The Autoimmune RESET

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2052963/open_sms] In this episode, we’re uncovering a misunderstood and often hidden contributor to chronic symptoms in autoimmunity: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) — and why your body may be reacting to food, supplements, and even stress like it’s under constant attack. Join VJ Hamilton, registered nutritionist and autoimmune health specialist, as we dive into the science behind MCAS, how it overlaps with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, and what you can do to calm your immune system from the inside out. You’ll discover: * What MCAS is and how it mimics or overlaps with other autoimmune and chronic illnesses * Why some people produce too much histamine and can’t clear it effectively — the “double whammy” of MCAS and histamine intolerance * Root causes and triggers of MCAS, including mould exposure, infections, oestrogen dominance, and nervous system dysregulation * How trauma, chronic stress, and vagus nerve dysfunction keep your immune system on high alert * Nervous system tools that help “retrain” mast cells — including somatic therapy, vagus nerve practices, and Nurosym * The role of supplements like quercetin, vitamin C, luteolin, DAO enzyme, and magnesium glycinate in calming mast cells * When to seek help and how to navigate MCAS testing and therapeutic trials with the right support Plus, I share practical, evidence-informed strategies to reduce triggers, nourish your nervous system, and take a systems-based approach to MCAS — even without a formal diagnosis. Resources Mentioned in the Episode 🧠 Explore Nurosym [https://nurosym.com?sca_ref=6901134.g8QWJXGUcoWM] – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support nervous system balance and reduce immune overactivation. Use code VictoriaH10 for 10% off at checkout. 📄 Download: Low histamine diet– www.histaminintoleranz.ch/downloads/SIGHI-Leaflet_HistamineEliminationDiet.pdf 🛒 Shop BodyBio – Trusted, practitioner-quality supplements for immune and cellular health. Use code VJ15 for 15% off at bodybio [https://bodybio.co.uk/AUTOIMMUNITY]. Perfect for you if: * You have an autoimmune condition and still struggle with unexplained flares, fatigue, or food reactivity * You’ve been told your labs are normal, but you know something deeper is going on * You want a root-cause approach to immune dysregulation, not just symptom suppression * You’re curious about the link between trauma, stress, and chronic inflammation 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. Some resources or products mentioned in this episode may include affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools and products I believe in and use with clients. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2052963/open_sms] IBS, Leaky Gut & Autoimmune Arthritis: The LPS Connection You Need to Know In this episode, we’re exploring a hidden driver behind joint pain, chronic bloating, and immune dysfunction: the link between IBS, leaky gut, and autoimmune arthritis — and how a molecule called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may be at the root of it all. Join VJ Hamilton, registered nutritionist and autoimmune health specialist, as we unpack the science connecting gut permeability, systemic inflammation, and immune overactivation. You’ll discover why gut health is never just about digestion — and how the state of your microbiome can influence everything from your joints to your energy levels. We also dive into: * What LPS is and how it triggers inflammatory pathways in autoimmune disease * Why people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions often show signs of gut dysbiosis * The latest research on TLR4, LPS-binding protein, and the immune response in arthritis * How to tell if gut permeability could be contributing to your symptoms (even without a formal diagnosis) * Practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce LPS load and support gut-immune resilience Plus, if you’re ready to reduce inflammation from the inside out, I share key tools and resources that can help you identify hidden triggers, nourish your gut lining, and take a systems-based approach to managing autoimmunity. Resources Mentioned in the Episode 🧃 Join The Spring Juice RESET [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/springreset?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab2zlGcm9cjBwqJ63ClwL4VcOZQOBBHZW5c4Vba3lSe6uttZrMgqNSpEv4_aem_vB3_8tqXQIn246a8dUgGbQ] – A gentle 5-day protocol to support your liver, lymph, gut, and immune system (starting 8 April) 🔬 Read: At-Home Gut Health Testing Guide [https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/before-you-test-5-ways-to-check-in-on-your-gut-health-at-home] – How to test for gut imbalances and what markers to look for 🧠 Explore Nurosym [https://nurosym.com/?sca_ref=6901134.g8QWJXGUcoWM] – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support stress resilience and inflammation reduction. Use code VictoriaH10 for 10% off at checkout.  Perfect for you if: * You’re dealing with autoimmune arthritis, chronic gut issues, or unexplained inflammation * You’ve been told you have IBS, but suspect something deeper is going on * You’re looking for science-backed, root-cause approaches to immune and gut health The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or protocols — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition. Some resources or products mentioned in this episode may include affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only recommend what I truly believe in and use in practice. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2052963/open_sms] Hashimoto’s, Fatigue & Brain Fog: Latest Research Reveals the Immune-Thyroid Link  In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most frustrating and misunderstood aspects of Hashimoto’s: the relentless fatigue and brain fog that so many people experience—even when their thyroid labs appear “normal.” Join VJ Hamilton, registered nutritionist and autoimmune health specialist, as we explore the latest research linking immune system activity, neuroinflammation, and thyroid dysfunction. You’ll learn why Hashimoto’s is far more than a thyroid condition, how quinolinic acid and microglial activation contribute to mental sluggishness, and why fatigue isn’t just about sleep—it's about inflammation, nutrient status, and mitochondrial function. We also dive into: * Why conventional thyroid testing often misses the root of your symptoms * The gut–immune–thyroid axis and how it affects your energy and clarity * The role of chronic stress and poor T3 conversion in cognitive decline * Practical, evidence-informed strategies to support your brain, immune system, and thyroid health Plus, if you’re ready to go deeper and finally feel like yourself again, I share how the Thyroid Revival programme can help you reset, rebuild, and revive—offering a guided, personalised path out of fatigue and into clarity. Resources Mentioned in the Episode 🧃 Join The Spring Juice RESET [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/springreset?