Midlife Mayhem

Gene Editing: The New GMO Loophole You’re Not Hearing About

We’ve all heard the term GMO — genetically modified organisms — and most of us know it’s controversial. But there’s a newer, slicker technology making its way into our food supply that’s flying under the radar: gene editing. It’s marketed as “natural,” it’s not always labeled, and it’s already on supermarket shelves. The problem? Most consumers have no idea it’s there… or what it could mean for our health.
In this episode, I pull back the curtain on:
What gene editing actually is — how it differs from GMO technology, and why industry insiders argue it shouldn’t require labeling.
The rapid takeover of GMO crops in the U.S., from their quiet introduction to dominating over 90% of certain harvests in less than a decade.
Why Europe bans or strictly controls GMOs under the “precautionary principle” — and why the U.S. does the opposite, requiring proof of harm rather than proof of safety.
The glyphosate connection — and the staggering increases in allowable residues on soy, corn, wheat, and even animal feed (including a 2,000-fold increase on alfalfa).
How altered protein patterns in gene-edited plants and animals could confuse the immune system, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, autoimmune issues, and other long-term health risks.
Examples already in circulation: non-browning mushrooms, disease-resistant bananas, slick-coated cattle, faster-growing salmon, and more.
The labeling loophole: why most gene-edited products don’t have to be labeled in the U.S., and how companies use terms like “bioengineered” or QR codes instead of clear wording.
The eerie historical parallels with cigarettes and opioids — early warning signs ignored, public assurances of safety, and decades before the truth came out.
I also share practical, actionable steps you can take now to reduce your exposure, including how to identify higher-risk foods, what to look for on labels, and why “100% organic” is a very different standard from “organic.”
This isn’t fearmongering — it’s about being informed and proactive before the “monster” grows too big to contain.
📅 Don’t Miss My Next Live Coaching Program – Mastering Midlife
If you want to reclaim your energy, optimize your hormones, and build a lean, strong body in midlife and beyond, now is the time to join the ever-popular Mastering Midlife program.
Live from September 14 – October 25, 2025, this year’s program is bigger and better than ever, with a brand-new pacing designed for busy lives:
11 live coaching calls over five weeks (3 weeks on, 1 week off to catch up, then 2 final weeks)
Expert-led sessions on the six hormones that shift in midlife, how to adapt your training, how to fine-tune your nutrition, plus deep dives into HRT, TRT, peptides, biohacks, skin and muscle health, and more
Structured meal plans, targeted workouts, and supplement guidance included
The chance to connect with a motivated, like-minded community — men and women welcome
Only runs once per year in the live format — payment plan available
Reserve your spot at www.midlifemonth.com and step into the healthiest, strongest version of yourself.

Starbucks Stomach

If you’ve ever left Starbucks feeling bloated, sluggish, or… ahem… blocked up for days, you’re not imagining things.In this episode, I dive deep into why Starbucks hits your gut differently than your local coffee shop. From dark roasted beans and ultra-pasteurized milk to highly processed plant-based alternatives and the whole A1 vs A2 milk debate, I break down exactly what’s going on — and why it matters for your digestion, energy, and even your waistline.
I also explain why even if you don’t think you’re lactose intolerant, you might still react to certain dairy proteins — and how a simple milk swap could make a world of difference.
This topic comes straight out of my Tight28 program’s dairy module, so if you’ve been struggling with gut discomfort, unexplained puffiness, or sluggish digestion, you’ll definitely want to listen in.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
☕ The Coffee Factor
Why Starbucks uses very dark roasted beans — and how this affects bitterness, bile release, and gut motility.
How ultra-high volume roasting and older beans can increase oxidized oils — and why oxidized oils = gut irritation.
Why your local café’s medium roast and fresher beans are usually gentler on digestion.
🥛 The Dairy Factor
The difference between regular pasteurization and ultra-pasteurization — and how extreme heat denatures milk proteins like casein.
Why casein (especially A1 beta-casein) is already hard to digest — and how ultra-pasteurization makes it worse.
Why large latte servings = large dairy hits that can trigger bloating and constipation.
🌱 The Milk Alternative Trap
Why Starbucks oat, almond, and soy milks are highly processed and full of gums and emulsifiers.
How gums/emulsifiers can damage gut lining, worsen leaky gut, and trigger bloating or sluggish digestion.
Why oat milk’s beta-glucans and residual enzymes can ferment in the gut and cause discomfort.
🐄 A1 vs A2 Milk Explained
A1 milk (common in U.S. dairy from Holstein cows) contains a beta-casein variant that releases BCM-7 during digestion.
BCM-7 slows gut motility, irritates the gut lining, and can trigger histamine release → bloating, puffiness, water retention.
A2 milk (from Jersey/Guernsey cows, goats, sheep, buffalo) produces minimal BCM-7 — often eliminating symptoms entirely.
Why switching to A2 can be a game-changer for digestion, even if you’re not lactose intolerant.
Key Takeaways
Starbucks’ combination of dark roast bitterness, ultra-pasteurized A1 milk, and/or processed plant milks can be a “perfect storm” for gut issues.
If you want to keep enjoying coffee without the digestive misery:
Switch to medium roast, freshly ground beans.
Use A2 dairy or goat/sheep/buffalo milk.
Skip processed plant milks with gums/emulsifiers.
Try smaller coffee sizes or Americano-style drinks instead of milk-heavy lattes.
Gut irritation isn’t just about discomfort — it can contribute to systemic inflammation, histamine buildup, and even changes in body composition.
Want to Go Deeper?
This episode barely scratches the surface of what I teach in Tight28, my 28-day program designed to uncover hidden food sensitivities, calm inflammation, and get your digestion — and your body composition — working in your favor.
Check it out here: www.jlcstrong.com
Resources & Links Mentioned
5-Amino-1MQ: www.5amino.com
My upcoming SLU-PP-332 release — stay tuned!
Email me anytime with questions: jo@theshrinkshop.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s still wondering why their Starbucks habit might be causing their gut drama.

Are You Building Muscle or Breaking Down? Let Bloodwork Decide

If you’ve hit a plateau with your workouts… if you're gaining fat despite training hard… or if you're feeling constantly tired and inflamed, your bloodwork might have the answers.
In this episode, we dive into:
What the DHEA-to-cortisol ratio really tells you about stress, recovery, and resilience
The exact numbers you want to see (with examples)
Key blood markers like CK, AST, LDH, CRP, and what they reveal about muscle breakdown
How to interpret patterns that signal overtraining or burnout
Because you don’t build muscle in the gym—you build it when you're recovering properly. Let's make sure you're set up to build, not break down.
🔬 DHEA-to-Cortisol Ratio: What It Means
Hormone Ratio
What It Means
✅ ≥ 10:1
Healthy recovery, strong stress resilience, good environment for fat loss & muscle gain
⚠️ ≤ 5:1
Stress outweighs recovery; may stall progress, impair sleep, increase fat storage
❌ ≤ 2:1
Burnout, poor training response, HPA axis dysfunction, inflammation, fatigue
 
🧮 Example Calculations:
DHEA-S 150 / Cortisol 10 = 15:1 ✅
DHEA-S 90 / Cortisol 18 = 5:1 ⚠️
DHEA-S 40 / Cortisol 22 = 1.8:1 ❌
💪 Blood Markers That Reveal Muscle Breakdown
Marker
Optimal Range
Concern Threshold
What It Indicates
DHEA-S
W: 100–200 / M: 150–300 mcg/dL
<70 (W), <100 (M)
Anabolic status / stress buffer
Cortisol (AM)
8–15 mcg/dL
>23 (stress), <6 (burnout)
Stress response or adrenal fatigue
Creatine Kinase (CK)
30–150 U/L
>500 = intense training, >1,000 = concern
Muscle breakdown marker
AST / ALT
AST <40 / ALT <56 U/L
AST >80 without liver issue = muscle strain
Post-exercise stress or liver burden
LDH
140–280 U/L
>400 U/L
Chronic tissue stress or poor recovery
CRP (hs-CRP)
<1.0 mg/L
>3.0 = systemic inflammation
Inflammation, potential overtraining
Urea / Creatinine
Urea: 10–20 / Cr: <1.2
Depends on hydration, protein, renal function
Contextual clues for stress and protein turnover
 
