The Autoimmune RESET

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In this episode of the Autoimmune RESET Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Jill Carnahan, MD — functional medicine physician, author of Unexpected, and someone whose clinical work is deeply shaped by her own lived experience of chronic illness.

Jill shares her extraordinary personal journey, from growing up on a farm with heavy chemical exposure, to being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at just 25, followed by Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and later mould-related illness. Rather than accepting these diagnoses as isolated events, Jill’s curiosity led her to ask the deeper question so many people with autoimmune disease eventually ask: why?

From there, we explore one of the most complex and misunderstood areas in modern medicine — mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Jill explains how mast cell activation is often not a primary diagnosis, but a downstream expression of deeper immune overload, driven by a combination of genetic susceptibility, infectious burden, toxic exposure, gut permeability, and nervous system stress.

We discuss why MCAS is frequently missed or poorly understood in conventional medicine, what a true diagnosis involves, and why testing can be challenging and unreliable if not handled correctly. Jill also shares why attempting detoxification or antimicrobial treatment before stabilising mast cells can make symptoms dramatically worse — something many listeners may recognise from their own experience.

This conversation goes beyond theory and testing. Jill walks through her clinical approach to stabilising mast cells, including where natural supports, medications, limbic system regulation, trauma work, and lifestyle foundations fit into the healing process. We also talk honestly about overwhelm — how to reduce toxic load gradually, without fear or perfectionism, and why “clean air, clean water, clean food” remain non-negotiables for immune health.

Finally, Jill offers something many people need to hear: hope. Despite decades of immune and inflammatory illness, she now lives a full, active life — travelling, working, and thriving — and shares the daily practices that support her resilience, from sleep and nature to nervous system regulation and connection.

This episode is essential listening if you:

• Suspect MCAS or histamine intolerance
• Have worsened after infections, COVID, mould, or detox protocols
• Feel reactive to foods, environments, or supplements
• Want a root-cause, compassionate understanding of immune dysregulation
• Need reassurance that recovery is possible, even when things feel complex

A deeply validating and educational conversation for anyone navigating autoimmunity, chronic illness, or unexplained immune reactivity.

🔗 Dr Jill Carnahan – Official Website
Find her clinical work, blogs, resources, podcast and more here: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/

🎬 Doctor/Patient — Documentary Film
Watch or learn more about the documentary featuring Dr Jill’s health journey and chronic illness insights: https://doctorpatientmovie.com/

📘 Jill’s Book — Unexpected
Explore her memoir Unexpected: Finding Resilience Through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith via her website (linked above). 

📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?
→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan
— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immun

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into one of the most underestimated foundations of autoimmune healing and hair recovery: sleep.

So many people insist they “function fine” on six hours, a midnight bedtime, or restless nights — but the body tells a very different story. When you finally experience restorative sleep, the kind that calms inflammation, regulates the immune system, stabilises cortisol, and gives hair follicles the safety signals they need to grow, everything begins to shift. Less shedding. Clearer skin. A calmer gut. A more resilient mood and nervous system. More stable energy.

Sleep is not passive; it is a biologically active repair state. And it’s during deep sleep and early-night slow-wave sleep that the body performs its most profound healing: detoxifying the brain via the glymphatic system, recalibrating immune cells, lowering inflammatory cytokines, and supporting the hair cycle’s transition back into growth.

In this Friday 5, I break down the five science-backed levers that make the biggest impact on sleep quality for those with autoimmune conditions or alopecia — from nervous-system nutrients like magnesium, L-theanine and phosphatidylserine, to vagal tone practices, to circadian alignment, blue-light protection, and the often-resisted but deeply transformative 10pm repair window, when most cellular, hormonal and follicular repair occurs.

This episode is for you if you’ve been feeling wired-but-tired, waking at 3am, noticing seasonal shedding, or living in a constant state of “pushing through.”
By the end, you’ll understand not just what improves sleep, but why these strategies work — and how they support full-body repair on a physiological level.

BodyBio Calm – magnesium and taurine formula to lower stress and support GABA balance
👉 Use code VJ15 at bodybio.com (US) or bodybio.co.uk (UK & Europe)
for an exclusive 15% discount

🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?
→ I personally use and recommend Nurosym, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.
Use code VJ10 for 10% off your device.

📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?
→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan
— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immune response and rebuilding resilience.

💬 Want to connect with others on this journey?
→ Join The Autoimmune Forum, my private community for anyone navigating autoimmunity. Ask questions, share your progress, and get support every step of the way.

