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Articles by Josh Redd
Epstein-Barr (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in humans and causes mononucleosis (also known as “mono”)
When the infection is symptomatic, the most common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. In most cases, the condition resolves in a few weeks, and the person goes back to normal. In other cases, the fatigue lingers, and the virus may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple autoimmune conditions—including Hashimoto’s.
The rise of autoimmunity in America
That’s just the ones who are diagnosed. Many more have undiagnosed autoimmune reactions and are the most misdiagnosed and overlooked patient population. Symptoms of autoimmunity vary depending on the tissue being attacked. However, symptoms of systemic inflammation are common. These include gut problems, skin rashes, chronic pain, inflammation and puffiness, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain or loss, hair loss, infertility, and symptoms that come and go.
Thyroid medication doesn’t address the root cause
While thyroid hormone meds are vital to treating low thyroid, they may not address WHY you have low thyroid in the first place -- over 80% of hypothyroid cases in the US are caused by an underlying autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s. Likewise, meds such as steroids do not address other autoimmune diseases, though they may sometimes be required during flare ups. Hashimoto’s and autoimmune disease mean an imbalanced immune system is attacking and destroying tissue in the body.
What causes poor sleep?
Many people struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. Some parents find this to be the case with their children too. Insomnia can be caused by common issues today, such as chronic inflammation and high blood sugar because of the standard American diet. Too much screen time on the phone, tablet, or tv at night is also a culprit. The blue light emitted by these screens tells our brains it’s daytime and produces hormones to wake us up. If you’re a parent, your kids could interfere with YOUR sleep.
Think being gluten-free is a fad? Think again
Wheat today is not the wheat our grandparents ate, and it is much more immune-reactive today. Studies have shown that rates of celiac disease have gone up significantly, not just because of increased awareness and diagnosis. Some research suggests rates of non-celiac gluten sensitivity affect 1–5% of the population. In autoimmune patients at our clinics, we see that number closer to 100%. What makes wheat so much more problematic these days?
Do you ever feel shame about your autoimmune condition?
Sometimes the most challenging thing about an autoimmune condition is that you don’t look sick. That makes it difficult for people to understand that when your symptoms flare up it affects how much you can participate in life. For instance, you might have to cancel attending a significant event or bow out of a responsibility you signed up for. Or you may even decline something pre-emptively because you risk triggering a flare-up and being bedbound with a relapse.
Self education is key in managing autoimmunity
One of the most common responses I get to my posts is that people can’t find a doctor to manage their autoimmunity. That puts you in the same category of about 99.99% of the population. There are painfully few practitioners—conventional or alternative—who understand how to manage autoimmunity. Here’s the thing – the most successful autoimmune patients are the ones who make the effort to learn how to manage their disease.
Brain damaging habits to avoid
10 “Normal” things that may be damaging your brain… Although they are normal everyday things for many people, these 10 factors could be causing brain inflammation in you: Conventional cleaning products, body products, perfumes, etc.: These products often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cause inflammation. They have also been linked to neurological disorders in numerous studies.
Diseases can be prevented and cured
The evidence is there, we have the research. But we are battling powerful and immensely wealthy forces in our society that have billions to spend on advertising, marketing, and influencing research and public health policy. One of the hardest things about practicing functional medicine is seeing how spiritually broken so many patients are when they get to us. The most common health disorders today can be managed or even prevented through changes to diet and lifestyle.
Reasons your hormones are messed up
It’s no wonder hormone imbalances are so common these days. We are exposed to between 80,000 to 100,000 synthetic toxic chemicals, as well as heavy metals, in our everyday lives, only a handful of which have been tested for human safety. Most people use these chemicals in their homes, on their body, and on their gardens and lawns. They are in our food, water, and air. We are exposed to far more toxins than our grandparents were 50 years ago.
More than 50 million people suffer from autoimmune disease
That’s just the ones who are diagnosed. Many more have undiagnosed autoimmune reactions and are the most misdiagnosed and overlooked patient population. Symptoms of autoimmunity vary depending on the tissue being attacked. However, symptoms of systemic inflammation are common. These include gut problems, skin rashes, chronic pain, inflammation and puffiness, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain or loss, hair loss, infertility, and symptoms that come and go.
The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset: A Complete Guide to Healing Your Immune System
. Jan. 2026. 272p. ISBN 9781668205341. $35. HEALTH COPY ISBN Readers wanting to take a deep dive into what is necessary for a reset of a body plagued by persistent inflammation need look no further than this well-researched debut book by functional medicine practitioner Redd. The book discusses the common causes of inflammation, why it is important to reduce inflammation, and how to reverse and reset inflammatory damage using exercise, good emotional health practices, and diet.
