Episode 93: Beyond the Studies — Results from the New Autoimmune Protocol CommunityWhat happens when people put the Autoimmune Protocol into practice—not in a clinical trial, but in real life?To celebrate the launch of The New Autoimmune Protocol, hundreds of readers joined a guided online community where they worked through the new Transition Phase, completed 30 days of either Core or Modified AIP, tracked their symptoms, and supported one another along the way.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott shares the results from this unique community experience. While this wasn't a formal research study, the symptom improvements closely mirrored many of the findings from published AIP research—and the participant stories reveal the power of preparation, accountability, and community support.Together, these survey results offer a real-world look at what implementing AIP can look like, what people struggled with, what surprised them, and why healing is often about much more than food alone.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Mickey created a guided community alongside The New Autoimmune ProtocolWhat surprised her most about who joined the programWhy the new Transition Phase helped participants feel more prepared for eliminationHow overall autoimmune symptom severity changed after 30 daysWhich symptoms improved the most, including digestion, energy, sleep, pain, and brain fogThree standout participant stories that illustrate the range of real-world experiencesHow these community results compare with published AIP researchWhy symptom tracking is one of the most valuable tools during AIPThe importance of community support when implementing dietary changeHow to join the ongoing Autoimmune Protocol communityResources:The New Autoimmune Protocol – Mickey Trescott's updated guide featuring the Transition Phase, Core and Modified AIP, and personalized reintroductionsThe Autoimmune Protocol Community Episode 59: The First Published AIP Study in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseEpisode 61: AIP and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis ResearchEpisode 63: AIP IBD Gene Expression StudyEpisode 65: New Hashimoto's Research from PolandEpisode 89: The First AIP Pilot Trial in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Julianne TaylorEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and overview of the community experience02:39 – Why Mickey created The New Autoimmune Protocol community06:38 – Who joined the community?09:45 – The new Transition Phase in action14:33 – What happened after 30 days?17:16 – Overall autoimmune symptom improvements19:12 – Energy and sleep results20:03 – Digestive health improvements21:53 – Joint pain and inflammation22:42 – Brain fog, skin, and other symptom changes23:59 – Three standout participant stories28:58 – Comparing community results to published research32:06 – Mickey's biggest takeaways36:26 – An invitation to join the ongoing community40:11 – Wrap-up and closing

Episode 92: Fiber, Gut Health & the Microbiome with Farzanah NasserFiber is having a moment—but for people with autoimmune disease, digestive symptoms, or a history of restrictive diets, it can also feel confusing.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by UK-based naturopathic nutritionist, certified functional medicine practitioner, and author Farzanah Nasser to explore why fiber is one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern nutrition—and why it's so important for gut, immune, and overall health.Together, they discuss how fiber nourishes the gut microbiome, supports immune function, and helps produce beneficial anti-inflammatory compounds. They also dive into why increasing fiber sometimes causes digestive discomfort, how to introduce it gradually, and practical strategies for reaching the recommended 30 grams per day—even for those with sensitive digestion or autoimmune disease.In this episode, you'll learn:Why 96% of people aren't getting enough fiberHow fiber feeds the gut microbiome and supports immune functionThe difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbioticsWhy short-chain fatty acids are so important for gut and immune healthWhy increasing fiber too quickly can cause bloating and digestive symptomsPractical strategies for gradually increasing fiber intakeTips for improving bean tolerance through preparation methodsHow to approach fiber if you have IBS, IBD, SIBO, or sensitive digestionWhy mindful eating and proper digestion matter when increasing fiberFavorite high-fiber foods for the Autoimmune Protocol and Modified AIPWhat 30 grams of fiber actually looks like in a daySimple ways to build more fiber into everyday mealsResources:Website: https://farzanahnutrition.comInstagram: @farzanahnasser_nutritionBook: The Everyday High-Fiber PlanEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Why fiber matters for autoimmune health01:30 – Introducing Farzanah Nasser03:28 – Why fiber deserves a rebrand04:48 – What fiber is and why we need more of it07:11 – How fiber feeds the gut microbiome08:32 – Fiber, inflammation, and immune function10:51 – Why fiber sometimes causes digestive symptoms17:01 – Preparing beans for better digestion19:28 – Fiber for IBS, IBD, SIBO, and sensitive digestion23:16 – Optimizing digestion before increasing fiber25:38 – Favorite high-fiber AIP foods30:39 – What 30 grams of fiber looks like in real life37:04 – Favorite recipes from The Everyday High-Fiber Plan40:48 – Wrap-up and closing

