The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: How to Reverse ‘Irreversible’ Diseases (Cancer, Autoimmune & Chronic Illness)
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe shares his compelling personal story of recovery from a severe spinal infection, delves into strategies for reversing diseases often labeled as “irreversible” by modern medicine (including cancer and autoimmune disorders), and explores the vast potential of natural medicine. He explains how cellular regeneration, personalized nutrition, and healing the mind and spirit can help anyone optimize health and even “reverse” chronic illness. Dr. Axe draws on examples from functional medicine, biblical wisdom, Chinese medicine, and his clinical experience—balancing science, spirituality, and practical tools for empowerment and healing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Axe’s Personal Healing Journey

[02:34-11:30]

Dr. Axe recounts developing a life-threatening spinal infection after a routine, natural health procedure gone wrong, leading to near-total immobility for over a year.
He was told by doctors he’d likely be permanently disabled or even die, but, after a period of despair, he put his faith in “the great physician”—God—and began using a blend of cutting-edge regenerative therapies (hyperbaric oxygen, red light, peptides, stem cells, IV therapies) alongside prayer.
After a year-long battle, his MRI was clear (“no sign of infection”), surprising his doctors.
Quote: “For me, I always listen to the great physician more than any other physician.” [07:58]
This story illustrates the body’s “amazing capacity to heal, no matter what you’re struggling with”—even conditions declared “incurable.”

2. The Body’s Power to Regenerate

[11:30-15:00]

Dr. Axe highlights how many organs/tissues have natural regenerative cycles:
- Liver: 100% new every 150 days
- Intestines: 3–5 days
- Stomach: 2–9 days
- Bones: 6–8 weeks
- Muscles: 3–4 weeks
Aging hinders these processes, but modern therapies—nutrition, peptides, oxygen, etc.—can help restore regenerative capacity.

3. Challenging the “Irreversible” Disease Paradigm

[16:00-18:00]

Dr. Axe routinely witnesses “irreversible” conditions (Hashimoto’s, type 2 diabetes, IBD, certain cancers) fully reversed in his clinic.
Quote: “If a doctor ever tells you that you have to be on this drug the rest of your life and your condition’s irreversible, 99% of the time, it’s incorrect. Your body can heal.” [16:38]

4. Biological & Organ Age: The Real Longevity Frontier

[18:00-20:00]

Emerging tools allow testing of individual organ age, a better predictor of disease risk (e.g., “older heart” = 250% higher heart disease mortality).
Dr. Axe lost his fit, 60-year-old father-in-law to a heart attack—arguing “one or two aging organs” is the issue, not general health.
Advocates targeted, personalized interventions to reverse “organ age.”

5. Four Pillars of Regeneration & Healing

[22:20-23:50]

1. Reduce toxicity
2. Optimize nutrient absorption
3. Boost cellular energy
4. Tailor a deeply personalized diet
Nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all.” Chinese/Ayurvedic medicine has long practiced individualized diets based on symptoms, tongue, pulse.

6. Toxicity in Modern Life & Simple Solutions

[23:50-30:00]

99% of Americans have “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in their blood.
80%+ exposed to glyphosate; average American consumes 22 tsp of sugar/day.
Other toxins: processed seed oils, artificial sweeteners, pathogens (viruses, mold, parasites), and—crucially—emotional toxicity (trauma, negativity).
Quote: “Of all these things, the most damaging to our physical health is our spiritual and mental health.” [29:28]
Simple strategies:
- Filter your water (even basic filters cut estrogen, pesticides, etc.)
- Prioritize organic for meat/dairy (most toxic); use baking soda to clean conventional produce (removes 97% of pesticides)
- Avoid plastics, artificial sweeteners, “dirty dozen” produce
- Don’t neglect non-physical toxins (negative beliefs, trauma)

7. Biblical Wisdom for Healing

[30:00-37:00]

Dr. Axe introduces his new book “The Biblio Diet,” integrating principles from the Bible into regenerative medicine:
- Biblical food laws distinguished “clean” (nontoxic) and “unclean” (toxic) foods—pork and shellfish are scavengers, parasite-prone.
- Fasting is powerful but best practiced as a weekly discipline, not aggressive daily intermittent fasting (especially for women).
- Mold/mildew: ancient advice matches modern remediation (vinegar cleaning, “burn down” houses infested with mold).
- Bible’s greatest healing focus: “Detox your heart and mind—practice forgiveness.”
Notable moment: Story of Dr. Axe’s mother curing “irreversible” lung cancer through a blend of holistic protocols and daily spiritual/mental practice (visualization, forgiveness, peace-building activities).
- Quote: “One of the most important things she did for healing was spending daily time…meditating on Bible verses…visualized herself healing.” [38:35]

8. Nutrient Deficiency, Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture

[41:30-45:00]

Due to depleted soil, U.S. produce contains 40–75% fewer nutrients than a century ago.
Advocates buying from local/regenerative farms, supporting practices that restore soil health (cattle-grazing rotations, crop diversity).
Sometimes supplementation (multivitamins, greens) can help fill gaps.