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on healing chronic illness through root-cause medicine, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review or share it with someone who needs it.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

Low ferritin is one of the most misunderstood markers in the hair-loss world — and today, we’re breaking it down properly.

In this episode, I unpack the real relationship between ferritin, iron metabolism, and hair shedding, and why so many people feel lost when their blood tests come back “normal” but their symptoms don’t match.

We dive into:
 • What ferritin actually means — and what it doesn’t
 • Why inflammation and autoimmunity can disguise iron deficiency
 • The role of hepcidin in blocking iron absorption
• How coeliac disease and gut inflammation keep ferritin chronically low
• The surprising link between parasites, infections & falling ferritin
• Why iron supplements often fail (or make symptoms worse)
• The essential co-factors needed for proper iron utilisation
• The root-cause approach to restoring healthy hair growth

If you’ve ever felt confused by iron tests, frustrated by low ferritin that won’t budge, or unsure whether supplementation is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what’s really driving your symptoms.

And if you want personalised support navigating issues like this, the Root Reset Circle is where we work through it together — with live weekly sessions, direct Q&A, and step-by-step guidance to help you understand your body and heal with certainty. Join in December and get 25% off for as long as you remain a member. You can join here and use code CIRCLE25 for a 25% discount. 

🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?
→ I personally use and recommend Nurosym, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.
Use code VJ10 for 10% off your device.

📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?
→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan
— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immune response and rebuilding resilience.

💬 Want to connect with others on this journey?
→ Join The Autoimmune Forum, my private community for anyone navigating autoimmunity. Ask questions, share your progress, and get support every step of the way.

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on healing chronic illness through root-cause medicine, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review or share it with someone who needs it.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s episode of The Autoimmune RESET Podcast, I’m joined by Nagina Abdullah, founder of MasalaBody.com, molecular biologist, and creator of the “Spice Yourself Skinny” method.

Nagina shares her deeply relatable journey — from lifelong struggles with weight, sugar cravings, and yo-yo dieting to discovering the science of metabolism, inflammation, and adding the right foods rather than restricting them. After losing 18kg and keeping it off for 14 years, her story takes an honest midlife twist: perimenopause, bloating, metabolic slowing, and how she rebuilt her health by shifting to an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense approach.

We explore how spices, whole foods, fibre, and smart carb-protein pairing can completely transform energy, digestion, weight stability, and inflammation — especially for women navigating thyroid issues, Hashimoto’s, autoimmune symptoms, and midlife hormone shifts.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why chronic under-eating is one of the biggest drivers of sugar cravings, fatigue, gut sluggishness, and metabolic slowdown
• The connection between inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid health, and autoimmune flares
• How spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and chili can naturally lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and support digestion
• Why your body needs carbohydrates — and which carbs actually stabilise weight, energy, and thyroid function
• How to pair protein, fibre, and slow-burning carbs to reduce cravings, support gut health, and keep blood sugar steady
• The truth about GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy): who they help, how they can deplete nutrients and muscle mass, and how to naturally support GLP-1 pathways without medication
• Why convenience eating and skipping meals silently drive inflammation and autoimmune symptoms
• Practical ways to meal-prep with flavour so you stay nourished and never feel restricted

Nagina shares her "Sweet Spice Cheat Sheet" with the spice that is in your kitchen cabinet! It helps to lower blood sugar and curb sugar cravings. The cheat sheet includes:

• 3 health benefits of using this spice
• 5 ways to use it in your day
• An easy recipe using this spice

https://masalabody.com/SweetSpicePDF/

Connect with Nagina: https://masalabody.com, instagram.com/masalabody

This episode is such an empowering reminder that metabolism is not just about weight — it’s about nourishment, hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, and the messages your body has been trying to send you.

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on healing chronic illness through root-cause medicine, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review or share it with someone who needs it.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Autoimmune RESET Podcast, VJ shares her top five health apps that genuinely make a difference — for clients and for her own daily routine. From gut–brain retraining to nervous system regulation and sleep optimisation, these tools are practical, science-backed, and designed to help you build consistency without burnout.

You’ll learn how apps like Nerva, Yuka, Sweat, Insight Timer, and Rise can support every pillar of autoimmune health — helping you calm the nervous system, lower your toxic load, build metabolic resilience, and work with your body’s natural rhythms.

VJ also shares how she integrates these tools personally, how clients use them successfully in practice, and why sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest shifts.