Episode 91: Understanding Hair Loss and Autoimmune Disease with VJ HamiltonHair loss is one of the most common symptoms people experience with autoimmune disease—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While many people assume it's simply part of having an autoimmune condition, hair loss can actually have many different causes, from immune dysfunction and nutrient deficiencies to hormone changes, chronic stress, and scalp inflammation.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by registered nutritionist, AIP Certified Coach, and founder of the Autoimmunity Nutrition Clinic, VJ Hamilton, to explore the many factors that influence hair health in people with autoimmune disease. VJ brings both professional expertise and personal experience, having lived with alopecia areata, psoriasis, and post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome herself.Together, they discuss the different types of hair loss commonly seen in autoimmune patients, how to distinguish between them, and why identifying the underlying cause is essential for supporting healthy regrowth. They also explore nutrient deficiencies, gut health, hormones, stress, topical therapies, and why patience is such an important part of the healing process.In this episode, you'll learn:The different types of hair loss associated with autoimmune diseaseHow alopecia areata differs from stress-, hormone-, and nutrient-related hair lossWhy iron deficiency and low ferritin are common contributors to hair sheddingThe role of protein, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3s in healthy hair growthHow gut health and nutrient absorption influence hair healthWhy stress-related hair shedding often occurs months after a stressful eventThe importance of investigating the root cause rather than treating hair loss as a diagnosisWhich supplements may be helpful—and which are often overhypedTopical strategies that may support scalp and follicle healthWhy hair is often one of the last tissues to recover during healingHow to set realistic expectations for hair regrowth while addressing underlying health concernsResources:VJ HamiltonWebsite: https://autoimmunenutritionclinic.com Instagram: @theautoimmunitynutritionist Podcast: The Autoimmune ResetEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Why hair loss is so common in autoimmune disease 01:52 – Introducing VJ Hamilton 03:13 – VJ's journey with alopecia, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue 06:40 – Different types of hair loss in autoimmune disease 13:30 – Nutrient deficiencies and hair health 23:46 – Common root causes and what to investigate first 27:26 – Why stress-related hair shedding is delayed 30:34 – Helpful supplements (and common misconceptions) 35:15 – Topical treatments and scalp care 41:23 – Setting realistic expectations for hair regrowth 47:14 – Wrap-up and where to learn more

Episode 90: Gut Healing on AIP — What’s Really Happening | Deep DiveWhen most people start the Autoimmune Protocol, they naturally focus on the food: what to remove, what to eat instead, and how to navigate all of the planning that comes with a major dietary change.But one of the most important things happening during AIP is often something you can’t actually see—changes happening inside the gut itself.Because AIP isn’t just designed to remove potential food triggers. It’s also designed to support systems commonly affected in autoimmune disease, including the gut lining, the microbiome, nutrient status, and immune regulation.And those changes don’t always happen quickly or in a straight line.For many people, healing happens gradually over time. Digestion may become more stable. Energy may improve. Foods that caused symptoms early on may become tolerable much later in the process.In this episode of the AIP Deep Dive series, Mickey explains what’s actually happening in the gut during AIP and why healing often continues long after the elimination phase ends.She explores intestinal permeability, the microbiome, nutrient density, lifestyle factors, and why healing is often more about rebuilding resilience than achieving perfection.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the gut plays such an important role in autoimmune diseaseWhat intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) actually meansHow stress, sleep, and lifestyle affect gut healingWhat changes may happen in the microbiome during AIPWhy nutrient density is essential for repair and immune regulationHow reintroductions provide information about healing capacityWhy healing and food tolerance can evolve over timeHow to approach setbacks and reactions with more patience and clarityResources:The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – A practical guide to implementing AIP with a focus on preparation, sustainability, and personalizationThe Nutrient Dense Kitchen – A cookbook and resource focused on nutrient density for healingAIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with food lists, meal plans, and beginner toolsEpisode 51: The AIP in 2026Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and Mickey’s personal gut healing story04:35 – Why the gut matters in autoimmune disease09:10 – Intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) explained14:10 – How the microbiome shifts during AIP17:55 – Why nutrient density supports repair21:30 – The role of lifestyle, stress, and sleep25:31 – Why healing isn’t linear31:22 – Wrap-up and key takeaways

