Gut Health, Breast Implants & the Truth About Midlife Fat Loss

Recently I sat down with Cynthia Thurlow, NP to unpack one of the biggest frustrations I hear from women in midlife: why fat loss suddenly feels impossible. I’m Natalie Jill — founder of Natalie Jill Fitness and host of the Midlife Conversations podcast — and I spent years teaching strength, nutrition and mindset. Two years ago I hit a wall: weight gain, inflammation, brain fog and blood sugar issues made me question everything I taught. What followed was a decision and a detective journey that changed my health and my teaching forever.

Why midlife fat loss feels so complicated — and the first thing to fix

There are a lot of reasons fat loss becomes harder as we get older — hormonal shifts, changing metabolism, less muscle mass, cumulative toxin exposure, and societal pressure that makes women feel like they’re failing. But the very first barrier is mindset. If we decide "it’s too late" or "that’s just my genetics," we shut down possibility.

We have to literally make a decision that we are going to have a different outcome." — Natalie Jill

That decision is the hinge. For me, admitting I didn’t feel like myself (I’d once been someone who did pull-ups and had visible abs) forced a re-evaluation. I paused my business, asked questions, and then got curious instead of defeated.

Be a health detective — don’t just blame age or hormones

Too many women put all their midlife symptoms in one bucket: hormones. Hormones are important, and I’m a fan of HRT when appropriate, but they’re only part of the picture. When I decided to get curious I started investigating:

• Blood sugar and A1C

• Gut health and the microbiome

• Toxic load — mold, heavy metals, skincare and household products

• Thyroid and other metabolic contributors

• Implants and foreign bodies

That detective work was pivotal. I stopped assuming the answer was only "eat less, exercise more" and instead asked, "What else could be feeding this problem?

Gut health: the hidden lever for weight, mood and blood sugar

I used to dismiss gut talk — I ate "clean," so what could be wrong? But chronic antibiotic use, surgeries, infections and toxins can damage gut ecology over years. When Laura Frantero opened that conversation for me, I started adding fermented foods, cutting out things that fed bad bugs, and testing where appropriate. The first five pounds came off simply by improving gut function — and that was the hope I needed to keep going.

Toxic load: mold, mercury and the compounding effect

One of the biggest revelations in my health detective work was toxic exposure.

Examples that mattered for me:

• Living in a house with black mold — a major immunologic and metabolic stressor.

• Amalgam (mercury) fillings — I chose to remove them as part of a broader detox.

• Skincare, cleaning products and other everyday exposures that add up over decades.

These stressors compound. If your liver and detox systems are taxed, everything else — hormones, blood sugar, gut resilience — becomes harder to manage.

Breast implants and explantation: my experience

I had breast implants for 33 years and went through five sets, often due to capsular contracture (hard scar tissue around the implant). After years of symptoms — inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, and abnormal liver numbers — imaging showed my newest implants had ruptured. I explored options with multiple surgeons and finally met Dr. Ricky Brown, who suggested explantation and letting my body heal before considering replacement.

Some details from my experience:

• I had a ruptured "gummy bear" implant; MRI and ultrasound confirmed it looked like a melted implant.

• Capsular contracture may actually be the body trying to protect you — removing that protection (through certain surgical techniques) could allow silicone to migrate.

• I removed my implants and the capsule; the day-after change in how I felt was immediate. It was like a veil lifted.

• I also removed mercury fillings and completed detox protocols; the cumulative effect was that the healthy practices I already taught began to work again.

Be honest: explantation is both a physical and emotional process. I prepared mentally for being very flat, and I remember the first shower after surgery and having to adjust emotionally. Recovery required six weeks of limited activity, but now I feel lighter, more comfortable sleeping, and freer for movement. Yes — there are scars and body-image adjustments — but feeling better physiologically outweighed the cosmetic concerns.

What I do now: age-optimizing (not just "biohacking")

I call myself an "age-optimizer." I want to continue aging well, and my approach blends sensible nutrition, progressive strength training, smart recovery, and targeted environmental hygiene.

Key pillars:

Nutrition

• Mostly unprocessed, real foods with an emphasis on phytonutrients (lots of fruits and vegetables).

• Protein-first approach — many women underconsume protein, which speeds muscle and bone loss.

• Minimal grains (I personally avoid gluten), selective dairy, and limited added sugar.

• Fermented foods to support gut resilience.

Strength & movement

• Strength training at least 3–4 focused sessions per week with progressive overload.

• Movement daily — walking, hiking, standing more and sitting less.

• Cardio is purposeful: zone 2, short high-intensity efforts, or enjoyable activities rather than long, draining cardio sessions.

• Functional work like dead hangs and grip strength to protect joints and preserve muscle.

Detox, recovery & bio-support

• Infrared sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, and other recovery tools at home.

• Blue blockers and morning sunlight to regulate circadian rhythm.

• Targeted supplements when needed — but often simpler nutritional support (polyphenols, CoQ10) and lifestyle first.

Mindset & nervous system

I’ve learned I’m wired for high drive — ADHD and sympathetic dominance means I can push hard and stay in a high-alert state. The challenge is learning to switch off. My strategies include:

• Daily practices to down-regulate stress (I experiment with guided tools like BrainTap and breathing work).

• Supplement trials to support neurotransmitters and cortisol balance (with professional guidance).

• Gentle self-compassion: accepting that sometimes sleep will be disrupted and choosing kinder responses rather than self-blame.

Practical weekly template I use

• 4 focused strength sessions per week (progressive overload)

• Daily walking and movement (short hikes or outdoor time when possible)

• 2–3 short, high-intensity intervals or cardio bursts if it fits my goals

• Red light therapy each morning, sauna or hot soak in the evening on many days

• Blue light blocking in the evening and morning sunlight exposure

Common myths I hear about midlife fat loss

• It’s just genetics." — Genetics matter, but they don't make results impossible. Mindset + investigation + targeted action change outcomes.

• "Hormones are the only answer." — Hormones are a piece, but gut health, toxins, thyroid and lifestyle all interact.

• "More cardio equals faster results." — Long, frequent cardio can increase hunger and stress; targeted movement and strength are far more effective.

• "Supplements and tech are magic." — They can help, but basics (protein, strength, sleep, toxin reduction) are the foundation.

What I learned — and what I want every woman to hear

Be curious. Don’t accept defeat because you’re "in your 50s" or because someone told you your genetics are the final verdict. Decide you want a different outcome and become a health detective. Sometimes the missing piece is gut health. Sometimes it’s a toxin you didn’t expect. Sometimes it’s both.

I’m not going down 'just age gracefully' — that’s not my choice. Decide, investigate, and give yourself permission to change your outcome." — Natalie Jill

For more information, watch this youtube video:

How to connect

If you want more nitty-gritty on this topic, I explore many of these themes on my Midlife Conversations podcast. You can find me and my programs at nataliejill.com, and I share daily practical tips on social if you want more real-time updates.