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. Troubleshooting AIP: How to Identify What’s Going Wrong | Deep Dive (Ep 084)

    6D AGO

    Troubleshooting AIP: How to Identify What’s Going Wrong | Deep Dive (Ep 084)

    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 success Resources: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 AIP Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Why AIP doesn’t always go as expected 03:05 – What troubleshooting actually means 06:32 – When to troubleshoot—and when not to 09:51 – The three layers of troubleshooting 10:15 – Implementation challenges 11:58 – Physiological adjustments 13:41 – Underlying medical factors 14:57 – Troubleshooting across AIP phases 15:07 – Transition phase challenges 18:59 – Elimination phase troubleshooting 22:41 – Reintroduction phase challenges 25:19 – The mindset of troubleshooting 27:41 – Key takeaways and closing

    31 min
  2. The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow, NP (Ep 083)

    APR 27

    The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow, NP (Ep 083)

    Episode 83: The Menopause Gut — A Gut-Centered Approach to Perimenopause with Cynthia Thurlow, NPWhat if the return of symptoms in midlife isn’t a setback—but a signal? What if shifting hormones during perimenopause and menopause are actively reshaping your gut, your immune system, and your resilience? In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, I’m joined by Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and expert in perimenopause and metabolic health. Her new book, The Menopause Gut, explores how hormonal changes in midlife impact the microbiome, immune regulation, and inflammation—and what women can do to adapt. This conversation is especially relevant for the autoimmune community. Many women experience stable symptoms for years, only to find new flares, food sensitivities, sleep disruption, or anxiety emerging in their 40s. We explore why this happens, how estrogen and progesterone shifts influence gut and immune function, and how to support your body through this transition with clarity and intention. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why perimenopause can trigger new autoimmune symptoms—even after years of stabilityHow declining estrogen reshapes the gut microbiome and increases inflammationThe connection between hormone fluctuations, histamine, and new food sensitivitiesWhy perimenopause is a time of increased autoimmune risk (and what that means)How microbiome diversity influences immune tolerance and gut permeabilityThe role of stress, sleep, and the nervous system in midlife immune healthHow bone density is connected to gut health and inflammationWhy “gray area” foods can become more reactive during hormonal shiftsFoundational strategies for supporting gut and immune health in midlifeHow hormone replacement therapy (HRT) fits into an autoimmune-aware approach Resources:Cynthia Thurlow, NP Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com Instagram: @cynthia_thurlow_ Facebook: The Midlife Pause Podcast: Everyday WellnessBook: The Menopause Gut Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Why midlife symptoms aren’t a failure of your protocol 02:25 – Introducing Cynthia Thurlow 04:20 – What perimenopause and menopause actually are 13:02 – How the microbiome changes in midlife 17:01 – Microbiome diversity and immune tolerance 22:47 – Estrogen, histamine, and new food sensitivities 30:57 – Bone density, inflammation, and gut health 37:37 – Practical strategies for gut and immune support 44:57 – Hormone replacement therapy and autoimmunity 50:31 – Wrap-up and closing

    55 min
  3. Kitchen Confidence: The Lazy Person’s AIP Meal Template | Small Bite (Ep 082)

    APR 23

    Kitchen Confidence: The Lazy Person’s AIP Meal Template | Small Bite (Ep 082)

    Kitchen Confidence: The Lazy Person’s AIP Meal Template (Small Bite) | Episode 82If you’ve ever felt like AIP requires too much thinking in the kitchen, you’re not wrong. Between figuring out what to cook, how to combine ingredients, and whether you have what you need, relying on recipes for every meal can quickly become overwhelming. But AIP doesn’t have to feel that complicated. In this Small Bite episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott introduces a simpler approach: flexible meal templates that take the guesswork out of cooking. Instead of starting from scratch every time, these templates give you a repeatable structure you can use with whatever ingredients you have on hand—making meals easier, faster, and more sustainable. You’ll hear about:Why relying on recipes can increase decision fatigueHow meal templates simplify everyday AIP cookingThe foundational formula: protein + vegetables + fatHow to batch cook and mix-and-match meals throughout the weekThe skillet meal method for quick, one-pan cookingHow to layer ingredients for better texture and flavorThe “fridge dump” soup and stew approach for using leftoversHow to build a satisfying, balanced “big salad”Why flexible structure supports long-term consistency You don’t need more recipes to succeed on AIP—you need a system that works on your busiest days. ResourcesThe New Autoimmune Protocol – Pre-Order Episode Timeline 00:00 – Why AIP can feel like too much thinking 01:09 – Template 1: Protein + vegetables + fat 04:41 – Template 2: Skillet meal 08:16 – Template 3: Soup or stew 11:40 – Template 4: The big salad 14:00 – Recap & next steps