🧠 What Affects These Markers?
Overtraining or lack of deloads
Low-carb or low-calorie diets
Emotional stress and poor sleep
Hormonal changes (especially in midlife)
Poor gut health or chronic inflammation
These markers give you insight into whether your training is building your body—or breaking it down.
🧬 New Peptides + Supplements
💊 Now Available: 5-Amino-1MQA powerful compound that supports fat loss, muscle preservation, and energy through NAD+ pathways.
🧪 Coming Late August: SLU-PP-332If you'd like to be notified the moment it's available, email me at 👉 jo@theshrinkshop.com to get on the early bird list.
💻 Looking for a Coaching Program?
I have six powerful programs—covering everything from foundational weight loss to advanced body composition, hormone health, and gut repair. Each one is:
✅ Self-paced✅ Educational✅ Results-driven✅ Can be combined with private coaching for a fully customized experience
👉 Browse the full library at www.jlcstrong.comLet’s find the right fit for your body and your goals.

Midlife Thermostat

Midlife Mayhem Podcast – Episode Title: "Midlife Thermostat: Why You're Sweating, Freezing, and Waking Up at 3 A.M."
Hosted by: Joanne Lee Cornish
🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this packed episode, Joanne tackles one of the most frustrating but misunderstood midlife symptoms: temperature dysregulation. Whether you're a woman waking up drenched in sweat or a man with freezing hands and sleepless nights, your body's thermostat might be working against you. Joanne breaks down how hormonal shifts during perimenopause and andropause disrupt thermoregulation—and what you can do to reset the balance.
She also shares the latest on red light therapy, the impact of stress on your nervous system, and how both men and women can support better sleep and energy by working with—not against—their biology.
🧠 Key Topics Covered:
What the hypothalamus does and how it controls your internal thermostat
Why women experience hot flashes and sudden chills during perimenopause
How declining testosterone affects men's ability to regulate temperature
The narrowing thermoneutral zone in midlife and why that matters
Blood sugar crashes, cortisol spikes, and 2–4 a.m. wakeups
How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence your sleep architecture
The nervous system’s role: sympathetic vs. parasympathetic dominance
🔧 Solutions & Biohacks Shared:
Breathwork to calm the nervous system and aid sleep
Red light therapy for increasing melatonin and promoting restful sleep
Small protein-fat bedtime snacks to reduce blood sugar crashes
Supplements that support hormonal balance:
Women: DIM, calcium D-glucarate, magnesium (watch for B6 sensitivity)
Men: Citrulline, beet powder, magnesium, zinc
Why warm socks + cooling bedding may be your best bedtime combo
Grounding sheets, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques
How resistance training and lowering belly fat helps support testosterone
🔬 Supplement Mentions:
5-Amino-1MQ – Learn more or order at: www.5amino.com
Shrink Shop Sleep Formula – Natural, effective, non-habit forming sleep support: www.shrinkshopsleep.com
📍 Local Deal for Boise Listeners:
Peak Personalized Healthcare is offering DEXA scans for $75 through the end of July. This includes body composition and bone density. Great value!
🧪 Coming Soon:
Joanne teases the upcoming release of SLU-PP-332, a compound known for mimicking muscle contraction and supporting fat oxidation. She's working to offer this at a reasonable price—watch this space.
🔔 Stay Connected:
Email Joanne at jo@theshrinkshop.com to join the mailing list and stay informed about upcoming programs like Mastering Midlife.
Follow Joanne on YouTube (Joanne Lee Cornish) for detailed videos on 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, and more.
💬 Final Takeaway:
Sleep quality, body temperature, and hormone health are deeply connected. Midlife is not the time to ignore these cues—it’s the time to understand them and respond with strategy. Whether you're burning up or freezing out, your body is speaking to you.

The Testosterone Awakening: Why Men Are Taking Back Control

I have been meaning to do this podcast for months!
And although I am talking about men and testosterone, ladies please pay attention. Too many men are suffering in silence as their version of menopause (Andropause) is sneaky and subtle and often dismissed.
 
