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Cynthia Thurlow’s path to becoming a wellness advocate wasn’t a career choice; it was a calling...rooted in trauma. Her own battle health battles forced her to question conventional methods and find answers that traditional medicine couldn’t provide.
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Cynthia about her story.
A severe bout of food poisoning left Cynthia dealing with chronic health issues. Facing unresolved symptoms and limited answers from conventional treatments, she was forced to look beyond the traditional medical system. But her journey wasn’t simply about finding relief:
“I realized that my health journey was about more than just fixing symptoms; it was about understanding the root causes” —Cynthia Thurlow
Her chronic health issues became the catalyst for a mission dedicated to helping women uncover their own wellness paths, inspiring them to take charge of their health and redefine it on their own terms.
Cynthia’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation, and it’s a reminder that personal challenges often ignite a greater purpose. Cynthia’s story, at its core, is about uncovering wellness from within and empowering women to reclaim their health on their own terms.
Intermittent Fasting: More Than a Trend
Redefining Fasting for Women
One of the most powerful tools Cynthia discovered was intermittent fasting—but not in the way it’s often marketed. For her, fasting wasn’t about restriction; it was about empowering the body to heal naturally.
“Fasting gave my body the time it needed to repair, rather than constantly digesting,”Cynthia notes.
“It was less about skipping meals and more about giving myself a break from constant eating.”
- Cellular repair: Giving the body time to focus on regeneration.
- Mental clarity: Reducing the brain fog associated with frequent eating.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Vital for women, especially those in perimenopause and beyond.
Beyond Calories: The Hormonal Key to Lasting Wellness
Why Calories Aren’t Enough for Women’s Health
“Our bodies deserve respect for their natural cycles and needs,”she says.
“Women’s health is too often generalized, ignoring the unique complexities of our hormones.”
- Diet, sleep, and stress impact hormones directly.
- Flexible routines work better than rigid diets or workouts.
- Listening to the body’s cues can guide healthier, more sustainable habits.
The Power of Fasting for Women
Adapting Fasting to Work with Women’s Bodies
Women respond to fasting differently than men, and Cynthia emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach. Women benefit from fasting most when they’re in tune with their hormonal rhythms. Cynthia’s advice for women interested in fasting is simple: make it adaptable.
“The goal is to work with your body, not against it,”Cynthia explains.
“Fasting is a powerful tool, but only if it’s done mindfully.”
- Avoid intense fasting during the luteal phase, when women are often more fatigued.
- Try shorter fasts and gentler protocols that align with energy levels.
Gut Health: The Foundation of Immunity & Balance
“The gut isn’t just a digestive organ—it’s our second brain, critical to immunity and hormone health.” — Cynthia Thurlow
- Prioritize whole, fiber-rich foods to nourish gut bacteria.
- Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics for a balanced microbiome.
- Manage stress, which is essential for a healthy gut-brain connection.
As a practitioner, I’ve seen this approach work wonders for patients. Cynthia’s commitment to gut health as a core of wellness is an essential takeaway for anyone serious about health.
Our Evolving Wellness Needs
Women’s Health Across the Ages 
“Every decade brings new priorities, and our wellness approach should evolve too,” Cynthia notes.
- 20s–30s: Focus on nutrient density, iron-rich foods, and lean proteins.
- 40s: Adjust for hormonal shifts, prioritizing insulin sensitivity.
- 50s and beyond: Support bone density, heart health, and muscular strength.
This life-stage approach empowers women to thrive in every phase, ensuring that wellness isn’t a static goal but an evolving journey.
A Final Word: Embracing Personal Health as a Journey
Cynthia’s work is a powerful call to women everywhere: wellness isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions; it’s about reconnecting with the body and aligning health practices with its natural rhythms. Her approach combines metabolic insights, hormone awareness, and a commitment to gut health—guiding principles I deeply resonate with as a physician and advocate for integrative health.
“Wellness is a journey of self-connection,” Cynthia says, “when we align with our body’s rhythms, we find vibrant health.”
