In this episode, Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back microbiologist and PolyBio Research Foundation co-founder Dr. Amy Proal. Together, they unravel a framework for understanding chronic illnesses through the lens of persistent infections and their impact on mitochondria, immunity, and neurological health.

Dr. Proal shares cutting-edge research linking pathogens like herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and even latent parasites to conditions like Alzheimer’s, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, and more. Discover how stealth microbes can disrupt the vagus nerve, hijack mitochondrial energy systems, and weaken immune responses, setting the stage for a cascade of chronic dysfunctions.

The conversation dives deep into the role of immune modulation, including promising findings around low-dose rapamycin and its potential to restore immune signaling and combat viral persistence. They also explore diet, metabolic interventions, and new clinical trials shaping the future of treatment.

Whether you’re a patient, practitioner, or curious mind, this episode offers profound insight into the evolving science of chronic illness and hope for emerging therapies. 🌱

🕰 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro + Sponsor Healthgevity⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)
01:04 – Meet Dr. Amy Proal
03:14 – Chronic infection’s hidden role in disease
07:09 – Alzheimer’s and pathogens in the brain
13:16 – Viral persistence and the vagus nerve
15:37 – Spectrum of microbes linked to illness
18:51 – PolyBio’s research focus: long COVID & mitochondria
20:11 – How viruses hijack mitochondria
25:46 – Immune dysregulation, interferons & mTOR
27:41 – The promise of low-dose rapamycin
32:32 – Rapamycin vs. Metformin vs. Keto
36:25 – Chronic infection & metabolic downshift
39:31 – Early observations from rapamycin use
43:13 – Natural killer cells & new immunotherapy
46:15 – Final thoughts + how to support PolyBio

🎧 Follow the One Thing Podcast for more deep dives into root-cause medicine and emerging research.
📢 Learn more at polybio.org and support their transformative work.

You can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like ⁠Healthgevity⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)Full Show notes can be found at https://www.onethingpod.com/episode-117-the-hidden-microbial-drivers-of-chronic-illness-with-dr-amy-proal/

This week on The One Thing Podcast, host Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back renowned rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen to dive deep into her groundbreaking new book, "Detoxify" (releasing May 2025!).

Forget extreme deprivation and unsustainable measures. Dr. Cohen shares her balanced, practical, and science-backed approach to navigating the environmental toxins that challenge our bodies daily. Learn how to reduce your body's burden, support your immune system, and gain peace of mind by focusing not just on avoiding toxins, but also on adding supportive nutrients and lifestyle habits that fit into real life. This is essential listening for anyone looking to optimize their health in the modern world!

Tune in to discover:

• • (00:00) How you can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like Healthgevity (use code ONETHING for 10% off).

  • (02:34) An introduction to Dr. Cohen's new book, "Detoxify," and how it complements her previous work, offering a more user-friendly framework.

  • (04:18) Dr. Cohen’s "Four A’s" framework (Assess, Avoid/Swap, Add, and Allow) for navigating environmental health simply and effectively.

  • (06:59) Why our bodies, unexposed to such a high load of synthetic chemicals throughout evolution, yearn for removal and support.

  • (09:47) The accessible and motivating 21-day plan in "Detoxify" designed to help you get started without overwhelm.

  • (11:24) Who is most susceptible to immune toxicity and can benefit most from this approach, including those with and without diagnosed autoimmune conditions.

  • (14:32) Dr. Cohen explains autoimmunity in simple terms – what’s happening when your immune system feels "supercharged" against itself.

  • (18:11) The mechanisms: How toxins impact the immune system and why lowering the overall chemical load is key.

  • (22:52) Shifting from fear to resilience: Making sustainable choices and building a healthier internal environment.

  • (25:03) Practical, high-yield changes: The surprising benefits and accessibility of USDA organic frozen foods.

  • (26:34) Dr. Cohen’s sensible approach to assessment – utilizing questionnaires and strategic, insurance-covered blood tests over expensive, broad panels.

  • (39:28) The "Three S's" for natural detoxification and well-being: Sleep, Stress management, and Sweat (and how our bodies are designed for them!).

  • (44:06) Powerhouse foods for detoxification: Why cruciferous vegetables are standouts and how food truly can be medicine.

  • (47:51) Maintaining hope for future generations: Dr. Cohen’s perspective on educating children about environmental health.

  • (53:54) Where to find Dr. Aly Cohen online, including her Smart Human Podcast and resources at smarthuman.com.

Learn more about Dr. Cohen at The Smart Human

See her new book Detoxify: https://www.amazon.com/Detoxify-Everyday-Toxins-Harming-Against/dp/1668033534.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with friends, family, and anyone you think might benefit from this essential information!

• #Detoxify #DrAlyCohen #TheOneThingPodcast #EnvironmentalHealth

In this episode, Dr. Adam Rinde sits down with integrative medicine specialist Dr. Carla Kuon from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) to explore the latest insights into long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, and post-viral illnesses. Dr. Kuon shares powerful breakthroughs from her clinical work and research—especially around mitochondrial health and how overlooked deficiencies in riboflavin (B2) and iron (ferritin) can disrupt the body's energy systems.

You’ll learn how chronic inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and “bad programming” in the brain are key components of these conditions—and how holistic strategies like nutrient therapy, mindfulness, and vagus nerve stimulation are helping patients recover.

Whether you’re a patient, provider, or just curious about the future of functional medicine, this conversation is full of takeaways and hope. 💛

00:00 – Intro & sponsor01:04 – Meet Dr. Kuon: Long COVID, CFS & fibromyalgia04:11 – Microclots, brain rewiring & dysautonomia07:46 – The 4 fatigue buckets: updated understanding10:06 – Cell danger response & the stuck nervous system14:40 – Riboflavin: the overlooked vitamin for mitochondria19:41 – Iron, ferritin, and why levels matter more than you think23:44 – Digging deeper into nutrient absorption issues27:00 – Kreb cycle breakdown: how energy is made30:08 – Iron infusions, glutathione, and absorption challenges35:15 – UCSF research: viral persistence & new drug trials38:10 – Long COVID & the HIV research legacy41:37 – Mindfulness saved my medical career44:09 – Vagal nerve tools: gadgets, breath, and acupuncture45:17 – Final thoughts: There is hope

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

• ⁠⁠⁠The LONG COVID Solution: A holistic, integrative approach to post viral recovery.⁠⁠

• UCSF Optimal Clinic

• MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)

• GammaCore & vagus nerve stimulation tools

🔗 Subscribe & share with someone who needs this.

#LongCovid #ChronicFatigue #FunctionalMedicine #Mitochondria #PostViralRecovery #OneThingPodcast #DrCarlaKuon

👇 Links:

Dr. Kuon's website:

Dr. Kuon's book ⁠⁠The LONG COVID Solution: A holistic, integrative approach to post viral recovery.⁠

Our Affiliate Sponsor:

Healthgevity has revolutionized the wellness industry by providing the finest quality and most effective nutritional products for the ultimate health-span. Working in tandem with doctors, patients, and scientific researchers, ⁠Healthgevity⁠ is at the forefront of nutritional technology and personalized wellness. Enter Code: OneThing on purchase for 10% discount #LongCovid #ChronicFatigue #MitochondriaHealth #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeHealing #OneThingPodcast #DrCarlaKuon #PostViralRecovery