✨ Plus — if you’re listening in real time, don’t miss her free mini-series on vagal tone happening this week, where she dives into the science behind the gut–brain–immune axis and teaches simple, evidence-based techniques to regulate your nervous system.
She’ll be going live next week to answer all your vagal tone questions. You can join The Autoimmune Forum here. 

Listen in to discover:

• Why gut-directed hypnotherapy (Nerva) is one of the most powerful tools for gut–brain healing
• How Yuka helps you detoxify your daily routine without overwhelm
• Ways to weave movement into your day using Sweat — even if you’re short on time
• How Insight Timer can shift your physiology in just five minutes a day
• Why Rise (and tools like Oura) can transform sleep, energy, and hormonal balance

Whether you’re on a gut healing journey, managing autoimmunity, or simply ready to uplevel your wellbeing, this episode will give you practical, easy-to-implement tools to support your body — one small step at a time.

📚 Links Mentioned:
– Nurosym device (code VJ10 for 10% off) here.
– Learn more about the Gut Health Testing Package here.
– Do you suspect mould toxicity? Learn more about mycotoxin testing here.

✨ Listen in for inspiration, practical takeaways, and a reminder that healing starts with understanding how the body truly works.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s Friday 5, I’m taking you through five simple, science-backed swaps to help you detoxify your daily life — one product, one habit, and one room at a time.

True detoxification isn’t just about green juices or supplements — it’s about reducing the everyday exposures that quietly burden your liver, hormones, and immune system. From the make-up we wear to the air we breathe, each small decision can either add to our toxic load or ease it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 ✨ Why endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like BPA and phthalates) act as xenoestrogens, and how they can influence hormone balance, thyroid function, and conditions such as endometriosis.
✨ How to start replacing personal-care and household products using apps like Yuka and Think Dirty.
✨ What to look for in non-toxic cookware and storage containers, and why even BPA-free plastic isn’t always safe when heated.
✨ How to improve indoor air quality — from plants and purifiers to essential oil diffusers that cleanse without chemicals.
✨ The truth about laundry and cleaning products, and how simple swaps (like Bio-D or vinegar rinses) can lower chemical exposure dramatically.

I’ll also share my favourite mini-actions for each area, so you can make these changes gradually and sustainably — because detox should never feel like deprivation.

And don’t miss the end of this episode, where I reveal details about my free upcoming mini-series on improving vagal tone and nervous system resilience — inspired by my own experience using the Nurosym. There may even be a surprise prize for those who join live!

🎧 Listen now to discover how small, conscious upgrades can help you live — and heal — in a cleaner, calmer, more resilient body.

👉 Join the free mini-series: Head to The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook.

📚 Links:
– Nurosym device (code VJ10 for 10% off) here.
– Learn more about the Gut Health Testing Package here.
– Do you suspect mould toxicity? Learn more about mycotoxin testing here.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s Friday 5, VJ Hamilton — Registered Nutritionist and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner — shares five of her all-time favourite books that have shaped how she understands and supports autoimmune healing.

These titles explore the key systems she sees most often in practice — from the gut and microbiome to genetics, detoxification, and neuro-immune communication. Whether you’re a health practitioner, student, or simply navigating your own autoimmune journey, this episode will give you a bookshelf of resources to deepen your knowledge and inspire your healing.

You’ll learn about:
 💡 10% Human by Alanna Collen — how the microbiome governs immunity and metabolism
🧬 Dirty Genes by Dr Ben Lynch — why your DNA isn’t your destiny and how lifestyle “cleans up” genetic function
⚡ The Great Nerve by Dr Kevin Tracey — the story behind the vagus nerve and its role in regulating inflammation
🌫️ Break the Mold by Dr Jill Crista — practical guidance for mould recovery and detoxification
🌎 Staying Alive in Toxic Times by Dr Jenny Goodman — simple, empowering ways to thrive in a toxic world

VJ also shares personal reflections, including meeting Dr Jenny Goodman at a functional medicine event, and how these books influence the protocols and testing she uses in clinic — from GI Effects stool testing to vagus-nerve support with the Nurosym device.

📚 Links Mentioned:
– Nurosym device (code VJ10 for 10% off) here.
– Learn more about the Gut Health Testing Package here.
– Do you suspect mould toxicity? Learn more about mycotoxin testing here.

