309: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: Long COVID and The Rise of Autoimmunity with Dr. Aristo Vojdani
Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD
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Show Notes
In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan explores the complex and rapidly evolving science behind Long COVID and autoimmune disease with Dr. Aristo Vojdani, a leading expert in immunology and functional medicine.
Dr. Vojdani shares decades of groundbreaking research into how the immune system becomes dysregulated, revealing how infections, environmental toxins, and food antigens can trigger autoimmune reactions through mechanisms like molecular mimicry and gut permeability.
The conversation dives deep into how SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and HHV6 contribute to Long COVID and neuroautoimmune conditions, as well as how early detection through advanced laboratory testing may help prevent disease progression.
This episode offers powerful insights for both clinicians and patients seeking to understand the root causes of autoimmunity and chronic illness in the post-COVID era.
🔑 5 Key Discussions
① 🧬 The Three Pillars of Autoimmunity ⇨ Autoimmune disease is often triggered by a combination of infections, environmental toxins, and food sensitivities. ⇨ These factors interact with genetic predisposition to drive immune dysregulation.
② 🦠 Long COVID and Viral Reactivation ⇨ Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, EBV, and HHV6 can reactivate and contribute to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. ⇨ These infections may act as superantigens, overstimulating the immune system.
③ 🧪 Toxins and the Exposome ⇨ Environmental toxins such as PFAS, nanoplastics, and glyphosate can bind to proteins and create new antigens. ⇨ These exposures play a major role in triggering autoimmune responses.
④ 🦠 Gut Permeability and Immune Activation ⇨ "Leaky gut" allows toxins, food antigens, and microbial byproducts to enter circulation. ⇨ This triggers systemic inflammation and increases autoimmune risk.
⑤ 🔬 Predictive Antibodies and Early Detection ⇨ Autoimmune markers such as ANA and ENA can appear years before disease symptoms. ⇨ Early detection allows for intervention and potential prevention of disease progression.
⭐ Key Takeaways
🔹 Autoimmune diseases are driven by multiple triggers, including infections, toxins, and dietary factors. 🔹 Long COVID is strongly linked to viral reactivation and immune dysregulation. 🔹 Environmental exposures such as nanoplastics and PFAS play a growing role in autoimmunity. 🔹 Gut health is critical in preventing immune activation and chronic inflammation. 🔹 Early detection using predictive antibodies and advanced testing can change disease outcomes.
👨⚕️ Guest Biography
Aristo Vojdani obtained his MSc and PhD in microbiology and clinical immunology from Bar-Ilan University, Israel, postdoctoral studies in comparative immunology at UCLA and tumor immunology at Charles Drew/UCLA School of Medicine and Science.
He is a Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, California. His ongoing research focuses on the role of environmental triggers in complex diseases, and he developed more than 350 antibody assays for the detection of autoimmune disorders. He is the CEO of Immunosciences Lab, California, the Chief Scientific Officer for Cyrex Labs in Arizona, and sits on the editorial board of 5 scientific journals.
His awards include the Herbert J. Rinkel Award (AAEM), the Linus Pauling, PhD Award (ACAM), the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2023 Linus Pauling Award (IFM).