Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels
Episode: Auto Immune EXPERT: "We Can Reverse These Conditions”!!
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Guest: Dr. Ailey Cohen, Board-Certified Rheumatologist and Author of Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels, renowned fitness and wellness expert Jillian Michaels delves deep into the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases with Dr. Ailey Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine specialist. Dr. Cohen, the author of Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, brings forth groundbreaking insights into the root causes of autoimmune conditions and offers actionable strategies to reverse and manage them.

Dr. Ailey Cohen's Background and Motivation

Dr. Cohen shares a poignant personal story that catalyzed her dedication to understanding autoimmune diseases.

[04:08] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "When my four and a half-year-old golden retriever, Truxton, was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, it was heart-wrenching. This rare condition in dogs made me question environmental factors affecting our immune systems."

Her dog's illness led her to conduct an environmental health assessment, sparking a 15-year journey to uncover the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases, culminating in her influential book.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Dr. Cohen provides a foundational explanation of autoimmune diseases and rheumatology.

[06:32] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Rheumatology originated from studying joint-related illnesses but has expanded to include autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues."

She elaborates on various autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto's, emphasizing that these conditions arise when the immune system fails to recognize and protect the body's own tissues.

The Rise of Autoimmune Conditions

The conversation highlights the alarming increase in autoimmune disease diagnoses.

[16:54] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Between 7 and 14% of US citizens now live with one or more autoimmune diseases, and this number is expected to rise."

Dr. Cohen attributes this surge not merely to better diagnostics but to actual increases in incidence, affecting younger populations without familial predispositions.

Environmental Toxins and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how environmental toxins contribute to immune system dysregulation.

[10:04] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "With over 95,000 chemicals in products and cosmetics, many of which are not regulated, these toxins increase inflammation and can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues."

She underscores the detrimental effects of low-level, chronic exposure to chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols, which mimic bodily antigens and trigger autoimmune responses.

Inflammation: Acute vs. Chronic

Jillian Michaels draws parallels between normal inflammatory responses and chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.

[13:02] Jillian Michaels: "When I work out, I experience acute inflammation that resolves in a few days. However, chronic, low-grade inflammation is what poses real health risks."

Dr. Cohen agrees, explaining that while acute inflammation is a protective response, chronic inflammation from constant exposure to toxins can lead to autoimmune disorders.

The Four A's Approach

To combat autoimmune conditions, Dr. Cohen introduces her holistic framework known as the Four A's: Assess, Avoid/Swap, Add, and Allow.

1. Assess:
   Evaluating one's environment and lifestyle to identify sources of toxins.

   [48:26] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Start by assessing your environment with a 50-question survey to pinpoint areas needing change."

2. Avoid/Swap:
   Reducing or eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals and replacing them with safer alternatives.

   [51:24] Dr. Cohen: "Replace multiple household cleaners with simpler, non-toxic solutions to reduce chemical load."

3. Add:
   Incorporating nutritious foods and supplements to support immune health.

   [42:07] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Vitamin D3 is a critical supplement that supports the immune system, heart health, and brain function."

4. Allow:
   Permitting occasional indulgences to maintain psychological well-being without compromising overall health.

   [51:24] Dr. Cohen: "Allowing yourself occasional treats prevents feelings of deprivation and supports long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle."

Water Quality and Filtration

Dr. Cohen emphasizes the critical role of clean water in maintaining immune health.

[28:03] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Drinking water in the United States is often contaminated with thousands of unregulated chemicals. Implementing point-of-use filtration systems like reverse osmosis can significantly reduce this toxin load."

She discusses the limitations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which only mandates testing for 91 chemicals, while over 95,000 compounds are present in consumer products. Dr. Cohen advocates for personal filtration systems to ensure water purity.

Food and Diet

The podcast delves into the impact of diet on autoimmune conditions, highlighting the dangers of processed foods and pesticide-laden produce.

[39:17] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Even naturally healthy foods like organic produce can sometimes be contaminated. Washing and choosing USDA organic options can mitigate pesticide exposure."

She stresses the importance of a nutrient-dense diet to support the immune system, recommending whole foods and organic produce to reduce toxin intake.

Household Products

Dr. Cohen sheds light on the hidden chemicals in everyday household products that contribute to chronic inflammation.

[44:00] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Household cleaners are filled with unregulated chemicals that you bring into your home and absorb through surfaces, affecting both human and animal health."

She advocates for using fewer, safer products and even provides DIY cleaning solutions to minimize chemical exposure.

The Role of the Gut and Leaky Gut

Addressing the gut's critical role, Dr. Cohen explains the concept of "leaky gut" and its connection to autoimmunity.

[54:13] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "A compromised gut lining allows toxins and harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that can lead to autoimmune conditions."

She emphasizes maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and stress management to prevent and manage leaky gut.

Psychological Trauma and Autoimmunity

Exploring the interplay between mental health and immune function, Dr. Cohen discusses how psychological trauma can exacerbate autoimmune diseases.

[25:01] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Studies like the ACE and Nurses Health 2 have shown a statistical increase in autoimmune diseases among individuals who have experienced childhood trauma."

She highlights the importance of addressing mental health as part of a holistic approach to managing autoimmune conditions.

Supplements and Nutrition

Dr. Cohen recommends specific supplements that can bolster immune health and aid in reversing autoimmune conditions.

[42:07] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Vitamin D3 is essential for immune regulation. It supports not just the immune system but also heart and brain health. Ensuring optimal levels through safe supplementation can make a significant difference."

She advises consulting healthcare providers for personalized supplement regimens to avoid over-supplementation and ensure safety.

Innovation in Treatment

The episode touches on emerging treatments and innovations in managing autoimmune diseases.

[59:02] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "Vagal nerve stimulation is an exciting area of research. Non-invasive methods to stimulate the vagus nerve show promise in reducing inflammation and managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases."

Dr. Cohen advocates for continued research and integration of innovative treatments alongside traditional methods.

Closing Thoughts and Message

In her closing remarks, Dr. Cohen offers a message of hope and empowerment to those struggling with autoimmune conditions.

[62:25] Dr. Ailey Cohen: "There are actionable steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms and regain control over your health. Start with understanding what your body needs and make gradual, sustainable changes."

She encourages listeners to take proactive measures in managing their health, advocating for a balanced approach that combines lifestyle changes with professional medical advice.

Additional Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed, Dr. Cohen's book, Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, is available on major platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Additionally, Dr. Cohen offers courses on heavy metals, EMF, and pesticides through her website SmartHuman.com.

Conclusion

This episode of Keeping It Real serves as an eye-opening exploration of the intricate factors contributing to the rise of autoimmune diseases. Through Dr. Ailey Cohen's expertise, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental toxins, diet, water quality, and psychological factors interplay to affect immune health. The actionable strategies and holistic framework provided empower individuals to take control of their health and work towards reversing autoimmune conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Ailey Cohen [10:00]: "These chemicals are instigating the body in ways that we never would have expected until we studied them."

• Jillian Michaels [13:45]: "If I get sick, it's an acute inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is where the real trouble lies."

• Dr. Ailey Cohen [24:58]: "There is validation in trauma and exposures to stress that play out in human diseases."

• Jillian Michaels [52:04]: "You practice some kind of an 80/20 rule, restoring the body to allow it to heal itself."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this summary is based on the podcast transcript and is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.