Podcast Summary: Episode 159 - Dr. Will Cole: Autoimmune Crisis? Uncover Mold and Toxins Harming You
Title: The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Host: Gary Brecka
Guest: Dr. Will Cole
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Introduction
In episode 159 of The Ultimate Human, host Gary Brecka welcomes Dr. Will Cole, a renowned expert in autoimmune conditions, gut health, inflammation, and metabolic wellness. The episode delves into the intricate connections between environmental toxins, emotional well-being, and autoimmune diseases, offering listeners comprehensive insights into achieving optimal health.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Unhealthiness
Dr. Will Cole emphasizes the alarming statistics regarding metabolic health:
"Depending on the study that you cite, we have upwards of 93% of the United States metabolically unhealthy in some way." [04:21]
Gary Brecka adds,
"The absence of disease is not the presence of good health." [00:08]
Key Points:
- Metabolic Health vs. Absence of Disease: Being free from diagnosed diseases like diabetes or hypertension does not equate to optimal health.
- Metabolic Flexibility: The ability to efficiently switch between burning sugars and fats is crucial for energy and overall health.
- Indicators of Poor Metabolic Health: Low sex drive, sleep issues, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and insulin resistance.
Gut Health and Autoimmunity
The conversation shifts to the pivotal role of the gut in immune function and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Will Cole states,
"75% of inflammation is in the gut." [34:41]
"The gut microbiome, big part... about 100 trillion bacteria in the gut." [34:56]
Gary Brecka highlights,
"The gut and brain are formed from the same fetal tissue and are linked through the gut-brain axis." [37:01]
Key Points:
- Gut-Brain Axis: The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain influences mood, stress, and immune responses.
- Leaky Gut Syndrome: Increased gut permeability allows undigested food proteins and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune reactions.
- Molecular Mimicry: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, such as the thyroid, due to similarities with foreign pathogens.
Environmental Toxins: Mold, Mycotoxins, and Heavy Metals
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how environmental toxins contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Will Cole explains,
"Mold is everywhere... it's not just in humid areas like Miami, but also in places like Arizona through plumbing leaks." [57:35]
Gary Brecka adds,
"Heavy metals are stored in the body’s fat tissue and require provoked testing to detect." [74:03]
Key Points:
- Types of Toxins: Mold, mycotoxins, metals (e.g., mercury, lead), pesticides, herbicides (e.g., glyphosate), and microplastics.
- Testing for Toxins: Blood and urine tests, including provoked chelation tests, are essential for accurately measuring toxin levels.
- Individual Sensitivity: Genetic factors, such as HLA gene variants, determine individual susceptibility to toxins.
Notable Quote:
"If you live in Miami, you're probably moldy." [57:44] – Dr. Will Cole
Emotional and Mental Health Impacts
The interplay between emotional well-being and physical health is explored, highlighting how trauma and stress can exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
Gary Brecka mentions,
"The emotion doesn't create aflatoxin. It's the dysregulation of the nervous system because of your emotional state." [00:30]
Dr. Will Cole elaborates,
"The body has a memory... living out the past as if it's still happening to some degree." [43:09]
Key Points:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE): High ACE scores correlate with increased risk of autoimmune diseases and metabolic issues.
- Vagus Nerve and Autonomic Nervous System: Poor vagal tone leads to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, causing chronic stress responses.
- Emotional Toxins: Unresolved trauma and chronic stress contribute to immune system dysregulation.
Notable Quote:
"It's part of what dysregulates... environmental toxins. We have to look at these emotional toxins too that are stored in our body." [42:47] – Dr. Will Cole
Strategies for Healing and Detoxification
The duo discusses practical approaches to mitigating toxin exposure and enhancing metabolic health.
Dr. Will Cole recommends,
"Start with cleaning up the gut, lowering inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways." [63:27]
Gary Brecka suggests,
"Incorporate practices like breath work, meditation, sauna, and intermittent fasting to support metabolic flexibility and reduce inflammation." [66:23]
Key Points:
- Dietary Interventions: Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, eliminate gluten, dairy, seed oils, and excessive sugars.
- Supplementation: Utilize glutathione precursors (e.g., N-acetylcysteine), binders (e.g., activated charcoal), and antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C).
- Lifestyle Practices: Regular sweating through saunas or infrared saunas, cold plunging, breath work, and meditation to enhance vagal tone and reduce stress.
- Advanced Therapies: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and ozone therapy for severe toxicity.
Notable Quote:
"Gratitude should be prescribed in every PCP's office." [52:47] – Gary Brecka
Daily Habits Contributing to Inflammation
The conversation outlines common daily habits that perpetuate inflammation and strategies to counteract them.
Dr. Will Cole identifies the “inflammatory core four” foods:
- Gluten-Containing Grains – often contaminated with glyphosate.
- Dairy – especially homogenized and pasteurized forms.
- Seed Oils – high in omega-6 and processed with harmful chemicals.
- Sugars – including natural sweeteners like agave nectar.
Gary Brecka adds alcohol as a fifth contributor,
"Alcohol is a gateway food to more inflammation." [80:17]
Key Points:
- Gateway Foods: Foods that trigger leaky gut and subsequent immune reactions.
- Minimizing Exposure: Choose organic, less processed versions of grains and dairy, reduce seed oil consumption, and eliminate added sugars.
- Alcohol Reduction: Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake to reduce inflammatory burden.
Notable Quote:
"Gluten with glyphosate is a gateway food." [78:17] – Dr. Will Cole
Emotional Practices for Better Health
The episode underscores the significance of emotional practices in managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Gary Brecka shares insights from a challenge involving high-profile individuals,
"Every single one of them... said that one of the greatest practices that changed their mind was the practice of gratitude in the morning." [51:54]
Dr. Will Cole emphasizes,
"Self-compassion is connected to lower levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin 6." [53:33]
Key Points:
- Gratitude Practices: Daily gratitude routines can significantly enhance mood and reduce inflammation.
- Self-Compassion: Treating oneself with kindness lowers stress and supports immune health.
- Mindfulness and Stillness: Incorporating meditation, breath work, and quiet time to balance the autonomic nervous system.
Notable Quote:
"Self-compassion is a gratitude practice. It’s how you talk to yourself." [53:35] – Gary Brecka
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The episode concludes with actionable advice on recognizing and addressing the underlying causes of inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Will Cole advises,
"Knowing what you're dealing with is essential to do something about it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to look around and say, yeah, we are sicker than ever before." [76:18]
Gary Brecka reinforces,
"Elevate your body’s temple by nourishing your gut and mind." [55:40]
Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive Health Approach: Addressing diet, environmental toxins, and emotional well-being is crucial for managing autoimmune conditions.
- Personalized Strategies: Tailoring detoxification and healing protocols based on individual genetic and epigenetic factors.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Educating oneself about the sources of inflammation and implementing lifestyle changes to reclaim health.
Final Notable Quote:
"Improving your metabolism affects all spokes of your health wheel." [19:53] – Dr. Will Cole
Resources and Further Information
- Dr. Will Cole’s Contact Information: drwillcole.com
- Gary Brecka’s VIP Community: Visit theultimatehuman.com to join and access exclusive health protocols and Q&A sessions.
- Recommended Labs:
- Vibrant Labs: Comprehensive testing for toxins and metabolic health.
- Cyrex Labs: Advanced immunological and gut health panels.
This episode provides a deep dive into the multifaceted causes of autoimmune diseases, highlighting the critical roles of metabolic health, gut integrity, environmental toxins, and emotional well-being. By understanding and addressing these interconnected factors, listeners are empowered to take proactive steps towards achieving optimal health and becoming their "ultimate human."