TMHS 893: What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Toxins, Autoimmunity, & Metabolism - With Dr. Aly Cohen
May 7, 2025
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Dr. Aly Cohen, a triple-board certified physician in rheumatology and integrative medicine, shares invaluable insights on the link between environmental toxins and chronic diseases like autoimmunity. She emphasizes the power individuals have to mitigate chemical exposures and enhance resilience through conscious choices. Listeners will learn about the alarming rise of autoimmune disorders, practical detox strategies, and the critical role of vitamin C in liver health. Dr. Cohen also highlights the importance of informed consumer decisions to improve overall well-being.
Environmental toxins significantly contribute to the rise of chronic illnesses like autoimmune disorders, often surpassing genetic factors in their impact.
Transitioning to safer cookware options, such as non-toxic, ceramic-coated tools, can significantly reduce daily exposure to harmful chemicals.
Implementing the Four A's approach—Assess, Avoid, Add, and Allow—empowers individuals to effectively manage and reduce their toxin exposure.
Deep dives
The Impact of Everyday Toxins on Health
Everyday toxins in our environment are linked to a surge in diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances. These toxins infiltrate our homes and daily lives, often without our awareness, leading to detrimental effects on health. The rise in chronic diseases cannot solely be attributed to advancements in diagnostics; rather, it coincides with an increase in unregulated environmental chemicals. This correlation suggests that the exposure to harmful substances plays a significant role in the escalating prevalence of health issues like autoimmune disorders, which now affect a substantial portion of the population.
Identifying and Avoiding Toxic Cookware
Certain kitchen items, particularly Teflon cookware, contain harmful chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been associated with various health risks, including infertility and cancer. The replacement of PFOA with newer chemical compounds hasn't solved the problem, as these alternatives also pose similar health hazards. Transitioning to safer cookware options is essential in reducing the toxic load from our kitchens, with recommendations for using non-toxic, ceramic-coated cooking tools. This simple change can significantly diminish daily exposure to harmful substances while cooking.
Environmental Chemicals and Autoimmune Conditions
Increased exposure to environmental chemicals is believed to have a direct impact on the rising rates of autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions, especially among younger populations. The discussion highlights the alarming statistics that demonstrate the correlation between toxin exposure and the incidence of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, often appearing in individuals with no family history. The concept of de novo cases—new instances of autoimmune diseases—emphasizes the influence of environmental factors over genetic predispositions. Understanding this relationship is crucial for mitigating risk and adopting preventive measures.
Practical Strategies for Reducing Toxin Exposure
Adopting practical strategies can empower individuals to reduce their toxin exposure and support their health. This includes a paradigm known as the Four A's: Assess, Avoid, Add, and Allow, which guides individuals in understanding their current exposure, making safer choices, incorporating beneficial practices into their lives, and allowing for flexibility. Simple dietary changes, such as increasing the intake of organic fruits and vegetables while minimizing processed foods, are vital. Furthermore, incorporating regular physical activity, proper hydration, and mindfulness around personal care products can collectively enhance health and well-being.
Nutritional Aspects of Detoxification
Nutritional choices play a vital role in detoxifying the body and mitigating the effects of environmental toxins. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins provide the necessary nutrients to support bodily detoxification processes and offset chemical harm. Emphasizing the importance of organic produce, particularly those labeled using USDA standards, can help reduce exposure to harmful pesticides. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as small fish, leafy greens, and whole grains, not only enhances detoxification but also promotes overall health.
Have you ever felt like everything in our modern world is harmful to our health? Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about how our food, our water, and our air are poisoning us by the minute. And while it’s true that our environment has more harmful chemicals than any point in human history, what’s often missing from this conversation is the power we hold to protect ourselves, and how we can equip our bodies to build resilience. Our guest today is Dr. Aly Cohen. She is a triple-board certified physician practicing in the fields of rheumatology and integrative medicine. Her passion is helping folks become educated on how to make smarter decisions around chemical exposures. Her new book, Detoxify, is a realistic and empowering guide to reducing your toxic exposure while optimizing your body’s innate detoxification systems. In this conversation, Dr. Cohen is sharing the connection between environmental toxins and chronic illnesses like autoimmune conditions. You’re going to hear practical advice on reducing your chemical exposures, including the biggest levers you can pull to make a difference, how to make better choices without feeling overwhelmed, and so many more realistic strategies. Enjoy!
In this episode you’ll discover:
How many autoimmune diseases there are.
What percentage of the United States population struggles with autoimmunity.
How controlling your environment can change your genetic expression.
Which major historical event marked a dramatic change in chemical exposure.
What the 4 As of environmental health are.
How Dr. Cohen’s dog influenced her career trajectory.
What GRAS means.
How chemicals can disrupt the immune system.
Which periods of human development can make us more vulnerable to chemicals.
Why hydration is one of the best things you can do to support natural detox.
How sweating can help your body eliminate chemicals and toxins.
What to consider about water filtration.
The importance of having a strong motivator to decrease your toxin exposure.
How sleep plays a role in detoxification.
What to look for when shopping for produce.
The importance of omega 3 fatty acids.
Which nutrient can support heavy metal detoxification.
