In this episode of The One Thing Podcast, Dr. Sarah Nasir shares her visionary approach to treating addiction through a deeply integrative and compassionate lens. As an osteopathic physician and founder of Zara Care, she is reshaping addiction recovery by combining primary care with holistic healing, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Nasir opens up about her personal transformation from stigmatizing addiction to becoming a leading voice for destigmatization in medicine. She explains how visual storytelling and simplified communication are critical tools for building trust with patients. We explore medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the science behind opioid addiction, and why healing isn't just about abstinence but creating a life of purpose.

You'll hear how she uses metaphors, guided imagery, and Eastern philosophy to help patients reconnect with their inner strength, and why she believes everyone is “greatness in progress.” If you’re a clinician, caregiver, or simply someone interested in what it means to treat addiction with empathy and science, this episode is a must-watch.

🔗 Learn more: https://zenaracare.com

00:00 Introduction and sponsor message
01:06 Meet Dr. Sarah Nasir and Zara Care
03:44 Why addiction medicine? A personal evolution
09:01 Meaning behind the name “Zara”
12:33 Six dimensions of holistic healing
14:41 What integrative addiction care looks like
18:00 Core principles: trust, communication, and balance
20:05 MAT explained with visual metaphors
25:10 Recovery phases: induction, maintenance, taper
30:33 Storytelling tools in patient care
31:51 Fixing systemic gaps in addiction treatment
35:40 Dr. Nasir’s long-term vision for Zara
38:35 Final thoughts and call to action

Attention listeners: Since 2019, we have been providing free content that is life-changing and valuable. The expense of producing a high-level podcast depends on your generosity; please support us through our affiliate sponsors.

You can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like ⁠⁠Healthgevity⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)

In this episode, Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back microbiologist and PolyBio Research Foundation co-founder Dr. Amy Proal. Together, they unravel a framework for understanding chronic illnesses through the lens of persistent infections and their impact on mitochondria, immunity, and neurological health.

Dr. Proal shares cutting-edge research linking pathogens like herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and even latent parasites to conditions like Alzheimer’s, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, and more. Discover how stealth microbes can disrupt the vagus nerve, hijack mitochondrial energy systems, and weaken immune responses, setting the stage for a cascade of chronic dysfunctions.

The conversation dives deep into the role of immune modulation, including promising findings around low-dose rapamycin and its potential to restore immune signaling and combat viral persistence. They also explore diet, metabolic interventions, and new clinical trials shaping the future of treatment.

Whether you’re a patient, practitioner, or curious mind, this episode offers profound insight into the evolving science of chronic illness and hope for emerging therapies. 🌱

🕰 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro + Sponsor Healthgevity⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)
01:04 – Meet Dr. Amy Proal
03:14 – Chronic infection’s hidden role in disease
07:09 – Alzheimer’s and pathogens in the brain
13:16 – Viral persistence and the vagus nerve
15:37 – Spectrum of microbes linked to illness
18:51 – PolyBio’s research focus: long COVID & mitochondria
20:11 – How viruses hijack mitochondria
25:46 – Immune dysregulation, interferons & mTOR
27:41 – The promise of low-dose rapamycin
32:32 – Rapamycin vs. Metformin vs. Keto
36:25 – Chronic infection & metabolic downshift
39:31 – Early observations from rapamycin use
43:13 – Natural killer cells & new immunotherapy
46:15 – Final thoughts + how to support PolyBio

🎧 Follow the One Thing Podcast for more deep dives into root-cause medicine and emerging research.
📢 Learn more at polybio.org and support their transformative work.

You can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like ⁠Healthgevity⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)Full Show notes can be found at https://www.onethingpod.com/episode-117-the-hidden-microbial-drivers-of-chronic-illness-with-dr-amy-proal/

This week on The One Thing Podcast, host Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back renowned rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen to dive deep into her groundbreaking new book, "Detoxify" (releasing May 2025!).

Forget extreme deprivation and unsustainable measures. Dr. Cohen shares her balanced, practical, and science-backed approach to navigating the environmental toxins that challenge our bodies daily. Learn how to reduce your body's burden, support your immune system, and gain peace of mind by focusing not just on avoiding toxins, but also on adding supportive nutrients and lifestyle habits that fit into real life. This is essential listening for anyone looking to optimize their health in the modern world!

Tune in to discover:

• • (00:00) How you can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like Healthgevity (use code ONETHING for 10% off).

  • (02:34) An introduction to Dr. Cohen's new book, "Detoxify," and how it complements her previous work, offering a more user-friendly framework.

  • (04:18) Dr. Cohen’s "Four A’s" framework (Assess, Avoid/Swap, Add, and Allow) for navigating environmental health simply and effectively.

  • (06:59) Why our bodies, unexposed to such a high load of synthetic chemicals throughout evolution, yearn for removal and support.

  • (09:47) The accessible and motivating 21-day plan in "Detoxify" designed to help you get started without overwhelm.

  • (11:24) Who is most susceptible to immune toxicity and can benefit most from this approach, including those with and without diagnosed autoimmune conditions.

  • (14:32) Dr. Cohen explains autoimmunity in simple terms – what’s happening when your immune system feels "supercharged" against itself.

  • (18:11) The mechanisms: How toxins impact the immune system and why lowering the overall chemical load is key.

  • (22:52) Shifting from fear to resilience: Making sustainable choices and building a healthier internal environment.

  • (25:03) Practical, high-yield changes: The surprising benefits and accessibility of USDA organic frozen foods.

  • (26:34) Dr. Cohen’s sensible approach to assessment – utilizing questionnaires and strategic, insurance-covered blood tests over expensive, broad panels.

  • (39:28) The "Three S's" for natural detoxification and well-being: Sleep, Stress management, and Sweat (and how our bodies are designed for them!).

  • (44:06) Powerhouse foods for detoxification: Why cruciferous vegetables are standouts and how food truly can be medicine.

  • (47:51) Maintaining hope for future generations: Dr. Cohen’s perspective on educating children about environmental health.

  • (53:54) Where to find Dr. Aly Cohen online, including her Smart Human Podcast and resources at smarthuman.com.

Learn more about Dr. Cohen at The Smart Human

See her new book Detoxify: https://www.amazon.com/Detoxify-Everyday-Toxins-Harming-Against/dp/1668033534.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with friends, family, and anyone you think might benefit from this essential information!

• #Detoxify #DrAlyCohen #TheOneThingPodcast #EnvironmentalHealth