9. Cellular/Mitochondrial Energy as a Key to Healing

[50:00-52:00]

Chronic fatigue and hypothyroidism are tied to “mitochondrial depletion.”
Stress and “busyness” (even without apparent worry) drain energy.
- Quote: “Many of you, the problem is you do not have the cellular energy to run your organs or to heal.” [53:30]
Boost mitochondrial health with:
- Pomegranate (ellagitannins/urolithin)
- High protein (especially organ meats)
- Bone broth
- Steamed greens
- Omega-3s
- Adaptogenic herbs: ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola, reishi.

10. Personalized Healing & Ancient Diagnostics

[54:00-56:00]

Examines how tongue diagnosis, traditional symptom analysis, and bloodwork can personalize diet/herbs (e.g., ridges = digestive weakness, red tip = emotional/insomnia link).
“Personalized medicine” is the future—right diet, right herbs, right mindset for each individual.

11. The Overwhelming Role of Spiritual/Mental Health

[56:00-58:00]

80% of doctor visits trace to stress.
“Number one” cause of health problems: “mental and spiritual health…more important than diet.”
Prescribes practical spiritual/emotional steps:
- Identify and process old regrets/shame with faith or professional support
- “Write down things you love to do—schedule them”
- Prioritize spiritual growth: prayer, meditation, purpose

Organ-Targeted Strategies for Longevity

[58:00-66:00]

Dr. Axe highlights tailored approaches to healing vital organs—using both science and ancient wisdom:

1. Cardiovascular System

Best foods: fatty fish, omega-3s, organ meats (esp. heart), berries (esp. pomegranate), red meat, beets, tomatoes, olive oil, walnuts, CoQ10.
- “A tomato is red, your heart is red. A tomato has four chambers, your heart has four chambers.” [62:00]
Most important exercise: cardio (esp. racket sports: tennis, badminton—linking to social connection as a key to heart health)

2. Immune System

Best foods: chicken broth, yogurts, pears, garlic/onions/ginger (yellow & white foods), astragalus, elderberry, echinacea, zinc, vitamin D.
Key emotional factor: Unprocessed regret/shame/abuse and lack of forgiveness undermine immunity.

3. Metabolic/ Digestive Health

Best foods: bone broth, meat, fermented foods, apples, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, ginger, mulberry leaf, L-glutamine, BPC-157 peptide.
Healing “leaky gut” and blood sugar issues require both food and targeted supplements.

4. Detoxification

Best foods: cruciferous (steamed) veggies, dandelion/milk thistle tea, green apples, beets, schisandra, reishi, chlorella, liver.
Exercise: Walking in nature, racket sports help stimulate detox.
Spiritual practices (prayer, meditation) also aid detox.

5. Hormonal Health

Men: high protein, red meat, organ meats, fatty fish, pomegranates, zinc, vitamin D, ginseng, tribulus, rhodiola, cordyceps, fenugreek, heavy lifting, good sleep, brotherhood (“Iron sharpens iron”)
Women (premenopausal): focus on balancing cortisol, insulin, estrogen/progesterone; foods/supplements to lower insulin (cinnamon, berberine), de-stress, build emotional safety.
Women (menopausal): boost “yin” with moistening foods (yogurt, sweet potatoes, flax, soy—if organic), black cohosh. Emotional warmth and safety are critical.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“For me, I always listen to the great physician more than any other physician.” [07:58]
“If a doctor ever tells you you have to be on this drug the rest of your life and your condition’s irreversible, 99% of the time, it’s incorrect.” [16:38]
“Of all these things I could list, the most damaging to our physical health is our spiritual and mental health.” [29:28]
Story of miraculous maternal lung cancer recovery through holistic healing, faith, visualization, and “margin” for joy/peace [38:35]
“Your body can heal in an incredible way.” [11:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:34] – Dr. Axe’s personal story: spinal infection & faith-based healing
[11:30] – Organ regenerative timelines explained
[16:00] – On reversing “irreversible” conditions & the misdirection of conventional medicine
[22:20] – The four pillars of cellular regeneration
[23:50] – Everyday sources of toxicity & practical reduction steps
[30:00] – The Biblio Diet & biblical healing protocols
[38:35] – Dr. Axe’s mother’s holistic cancer reversal journey
[41:30] – Nutritional depletion and the vital role of soil/regenerative farming
[50:00] – Cellular/mitochondrial energy: the new foundation for health
[56:00] – Mental/spiritual healing as the most powerful medicine
[58:00] – Practical food, supplement & lifestyle tools for reversing aging in heart, immune, metabolic, detox, and hormonal systems

