The Autoimmune Wellness Podcast

Mickey Trescott of Autoimmune Wellness

The Autoimmune Wellness Podcast is brought to you by Mickey Trescott, MSc., a functional nutritionist, chef, and author of three best-selling books: The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, and The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen. After personally navigating life with Hashimoto’s disease and celiac disease, Mickey is passionate about empowering others to take charge of their health. She is the creator of the AIP Certified Coach Practitioner Training Program and co-founder of Autoimmune Wellness, a platform dedicated to helping people find a path to healing using the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Her approach blends evidence-based principles from both natural and conventional medicine to give those with autoimmune disease their best chance at a vibrant, healthy life. This podcast was originally co-hosted with Angie Alt, NTC, CHC, who helped launch the show and contributed significantly to its early success through her advocacy and personal story of living with endometriosis, lichen sclerosis, and celiac disease. For more information on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), visit autoimmunewellness.com.

  1. AIP for IBD: The Gene Expression Study & Patient Experience Survey (Ep 063)

    1D AGO

    AIP for IBD: The Gene Expression Study & Patient Experience Survey (Ep 063)

    Episode 63: AIP for IBD — The Gene Expression Study & Patient Experience SurveyWhat happens inside the body when someone follows the Autoimmune Protocol—and how does AIP actually feel to people using it in real life? In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott reviews two important follow-up studies from the Scripps research team, led by Dr. Gauree Konijeti, that expand our understanding of AIP for inflammatory bowel disease beyond symptom improvement alone. The first study examined gene expression changes in intestinal tissue after an AIP intervention in ulcerative colitis. The second explored real-world patient experiences using AIP for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis through a large survey. Together, these studies shed light on both the biological shifts and the lived experience of AIP for IBD. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why researchers examined gene expression changes after AIPWhat the RNA substudy revealed about immune and healing pathwaysWhy these findings matter despite a small sample sizeHow people with IBD experience AIP outside of clinical trialsCommon patterns in symptom improvement and medication useHow personalization and reintroduction typically unfold in real lifeWhat these studies add to the growing AIP research landscape Resources:Scripps RNA Gene Expression Study (2019): An Integrative Clinical Pilot Study to Evaluate RNA Expression Changes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following the Autoimmune Protocol Diet AIP IBD Patient Experience Survey (2021): Experience Using the Autoimmune Protocol Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Patient Survey AIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with printable guides, meal plans, and beginner resources. The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – Updated research, Core and Modified AIP guidance, and step-by-step meal plans (available for pre-order). Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction: looking beyond symptoms 02:23 – Overview of the RNA and patient experience studies 03:42 – RNA substudy participant profile 06:51 – The AIP intervention used in the RNA analysis 07:41 – Clinical outcomes observed in the RNA subgroup 10:32 – How RNA gene expression was analyzed 13:07 – Results: gene expression and immune pathways 16:47 – Introducing the IBD patient experience survey 20:21 – Survey results: symptom changes and medication use 24:00 – Survey results: food reintroductions 28:08 – Recap: what these studies add to AIP research

    32 min
  2. Meal Plan Makeover: Improving Energy and Satisfaction | Small Bite (Ep 062)

    5D AGO

    Meal Plan Makeover: Improving Energy and Satisfaction | Small Bite (Ep 062)