✨ Listen in for inspiration, practical takeaways, and a reminder that healing starts with understanding how the body truly works.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

This week’s Friday 5 is all about reawakening your roots — naturally. 🌿

A new study on a plant-based serum showed visible improvements in hair thickness and density in just 56 days, reminding us that natural compounds can reawaken dormant follicles.

In this episode, VJ shares five evidence-informed, accessible ways to ignite hair growth without drugs or devices — using tools and nutrients you already have at home.

You’ll learn how to:
 1️⃣ Stimulate scalp circulation with simple daily rituals
 2️⃣ Feed your follicles with lysine, sulphur, and omega-3-rich foods
 3️⃣ Calm your nervous system (and mast cells) with Rhodiola and BodyBio Calm
 4️⃣ Recharge mitochondrial energy for stronger, thicker strands
 5️⃣ Support detox and lymph flow to clear the path for growth

VJ also explains how stress, mitochondrial depletion, and poor circulation silently shut down follicle activity — and how to reverse it gently through nourishment, calm, and consistency.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

• BodyBio Calm – magnesium and taurine formula to lower stress and support GABA balance
  👉 Use code VJ15 at bodybio.com (US) or bodybio.co.uk (UK & Europe)
  for an exclusive 15% discount
• Root Reset™ Circle – VJ’s membership community for anyone ready to rebuild from the root and reignite regrowth, naturally.
  👉 Join the Circle here. 
• Nurosym device (code VJ5 for 5% discount) here

If you are ready for change, download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here so you can get started.

🧠 Please note: This episode is for education only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your practitioner before starting new supplements.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

If your thyroid results look “normal” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, or stuck — this episode will help you understand why.

In this in-depth solo episode, Registered Nutritionist and Autoimmune Specialist VJ Hamilton explores why thyroid issues often start outside the thyroid. Drawing on both her personal experience and years in clinical practice, she explains how five key body systems — the gut, liver, adrenals, sex hormones, and mitochondria — can all disrupt thyroid function, slow conversion, and mimic hypothyroidism even when test results appear fine.

VJ shares her own story of high TSH and low T3 without raised antibodies, unpacking how stress, inflammation, and adrenal dysregulation were at the root of her symptoms — and how she now helps clients identify similar patterns in practice.

You’ll learn:

• Why thyroid tests rarely tell the full story
• How gut and liver health shape thyroid hormone conversion
• The adrenal–thyroid connection and how cortisol can mask or worsen hypothyroidism
• The impact of hormone transitions like perimenopause on thyroid receptor sensitivity
• Practical nutrient and lifestyle strategies to support thyroid function naturally

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or “normal on paper,” this conversation will give you a new lens for understanding your thyroid and your body’s incredible interconnectedness.

🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?
→ I personally use and recommend Nurosym, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.
Use code VJ5 for 5% off your device.

📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?
→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan
— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immune response and rebuilding resilience.

💬 Want to connect with others on this journey?
→ Join The Autoimmune Forum, my private community for anyone navigating autoimmunity. Ask questions, share your progress, and get support every step of the way.

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on healing chronic illness through root-cause medicine, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review or share it with someone who needs it.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us Fan Mail

In this Friday 5 episode, VJ Hamilton shares five simple, science-backed habits that can transform autoimmune healing — from reducing inflammation to restoring calm, energy, and resilience.

Drawing on both her professional experience as a Registered Nutritionist and her own personal recovery journey, VJ explores how small, consistent changes create profound physiological shifts. You’ll hear why she ditched her microwave for good, how morning sunlight even in the dead of winter can reset your immune rhythm, and why sleep, creativity, and connection are underestimated pillars of autoimmune recovery.

Whether you’re navigating Hashimoto’s, Sjögren’s, eczema, alopecia, or any chronic inflammatory condition, this episode reminds you that healing doesn’t start with perfection — it starts with a handful of habits done with intention.

💡 In this episode:

• Why cooking from scratch helps lower inflammation and improve nutrient absorption
• How morning light supports cortisol balance and immune regulation
• The power of a consistent bedtime for adrenal and thyroid health
• How creativity nourishes your nervous system
• The healing impact of community and connection

🌿 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Autoimmune Forum
  — a free community for education and support
• The Root Reset™ Circle
   — a small-group program for those recovering from alopecia and hair loss. You can join the Circle here and be part of the live weekly calls every Tuesday. 
• Nurosym device (code VJ5 for 5% discount) here

If you are ready for change, download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here so you can get started.

🧠 Please note: This episode is for education only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your practitioner before starting new supplements.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.