Tone & Language

Dr. Axe’s approach is enthusiastic, faith-driven, and integrative—proof-laced but conversational. He blends scientific findings, clinical anecdotes, and spiritual wisdom, using both “Western” and “Eastern” medicine language, frequently referencing the Bible, speaking directly and personally to listeners (“I want you guys to catch…”), and infusing practical optimism.

Takeaways

Most “incurable” or chronic diseases respond to a multi-faceted approach: toxin reduction, nutrient optimization, cellular energy support, and a personalized diet/lifestyle—including spiritual and emotional healing.
The body’s innate regenerative power, when properly supported, is extraordinary.
Faith, purpose, and forgiveness deeply influence physical healing.
New science lets us “reverse” the age of organs—prolonging life and health.
“One size fits all” diets are obsolete; targeted nutrition and “old medicine” diagnostics (like tongue reading) are essential.
Community, joy, and margin for peace matter as much as food and supplements in the healing process.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Axe’s new book: “The Biblio Diet”
At-home blood testing service: mybloodwork.com
Podcast: The Dr. Josh Axe Show

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: How to Reverse ‘Irreversible’ Diseases (Cancer, Autoimmune & Chronic Illness)
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Axe’s Personal Healing Journey

[02:34-11:30]

Dr. Axe recounts developing a life-threatening spinal infection after a routine, natural health procedure gone wrong, leading to near-total immobility for over a year.
He was told by doctors he’d likely be permanently disabled or even die, but, after a period of despair, he put his faith in “the great physician”—God—and began using a blend of cutting-edge regenerative therapies (hyperbaric oxygen, red light, peptides, stem cells, IV therapies) alongside prayer.
After a year-long battle, his MRI was clear (“no sign of infection”), surprising his doctors.
Quote: “For me, I always listen to the great physician more than any other physician.” [07:58]
This story illustrates the body’s “amazing capacity to heal, no matter what you’re struggling with”—even conditions declared “incurable.”

2. The Body’s Power to Regenerate

[11:30-15:00]

Dr. Axe highlights how many organs/tissues have natural regenerative cycles:
- Liver: 100% new every 150 days
- Intestines: 3–5 days
- Stomach: 2–9 days
- Bones: 6–8 weeks
- Muscles: 3–4 weeks
Aging hinders these processes, but modern therapies—nutrition, peptides, oxygen, etc.—can help restore regenerative capacity.

3. Challenging the “Irreversible” Disease Paradigm

[16:00-18:00]

Dr. Axe routinely witnesses “irreversible” conditions (Hashimoto’s, type 2 diabetes, IBD, certain cancers) fully reversed in his clinic.
Quote: “If a doctor ever tells you that you have to be on this drug the rest of your life and your condition’s irreversible, 99% of the time, it’s incorrect. Your body can heal.” [16:38]

4. Biological & Organ Age: The Real Longevity Frontier

[18:00-20:00]

Emerging tools allow testing of individual organ age, a better predictor of disease risk (e.g., “older heart” = 250% higher heart disease mortality).
Dr. Axe lost his fit, 60-year-old father-in-law to a heart attack—arguing “one or two aging organs” is the issue, not general health.
Advocates targeted, personalized interventions to reverse “organ age.”

5. Four Pillars of Regeneration & Healing

[22:20-23:50]

1. Reduce toxicity
2. Optimize nutrient absorption
3. Boost cellular energy
4. Tailor a deeply personalized diet
Nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all.” Chinese/Ayurvedic medicine has long practiced individualized diets based on symptoms, tongue, pulse.

