267 Muscle, Mitochondria and the Aging Brain: The Midlife Metabolism Reset with Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink

What if the fatigue, brain fog, and loss of strength many women experience after 50 are not simply hormonal, but reflect deeper shifts in metabolism, muscle, and mitochondrial function? In this insightful episode, Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink reframes midlife as a metabolic and neurological transition rather than a purely hormonal one. She explains how muscle acts as a longevity organ, how mitochondrial efficiency impacts both energy and cognition, and how targeted lifestyle and nutrition strategies can restore resilience. This empowering conversation offers practical, science-informed steps to help women take control of how they age. Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink is a naturopathic doctor, women's health researcher, and founder of Wellex. She has more than 16 years of clinical experience supporting women's hormonal, metabolic, and immune health. Dr. Goldspink is a published author in peer-reviewed medical journals and has completed advanced training in mind-body medicine at Harvard University. Her work focuses on translating complex scientific research into practical, personalized health strategies. She has helped thousands of women restore energy, resilience, and long-term well-being. Her current focus is on evidence-based supplementation and metabolic health optimization for women in midlife and beyond. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 02:30 – Midlife symptoms reframed: beyond hormones to metabolism and mitochondria 04:00 – Dr. Goldspink's personal journey from marketing professional to naturopathic medicine 06:00 – Why brain fog, fatigue, and strength loss signal deeper biological shifts 08:00 – Muscle as a longevity organ and its role in metabolic and cognitive health 11:00 – The metabolic functions of muscle and the importance of myokines 13:30 – Resistance training and why lifting weights matters for women over 50 16:00 – Nutrition fundamentals: protein intake, glycemic stability, and whole foods 19:00 – Mitochondrial health and its connection to energy and cognition 22:00 – Practical strategies to optimize mitochondria without complex protocols 25:00 – Creatine explained: benefits for muscle, brain, and aging 29:00 – Real-world recovery and rebuilding strength after health setbacks 31:00 – Brain training, lifestyle habits, and community connection 33:00 – Managing stress, social media overload, and mental resilience 35:00 – Supplement strategy after 50: what to use and what to avoid 37:30 – Common mistakes: overuse of antioxidants and low-quality supplements 40:00 – The origin of Wellex and a mission to support underserved women's health needs 43:00 – Practical daily steps to rebuild resilience and support healthy aging 45:00 – Wrap-up and key takeaways Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink Website: https://wellex.co Science-backed supplements for women's metabolic and hormonal health Information on clinical research and product formulations Call to Action Find Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) or on Kindle Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: [email protected] Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026