The Autoimmune RESET

Send a text In this episode of The Autoimmune RESET Podcast, I’m sharing some of the key ideas from a full-day practitioner training I recently delivered on arthritis — and why the way we think about joint pain needs to change. For decades, arthritis — particularly osteoarthritis — has been framed as a simple story of wear and tear. Something mechanical. Something inevitable. Something that happens as we age. But that explanation is incomplete. Joint health is not just about cartilage. It is about the immune system, the gut, the nervous system, metabolism, and the body’s ability to resolve inflammation. Arthritis is often a systemic condition that happens to be expressed through the joints. In this episode, we explore the deeper physiology behind inflammatory joint symptoms, including: • The gut–joint connection and intestinal permeability • Microbial triggers linked to autoimmune arthritis • The role of short-chain fatty acids and immune tolerance • Omega-3 fatty acids and the resolution of inflammation • Why digestion and absorption are often overlooked foundations • Nervous system regulation and pain signalling • The importance of sequencing interventions rather than doing everything at once I also share reflections from my own experience of living with significant joint pain for many years, and what I’ve learned from working with clients who move from daily inflammation and limitation to meaningful recovery. One of the most important messages in this episode is that healing rarely happens through quick fixes. It happens through a layered, strategic approach — stabilising foundations first, then building resilience over time. If you are living with joint pain, stiffness, autoimmune arthritis, or inflammatory flares, this conversation will help you understand why your symptoms may be happening and what you can begin to do about them. Because arthritis is not always inevitable. And it is very rarely just about ageing. arthritis, autoimmune disease, gut health, inflammation, omega-3, digestion, nervous system, joint pain, immune regulation, functional medicine 🧘‍♀️ 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 this link: https://link.nurosym.com/VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 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. 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 a text In this episode of The Autoimmune Reset Podcast, VJ Hamilton explores anxiety from a physiological perspective — not just an emotional one. Anxiety rarely exists in isolation. It often sits alongside autoimmune disease, gut dysfunction, blood sugar instability, and nutrient depletion. In this episode, VJ breaks down how simple dietary shifts and targeted nutrient support can significantly reduce anxiety by stabilising the nervous system at its root. The conversation is divided into two key parts: Part 1: Foundational dietary changes that help regulate blood sugar, calm the gut, and reduce inflammatory triggers that drive anxiety. Part 2: Key nutrients that directly support brain chemistry and nervous system resilience — including magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-theanine. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety feels “physical” or unexplained, this episode will help you understand what may be happening beneath the surface — and what you can start doing today. In This Episode, We Cover: Key Takeaways “Stabilise your blood sugar to reduce anxiety.” “Gut health is crucial for mental well-being.” “Magnesium can help calm neuronal firing.” Chapters 00:00 — Understanding Anxiety from a Physiological Perspective Why anxiety is often biochemical, not purely psychological, and how autoimmune and gut health overlap with mental health. 09:19 — Nutrients for Anxiety Support The key minerals and fatty acids that help calm inflammation and regulate the nervous system. 🇬🇧 UK BodyBio (15% off with code AUTOIMMUNITY: https://bodybio.co.uk/AUTOIMMUNITY 🇺🇸 US BodyBio (15% off with code VJ15): https://bodybio.com/VJ15 🧘‍♀️ 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 this link: https://link.nurosym.com/VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 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 Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text Hair loss is rarely random — and it is almost never just about iron or shampoo. In this episode of The Autoimmune Reset, VJ Hamilton explores the deeper physiology behind alopecia and autoimmune-related hair loss, and explains why standard blood tests often leave people stuck with answers but no real direction. Because while tests like ferritin and thyroid markers can tell you what is low, they rarely explain why the body is struggling in the first place. Drawing from both her own recovery journey and years in clinical practice, VJ shares the five functional tests she most often uses to uncover the hidden drivers of hair thinning and shedding. From gut health and nutrient absorption to hormonal rhythms, mitochondrial energy production, mould exposure, and food reactivity, she walks listeners through the upstream factors that quietly influence immune balance and hair growth. This episode reframes hair as a barometer of overall health — not the problem itself, but a signal that something deeper requires attention. If you’re tired of guesswork and want a more strategic, root-cause approach to testing, this conversation offers a clear, practical roadmap. Because when you understand the “why,” everything becomes more precise — and far less overwhelming. Key Takeaways Chapter Markers 00:00 Why blood tests aren’t the full story 02:10 Hair as a barometer of deeper health 03:05 Gut testing: Microbiome Explorer vs GI Effects 06:00 Hormones, cortisol and the DUTCH test 08:10 Energy, nutrients and Metabolomix 09:40 Mould and environmental triggers 10:45 Food reactivity and immune load 12:00 A root-cause roadmap for recovery Ready to go deeper and understand your own “why”? → Learn about the functional testing and 1:1 analysis I offer in clinic — the same root-cause tests I used to rebuild my own health, with personalised guidance so you know exactly what to do next. You can learn more about the tests offered at the Autoimmune Nutrition Clinic here. 