6. Toxicity in Modern Life & Simple Solutions

[23:50-30:00]

99% of Americans have “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in their blood.
80%+ exposed to glyphosate; average American consumes 22 tsp of sugar/day.
Other toxins: processed seed oils, artificial sweeteners, pathogens (viruses, mold, parasites), and—crucially—emotional toxicity (trauma, negativity).
Quote: “Of all these things, the most damaging to our physical health is our spiritual and mental health.” [29:28]
Simple strategies:
- Filter your water (even basic filters cut estrogen, pesticides, etc.)
- Prioritize organic for meat/dairy (most toxic); use baking soda to clean conventional produce (removes 97% of pesticides)
- Avoid plastics, artificial sweeteners, “dirty dozen” produce
- Don’t neglect non-physical toxins (negative beliefs, trauma)

7. Biblical Wisdom for Healing

[30:00-37:00]

Dr. Axe introduces his new book “The Biblio Diet,” integrating principles from the Bible into regenerative medicine:
- Biblical food laws distinguished “clean” (nontoxic) and “unclean” (toxic) foods—pork and shellfish are scavengers, parasite-prone.
- Fasting is powerful but best practiced as a weekly discipline, not aggressive daily intermittent fasting (especially for women).
- Mold/mildew: ancient advice matches modern remediation (vinegar cleaning, “burn down” houses infested with mold).
- Bible’s greatest healing focus: “Detox your heart and mind—practice forgiveness.”
Notable moment: Story of Dr. Axe’s mother curing “irreversible” lung cancer through a blend of holistic protocols and daily spiritual/mental practice (visualization, forgiveness, peace-building activities).
- Quote: “One of the most important things she did for healing was spending daily time…meditating on Bible verses…visualized herself healing.” [38:35]

8. Nutrient Deficiency, Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture

[41:30-45:00]

Due to depleted soil, U.S. produce contains 40–75% fewer nutrients than a century ago.
Advocates buying from local/regenerative farms, supporting practices that restore soil health (cattle-grazing rotations, crop diversity).
Sometimes supplementation (multivitamins, greens) can help fill gaps.

9. Cellular/Mitochondrial Energy as a Key to Healing

[50:00-52:00]

Chronic fatigue and hypothyroidism are tied to “mitochondrial depletion.”
Stress and “busyness” (even without apparent worry) drain energy.
- Quote: “Many of you, the problem is you do not have the cellular energy to run your organs or to heal.” [53:30]
Boost mitochondrial health with:
- Pomegranate (ellagitannins/urolithin)
- High protein (especially organ meats)
- Bone broth
- Steamed greens
- Omega-3s
- Adaptogenic herbs: ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola, reishi.

10. Personalized Healing & Ancient Diagnostics

[54:00-56:00]

Examines how tongue diagnosis, traditional symptom analysis, and bloodwork can personalize diet/herbs (e.g., ridges = digestive weakness, red tip = emotional/insomnia link).
“Personalized medicine” is the future—right diet, right herbs, right mindset for each individual.

11. The Overwhelming Role of Spiritual/Mental Health

[56:00-58:00]

80% of doctor visits trace to stress.
“Number one” cause of health problems: “mental and spiritual health…more important than diet.”
Prescribes practical spiritual/emotional steps:
- Identify and process old regrets/shame with faith or professional support
- “Write down things you love to do—schedule them”
- Prioritize spiritual growth: prayer, meditation, purpose

Organ-Targeted Strategies for Longevity

[58:00-66:00]

Dr. Axe highlights tailored approaches to healing vital organs—using both science and ancient wisdom:

1. Cardiovascular System

Best foods: fatty fish, omega-3s, organ meats (esp. heart), berries (esp. pomegranate), red meat, beets, tomatoes, olive oil, walnuts, CoQ10.
- “A tomato is red, your heart is red. A tomato has four chambers, your heart has four chambers.” [62:00]
Most important exercise: cardio (esp. racket sports: tennis, badminton—linking to social connection as a key to heart health)

2. Immune System

Best foods: chicken broth, yogurts, pears, garlic/onions/ginger (yellow & white foods), astragalus, elderberry, echinacea, zinc, vitamin D.
Key emotional factor: Unprocessed regret/shame/abuse and lack of forgiveness undermine immunity.

3. Metabolic/ Digestive Health

Best foods: bone broth, meat, fermented foods, apples, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, ginger, mulberry leaf, L-glutamine, BPC-157 peptide.
Healing “leaky gut” and blood sugar issues require both food and targeted supplements.

