Summary of Episode 1KHO 476: "Why So Many Are Sick Before They Even Grow Up" Featuring Dr. Ailey Cohen
Podcast Information:
- Title: The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
- Host: Ginny Urich, Founder of 1000 Hours Outside
- Episode Title: 1KHO 476: Why So Many Are Sick Before They Even Grow Up | Aly Cohen, Detoxify
- Release Date: May 7, 2025
- Guest: Dr. Ailey Cohen, Rheumatologist and Author of Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Urich engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Ailey Cohen, a renowned rheumatologist and author of her latest book, Detoxify. The discussion delves into the pervasive impact of environmental toxins on human and animal health, particularly focusing on why chronic illnesses are increasingly diagnosed in children without prior family history.
Dr. Ailey Cohen’s Journey into Environmental Health
Dr. Cohen begins by sharing her personal journey that led her to specialize in environmental health. At the age of 15, her beloved dog Truxton was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis—a rare and shocking condition. This diagnosis prompted Dr. Cohen to investigate environmental factors that may have triggered the disease, steering her towards the field of environmental health despite it not being part of her medical curriculum.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [02:10]: "His passing, his life and his death are really a legacy for the work I do."
The Rise of Chronic Illnesses in Youth
Over her 22-year career, Dr. Cohen has observed a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic and autoimmune diseases among younger populations. These conditions are appearing in children who have no genetic predisposition, indicating that environmental factors play a crucial role in their onset.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [06:50]: "We're seeing adult autoimmune diseases that you typically see maybe in the 20s or 30s happening in young kids."
Lacking Education in Environmental Health
Dr. Cohen highlights a critical gap in medical education: the absence of comprehensive training on environmental health. Despite the extensive research available on how chemicals affect human health, this knowledge is seldom integrated into medical school curricula.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [04:46]: "Even nutrition, even today is not very much covered... environmental health... is the stuff that's not being spoken about."
The Precautionary Principle
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the "precautionary principle," which advocates for proactive measures to avoid potential health risks from chemicals, even in the absence of definitive cause-and-effect evidence.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [14:42]: "The precautionary principle is so critical because it's saying that in the face of a situation where we have some pretty good data... it might be a good idea to avoid it."
Major Environmental Toxins Discussed
1. Phthalates and Fragrances
Phthalates, commonly found in fragranced products, are highlighted for their role as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals mimic hormones, disrupting normal hormonal functions and impacting immune system health.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [30:55]: "Phthalates... disrupt normal hormone function, immune system function, and genitalia development in male babies."
2. Glyphosate
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, is discussed for its carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. Dr. Cohen explains how genetically modified crops resistant to glyphosate exacerbate its presence in the food supply.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [50:13]: "Glyphosate is one of many pesticides, but it's the highest volume herbicide... it's a neurotoxin, it is a carcinogen."
Lack of Government Regulation
Dr. Cohen criticizes the insufficient regulation of chemicals in the United States. She points out that since the 1970s, only a minimal number of chemicals have been rigorously tested or restricted, leaving thousands unregulated.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [10:39]: "We have no regulation, limited to very, very little regulation in terms of whether or not chemicals... have been tested for safety or toxicity."
Practical Steps for Detoxification
Dr. Cohen offers actionable advice through her book's 21-day plan, emphasizing that detoxification doesn't require perfection but consistent, informed choices. Key strategies include:
- Assess: Identify and understand the presence of harmful chemicals in daily products.
- Avoid/Swap: Replace products containing toxins with safer alternatives, such as unscented detergents or natural cleaning solutions.
- Add: Incorporate detoxifying foods like cruciferous vegetables and probiotics to support the body's natural detoxification processes.
- Allow: Accept certain unavoidable exposures while minimizing their impact through effective filtration and mindful choices.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [44:42]: "Assess, avoid or swap, add, and allow—the four A's of environmental health."
Detoxifying Foods and Lifestyle Changes
The discussion elaborates on specific foods and lifestyle adjustments that aid in detoxification:
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Enhance liver function to break down toxins.
- Small Fish: Provide omega-3 fatty acids while minimizing mercury exposure.
- Probiotics: Support gut health, which is integral to the immune system.
- Sweating and Exercise: Facilitate toxin elimination through the skin.
- Adequate Sleep: Promote overall health and recovery.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [55:18]: "Cruciferous vegetables really do help us detoxify... Probiotics are helpful."
Addressing Common Challenges
Ginny Urich and Dr. Cohen discuss the practicality of implementing detoxification strategies, acknowledging that some changes, such as switching laundry detergents, are straightforward, while others, like ensuring clean drinking water, can be more complex.
Ginny Urich [45:57]: "Washing with unscented detergent is easier than figuring out the water situation."
Conclusion
Dr. Ailey Cohen emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for reducing toxin exposure, especially given the lack of stringent government regulations. By adopting informed and consistent lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly improve their health and that of their families.
Dr. Ailey Cohen [38:02]: "It's really about doing the best you can with the knowledge that you pick up. And it's a journey for everybody."
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [02:10]: "His passing, his life and his death are really a legacy for the work I do."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [06:50]: "We're seeing adult autoimmune diseases that you typically see maybe in the 20s or 30s happening in young kids."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [14:42]: "The precautionary principle is so critical because it's saying that in the face of a situation where we have some pretty good data... it might be a good idea to avoid it."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [30:55]: "Phthalates... disrupt normal hormone function, immune system function, and genitalia development in male babies."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [50:13]: "Glyphosate is one of many pesticides, but it's the highest volume herbicide... it's a neurotoxin, it is a carcinogen."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [44:42]: "Assess, avoid or swap, add, and allow—the four A's of environmental health."
- Dr. Ailey Cohen [38:02]: "It's really about doing the best you can with the knowledge that you pick up. And it's a journey for everybody."
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a crucial wake-up call about the hidden dangers of everyday environmental toxins. Dr. Ailey Cohen’s expertise provides listeners with not only the understanding of these issues but also practical steps to mitigate their impact. Detoxify promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to lead a healthier, toxin-reduced lifestyle.