🧘‍♀️ 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 this link: https://link.nurosym.com/VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 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 Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Bertone — a former FBI Chief of Staff turned Emotional Eating Profiler and coach — whose own journey through breast cancer, autoimmune disease, and high-pressure corporate life led her to completely rethink what health and success truly mean. Together, we explore why midlife can feel like a turning point for so many women, particularly when it comes to food, weight, and energy. Hormonal shifts, stress physiology, and years of pushing through fatigue often converge at this stage of life, leaving women feeling disconnected from their bodies and frustrated by habits that no longer make sense — especially emotional eating. Rather than framing this as a willpower issue, Holly offers a far more compassionate and scientific lens. We talk about the behavioural and biological drivers behind emotional eating, how chronic stress and immune dysregulation can influence cravings, and why learning to listen to your body’s signals is often the most powerful place to start. This conversation is ultimately about trust — rebuilding trust with your body, moving away from rigid food rules, and developing the discernment to understand what genuinely nourishes you versus what depletes you. Because real, lasting change rarely comes from another plan; it comes from personalisation and paying attention. If you’re navigating midlife changes, autoimmune symptoms, or simply feel like your relationship with food has become more complicated than it used to be, this episode will offer both clarity and reassurance. 🧘‍♀️ 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 a text Headaches are often dismissed as stress, dehydration, or “just one of those things.” But in clinic, I rarely see headaches as random. In this Friday 5 episode, I’m sharing five functional, root-cause ways to stop headaches naturally — not by masking symptoms, but by understanding what your body is actually asking for. We explore why headaches so often stem from blood sugar crashes, mineral imbalances, nervous system overload, histamine build-up, and restricted circulation, and how simple, targeted interventions can bring real relief. I also share personal insights from my own experience — including why I used to get headaches while fasting, why eating protein helped almost immediately, and what that tells us about the brain’s need for stable fuel. We’ll cover: This episode also touches on the growing evidence behind vagus nerve support, including science-backed tools that help calm the nervous system and restore balance when headaches are stress- or tension-driven. 🧘‍♀️ 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 a text What do you do when you know what to do for your health — but the habits just don’t stick? In this Friday 5 episode, VJ explores why healthy routines so often fall away, especially when you’re living with autoimmunity, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or chronic symptoms. Rather than blaming willpower or motivation, this episode reframes habit failure as a sign of mismatch between the body, the nervous system, and unrealistic expectations. You’ll learn why habits need to be built for who you are now — not who you used to be — and how shrinking habits, designing for hard days, and reducing nervous system load can make consistency feel achievable again. This episode is practical, compassionate, and grounded in what VJ sees every day in clinic — with simple, realistic strategies you can start using immediately. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, discouraged, or “behind” in your health journey, this episode will help you build habits that actually last — without burning yourself out in the process. 🎧 Listen now and discover a kinder, more sustainable way to create change. 🧘‍♀️ 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 a text As we move into 2026, the wellness landscape — particularly in autoimmune health — is undergoing a quiet but important shift. In this episode, I explore the wellness trends that are genuinely supporting autoimmune healing, and the popular approaches that no longer serve people living with chronic inflammation, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and immune dysregulation. We move beyond optimisation and “doing more,” and instead look at what actually helps the body feel safe enough to regulate: nervous system support, vagal tone, metabolic nourishment, personalised gut health, restorative sleep, and sustainable movement. I also share what I’m seeing time and time again in clinic, alongside reflections from my own long journey with autoimmunity. We talk about why stress reduction isn’t enough — and why nervous system regulation and emotional fitness are becoming foundational in autoimmune care. I discuss emerging tools such as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, why personalised testing is replacing one-size-fits-all protocols, and why eating enough, sleeping well, and moving gently matter more than ever. I also unpack the trends we’re finally leaving behind — including extreme fasting, chronic restriction, generic hormone advice, and the idea that autoimmune disease is “just stress.” If you’re tired of chasing wellness trends and want a more grounded, biology-led approach to autoimmune health in 2026, this episode is for you. 