    17 min
  4. AIP Community Q2 Update: Events, Advocacy & Research (Ep 081)

    APR 20

    AIP Community Q2 Update: Events, Advocacy & Research (Ep 081)

    Episode 81: AIP Community Update — Events, Advocacy & ResearchLiving with autoimmune disease is deeply personal—but the systems that shape diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outcomes extend far beyond the individual. Research advancements, policy decisions, and community-led initiatives all play a role in what care looks like today—and what becomes possible in the future. In this second Quarterly Community Update episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott zooms out to explore what’s currently unfolding across the autoimmune landscape. These quarterly conversations are designed to keep you informed and grounded—without overwhelm—so you can better understand the bigger picture while navigating your own healing journey. This episode focuses on three key areas shaping autoimmune care in real time: research, advocacy, and community education. Mickey is joined by three returning contributors who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to these important conversations. First, Sybil Cooper, PhD, immunologist and AIP Certified Coach, breaks down emerging research on CAR-T therapy—an innovative and highly targeted treatment approach that may transform how autoimmune disease is treated in the future. Next, Jamie-Nicole Martin, chronic illness advocate and founder of the AIP BIPOC Network, shares insights from recent advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, along with updates on community-driven initiatives like the ROCK Summit and ROCK the Block, which aim to improve awareness, access, and equity in autoimmune care. Finally, Jaime Hartman, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, AIP Summit organizer, and co-teacher of the AIP Certified Coach Program, discusses trends within the AIP community, including how coaching support is evolving and how more practitioners worldwide are integrating AIP into their work. Together, these conversations highlight how innovation in research, progress in advocacy, and growth in community education are all interconnected—and why they matter for anyone living with autoimmune disease. In this episode, you’ll learn:What CAR-T therapy is and why it represents a promising new direction in autoimmune treatmentHow CAR-T differs from traditional systemic treatments by targeting specific immune cellsWhy this research could shift the conversation from symptom management toward potential remission or cureHow advocacy efforts are pushing for increased autoimmune research funding and policy changeThe role of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research and why coordinated data mattersCommon barriers patients face with insurance, including step therapy and copay policiesHow community-based events like ROCK the Block and ROCK Summit are improving awareness and accessWhy advocacy happens at both the individual and systems level—and how they connectWhere people commonly get stuck on AIP, especially during reintroductionsHow AIP Certified Coaches provide personalized support to help navigate those challengesHow the AIP community is expanding globally, with more practitioners and diverse specialtiesPractical ways to find AIP-trained support and connect with ongoing education Resources:AIP BIPOC Network – Advocacy initiatives, events, and community programsAIP BIPOC Network Donation Link – Support ongoing advocacy and programmingAutoimmune Association – Advocacy resources and policy initiativesOffice of Autoimmune Disease Research (NIH) – Federal research coordination effortsAIP Summit – Annual event, replays, and community accessAIP Certified Coach Program & Practitioner Directory – Professional training and global directory Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction to the Quarterly Community Update series 01:10 – Meet the recurring contributors 02:31 – Research update with Sybil Cooper, PhD 03:07 – What is CAR-T therapy? 07:08 – Future implications of CAR-T for autoimmune disease 10:33 – Advocacy update with Jamie-Nicole Martin 11:25 – Autoimmune Association fly-in and policy efforts 16:25 – ROCK Summit & ROCK the Block recap 20:07 – Upcoming initiatives from AIP BIPOC Network 21:49 – Community trends with Jaime Hartman 22:47 – How AIP Certified Coaches support clients 25:59 – Trends in the current AIP coaching community 28:50 – How to find the right AIP Certified Coach 32:02 – Closing reflections and wrap-up

    34 min
  5. Flare to Flow: Emmitt Henderson III on Lupus, Identity, and Advocacy (Ep 080)

    APR 16

    Flare to Flow: Emmitt Henderson III on Lupus, Identity, and Advocacy (Ep 080)