4. Detoxification

Best foods: cruciferous (steamed) veggies, dandelion/milk thistle tea, green apples, beets, schisandra, reishi, chlorella, liver.
Exercise: Walking in nature, racket sports help stimulate detox.
Spiritual practices (prayer, meditation) also aid detox.

5. Hormonal Health

Men: high protein, red meat, organ meats, fatty fish, pomegranates, zinc, vitamin D, ginseng, tribulus, rhodiola, cordyceps, fenugreek, heavy lifting, good sleep, brotherhood (“Iron sharpens iron”)
Women (premenopausal): focus on balancing cortisol, insulin, estrogen/progesterone; foods/supplements to lower insulin (cinnamon, berberine), de-stress, build emotional safety.
Women (menopausal): boost “yin” with moistening foods (yogurt, sweet potatoes, flax, soy—if organic), black cohosh. Emotional warmth and safety are critical.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“For me, I always listen to the great physician more than any other physician.” [07:58]
“If a doctor ever tells you you have to be on this drug the rest of your life and your condition’s irreversible, 99% of the time, it’s incorrect.” [16:38]
“Of all these things I could list, the most damaging to our physical health is our spiritual and mental health.” [29:28]
Story of miraculous maternal lung cancer recovery through holistic healing, faith, visualization, and “margin” for joy/peace [38:35]
“Your body can heal in an incredible way.” [11:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:34] – Dr. Axe’s personal story: spinal infection & faith-based healing
[11:30] – Organ regenerative timelines explained
[16:00] – On reversing “irreversible” conditions & the misdirection of conventional medicine
[22:20] – The four pillars of cellular regeneration
[23:50] – Everyday sources of toxicity & practical reduction steps
[30:00] – The Biblio Diet & biblical healing protocols
[38:35] – Dr. Axe’s mother’s holistic cancer reversal journey
[41:30] – Nutritional depletion and the vital role of soil/regenerative farming
[50:00] – Cellular/mitochondrial energy: the new foundation for health
[56:00] – Mental/spiritual healing as the most powerful medicine
[58:00] – Practical food, supplement & lifestyle tools for reversing aging in heart, immune, metabolic, detox, and hormonal systems

Tone & Language

Takeaways

Most “incurable” or chronic diseases respond to a multi-faceted approach: toxin reduction, nutrient optimization, cellular energy support, and a personalized diet/lifestyle—including spiritual and emotional healing.
The body’s innate regenerative power, when properly supported, is extraordinary.
Faith, purpose, and forgiveness deeply influence physical healing.
New science lets us “reverse” the age of organs—prolonging life and health.
“One size fits all” diets are obsolete; targeted nutrition and “old medicine” diagnostics (like tongue reading) are essential.
Community, joy, and margin for peace matter as much as food and supplements in the healing process.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Axe’s new book: “The Biblio Diet”
At-home blood testing service: mybloodwork.com
Podcast: The Dr. Josh Axe Show

How to Reverse ‘Irreversible’ Diseases (Cancer, Autoimmune & Chronic Illness)

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Summary

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Axe’s Personal Healing Journey

2. The Body’s Power to Regenerate

3. Challenging the “Irreversible” Disease Paradigm

4. Biological & Organ Age: The Real Longevity Frontier

5. Four Pillars of Regeneration & Healing

6. Toxicity in Modern Life & Simple Solutions

7. Biblical Wisdom for Healing

8. Nutrient Deficiency, Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture

9. Cellular/Mitochondrial Energy as a Key to Healing

10. Personalized Healing & Ancient Diagnostics

11. The Overwhelming Role of Spiritual/Mental Health

Organ-Targeted Strategies for Longevity

1. Cardiovascular System

2. Immune System

3. Metabolic/ Digestive Health

4. Detoxification

5. Hormonal Health

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Takeaways

Summary

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Axe’s Personal Healing Journey

2. The Body’s Power to Regenerate

3. Challenging the “Irreversible” Disease Paradigm

4. Biological & Organ Age: The Real Longevity Frontier

5. Four Pillars of Regeneration & Healing

6. Toxicity in Modern Life & Simple Solutions

7. Biblical Wisdom for Healing

8. Nutrient Deficiency, Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture

9. Cellular/Mitochondrial Energy as a Key to Healing

10. Personalized Healing & Ancient Diagnostics

11. The Overwhelming Role of Spiritual/Mental Health

Organ-Targeted Strategies for Longevity

1. Cardiovascular System

2. Immune System

3. Metabolic/ Digestive Health

4. Detoxification

5. Hormonal Health

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Takeaways