Ep. 595 “Why You Can’t Heal in Fight-or-Flight” – The Hidden Link Between Stress, Digestion, and Midlife Weight Gain with Sachin Patel | Menopause, Perimenopause, Nervous System Regulation
Podcast: Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+Published On: Wed May 20 2026
Description: I am delighted to connect with Sachin Patel today. Sachin is a father, husband, philanthropist, functional medicine practice success coach, speaker, author, breathwork facilitator, and plant medicine advocate. He is passionate about helping people activate their “inner doctor” through lifestyle medicine, breathwork, and greater self-awareness. Having had the privilege of knowing Sachin both personally and professionally, what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to helping people better understand their physiology so they can heal more effectively and live more intentionally. In today’s conversation, we explore the connection between the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve, and overall health. Sachin shares insights on breath dynamics, diaphragm function, coherent breathing, CO₂ tolerance, the Bohr effect, the physiologic sigh, and the often-overlooked role of repressed emotions in physical well-being. We also discuss the importance of nature, circadian rhythms, sunlight, temperature regulation, and Sachin offers his recommendations for women in midlife and beyond. I also highly recommend his new book, Breath, Balance, and Burn, which was recently released. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation on breath, healing, and the daily habits that shape how we feel, function, and age. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How spending too much time in fight-or-flight mode prevents the body from entering a healing state How women’s multiple roles and chronic stress, combined with midlife hormonal transitions, can create a “perfect storm” of sympathetic dominance and nervous system dysregulation How your breath reflects your emotional state Why healing becomes difficult when the body remains in a fight-or-flight state The benefits of coherent breathing for oxygen delivery and nervous system regulation How the diaphragm serves as an access point to emotional regulation and nervous system control How our breathing patterns and nervous system state can influence the emotional state of others Sachin outlines practical techniques to help regulate stress, improve focus, increase energy, and prepare for sleep How modern indoor living disconnects people from their natural rhythms Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Sachin Patel On Facebook On Instagram On YouTube – The Living Light Reset Get instant access to The Breathe, Balance, Burn Training Program and Breathwork Bundle Purchase a copy of Sachin’s Book, Breathe, Balance, Burn: How Fixing the Way You Breathe Resets Your Stress Hormones, Shrinks Your Belly, and Gives You Back the Energy and Calm You Thought Were Gone for Good, on Amazon.
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