Episode 89: The Future of Autoimmune Research with Victoria Shanmugam, Director of the Office of Autoimmune Disease ResearchAutoimmune disease affects an estimated 50 million Americans, yet for decades these conditions have often received less attention, coordination, and funding than other major chronic diseases.That landscape is beginning to change.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by Dr. Victoria Shanmugam, rheumatologist, physician-scientist, and Director of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADR) at the National Institutes of Health. Created by Congress in 2023, the OADR was established to coordinate autoimmune disease research across the NIH and help accelerate progress in understanding, treating, preventing, and ultimately curing autoimmune diseases.Together, Mickey and Dr. Shanmugam discuss why the office was created, how autoimmune research is evolving, and the most promising areas of innovation currently underway. They explore everything from environmental triggers and large-scale data platforms to early disease detection, CAR-T therapies, and the future of personalized autoimmune medicine.This conversation offers a hopeful and practical look at where autoimmune research is headed—and what that progress could mean for patients over the next decade.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research was created and what its mission isHow autoimmune diseases intersect with every organ system and NIH research instituteWhat the first NIH-wide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research includesWhy studying multiple autoimmune diseases together may accelerate discoveriesHow environmental exposures may influence autoimmune disease risk and progressionThe role of large-scale collaborations and data-sharing platforms in researchWhy early detection and preclinical autoimmune disease are major areas of focusHow Type 1 diabetes research is shaping new approaches to preventionWhat CAR-T therapies and other immune-targeted treatments may offer in the futureWhy patient participation and advocacy remain essential to research progressWhat researchers hope to achieve over the next five to ten years in autoimmune medicineResources:Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADR)NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease ResearchOADR Quarterly Community Updates (Must Attend Live)NOURISH Challenge InitiativeEXACT Plan Network (Environmental Exposures & Autoimmune Disease)Episode Timeline:00:00 – Why autoimmune research is entering a new era01:41 – Introducing Dr. Victoria Shanmugam03:29 – What is the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research?04:58 – Why autoimmune diseases have historically been under-researched07:19 – Goals of the OADR and coordination across NIH09:54 – Studying more than 140 autoimmune diseases together12:00 – The NOURISH challenge and nutrition research initiatives14:07 – Promising areas of autoimmune disease research16:09 – Environmental exposures and the EXACT Plan Network17:28 – Autoimmune Centers of Excellence and cross-disease collaboration18:34 – New clinical trials and prevention-focused research20:02 – Early detection and preclinical autoimmune disease21:18 – Data platforms and large-scale collaboration efforts25:18 – How patients should think about research progress26:32 – What the next 5–10 years may bring28:49 – How patients can stay informed and engaged30:16 – Why patient voices matter in research31:00 – Wrap-up and closing reflections

Episode 88: The First AIP Pilot Trial in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Julianne TaylorCan dietary change meaningfully improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?A recently published pilot study investigating the Autoimmune Protocol diet in adults with rheumatoid arthritis found improvements in patient-reported disease activity, pain, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life measures—with several participants reaching remission-level scores by the end of the intervention.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by registered nutritionist, AIP Certified Coach, and PhD candidate Julianne Taylor to discuss the first clinical trial investigating the Autoimmune Protocol in rheumatoid arthritis.Julianne shares her personal journey into autoimmune nutrition research, explains how the study was designed, and walks through the results of the pilot trial—including improvements in fatigue, sleep, pain, and disease activity.Together, they also explore the nuances and limitations of dietary research, discuss why individual responses vary, and dive into Julianne’s broader scoping review of elimination and reintroduction diets in rheumatoid arthritis spanning decades of research.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Julianne’s personal health experience led her into autoimmune nutrition researchWhat a pilot feasibility study is and why it mattersHow the AIP rheumatoid arthritis study was designedWhy patient-reported outcomes like fatigue and sleep are important in RA researchWhat improvements participants experienced during the interventionWhy some participants experienced challenges or adverse effectsHow nutrient density and food eliminations may both influence outcomesWhat historical elimination diet research in RA reveals about common trigger foodsWhy nightshades continue to be an important area of interest in autoimmune nutritionWhat future research on AIP and rheumatoid arthritis may explore nextResources:Paleo Zone Nutrition (blog)Julianne Taylor Nutrition (website)Julianne Taylor on InstagramThe First AIP Pilot Trial in Rheumatoid ArthritisElimination, Reintroduction Diets, and Oral Food Challenge in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping ReviewEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction to the first AIP rheumatoid arthritis pilot study01:56 – Introducing Julianne Taylor03:54 – Julianne’s personal health journey and early paleo research11:34 – What a pilot feasibility study is13:05 – The questionnaires used in the AIP RA pilot trial17:07 – The AIP intervention and elimination phase19:32 – Results of the rheumatoid arthritis pilot study24:56 – Discussing adverse effects and individual variability30:57 – Diet quality versus food eliminations33:54 – Reviewing decades of elimination diet research in RA38:48 – Common trigger foods identified in the literature42:31 – Nightshades and rheumatoid arthritis44:31 – Upcoming AIP and RA research51:20 – What Julianne hopes clinicians and patients take away from the research53:23 – Where to follow Julianne’s work online