🧘‍♀️ 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 a text The start of a new year is often framed as a time for reinvention, big goals, and dramatic change — but for many people, especially those living with alopecia or autoimmune disease, that pressure can feel overwhelming and counterproductive. In this Friday 5 episode, recorded on VJ’s birthday eve, she shares five areas she’s consciously focusing on in 2026 to support a better, more sustainable life — rooted in regrowth rather than optimisation. You’ll hear why building supportive communities is essential for long-term health, how prioritising strength training can support resilience and recovery, and why simplifying daily life creates the conditions the body needs to repair. VJ also reflects on the importance of prioritising friends and family as a form of nervous system support, and how gently expanding your networks and environments can encourage growth without burnout. Throughout the episode, VJ offers practical reflections you can apply to your own life — whether you’re navigating chronic symptoms, rebuilding after a difficult period, or simply wanting a steadier way to move forward. This episode provides a grounded framework for approaching the year ahead with clarity, intention, and self-trust — focusing less on doing more, and more on creating the conditions that allow regrowth to happen naturally. 🧘‍♀️ 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. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text The holiday season is often framed as a time of rest, but for many people it becomes physically and emotionally demanding — disrupting routines, increasing stress, and triggering symptom flares. In this Friday 5 episode, VJ shares five practical ways to move through the holidays in a way that supports your nervous system, digestion, immune health, and energy levels — without striving for perfection or adding more to your to-do list. You’ll learn why being truly present with friends and family has a direct physiological impact, how to support vagal tone through simple daily choices, and how to use the end of the year as a helpful reflection point rather than a source of self-criticism. VJ also explores how to approach food during the holidays in a way that is grounding and nourishing — focusing on warm, blood-sugar-stable meals — and why making time for activities that help you feel like yourself again is not indulgent, but essential for long-term health. This episode offers a calm, realistic framework for navigating the festive season with more steadiness, clarity, and self-trust — setting you up to enter the new year feeling more regulated, rather than depleted. 🧘‍♀️ 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. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text 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: 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 Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text 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 a text 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 a text 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: needsNagina 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 spice5 ways to use it in your dayAn easy recipe using this spicehttps://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 a text 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: 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 a text 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 a text 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 a text 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 bodybio.combodybio.co.uk Root Reset™ Circle hereNurosym devicehereIf 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 a text 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: 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 a text 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: 🌿 Mentioned in this episode: The Autoimmune Forum herehereIf 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 a text When it comes to hair loss recovery, most people focus on food, supplements, and treatments — but one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) tools is mindset. In this week’s Friday 5, I’m sharing how the way you think about your hair healing journey can shift your stress response, reduce fear-based triggers, and help you feel calmer and more in control. You’ll learn: canThese five mindset shifts aren’t about “positive thinking” — they’re practical tools to help your body feel safe enough to heal. ✨ And if you’re ready for more structure and support, the Root Reset Circle is now open. Join by 6 October to lock in the founder’s rate — a full 50% off for as long as you stay in the Circle. This is your space for guidance, connection, and tools that go far beyond the surface. You can join here, and use code RRC50 to claim your discount. And if you’re looking for more support, connection, and resources, come join us in The Autoimmune Forum — my private community where we share daily tips, meal ideas, and strategies for thriving with autoimmune conditions. 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.