Testosterone isn't just about muscle or libido — it's the foundation of a man’s vitality, strength, confidence, and health. But what happens when it starts to decline… and how can men fight back?
In this cutting-edge episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne dives deep into the misunderstood world of male hormones, unpacking why testosterone declines with age, what “normal” actually means, and how lifestyle, labs, and even peptides are helping men take control.
If you're a man over 40 (or you care about one), this is essential listening.
🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
✅ Why testosterone declines with age — and how it’s not just aging✅ What the medical world considers “normal”… and why that’s often useless✅ The real difference between total vs. free testosterone✅ The impact of aromatase (and why belly fat makes everything worse)✅ How SHBG binds and blocks your testosterone — and what to do about it✅ Subtle signs of low testosterone most men miss✅ Top supplements to lower SHBG and aromatase naturally✅ Why TRT might not help if you carry too much fat — and how to fix that✅ The controversial but powerful role of peptides (Kisspeptin, HCG, BPC-157)✅ How the right exercise strategy can increase testosterone✅ The truth about andropause — and why it’s time we talked about it✅ How men are reclaiming their edge with smart lifestyle upgrades and testing
🧪 Mentioned in This Episode:
Key labs to test: Total T, Free T, SHBG, Estradiol, DHT, Hematocrit
Supplements: Zinc, Boron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Tongkat Ali, DIM, Ashwagandha
Peptides: Kisspeptin-10, HCG, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, BPC-157
Training focus: Resistance training & HIIT over chronic cardio
Optimization tip: Leaner body = better testosterone balance
🎧 Listen On:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podbean
All Platforms »
🔗 Resources & Links:
📺 Watch related videos on YouTube: @joanneleecornish
📧 Got questions? Email Joanne directly: jo@theshrinkshop.com
💬 Connect with Joanne:
Instagram: @joanneleecornish
Website: www.jlcstrong.com

HRT or HGH

🔥 JULY 4TH FLASH DEAL – ENDS MONDAY!Buy 1 bottle of 5-Amino-1MQ and get the 2nd for $100 – that’s a $39 savings!🧬 Boost fat loss, protect muscle, and optimize your body’s performance.👉 Use code JULY4 at checkout at www.5amino.comExpires Monday at noon (MST) – don’t miss it!
This episode is bold, necessary, and deeply personal.
We’re diving into the truth about HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and HGH (Human Growth Hormone), what women actually need, and why most of what you're told is incomplete, underdosed, or simply outdated.
👀 If you’ve ever been told “your labs are normal” while feeling exhausted, anxious, and like a stranger in your own body—this episode is for you.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
The real difference between HRT and HGH
Why most doctors underprescribe (and what to do about it)
What bloodwork matters—and what it’s NOT telling you
Why testosterone is essential for women (yes, really)
What happens when your progesterone disappears
The risks and rewards of HGH (and how to do it safely)
Why peptides like CJC, Ipamorelin, and 5-Amino-1MQ might be the smarter option
Why information alone doesn’t create results—but coaching support does
⏳ LAST CHANCE TO JOIN TIGHT28 – We Start Sunday!
Tight28 is my LIVE 28-day program to identify food sensitivities without extreme elimination diets.
No gluten, no dairy, no soy, no added sugar—just clean, powerful results.
🚫 No fluff. No detox gimmicks.✅ Rapid wins, powerful education, and deep coaching support.
⚠️ This live version won’t return until 2027 as I roll out two other programs.👉 Join here before Sunday – you’ll thank yourself later.
👥 COMING SOON: Mastermind Collective
A premium membership that includes:✅ Full access to all my content✅ Weekly live coaching calls✅ A curated community of high-level doers✅ Access to me
This will not be open to everyone—only to those serious about growth, community, and results.💌 Interested? Email jo@theshrinkshop.com or text me directly at 310-704-6569.
🔬 Upcoming Topics on Midlife Mayhem:
Estrogen, fat, and the cortisol lie
Menopause rage & libido myths
Reverse T3, leptin & thyroid issues
Biohacking your face, fillers & fat transfers
Can you reverse aging—or just delay it?
The underground truths elite athletes already know
Subscribe now so you don’t miss these 🔥 episodes.
📺 Watch & Learn:
🧬 My YouTube is packed with hormone, fat loss, and peptide content:▶️ Joanne Lee Cornish on YouTube
🔬 Learn more about 5-Amino-1MQ:👉 www.5amino.com💥 Use code JULY4 to get the second bottle for just $100 through Monday!