    Episode 62: Meal Plan Makeover — Improving Energy and Satisfaction (Small Bite)Many people start the Autoimmune Protocol with a clear understanding of the rules—what foods to include, what to avoid, and which phase they’re in. But knowing the rules and feeling well on AIP are not always the same thing. In this Small Bite episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott introduces a new practical series called Meal Plan Makeover, where she walks through real-life AIP meal plans to explore what’s working, what might be getting in the way, and how small, strategic changes can dramatically improve energy, satisfaction, and sustainability. Using a real (anonymized) three-day diet journal from a former client living with Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis, Mickey demonstrates how AIP can sometimes be applied too minimally—leading to under-eating, low energy, constant hunger, and meals that look “right” on paper but don’t feel supportive in the body. This episode is not about perfection or criticism. It’s about learning how to apply AIP more strategically by focusing on protein balance, nutrient density, carbohydrates, flavor, and realistic capacity—so the protocol actually supports healing instead of creating new challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why following the AIP rules isn’t always enough to feel your bestHow under-eating and low variety can sneak in during EliminationWhy fatigue and constant hunger are common signs of undernourishmentHow to build more balanced breakfasts and snacks on AIPWhy starchy vegetables are essential for energy and sleepHow smoothies can work—and where they often fall shortSimple ways to improve satiety without cooking moreWhy seafood and protein variety matter for autoimmune healthHow sauces and flavor boosters improve both enjoyment and nourishmentWhy calorie restriction can backfire during the Elimination phaseSmall, realistic changes that can make AIP feel easier and more sustainable Resources:AIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with printable food lists, meal plans, and beginner guides. The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – Updated research, practical tools, and meal plans for Core and Modified AIP (available for pre-order). Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction: why AIP implementation matters 02:18 – Introducing the Meal Plan Makeover series 04:10 – Debbie’s background and context 05:36 – Reviewing the three-day meal plan 06:43 – Where strategy (not effort) is missing 07:04 – Smoothies: strengths and protein gaps 08:31 – A protein-forward breakfast that works 09:10 – Why snacks need balance 09:55 – The missing piece: starchy vegetables 11:12 – Bringing in more seafood 11:54 – Flavor matters: sauces and...

    19 min
  3. AIP For Hashimoto’s: The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case Reports (Ep 061)

    FEB 9

    AIP For Hashimoto’s: The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case Reports (Ep 061)

    Episode 61: AIP for Hashimoto’s — The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case ReportsHashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disease in the world—and yet many people continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, pain, and mood symptoms even when their thyroid labs look “normal.” In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott continues the AIP Medical Research Review series with a deep dive into the very first clinical study ever conducted on the Autoimmune Protocol for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This community-supported pilot study, led by Dr. Rob Abbott and published in 2019, examined whether a structured AIP diet and lifestyle intervention could improve quality of life, inflammation, and symptom burden in adults with Hashimoto’s who were already medically stable. Mickey walks through the full story behind the study—from the chance meeting that sparked the research, to the grassroots crowdfunding effort that made it possible. She breaks down the study design, participant profile, intervention structure, clinical measures, and results, including detailed case reports that offer rare insight into individual experiences. This episode highlights a critical and often overlooked reality in Hashimoto’s care: meaningful improvements in how people feel and function can occur even when thyroid hormones and antibodies remain largely unchanged. In this episode, you’ll learn:How the first AIP study for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis came to beWhy Hashimoto’s patients often struggle despite “normal” thyroid labsWho participated in the Abbott pilot study and why that mattersWhat the AIP intervention looked like in a clinical research settingHow diet, nutrient density, and lifestyle practices were integratedWhich clinical measures were used to assess symptoms, inflammation, and quality of lifeWhat the study revealed about fatigue, pain, mood, and daily functioningWhy improvements occurred even though thyroid hormones stayed stableWhat happened with thyroid antibodies and systemic inflammationWhy some participants required lower doses of thyroid medicationWhat the individual case reports reveal beyond group averagesWhy this study remains a milestone for Hashimoto’s research todayPractical takeaways for using AIP to support Hashimoto’s now Resources:Abbott Pilot Study (2019): Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet as a Part of a Multidisciplinary Supported Lifestyle Intervention for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis AIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with printable food lists, meal plans, and beginner guides. a href="https://aipcertified.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    36 min
  4. Beyond the Recipe: Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins with Ginny Mahar | Small Bite (Ep 060)

    FEB 5

    Beyond the Recipe: Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins with Ginny Mahar | Small Bite (Ep 060)