    Episode 80: From Flare to Flow — Emmitt Henderson III on Lupus, Identity, and AdvocacyHealing stories are often told once there’s a clear path—but autoimmune life is often lived in uncertainty, advocacy, and difficult decisions. In this episode, Mickey talks with Emmitt Henderson III, lupus patient and founder of Male Lupus Warriors, about navigating life with a complex and often misunderstood condition. Emmitt shares his decades-long journey to diagnosis, his experience living with lupus as a man, and what it’s like to face stage four kidney failure while continuing to advocate for others. This conversation offers perspective for anyone navigating uncertainty, advocating for themselves in the medical system, or learning how to keep showing up—even when the path forward isn’t clear. In this episode, you’ll learn:What it’s like to live with lupus and face complications like kidney failureWhy lupus is often misunderstood—especially in menHow delays in diagnosis can shape the autoimmune experienceWhat it means to advocate for yourself within the medical systemHow Emmitt stays motivated while navigating serious health challengesThe role of community and representation in chronic illnessWhat to know about kidney donation and donor exchange programsWhy sharing your story can help others feel less aloneHow to stay grounded and keep going during uncertain seasons Resources:Male Lupus Warriors Website Emmitt's Email: malelupuswarriors@gmail.comAutoimmune Association – Advocacy and autoimmune disease supportKidney Donation Screening Episode Timeline:00:00 – Introduction to Flare to Flow and living in uncertainty 01:15 – Meet Emmitt Henderson III 02:12 – Emmitt’s lupus diagnosis journey 05:08 – Navigating kidney failure and transplant uncertainty 06:29 – Advocacy and representation in autoimmune disease 08:11 – Understanding kidney donation and donor exchange 10:06 – Message for those struggling right now 11:12 – Male Lupus Warriors and community support 12:44 – Wrap-up and closing

    15 min
  6. Ask Mickey Anything: Your Biggest AIP Questions, Answered (Ep 079)

    APR 13

    Ask Mickey Anything: Your Biggest AIP Questions, Answered (Ep 079)

    Episode 79: Ask Mickey Anything — Your Biggest AIP Questions, AnsweredIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing AIP right,” you’re not alone. From navigating the early days of elimination to troubleshooting plateaus, managing low energy, and figuring out how to make this work in real life—there are so many questions that come up along the way. In this special Q&A episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey answers listener-submitted questions from across the community, covering both the practical and emotional sides of the Autoimmune Protocol. She walks through common challenges like symptom flare-ups in the first few weeks, what to do if you’re not seeing results, how to handle reintroductions without fear, and how to make AIP sustainable long term. She also dives into bigger-picture topics like personalization, research, and the future of autoimmune care. This episode is a reminder that AIP isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning, adapting, and finding what works for your body over time. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why symptoms can temporarily worsen in the first weeks of AIPHow to troubleshoot when you’re not seeing improvement after 1–2 monthsCommon reasons AIP “isn’t working” (and what to look at first)How to navigate low energy, flares, or limited capacity for cookingPractical strategies for eating out or using meal shortcuts on AIPHow to think about supplements, fillers, and what’s actually necessaryWhy fear around reintroductions is common—and how to move forward safelyHow to approach reintroductions without triggering anxiety or over-restrictionWhat to do after a failed reintroduction (and how to continue progressing)How to make AIP sustainable long term without feeling deprivedThe relationship between structure and bio-individuality in AIPWhat the research says about common trigger foodsWhy AIP is not a replacement for medical care or medicationHow to advocate for more autoimmune research and better care Resources:The New Autoimmune Protocol (Book + Preorder Community)Episode 58: The 3 Meal Safety NetUrban AIP Meal DeliveryAutoimmune AssociationAIP BIPOC Network Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Q&A episode 01:22 – Is it normal for symptoms to worsen early on AIP? 05:02 – Two months on AIP with no improvement 11:04 – Real-life barriers: energy, cooking, and access 17:36 – Supplements and AIP compatibility 22:43 – Fear of reintroductions 27:43 – Reintroduction strategy and failed attempts 32:53 – Getting back to AIP after life changes 38:17 – Personalization vs protocol structure 41:33 – Common trigger foods and medication expectations 46:20 – Troubleshooting setbacks and research advocacy 51:21 – Wrap-up and closing

    54 min
  7. Kitchen Confidence: 5 AIP Flavor Boosters That Make Everything Taste Better | Small Bite (Ep 078)

    APR 9

    Kitchen Confidence: 5 AIP Flavor Boosters That Make Everything Taste Better | Small Bite (Ep 078)

    Kitchen Confidence: 5 AIP Flavor Boosters That Make Everything Taste Better (Small Bite) | Episode 78If you’ve ever started AIP and thought your meals taste a little flat or repetitive, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges—especially early on—is learning how to create satisfying, flavorful meals with a more limited ingredient list. And when food isn’t enjoyable, it becomes much harder to stay consistent. In this Small Bite episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott breaks down five simple, practical ways to build flavor in your AIP kitchen—without complicated recipes or extra effort. These foundational techniques can be layered into meals you’re already making, helping your food feel more balanced, interesting, and deeply satisfying. You’ll hear about:Why flavor matters for long-term AIP sustainabilityHow acid brightens and balances rich or heavy mealsWhy fresh herbs are one of the most powerful (and overlooked) toolsHow fermented foods add both tang and depthThe role of aromatics in building a strong flavor foundationWhat umami is and how to incorporate it on AIPSimple ways to upgrade everyday meals without extra complexityWhy small changes can dramatically improve how your food tastes Flavorful cooking on AIP doesn’t require more effort—it just requires the right building blocks. ResourcesThe New Autoimmune Protocol – Pre-OrderAIP Foundation Series (Free Email Course)The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen Episode Timeline00:00 – Why AIP meals can feel repetitive 01:54 – Flavor Booster #1: Acid 04:18 – Flavor Booster #2: Fresh herbs 07:36 – Flavor Booster #3: Fermented foods & brine 10:30 – Flavor Booster #4: Aromatics 12:39 – Flavor Booster #5: Umami 14:15 – Recap & practical next steps

    17 min
  8. How to Build a Nutrient-Dense Plate | Deep Dive (Ep 077)

    APR 6

    How to Build a Nutrient-Dense Plate | Deep Dive (Ep 077)

    Episode 77: How to Build a Nutrient-Dense Plate | Deep DiveIf you’ve spent any time learning about the Autoimmune Protocol, you’ve probably heard the phrase nutrient density come up again and again. But knowing that nutrient density matters—and actually putting it into practice—are two very different things. Because when you’re in your kitchen, planning meals or staring into your fridge, the real question isn’t what is nutrient density? It’s: What does a nutrient-dense plate actually look like? In this episode of the AIP Deep Dive series, Mickey breaks down how to build meals that consistently support healing, energy, and long-term health—without overcomplicating the process. She walks through both the science and the practical application, helping you move from theory into everyday implementation. Mickey explores how macronutrients and micronutrients work together, highlights the most nutrient-dense food categories, and shares her own simple framework for planning meals that are nourishing, varied, and sustainable. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why nutrient density is foundational to healing dietsHow macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) support energy, metabolism, and immune functionWhy protein is the anchor of a nutrient-dense plateThe role of carbohydrates in thyroid health, energy, and recoveryWhy fat is essential for hormones, absorption, and satietyWhat micronutrients are and why they drive healing at the cellular levelHow phytonutrients and “eating the rainbow” support the microbiome and inflammation balanceWhy fiber is critical for gut health and immune regulationThe role of fermented foods in increasing microbial diversityHow omega-3 rich seafood supports an anti-inflammatory gut environmentThe truth about organ meats and other nutrient-dense traditional foodsHow to think about nutrient density across a week (instead of perfecting every meal)A simple 5-step framework for building nutrient-dense meals in real lifeWhy sustainability matters more than perfection when it comes to healing Resources: Episode 65: Nutrient Density Research BreakdownThe New Autoimmune Protocol (Book) – A practical guide to building nutrient-dense, flexible AIP meals for real life. Includes recipes, meal templates, and strategies for sustainable healing.AIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with beginner tools, food lists, and meal planning support. Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Why nutrient density matters in practice 02:17 – Macronutrients overview: protein, carbs, fat 03:02 – Protein: needs, function, and why it anchors your plate 05:55 – Carbohydrates: energy, thyroid, and common misconceptions 07:48 – Fat: hormone support, absorption, and satiety 09:23 – Micronutrients: where healing really happens 11:20 – Phytonutrients and eating the rainbow 13:05 – Fiber and microbiome support 15:08 – Microbiome-supporting foods overview 15:36 – Fermented foods and microbial diversity 17:37 – Omega-3 seafood and inflammation balance 19:43 – Organ meats and nutrient density myths 22:00 – Bone broth and traditional foods 24:30 – How to apply this in real life 25:09 – Step 1: Start with protein 26:02 – Step 2: Plan vegetables and fruits 26:48 – Step 3: Add fermented foods 27:43 – Step 4: High-polyphenol smoothies 28:56 – Step 5: Simple meal templates 30:49 – Optional nutrient boosters 31:18 – Key takeaways and sustainability focus

    35 min
4.7
out of 5
337 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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