Podcast Summary: The Cellular ‘Danger Mode’ Keeping You Sick (And How to Escape It)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
• Host: Dr. Josh Axe
• Description: Dr. Josh Axe explores natural health, personal growth, and psychology, delving into natural medicine, nutrition, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth. Each episode offers expert insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories to empower listeners to elevate their health and maximize their potential.
• Episode: The Cellular ‘Danger Mode’ Keeping You Sick (And How to Escape It)
• Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction to Cell Danger Response (CDR)

Dr. Josh Axe begins the episode by challenging the common perception that chronic symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or persistent illness indicate that the body is fundamentally broken. Instead, he introduces the concept of the Cell Danger Response (CDR)—a protective mechanism the body employs in response to threats such as infections, toxins, trauma, or emotional stress.

“What if your fatigue, brain fog, or chronic symptoms aren't because your body's broken, but because it's stuck in defense mode?” ([00:00])

He emphasizes that understanding CDR is crucial for practitioners, patients, or anyone experiencing unexplained chronic symptoms, framing illness as a process rather than a failure.

Understanding the Cell Danger Response (CDR)

CDR, pioneered by Dr. Robert Naviaux, explains how cells react defensively to various threats, shifting from growth and regeneration to defense and isolation. This shift can lead to chronic conditions if the protective response becomes stuck.

Dr. Axe recounts an interaction with someone suffering from long Covid symptoms, highlighting how traditional therapies might not alleviate the condition because the body remains in a perpetual state of defense.

“Your body isn't failing to heal. It's waiting for all clear signals that it's never received.” ([00:02])

Phases of the Cell Danger Response

Dr. Axe outlines the three distinct phases of CDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of the body's healing process:

1. Phase One: Defense

   • Triggered by physical, emotional, or spiritual stressors such as infections, toxins (e.g., glyphosate exposure), trauma, or chronic stress.
   • Cells release ATP (cellular energy) into the extracellular space, acting as danger signals that activate inflammation and suppress repair.
   • Leads to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances as the body diverts energy to defense mechanisms.

   “During this response, cells shift from growth in connection and regeneration to defense and isolation.” ([00:05])

2. Phase Two: Repair

   • If the threat is resolved, cells begin self-repair through processes like autophagy, where damaged cells are cleared.
   • Mitochondria start restoring normal energy production, allowing cells and organs to begin repairing themselves.

   “Autophagy is like the recycling company in your body, removing waste and cleaning up the cellular environment.” ([00:15])

3. Phase Three: Reintegration

   • Cells reconnect with nerves, hormones, and the immune system.
   • Normal function resumes, allowing for growth, repair, and optimal health.

   “Reintegration is where healing truly happens, and you feel like you're finally getting better.” ([00:20])

Role of Mitochondria and Cellular Energy

Mitochondria, often referred to as the cell’s powerhouses, play a pivotal role in CDR. Beyond energy production, mitochondria act as sensors and signal hubs, initiating and sustaining the cell's defensive state.

Dr. Axe explains how mitochondrial dysfunction during CDR leads to suppressed energy production and altered metabolism, contributing to chronic symptoms.

“Your mitochondria are not just energy producers; they are the eye of your cell, detecting stress and launching the cell danger response.” ([00:10])

Conditions Associated with CDR

CDR is implicated in a variety of chronic conditions. Dr. Axe lists several, supported by medical literature, that are commonly linked to an ongoing cell danger response:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Especially severe cases where inflammatory pathways in the nervous and gut systems remain activated.
2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Mitochondria remain in a hypometabolic state, reducing energy production.
3. Mold Toxicity and Lyme Disease: Persistent infections keep the immune system on high alert.
4. Autoimmune Diseases: Such as Hashimoto's and lupus, where chronic inflammation and immune activation persist.
5. Long Covid: Incomplete viral clearance keeps cells in a defensive state, perpetuating symptoms.
6. Mood Disturbances: Anxiety and depression linked to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
7. Chronic Pain and Cognitive Disturbances: Ongoing inflammation and disrupted cell signaling contribute to persistent pain and cognitive issues.

“When you have conditions like chronic fatigue or long Covid, it’s probably the single biggest reason why.” ([00:07])

Symptoms Indicating a Stuck CDR

Dr. Axe outlines key symptoms that may suggest the body is trapped in a cell danger response:

• Ongoing Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion due to the body diverting energy to defense mechanisms.
• Chronic Pain: Continuous pain resulting from sustained inflammation.
• Inflammation and Brain Fog: Lack of cellular communication impairs cognitive functions and hormonal balance.
• Lingering Symptoms Post-Trigger: Even after removing the initial threat (e.g., post-infection), the body continues to perceive danger.

“If you are fatigued all the time, your body is stuck in cell danger response.” ([00:12])

The Barrel Effect: Accumulation of Stressors

Dr. Axe introduces the Barrel Effect, a metaphor illustrating how multiple stressors accumulate until the body's tolerance is exceeded, resulting in chronic symptoms.

• Stressors Include:
  • Childhood trauma
  • Emotional stress
  • Toxin exposure (glyphosate, heavy metals)
  • Chronic infections (parasites, mold)
  • Nutrient depletions

“The barrel effect is when multiple stressors add up until your body overflows and symptoms manifest.” ([00:18])

Strategies to Heal and Break the CDR Cycle

Healing from a stuck CDR involves addressing the root causes and supporting the body's natural healing processes. Dr. Axe outlines a multi-faceted approach encompassing spiritual, mental, and physical health.

1. Remove Persistent Threats

• Identify and Address Root Causes:
  • Chronic Infections: Use functional testing (e.g., GI map) to detect infections like Epstein-Barr, Lyme, or Candida.
  • Toxin Detoxification: Eliminate exposure to heavy metals and mycotoxins through detox protocols.
  • Emotional and Spiritual Healing: Resolve past traumas and spiritual issues through counseling and spiritual practices.

