Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with one of my favorite physicians, Dr. Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health. Dr. Briden is on a mission to help women achieve natural menstrual cycles without relying on hormonal birth control. She has authored several books, including her latest, Metabolism Repair for Women.In our conversation today, we dive into why we cannot consciously control energy balance, the impact of ultra-processed foods, epigenetic factors in obesity, the significance of satiety hormones, the role of muscle, and the effects of visceral fat versus subcutaneous fat. We also discuss ways to assess metabolic health and explore various treatments. This insightful discussion with Dr. Lara Briden is bound to captivate and inform all our listeners. Stay tuned for more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:Why energy balance is not under our conscious controlHow the regulatory mechanism in the body naturally reduces hunger and burns energyHow ultra-processed foods were created to be addictive and lead to overeatingHow the adiponectin hormone impacts insulin sensitivity and satietyThe importance of maintaining muscle mass and avoiding sarcopenia, particularly during menopauseThe difference between subcutaneous and visceral fatMeasuring and managing visceral fatHow High triglycerides often indicate insulin resistanceThe limitations of the fasting insulin testUsing the entrainment of circadian rhythm to improve metabolic healthThe benefits of addressing gut problems for improving metabolic healthConnect with Cynthia Thurlow  Follow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteSubmit your questions to [email protected]Connect with Dr. Lara BridenOn her websiteOn social media: @Lara Briden Dr. Briden’s latest book is titled The Metabolism Reset in Australia and New Zealand. Everywhere else, it is titled Metabolism Repair for WomenOther Books by Dr. BridenPeriod Repair ManualHormone Repair ManualPrevious Episode MentionedEp. 220: A Detailed Guide to Healthy Hormones with Dr. Lara Briden