    Episode 60: Beyond the Recipe — Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins with Ginny Mahar (Small Bite)If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking, I know what I should eat, but I just don’t know what to make, this episode is for you. In this Kitchen Confidence Small Bite episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott kicks off a new mini-series called Behind the Recipe—conversations that go beyond instructions to explore why certain recipes work so well for healing, how to adapt them, and what they teach us about cooking in a sustainable, real-life way. Mickey is joined by Ginny Mahar, creator of Hypothyroid Chef and author of the newly released Thyroid30 Cookbook, to talk through one of those quietly powerful, repeat-worthy recipes: Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins. Together, they discuss what makes this recipe so supportive for people navigating autoimmune and thyroid conditions—from batch cooking and freezing to substitutions, flavor boosters, and family-friendly design. This episode is less about perfection and more about practicality: how to build meals that are nourishing, flexible, and realistic on both good days and hard ones. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why some recipes become long-term staples during healingWhat makes the Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins so supportive for AIP and thyroid healthHow veggie-forward, protein-rich meals support energy and consistencyTips for batch cooking, freezing, and reheating with minimal stressSmart substitutions for meat, vegetables, and flavor boostersHow to adapt AIP recipes for families and mixed dietary needsWhy accessibility and simplicity matter when cooking with chronic illnessHow flavor, texture, and portioning impact real-life sustainabilityWhat inspired the Thyroid30 Cookbook and who it’s designed for Resources:Veggie-Packed Meatloaf Muffins Recipe – Full recipe from the Thyroid30 Cookbook The Thyroid30 Cookbook by Ginny Mahar Hypothyroid Chef Website Ginny Mahar on Instagram Episode Timeline:00:00 – Why some recipes truly stick 01:18 – Introducing the Behind the Recipe mini-series 01:18 – Guest introduction: Ginny Mahar, Hypothyroid Chef 03:31 – Why this meatloaf muffin recipe works so well 04:04 – Visual description & real-life use 04:52 – Ingredients, binders, and flavor strategy 07:04 – Portioning, batch cooking, and meal pairing 09:05 – Freezing, storage, and reheating tips 10:57 – Substitutions and variations 15:14 – Serving ideas, sauces, and flavor upgrades 17:06 – Veggie-forward cooking and...

    23 min
  5. AIP for IBD: The Groundbreaking Scripps Pilot & Quality of Life Studies (Ep 059)

    FEB 2

    AIP for IBD: The Groundbreaking Scripps Pilot & Quality of Life Studies (Ep 059)

    Episode 59: AIP for IBD — The Groundbreaking Scripps Pilot & Quality of Life StudiesFor years, people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have asked whether diet can meaningfully impact inflammatory bowel disease. Until recently, there was very little clinical research to help answer that question. In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott kicks off a new AIP Medical Research Review series by walking through the very first clinical studies ever conducted on the Autoimmune Protocol. These groundbreaking studies—led by gastroenterologist Dr. Gauree Konijeti and her team at Scripps—examined the effects of AIP in adults with longstanding, active inflammatory bowel disease. This episode reviews two landmark papers: the 2017 Scripps pilot study on AIP for IBD and the 2019 follow-up study examining patient-reported quality of life. Mickey explains how the studies were designed, who participated, what the AIP intervention looked like in a clinical setting, and what the results actually showed—both in symptoms and in day-to-day functioning. Along the way, this episode clarifies why these studies still matter nearly a decade later, how they helped shape today’s Core and Modified AIP approaches, and what they reveal about the role of diet and lifestyle in autoimmune care. In this episode, you’ll learn:How the first AIP research study began with a single ulcerative colitis patientWhy Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the IBD umbrellaWho participated in the Scripps pilot study and why the results were so strikingWhat the AIP intervention looked like in a clinical research settingWhich foods were eliminated and which nutrient-dense foods were emphasizedHow lifestyle support and coaching were integrated into the studyWhat clinical remission meant in the context of these trialsHow AIP affected inflammatory markers and gut-specific biomarkersWhat the quality of life study revealed beyond symptom improvementWhy these findings helped pave the way for Modified AIPKey safety considerations for people with IBD, including stricturesPractical takeaways for applying AIP to IBD today Resources:Scripps Pilot Study (2017): Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Scripps Quality of Life Study (2019): An Autoimmune Protocol Diet Improves Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease AIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with printable guides and beginner resources a href="https://aipcertified.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    34 min
  6. Kitchen Confidence: A Three-Meal Safety Net | Small Bite (Ep 058)

