What if health wasn’t something you had to earn?

In Episode 26 of UpLift Women’s Wellness, Bethany Busch and Auria Zahed, LMFT, dive into the questions women ask most—and the myths that keep them stuck. From bloating and metabolism to hormonal chaos and diet culture, this episode reframes wellness as something you feel, not something you perform.

Here’s what they unpacked—and what the science says.

🌀 Bloating & Digestion: It’s Not Just What You Eat—It’s How You Eat

Bethany explains that bloating is often caused by gas buildup from “mindless eating”—scrolling while snacking, rushing through meals, or ignoring hunger cues. When digestion doesn’t start properly in the mouth, food breakdown becomes less efficient. She also points to food sensitivities (especially dairy) and suggests elimination diets to identify triggers.

Fact Check:

Mindless eating can lead to swallowing excess air and poor chewing, both of which contribute to bloating.
Malabsorption and bacterial overgrowth are common culprits.
While digestion still occurs if you’re distracted, it may be less efficient.

Takeaway: Slow down. Chew. Notice. Your gut will thank you.

🔥 Metabolism & Aging: It’s Not Your Age—It’s Your Muscle

The episode challenges the myth that metabolism tanks with age. Bethany reframes it: it’s not your birthday—it’s your movement. Muscle mass and activity levels play a bigger role than most people realize, and even short walks can make a difference.

Fact Check:

Metabolism stays fairly stable from 20–60, with a gradual decline after.
Muscle burns more calories than fat, so loss of lean mass matters.
Some cellular slowdown does occur with aging, but movement mitigates it.

Takeaway: Movement is medicine. Muscle is metabolic gold.

⏳ Intermittent Fasting: Trendy Doesn’t Mean Safe

Bethany shares her research on intermittent fasting (IF), noting that while popular, it can stress the female endocrine system and often leads to weight regain. She advocates for nutrient-dense, calorically appropriate eating instead.

Fact Check:

IF may disrupt sex hormones in pre-menopausal women, affecting cycles and mood.
Weight loss is common initially, but regain is also documented.
Nutrient-dense, balanced eating supports long-term health.

Takeaway: Your hormones aren’t a trend. Feed them accordingly.

🚫 Diet Culture: Blame, Shame & Bad Advice

Bethany and Auria critique the “blame and shame” messaging women encounter online. Google searches often push calorie deficits and quick fixes without context. They emphasize the importance of expert guidance and nutrient density—how your body processes whole foods vs. packaged ones.

Fact Check:

Nutrient-dense foods support metabolism, mood, and hormonal health.
Diet culture oversimplifies complex issues and promotes unsustainable solutions.

Takeaway: You’re not the problem. The system is.

🌙 Hormonal Health: Your Body Is Talking—Are You Listening?

Fatigue. Mood swings. Cravings. Skin changes. Irregular cycles. These aren’t random. They’re signals.

Bethany breaks down how to recognize hormonal imbalance and why menstruation is more than a monthly inconvenience—it’s a vital sign. Your body is always talking. You deserve to understand what it’s saying.

Fact Check:

These symptoms are valid indicators of hormonal dysregulation.
Menstruation is medically recognized as a key health marker.
While “everyone has an imbalance” may be an overstatement, it reflects the widespread nature of these issues.

Takeaway: If your body’s whispering (or screaming), listen. That’s health.

Final Thoughts: Wellness That Actually Feels Like Wellness

Bethany’s insights challenge the aesthetic obsession and invite women to redefine health on their own terms. It’s not about shrinking—it’s about strengthening. Not about control—it’s about connection. And not about perfection—it’s about presence.

Want more?

- 🎧 Listen to UpLift Women’s Wellness on Spotify, Apple, or WDJY FM

- 💪 Prebook This Body Doesn’t Belong to You—a 6-week workshop starting Dec 4

- 🐾 Join our Tuesday Unwind Dog Pack Walk in Costa Mesa

- 🔗 head2toestrength.com for events, bookings, and more

You don’t need to earn your health.

You just need to come home to it.