Realfoodology Podcast Summary: "Environmental Toxins, Mystery Illnesses + My Personal Test Results | Dr. Kelly McCann"
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Produced By: Wellness Loud
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the Realfoodology podcast, host Courtney Swan engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Kelly McCann, a renowned functional, integrative, and environmental medical MD. The discussion delves deep into environmental toxins, mysterious health ailments, and Courtney’s personal health journey, particularly focusing on her recent test results and detox strategies as she prepares for pregnancy.
Personal Test Results and Initial Concerns
Courtney begins by sharing her recent health assessments, highlighting elevated levels of glyphosate, a concerning environmental toxin. She explains her proactive approach to detoxifying her body to optimize fertility health.
Courtney Swan [05:39]: "One of them has to do with glyphosate, so you're going to want to listen to this one for sure."
Dr. McCann acknowledges the significance of Courtney’s findings, emphasizing the impact of environmental toxins on overall health.
Dr. Kelly McCann [12:22]: "So what that tells us is that before when you had control over your environment and your diet, you did great. When you move to another environment and your diet stays the same, because obviously that's going to stay the same."
Environmental Toxins and Their Sources
The conversation shifts to common sources of environmental toxins. Dr. McCann elaborates on how everyday materials like polyvinyl flooring, glues, and household plastics contribute to toxin exposure.
Dr. Kelly McCann [18:40]: "Vinyl chloride flooring can off-gas can have a bunch of chemical toxins that were very high in your blood."
Courtney shares her personal experiences with mold toxicity after relocating to Colorado, underscoring the pervasive nature of these toxins.
Courtney Swan [09:38]: "We are living in a situation right now where we don't have a lot of control around the environmental toxins that we're being exposed to."
Detoxification Strategies
A significant portion of the episode focuses on effective detox methods. Dr. McCann advocates for the use of saunas to facilitate toxin elimination through sweat, emphasizing the importance of breaking a sweat to maximize detox benefits.
Dr. Kelly McCann [24:50]: "So why is sauna so great? It heats up the body. It enables many of the toxins, not all, but many of them, to get flushed out of the body through the skin."
Courtney adds her strategies, including the use of phosphatidylcholine supplements to aid in detoxifying not just glyphosate but also heavy metals and mycotoxins.
Courtney Swan [54:54]: "I’m doing a full tablespoon a day. I wanted to, you know, exactly what I'm doing, I'm doing a full tablespoon a day."
Dr. McCann further discusses the role of binders like activated charcoal and bentonite in preventing the recirculation of toxins within the body.
Dr. Kelly McCann [27:03]: "And then the sweat, the other ones might get filtered through the bloodstream, through the liver, into the gallbladder, if you still have one. And then they dump in the bile."
Underlying Infections and Immune Health
The dialogue transitions to the connection between environmental toxins and immune system suppression, highlighting how toxins can lead to chronic infections. Courtney reveals her low white blood cell and platelet counts, prompting a discussion on potential underlying infections such as Lyme disease and Bartonella.
Dr. Kelly McCann [35:22]: "There are a variety of other infections. So Lyme is actually one. Is what we call a variety of different Borrelia burgdorferi."
Dr. McCann explains the significance of the CD57 immune marker, a crucial indicator in identifying chronic infections that conventional blood tests might overlook.
Courtney Swan [35:36]: "And so we got another test done to see. So I guess, like, what would be the other possibilities outside of Lyme that it would be. Or does it just mean that it probably is Lyme?"
Dr. McCann reassures listeners that infections like Lyme are not always accompanied by overt symptoms, making specialized testing essential for accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Kelly McCann [37:24]: "But if you ran a test through commercial lab, it might come back negative. Even though you have this other Borrelia, there are infections."
Mind-Body Connection and Listening to Your Body
A poignant part of the conversation revolves around the psychological aspects of health, where Dr. McCann stresses the importance of listening to one’s body and not ignoring its signals.
Dr. Kelly McCann [59:20]: "Our bodies are on our side. They always have been on our side."
Courtney reflects on societal tendencies to normalize poor health and the necessity of honoring and addressing bodily signals to prevent chronic ailments.
Courtney Swan [63:44]: "It's interesting, and I would argue that many in the allopathic, conventional medical space are not making these connections at all, which is really unfortunate."
Success Stories and Hope
Dr. McCann shares an inspiring story of a patient who suffered for years with unexplained symptoms until she found appropriate functional medicine care. This narrative illustrates the transformative potential of addressing underlying causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Dr. Kelly McCann [46:09]: "Eventually, her husband decided to leave her. And although that was devastating, she has now blossomed."
Conclusion and Resources
As the episode wraps up, Dr. McCann provides listeners with resources to connect further, including her practice location in Costa Mesa, website, and Instagram handle. She also mentions an upcoming gut health program and her forthcoming book, which aims to help patients reframe their relationship with their bodies.
Dr. Kelly McCann [69:32]: "I also have a website, Dr. Kellymccann.com where I have blogs and you can find me on Instagram @DrKellyMcCann."
Courtney concludes by encouraging listeners to seek out Dr. McCann’s expertise, especially those grappling with similar health challenges.
Courtney Swan [68:53]: "Sometimes people need help to kind of dig into those kind of things, you know?"
Key Takeaways
- Environmental Toxins Are Pervasive: Everyday materials and chemicals contribute significantly to our toxin load, impacting overall health and fertility.
- Importance of Specialized Testing: Conventional blood tests may not detect underlying chronic infections; specialized markers like CD57 are crucial.
- Effective Detox Strategies: Incorporating saunas, binders, and supplements like phosphatidylcholine can aid in reducing toxin levels.
- Mind-Body Connection: Listening to bodily signals and addressing psychological stressors are essential for holistic health.
- Hope Through Functional Medicine: Personalized care can uncover and address root causes of mysterious illnesses, leading to significant health improvements.
Notable Quotes
- Courtney Swan [05:39]: "One of them has to do with glyphosate, so you're going to want to listen to this one for sure."
- Dr. Kelly McCann [24:50]: "It heats up the body. It enables many of the toxins to get flushed out through the skin."
- Courtney Swan [54:54]: "I’m doing a full tablespoon a day."
- Dr. Kelly McCann [59:20]: "Our bodies are on our side. They always have been on our side."
Connect with Dr. Kelly McCann
- Practice: The Spring Center, Costa Mesa, Southern California
- Website: DrKellyMcCann.com
- Instagram: @DrKellyMcCann
This episode underscores the intricate relationship between environmental factors and personal health, providing listeners with actionable insights and hope for those navigating mysterious health challenges.