#352 How to Optimize Your Metabolism and Gut After 40 with Michele Scarlet

Welcome to another practical, inspiring episode of the Nutrition and Life Podcast! Today, host Lisa Franz dives into vibrant conversation with Michelle Scarlett, gut-health specialist, functional medicine advocate, and host of the Body Freedom Podcast.

Michelle Scarlett shares her powerful story of moving from gym owner and fitness fanatic to champion of holistic wellness for women navigating their 40s, 50s, perimenopause, and beyond. The duo gets real about the hidden impact of “toxic load,” how symptoms like bloating and IBS signal when our lifestyle needs a reset, and why quick fixes never solve the root causes we face midlife.

You’ll get science-backed advice, hands-on tips for lowering toxic burden (without the overwhelm), and empowering new perspectives on metabolism, food freedom, and trusting your body again. Expect plenty of humor, myth-busting, and encouragement for lasting change, plus specific tools for better digestion, stress resilience, and more joyful living.

Timestamp Overview:

00:00 – Introduction & Michelle Scarlett’s Journey00:22 – Burnout, Doctors, and Discovering Functional Medicine03:07 – Normalizing the Menopause Conversation04:13 – “Toxic Load”: What It Is & Why It’s the Hidden Root06:48 – How to Lower Toxic Load: Food, Skincare, Plastics, and More08:29 – The Gut-Symptom Connection: IBS, Constipation, Diarrhea09:02 – Alcohol, Processed Food, and Smart Food Swaps11:24 – Constipation Relief: Water, Minerals, Timing & More14:09 – Motility, Fiber, & What Bloating Really Means16:38 – Fiber Fears: How to Find What Works for You18:37 – Food Sensitivities vs. Gut Dysfunction: The Real Story21:11 – What Your Tongue Says About Your Health25:03 – Metabolism Truths After 40: What Really Changes27:55 – Gut Healing First: The Foundation for Hormonal & Metabolic Health29:58 – Why Food Quality Beats Dieting for Midlife Women31:58 – Are You Underfueling? Two Menopause Profiles33:12 – The “Fear of Eating More” & Metabolic Adaptation Explained34:56 – Reverse Dieting & Why the Scale Isn’t Always Truthful37:22 – Why Support & Coaching Make the Difference39:29 – The Body Freedom Podcast & Where to Find Michelle Scarlett

Connect with Michelle Scarlett:

• Instagram: @core_fit__ https://www.instagram.com/core_fit__
• Website: https://michelescarlet.com/

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