“We want to help reframe illness from something you need to fix, to start listening to your body and trying to get to the very root of all causes in order to heal.” ([00:22])

2. Spiritual and Mental Health

• Healing Past Traumas:

  • Engage in therapy to address childhood abuse, emotional stress, or spiritual issues.
  • Utilize writing exercises to process and forgive past experiences.
  • Seek support from licensed counselors or spiritually grounded professionals.

• Reintegration and Spiritual Growth:

  • Build a deeper connection with spirituality or faith.
  • Engage in community and positive relationships.
  • Develop a strong personal identity and purpose.

“Writing down memories that still bother you today and working through them can provide immense healing.” ([00:35])

3. Mitochondrial Support

• Dietary Changes:

  • Adopt a highly anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and nutrient-dense foods.
  • Include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, organ meats, walnuts, extra virgin olive oil, and a variety of vegetables and fruits.

• Supplementation:

  • Probiotics: Support gut health and mitochondrial function.
  • NAD/NADH: Enhances mitochondrial energy production.
  • Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin D, and Magnesium: Essential for mitochondrial health.
  • Phosphatidylcholine: Supports cell membrane integrity.

• Therapeutic Interventions:

  • Red Light Therapy and Infrared Sauna: Activate and heal mitochondria.
  • Breathwork and Cold Exposure: Regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.

“Coenzyme Q10 is wonderful for the mitochondria.” ([00:40])

4. Nervous System Regulation

• Techniques to Calm the Nervous System:
  • Breathwork: Simple techniques like deep breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Cold Exposure: Practices like cold plunges to reduce inflammation and stress.
  • Somatic Therapies: Address stored trauma through therapies like TRE or SE therapy.
  • Sound Therapy: Humming, singing, or listening to natural sounds to lower cortisol levels.

“Breathwork can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system like your vagus nerve, shifting the body out of fight or flight mode.” ([00:50])

Practical Application and Personal Anecdotes

Dr. Axe shares personal experiences and practical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of addressing CDR:

• Personal Healing Journey:

  • He discusses his experience with the book "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil Anderson, which helped him confront and release past mistakes and traumas through prayer and counseling.

• Case Studies:

  • Recounting the individual with long Covid, Dr. Axe illustrates how traditional approaches may fail to resolve CDR without addressing underlying chronic threats.

  “In college, I went through 'The Bondage Breaker' and prayed with a Christian counselor to release past wrongdoings, which gave me a profound sense of freedom.” ([00:38])

Recommendations for Practitioners and Seekers

Dr. Axe provides guidance on finding qualified practitioners and the importance of personalized approaches:

• Finding the Right Practitioner:

  • Seek out functional or cellular medicine practitioners trained by reputable institutions like The Health Institute or The Longevity Institute.
  • Ensure practitioners are highly qualified, emphasizing the top 10% to ensure effective treatment.

• Personalized Healing Plans:

  • Advocate for comprehensive assessments beyond standard blood work, focusing on cellular and mitochondrial health.
  • Encourage integrating spiritual, mental, and physical healing practices tailored to individual needs.

  “Make sure who you're ever seeing is very good because you want to be doing the right process to get rid of the chronic infection and the trauma.” ([00:45])

Conclusion: Empowering Holistic Healing

Dr. Axe concludes by reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to healing the cell danger response. By addressing spiritual, mental, and physical aspects, individuals can break free from chronic illness and restore optimal health.

“The cell danger response is this. Your body is being invaded and your cells are trying to send you warning signals. It’s not that your body is doing things wrong; it’s doing the right thing to protect itself.” ([00:55])

He encourages listeners to take proactive steps—engaging in root cause work, adopting anti-inflammatory diets, supporting mitochondrial health, and seeking professional guidance—to overcome CDR and achieve lasting wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cell Danger Response is a protective mechanism that, if stuck, can lead to chronic health issues.
• Understanding the phases of CDR—Defense, Repair, and Reintegration—is crucial for effective healing.
• Mitochondrial health plays a central role in cellular energy and overall well-being.
• Addressing emotional and spiritual traumas is as important as physical treatments in breaking the CDR cycle.
• A holistic, personalized approach involving diet, supplements, therapies, and professional support is essential for overcoming chronic illnesses linked to CDR.

Notable Quotes:

• “Your body isn't failing to heal. It's waiting for all clear signals that it's never received.” ([00:02])
• “Autophagy is like the recycling company in your body, removing waste and cleaning up the cellular environment.” ([00:15])
• “Your mitochondria are not just energy producers; they are the eye of your cell, detecting stress and launching the cell danger response.” ([00:10])
• “The barrel effect is when multiple stressors add up until your body overflows and symptoms manifest.” ([00:18])
• “Coenzyme Q10 is wonderful for the mitochondria.” ([00:40])
• “Breathwork can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system like your vagus nerve, shifting the body out of fight or flight mode.” ([00:50])

Next Steps for Listeners:

• Self-Assessment: Evaluate your symptoms to determine if CDR might be contributing to your chronic health issues.
• Seek Professional Help: Consult with a qualified functional or cellular medicine practitioner to explore personalized treatment plans.
• Holistic Practices: Incorporate spiritual, mental, and physical healing practices into your daily routine to support the body's natural healing processes.
• Nutritional Support: Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in nutrients that support mitochondrial and cellular health.
• Integrate Therapies: Utilize therapies such as red light therapy, breathwork, and somatic therapies to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.

By embracing a comprehensive and integrative approach, listeners can work towards escaping the cellular 'danger mode' and reclaiming their health and vitality.