Episode 87: Celebrating NAIP Launch Week & Creating Through Chronic Illness with Alaina Moore of TennisWhat does it take to keep creating when your body is struggling? How do you continue making meaningful work while navigating uncertainty, limitations, and chronic illness in real time?In this special episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott celebrates the launch of The New Autoimmune Protocol with a deeply personal conversation featuring her longtime friend Alaina Moore—vocalist and songwriter of the indie band Tennis.Instead of interviewing a guest, Mickey takes the guest seat herself as Alaina turns the tables to explore the creative process behind the new book, the realities of creating while chronically ill, and the surprising overlap between art, music, food, and healing.Together, they discuss what it means to pursue creative work while managing chronic illness, how illness can shape identity and perspective, and why adapting to changing capacity is often part of the process. Alaina also shares her experience navigating dysphonia while recording and touring, while Mickey reflects on photographing The New Autoimmune Protocol during a severe autoimmune eye flare.This conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who has tried to keep showing up for meaningful work while living in a body that doesn’t always cooperate.In this episode, you’ll learn:How chronic illness can shape creativity, identity, and artistic workWhy adapting to limitations is often part of the creative processThe similarities between songwriting, recipe development, and visual storytellingHow Mickey approaches recipe development, writing, and cookbook photographyWhy creative work often requires both structure and chaosHow sensory imagination influences both music and cookingAlaina Moore’s experience recovering from dysphonia while touring with TennisMickey’s experience photographing a cookbook during an autoimmune eye flareWhy accepting chronic illness can feel freeing instead of limitingThe emotional impact of medical gaslighting and delayed diagnosisHow creativity, music, and art can help people move through illnessWhy managing chronic illness is different from “overcoming” itResources:Alaina Moore & TennisWebsite: https://tennis-music.comInstagram: @tennisincPlaylist mentioned in the episode: Available here!Mickey TrescottBook: The New Autoimmune ProtocolEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and NAIP launch week reflections01:31 – Introducing Alaina Moore of Tennis04:37 – Artists, chronic illness, and creative resilience07:08 – Mickey’s writing and recipe development process13:31 – Alaina’s songwriting process and creative structure18:11 – Music, taste, and sensory imagination25:07 – How Mickey perfects recipes30:17 – Why Mickey shares her work publicly32:56 – Creative breakthroughs and photographing the new book39:02 – Alaina’s experience with dysphonia and vocal rehabilitation44:11 – Accepting chronic illness and redefining healing51:14 – Wrap-up and closing reflections

Episode 86: What Joy Can Survive? Chronic Illness and Healing with K.J. RamseyWhat if healing isn’t about getting rid of pain—but about learning how to remain fully alive within it?In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by K.J. Ramsey, trauma-informed therapist, author, and chronic illness advocate. Her new memoir, The Place Between Our Pains, explores life with chronic illness, medical trauma, and the complicated relationship many of us have with our bodies when healing doesn’t look the way we expected.Together, Mickey and K.J. explore what it means to live well even when symptoms persist. They discuss medical gaslighting, identity shifts, self-trust, redefining healing, and why joy and grief often coexist in the chronic illness experience.K.J. also shares how journaling and creative practices helped her process pain, reconnect with herself, and remain present through years of illness and uncertainty.In this episode, you’ll learn:How chronic illness can shape identity, especially in early adulthoodWhy medical gaslighting is so damaging—and how self-trust becomes essentialThe emotional impact of being sick without clear answers or validationHow dissociation and disconnection from the body can develop during chronic illnessWhy speaking to your body with compassion changes the healing processWhat it means to redefine healing beyond symptom eliminationHow chronic illness can deepen connection, creativity, and joyWhy grief and joy often coexist in the healing journeyThe role of journaling and creative practices in processing pain and stressHow creativity can help transform suffering into meaning and alivenessWhy “being fully alive” may matter more than becoming symptom-freeResources:K.J. RamseyWebsite: https://www.kjramsey.comInstagram: @kjramseywritesBook: The Place Between Our PainsEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction and trigger warning01:04 – Introducing K.J. Ramsey and The Place Between Our Pains04:33 – Identity and illness in early adulthood09:20 – Medical gaslighting and self-trust16:01 – Dissociation, embodiment, and learning to listen to the body24:14 – Redefining healing and living fully with pain32:19 – How illness changes us40:15 – Journaling, creativity, and processing pain52:08 – Wrap-up and closing reflections

