I was honored to join Dr. Josh Axe on The Dr. Axe Show for a powerful conversation about what’s really driving chronic illness today and what we can do to restore health at the cellular level.
We began by unpacking what I see as the three primary drivers of chronic disease: toxic burden, nutrient depletion, and chronic stress. These factors are deeply interconnected and often overlooked, yet they quietly disrupt metabolism, hormones, and immune function over time.
I also shared my personal experience with mold toxicity, how it impacted my own health, and ultimately shaped the way I practice medicine today. Mold and mycotoxins are far more common than many realize, and testing can be an important step in uncovering hidden contributors to symptoms that don’t have clear answers.
From there, we discussed the critical role of glutathione as the body’s master antioxidant, especially when it comes to detoxification and protecting mitochondrial function. Supporting these pathways becomes essential in today’s environment.
We also talked about the thyroid as the “canary in the coal mine.” When something is off—whether it’s toxins, inflammation, or nutrient imbalances—the thyroid is often one of the first systems to be affected. This is why so many people continue to struggle despite being on medication, because the root cause hasn’t been addressed.
Fertility was another important part of our conversation. I shared that fertility challenges are often a signal—not just a diagnosis—and that with the right support, the body can respond in remarkable ways. We discussed cases of women conceiving naturally later in life, and how optimizing mitochondrial health, reducing inflammation, and replenishing key nutrients can make a meaningful difference.
We also explored how chronic stress impacts hormones through what’s often referred to as the “cortisol steal,” where the body prioritizes survival over reproduction. This is why supporting the nervous system is just as important as supporting biochemistry.
Nutrient deficiencies are another major piece of the puzzle. We highlighted the importance of foundational nutrients like choline, which plays a critical role in brain development, methylation, and cell membrane integrity, especially during preconception and pregnancy. I also spoke about the importance of phospholipids in rebuilding healthy cell membranes and supporting communication between cells.
As we zoomed out to longevity, I emphasized that true longevity isn’t about quick fixes or trends, it’s about supporting cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and reducing the cumulative burden on the body over time.
We closed by talking about the power of practices like Tai Chi and Qigong to shift the nervous system out of a chronic stress state and into one of healing and repair, something that is often underestimated but incredibly impactful.
This conversation really reflects what I see every day in practice: when we identify and address the root causes, the body has an incredible capacity to heal.
Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcast