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab2zlGcm9cjBwqJ63ClwL4VcOZQOBBHZW5c4Vba3lSe6uttZrMgqNSpEv4_aem_vB3_8tqXQIn246a8dUgGbQ] – A gentle 5-day protocol to support your liver, lymph, gut, and immune system (starting 8 April) 🦋 Explore The Thyroid Revival [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/ThyroidRevival] – A 3-month personalised plan to support thyroid, gut, adrenal, and liver health 🔬 Read: At-Home Gut Health Testing Guide [https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/before-you-test-5-ways-to-check-in-on-your-gut-health-at-home] – How to test for gut imbalances and what markers to look for 🧠 Explore Nurosym [https://nurosym.com/?sca_ref=6901134.g8QWJXGUcoWM] – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support stress resilience and inflammation reduction. Use code VictoriaH10 for 10% off at checkout.  Perfect for you if: * You have Hashimoto’s or suspect thyroid dysfunction * You’re tired of being told your labs are “normal” but still feel off * You’re seeking science-backed tools to improve your energy and mental focus The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your medication, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed thyroid condition or are currently taking thyroid hormone replacement. Some of the products or resources mentioned in this episode may include affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through those links — at no additional cost to you. I only ever recommend products I truly believe in and have either used personally or professionally with clients. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2052963/open_sms] Could Your Detox Protocol Be Doing More Harm Than Good? Detoxing is everywhere – from green juices to liver cleanses – but could your detox routine be making your autoimmune symptoms worse? In this episode, VJ Hamilton breaks down the truth about detoxification and what most people get wrong, especially when it comes to hormone balance, gut health, and autoimmune flares. If you've ever felt worse after trying to “cleanse,” this is the episode you need. You’ll learn:  ✔ How your body’s detox pathways really work (Phase 1, 2, and 3)  ✔ Why supporting your liver, bile flow, and gut is non-negotiable for autoimmune health  ✔ The impact of internal toxins like excess oestrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormone metabolites  ✔ How signs like skin breakouts, fatigue, and brain fog might be linked to sluggish detox  ✔ The truth about green tea, broccoli sprouts, binders – and why more isn’t always better Plus, VJ introduces The Spring Juice RESET – designed specifically for those with autoimmunity who want to support detox gently and effectively, without triggering a flare. Resources Mentioned in the Episode 🧃 Join The Spring Juice RESET [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/springreset?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab2zlGcm9cjBwqJ63ClwL4VcOZQOBBHZW5c4Vba3lSe6uttZrMgqNSpEv4_aem_vB3_8tqXQIn246a8dUgGbQ] – A gentle 5-day protocol to support your liver, lymph, gut, and immune system (starting 8 April) 🦋 Explore The Thyroid Revival [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/ThyroidRevival] – A 3-month personalised plan to support thyroid, gut, adrenal, and liver health 🔬 Read: At-Home Gut Health Testing Guide [https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/before-you-test-5-ways-to-check-in-on-your-gut-health-at-home] – How to test for gut imbalances and what markers to look for 🧠 Explore Nurosym [https://nurosym.com?sca_ref=6901134.g8QWJXGUcoWM] – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support stress resilience and inflammation reduction. Use code VictoriaH10 for 10% off at checkout.  🎙️ Want more episodes like this? Don’t miss Is NAD+ the key to fighting autoimmune fatigue & inflammation? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nad-hype-can-it-help-autoimmune-disease-natural-alternatives/id1646389917?i=1000698460110] Ready for change? Download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/TheAutoimmunityRecoveryPlan] so you can get started. Prefer 1:1 support or want to explore functional testing? Find all my services here [https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/nutrition-and-functional-medicine-consultations/].  Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2052963/open_sms] If you’re battling debilitating period pain, fatigue, digestive issues, or unexplained infertility, this episode is for you. Endometriosis is often seen as just a hormonal condition—but mounting evidence shows it may also have an autoimmune and inflammatory root. In this episode, we explore the endometriosis-autoimmunity connection, the wide range of symptoms that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, and the underlying root causes—from immune dysfunction and gut imbalance to oestrogen dominance and toxin exposure. We also discuss the often-overlooked link with iron deficiency, and why managing endometriosis requires more than hormone suppression or surgery. You’ll walk away with dietary strategies, lifestyle tools, and an empowered perspective to better support your body and take back control. Check Out the Resources Mentioned in the Podcast: * Interested in DUTCH Plus Testing? Find out more here [https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/product/dutch-hormone-panel-health-consultation/].  * Looking for a simple yet effective way to calm your nervous system? Check out Nurosym here [https://nurosym.com/?sca_ref=6901134.g8QWJXGUcoWM] —and as a subscriber, use code "VictoriaH10" for 10% off at checkout. * Ready for change? Download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here [https://vjhamilton.kartra.com/page/TheAutoimmunityRecoveryPlan] so you can get started. * Prefer 1:1 support or want to explore functional testing? Find all my services here [https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/nutrition-and-functional-medicine-consultations/].  * Learn more about the Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen list here [https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/]. * Want to give your gut health a real boost? Symprove is offering 50% off a 3-month subscription with code AN50 – a solid option if you’re looking to support your microbiome this spring. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.