HEDONIC EATING - The Food Industry Is Winning—And We're Letting It

Tight28 Starts This Sunday!
This 28-day program is all about reclaiming food quality, reducing inflammation, and resetting your understanding of nourishment. It’s soy-, dairy-, gluten-, and added sugar–free. Learn more at www.tight28.com
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this episode, Joanne breaks down the two dominant eating models:
Homeostatic Eating: eating driven by biological hunger cues
Hedonic Eating: eating driven by pleasure, emotions, and dopamine hits
And then layers in how the rise of weight-loss medications, engineered food, and cultural shifts are shaping the future of our health—one dopamine snack at a time.
🧠 Topics Covered
1. Hedonic vs. Homeostatic Eating
Why most of us are eating for pleasure, not hunger
How the food industry hijacks flavor, texture, sound, and smell to keep us eating
The engineering of hyper-palatable foods that override satiety
2. GLP-1 Medications and Hunger Suppression
Appetite suppression vs. metabolic impact
Can your metabolism still slow down if you’re not hungry? (Spoiler: yes)
3. Cultural Shifts in Movement
Two generations ago: movement was built into life
Now: drive-thrus, delivery, and gym opt-outs
Gen Z: 37% would rather take a pill than move
4. Parental Modeling and the Generational Impact
Kids of inactive parents are 5–6x more likely to be sedentary
The ripple effect: kids never seeing parents exercise means habits disappear entirely
5. The Blue Zone Model
No macros. No medications. Just movement, consistency, and unprocessed food
Rice, legumes, bread, wine, and olive oil—not low carb, just real food
A strong reminder of what health actually looks like
6. What the Food Industry Is Doing (It’s Wild):
Flavor layering and bliss point engineering
Sound design: louder crunch = more satisfaction
Emulsifiers, salt crystal tech, and texture manipulation
Micro-snacks designed specifically for medicated, low-appetite users
Marketing “protein bars” and “health snacks” that are actually dopamine bombs
7. The Leptin and Metabolism Connection
Losing fat lowers leptin, which tells the brain to slow your metabolism
Even if meds suppress appetite, the body still conserves energy
Long-term consequences of rapid weight loss without preserving muscle
8. Generational Futures: What Happens Next?
If hunger is “bad” and satiety comes from a pill, how do we teach nourishment?
If kids never see activity, how will they know it’s vital?
What if inflammation becomes the new “normal”?
💥 Jaw-Dropping Stats
60%+ of U.S. calories now come from ultra-processed foods
1960s men ate 3,000+ calories daily and were leaner—because it was real food
A 2015 study showed fiber alone created weight loss equal to full diet plans
A 2020 review: polyphenol-rich foods reduce fat without changing calorie intake
37% of Gen Z plan to skip the gym and use weight-loss drugs instead
✅ Final Thoughts
We’re not demonizing medication. We’re calling for awareness.If we don’t pay attention now, the next few generations may live in a world where:
Hunger is “bad”
Exercise is forgotten
Health is just a number on the scale
And food is nothing but chemically enhanced pleasure
Ready to reset?Join Joanne inside Tight28 – starting this Sunday. A return to real food, intentional movement, and a body that works—not just looks.

ZONULIN, GLUTEN & ECOLI - a strange connection

🎙️ 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 AnalogyA visual breakdown of what a healthy gut lining should be doing… and what happens when zonulin is chronically elevated.
The Origin StoryDiscovered 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 ProblemZonulin 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 ZonulinIt’s a defense mechanism—but it backfires when activated daily by diet. Occasional gluten = recoverable. Daily gluten = chronic gut permeability.
Kevin’s Case StudyGluten 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.comLet’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

HISTAMINE & HORMONES

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

Chronic Bloating, Fatigue, or Joint Pain? It Could Be a Food Sensitivity

💥 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