    JAN 29

    Kitchen Confidence: A Three-Meal Safety Net | Small Bite (Ep 058)

    Episode 58: Kitchen Confidence — The AIP 3-Meal Safety Net (Small Bite)When most people struggle with AIP, it’s not because they don’t care or don’t know what to eat. It’s because their food plan only works on “good” days—when energy is high, stress is low, and life is predictable. In this Kitchen Confidence Small Bite episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey introduces a simple, flexible framework designed for real life: the AIP 3-Meal Safety Net. This approach helps you stay nourished through fluctuating energy, stress, flares, and changing capacity—across every phase of AIP. Rather than focusing on recipes, perfection, or willpower, this episode reframes kitchen confidence as having reliable options that work on your worst days, not just your best ones. Mickey explains how planning for different capacity levels reduces decision fatigue, lowers stress, and makes consistency possible over time. This episode breaks meals into three practical categories—low capacity, medium capacity, and higher or supported capacity—and offers concrete examples of what each looks like in real life. The goal is not cooking more, but building a system that supports you when cooking feels hard. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most AIP plans break down on low-energy or high-stress daysWhat “kitchen confidence” really means (and what it doesn’t)Why AIP needs to be built for real life—not ideal conditionsHow the AIP 3-Meal Safety Net supports fluctuating capacityWhat low-capacity meals look like when cooking feels impossibleHow to approach simple, repeatable meals on busy or tired daysWhy medium-capacity meals carry most people through the weekHow higher or supported cooking helps future youWhy freezer meals and leftovers reduce stress and decision fatigueHow to let go of guilt and build a sustainable AIP approach Resources:The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – Updated research, practical tools, recipes, and real-life strategies for sustainable AIP (available for pre-order). AIP Certified Coach Program & Practitioner Directory – Professional training and a worldwide directory to find AIP-trained support. Episode Timeline:00:00 – Kitchen confidence & building AIP for real life 02:17 – Why AIP plans fail on “bad” days 04:51 – Introducing the AIP 3-Meal Safety Net 05:42 – Type 1 meals: low-capacity, no-cook options 09:03 – Type 2 meals: medium capacity, light cooking 12:17 – Type 3 meals: higher or supported capacity 16:08 – Recap: building a flexible, sustainable system 17:20 – Book announcement & closing reflections

    19 min
  7. AIP Community Q1 Update: Events, Advocacy & Research (Ep 057)

    JAN 26

    AIP Community Q1 Update: Events, Advocacy & Research (Ep 057)

    Episode 57: AIP Community Update — Events, Advocacy & ResearchLiving with autoimmune disease is deeply personal—but the forces that shape diagnosis, care, and long-term outcomes extend far beyond any one individual. Research priorities, advocacy efforts, and community education all influence who gets seen, supported, and served within the autoimmune landscape. In this first Quarterly Community Update episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott steps back to look at what’s happening across the broader autoimmune community right now. These quarterly episodes are designed to help listeners stay informed and oriented—without overwhelm, fear, or chasing headlines. This episode introduces a new recurring structure focused on three areas that directly shape autoimmune care: advocacy, research, and community education. Mickey is joined by three regular contributors who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to these conversations. First, Jamie-Nicole Martin, chronic illness advocate and founder of the AIP BIPOC Network, joins Mickey to discuss autoimmune awareness, systems-level advocacy, and community-based initiatives designed to improve equity, access, and representation in autoimmune care. Next, Sybil Cooper, PhD, immunologist and AIP Certified Coach, breaks down recent research shaping the autoimmune landscape, including a major Mayo Clinic study on autoimmune disease prevalence and the significance of the 2025 Nobel Prize recognition of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Finally, Jaime Hartman, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, host of the AIP Summit, and co-teacher of the AIP Certified Coach Program, shares updates from across the AIP community, including emerging education trends, Summit highlights, and professional training opportunities. Together, these conversations highlight why systemic change matters, what the latest science is actually telling us, and how community-centered education continues to evolve to support people living with autoimmune disease. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why autoimmune care is shaped by advocacy, research, and education—not just individual choicesHow Jamie-Nicole Martin and the AIP BIPOC Network support both personal healing and systems-level changeUpcoming advocacy events, including the ROCK Summit and ROCK Community ExpoHow monthly AIP BIPOC Roundtables create safer spaces for dialogue and collective insightKey findings from a large Mayo Clinic study explained by Sybil Cooper, PhDThe difference between prevalence and incidence—and why that distinction mattersWhich autoimmune conditions are most common and how patterns differ by sexWhy having multiple autoimmune diagnoses is more common than most people realizeWhat the Nobel Prize recognition of regulatory T...

