe even 6.4 This suggests you’re pre-diabetic—or worse—diabetic, even though your fasting blood glucose looks perfectly normal. What gives? Let’s break it down. 🧠 Why Low Thyroid Can Raise A1C 1️⃣ Slowed Glucose Clearance Thyroid hormones—especially T3—help your body move glucose out of your blood and into your cells. When your thyroid is sluggish, glucose lingers longer in the bloodstream, raising your A1C. 2️⃣ False-High A1C from Red Blood Cell Turnover A1C is your 3-month blood sugar average, based on how much sugar sticks to your red blood cells. Hypothyroidism slows red blood cell turnover, so they live longer and pick up more sugar. This creates a falsely elevated A1C even if your actual blood sugar is low. 🔎 Example: One woman had a blood glucose of 85 but an A1C of 6.1%. Her thyroid was sluggish, which explained the mismatch. 3️⃣ Increased Insulin Resistance Low thyroid can impair insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells, meaning glucose doesn’t get cleared as easily, and more stays in circulation. Result? A higher A1C. 4️⃣ Impaired Liver Metabolism Your liver converts T4 to T3. A sluggish thyroid impairs this conversion and slows liver glucose regulation. The result is even more chaos in your blood sugar balance. 🧪 Key Thyroid Labs to Watch Lab What It Means Ideal Range TSH Stimulates thyroid hormone 1.0–2.0 mIU/L Free T3 Active hormone for metabolism, mood, energy Higher end of normal Free T4 Storage form of thyroid hormone Should be adequate for T3 conversion Reverse T3 Blocks Free T3 activity Should be low TPO Antibodies Signals Hashimoto’s Should be undetectable 👉 High TPO antibodies = Hashimoto’s risk 👉 TSH high + Free T3 low = classic underactive thyroid 📉 How Hashimoto’s Plays Into It Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune thyroid condition, common in midlife women. Your body attacks its own thyroid tissue, often triggered by: Gluten sensitivity Gut permeability (leaky gut) Stress and nutrient deficiencies 💡 Tip: Gluten-free is often essential for Hashimoto’s. Your immune system may attack gluten—and mistakenly attack your thyroid because the tissue looks similar. 🍬 What About A1C? A1C % What It Means < 5.7% Normal 5.7–6.4% Pre-diabetic 6.5%+ Diabetic 🛑 BUT: If your glucose is normal (85–95) and your A1C is elevated, don’t panic yet. Check your thyroid—it may be giving you a false high A1C. 🧬 What To Do If This Is You Ask for these labs in your next blood panel: Free T3 Free T4 TSH TPO antibodies A1C Fasting insulin (not typically included—ask for it!) Track your blood sugar using a CGM or monitor like Stelo This will confirm your real-time glucose levels. Support your thyroid and metabolism through: Adequate protein intake Smart resistance training Healing your gut (especially if Hashimoto’s is present) Key nutrients: Selenium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, vitamin D Consider a functional medicine doctor or endocrinologist if your primary provider doesn’t address the thyroid–A1C connection. 🧘‍♀️ You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Not Being Told the Full Story. I see this every single month—fit, responsible women being told they’re pre-diabetic without an accurate explanation. This podcast—and my programs—are here to help educate, clarify, and empower. If this resonated with you, visit www.JLCstrong.com to: ✅ Explore my self-study programs ✅ Sign up for updates on my next live coaching round of Mastering Midlife ✅ Learn how to read your own labs and reclaim your body confidence 5 amino 1 mq back in stock
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    23 mins