Episode 85: Developing Your Personal Health Vision with Jaime HartmanWhen starting the Autoimmune Protocol, it’s easy to focus on the details—what to eat, what to remove, and how to do everything “right.” But there’s a deeper question that often gets overlooked: what are you actually working toward?In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by Jaime Hartman, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, educator, and co-teacher of the AIP Certified Coach Program, to explore the concept of a personal health vision.This conversation introduces a foundational mindset shift—moving beyond short-term goals and into a clear, personalized vision of what health means to you. Jaime explains how this approach helps guide decisions, build resilience, and create a more sustainable path through AIP and beyond.Together, they explore how defining your vision can help you stay grounded, communicate your needs, and navigate the complexities of chronic illness with more clarity and purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between a health goal and a personal health visionWhy having a clear vision makes AIP more sustainable and meaningfulHow different models of health (medical, holistic, and wellness) shape your perspectiveWhy a personal health vision acts as a compass during challenging momentsHow to use your vision to make decisions about priorities, support, and careReal-life examples of how health vision influences daily choices and long-term strategyHow your vision can help guide reintroductions and lifestyle flexibilityWhy personal values, relationships, and purpose are essential parts of healingJournaling prompts and visualization techniques to help define your visionHow to approach this process if you feel discouraged, disconnected, or unsure what’s possibleResources:Jaime HartmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimehartman22/Website: https://gutsybynature.comAIP Summit: https://aipsummit.comAIP Certified Coach Program & Practitioner Directory: https://aipcertified.comEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Why AIP needs a bigger “why” beyond food rules01:57 – Introducing Jaime Hartman 03:10 – What a personal health vision is (vs. goals)05:57 – Medical, holistic, and wellness models of health09:45 – Why vision matters in autoimmune healing12:09 – How to use your health vision in real life17:11 – Journaling prompts to define your vision22:59 – How to begin if you feel discouraged25:00 – Final reflections and encouragement

Episode 84: Troubleshooting AIP — How to Identify What’s Going Wrong | Deep DiveWhen you start the Autoimmune Protocol, it’s easy to expect a fairly straightforward path: remove certain foods, focus on nutrient density, support your lifestyle—and over time, feel better.And for some people, that’s exactly what happens.But for many others, the process feels more complicated. You might feel worse when you begin, struggle to stay consistent, stop seeing progress after a few months, or feel confused during reintroductions.If you’ve ever wondered, What am I doing wrong? or Why isn’t this working for me?—you’re not alone.In this episode of the AIP Deep Dive series, Mickey introduces troubleshooting as a normal and essential part of the process. Rather than seeing obstacles as failure, this episode reframes them as useful feedback—and gives you a clear way to identify what might be getting in the way and how to move forward.Mickey explains when it actually makes sense to troubleshoot (and when it doesn’t), outlines the three main layers where issues tend to arise, and walks through how to make thoughtful adjustments without creating more confusion. In this episode, you’ll learn:What troubleshooting really means—and why it doesn’t mean you’ve failedWhen to troubleshoot vs. when to give the process more timeThe three layers of troubleshooting: implementation, physiology, and medical factorsCommon challenges in each phase (transition, elimination, and reintroduction)Why lack of progress after 30–90 days may require a different approachHow to avoid overcomplicating the process with too many changes at onceWhy mindset and patience play a key role in long-term successResources:The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – A practical guide to implementing AIP with a focus on preparation, sustainability, and personalizationAIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with food lists, meal plans, and beginner toolsEpisode 52: Tracking & Preparing for AIPEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Why AIP doesn’t always go as expected03:05 – What troubleshooting actually means06:32 – When to troubleshoot—and when not to09:51 – The three layers of troubleshooting10:15 – Implementation challenges11:58 – Physiological adjustments13:41 – Underlying medical factors14:57 – Troubleshooting across AIP phases15:07 – Transition phase challenges18:59 – Elimination phase troubleshooting22:41 – Reintroduction phase challenges25:19 – The mindset of troubleshooting27:41 – Key takeaways and closing