    37 min
  8. Healing Isn’t Linear: A Personal Update and Big News (Ep 056)

    JAN 22

    Healing Isn’t Linear: A Personal Update and Big News (Ep 056)

    Episode 56: Healing Isn’t Linear: A Personal Update and Big NewsHealing with autoimmune disease is rarely a straight line. Even after long periods of stability, new symptoms, diagnoses, or life transitions can ask us to slow down, reassess, and adapt. In this deeply personal episode, Mickey shares an honest update on her health after more than a decade of relative stability—including a new autoimmune diagnosis she never expected. This episode reflects on what it looks like to live well with autoimmune disease through different seasons of life. Mickey walks through how her health has evolved over the past year, what she’s learned about stress, hormones, and perimenopause, and how she’s adapting her wellness routine now—not from a place of perfection, but from lived experience. In the second half of the episode, Mickey shares a long-held announcement: the official reveal of her new book, The New Autoimmune Protocol. She explains why she felt called to write it now, how AIP has evolved over the years, and what makes this resource different from anything she’s created before. This episode is for anyone navigating change in their health, feeling blindsided after years of doing “everything right,” or wondering what sustainable healing really looks like over the long term. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why healing with autoimmune disease is rarely linearWhat led to Mickey’s recent health changes and new diagnosisHow stress, workload, and hormonal shifts can influence autoimmune flaresThe connection between uveitis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritisHow Mickey approaches wellness and self-care in her current season of lifeWhat her personalized diet, movement, and supplement routine looks like nowWhy foundational habits matter more than wellness trends or “hacks”Why The New Autoimmune Protocol was written—and what makes it differentHow AIP has evolved into a more flexible, research-backed frameworkHow to support the book through pre-orders and upcoming events Resources:The New Autoimmune Protocol – Available for pre-order wherever books are soldLive Cover Reveal Event – January 31st at 11:00 AM PT on YouTube Episode Timeline:00:00 – Why healing isn’t linear & what this episode covers 02:28 – Mickey’s original autoimmune story and early AIP journey 08:38 – Building strength, stability, and resilience over time 10:53 – A reminder that ongoing support still matters 13:06 – A year of integration, reflection, and new ideas 15:53 – Book production, overexertion, and the first uveitis flare 20:50 – A second flare and the search for answers 24:13 – A...

    50 min
4.7
out of 5
328 Ratings

About

The Autoimmune Wellness Podcast is brought to you by Mickey Trescott, MSc., a functional nutritionist, chef, and author of three best-selling books: The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, and The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen. After personally navigating life with Hashimoto’s disease and celiac disease, Mickey is passionate about empowering others to take charge of their health. She is the creator of the AIP Certified Coach Practitioner Training Program and co-founder of Autoimmune Wellness, a platform dedicated to helping people find a path to healing using the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Her approach blends evidence-based principles from both natural and conventional medicine to give those with autoimmune disease their best chance at a vibrant, healthy life. This podcast was originally co-hosted with Angie Alt, NTC, CHC, who helped launch the show and contributed significantly to its early success through her advocacy and personal story of living with endometriosis, lichen sclerosis, and celiac disease. For more information on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), visit autoimmunewellness.com.

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