What’s the deal with added sugar consumption?
The rules around sugar can be confusing when all you hear is, “sugar is bad for you, eat less.” It's important to understand the difference between natural sugars and added sugars. Natural sugars are found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They are an intrinsic part of these foods and not added during processing. Examples of natural sugars include fructose in fruit and lactose in milk.
How to spot symptoms of inflammation
Inflammation is the leading cause of chronic disease in our country. However, most medical professionals don’t know how to test for it and don’t know how to find the mechanism driving it. Inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms: Fatigue Sleep issues Mood disorders Weight gain Hormone imbalances Autoimmunity Thyroid Dysfunction Chronic pain You can run and monitor simple labs to see if you have inflammation and if it’s improving.
Are you detoxing properly?
Researchers call detoxing liver biotransformation, but we’ll call it detoxing since that’s more popularly used. Many people’s detoxing is impaired by modern diets, lifestyle, and toxins. This can cause toxins and hormones to accumulate and increase their burden on the body, causing multiple symptoms and disorders.
Managing blood sugar is crucial for autoimmunity
The most overlooked but crucial factor in managing autoimmunity and inflammation is a blood sugar imbalance. This should always be a top priority if you’re serious about improving your symptoms. In more than 15 years of working with chronically ill patients, I've seen many fail to improve simply because they don’t deal with their blood sugar. Instead, they focus on exotic supplements, chelations, parasite cleanses, or radical diets.
Why your hormones are jacked up
There are several chemicals commonly found in beauty products that have been associated with hormone disruption. Some of these chemicals include: 1. Phthalates: These are commonly used as fragrance ingredients and plasticizers in cosmetics. They have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, as well as disruptions in hormone function. 2. Parabens: These are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Hidden sources of PFAS in your everyday products
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used chemicals thanks to their water- and grease-resistant properties. There are thousands of PFAS, with the most well-known being perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFAS are a concern because of their persistence in the environment and their bioaccumulation in our bodies. PFAS do not break down easily and accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms over time. They also accumulate in our bodies.
Let's talk about fiber
Fiber is great—it helps with satiation, promotes regular bowel movements, supports a healthy gut microbiome, and promotes the synthesis of super-power signaling compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). But not all fibers are created equally and individual tolerance to fiber varies. You need to find what works best for you through trial and error. Standard guidelines suggest women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams.
The anti-inflammatory diet for Hashimoto’s and Autoimmunity
When presenting an anti-inflammatory diet to patients, the most common response is, “Then what will I eat?!?” When the bulk of your diet consists of bread, noodles, cheese, yogurt, fast food, pancakes, waffles, egg dishes, etc., I understand an anti-inflammatory diet looks severe and forbidding. But there’s a way to reframe this: It’s an adventure in exploring new things and creating new routines. It’s a declaration of radical self-care.
Do you eat enough protein?
It’s crazy how many healthy eaters don’t eat enough protein. For people dealing with autoimmunity, inflammation, gut issues, chronic health issues, or even just aging, it’s vitally important to eat enough protein. Why? Because the immune system runs on protein. If you have autoimmunity damaging glands and body tissue, your body needs enough protein to help them recover and repair. You need protein to regenerate gut tissue and repair a leaky gut.
What are GLP-1 inhibitors?
GLP-1 inhibitors such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have become popular and effective for weight loss and blood sugar control. However, they’re not without side effects. Keep in mind the following to mitigate potential risks: Monitor muscle mass loss with an InBody Scan: Weight loss typically involves some loss of muscle, too. Because GLP-1 inhibitors are such powerful appetite suppressants, it’s easy to undereat and lose too much muscle.
Do you have parasites?
Many people like to blame all chronic illnesses on just one thing – parasites being one of the most common. This is great for marketing parasite cleanses, but do you really have parasites? An easy and cheap screen is to evaluate your \*eosinophil levels\* on a standard blood test (CBC, or “complete blood count”). Eosinophils are white blood cells that increase in response to parasitic infestations.
Addressing the root cause in Hashimoto’s
Solely prescribing thyroid medication for autoimmune Hashimoto’s is like silencing a fire alarm in a burning house without extinguishing the fire itself. Thyroid medication is crucial in managing the low thyroid hormone levels that result from autoimmune thyroid damage. However, it doesn’t directly address the root cause of immune system dysfunction. In autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, the immune system mistakenly attacks body tissue, leading to its destruction.
“Normal” does not always mean optimal when it comes to labwork!
Have you ever gotten labs done because you suffer from: Fatigue Brain fog Hair loss Gut issues Joint pain Weight loss resistance Depression Loss of libido… …but your labs come back normal? You’re told things like you’re perfectly fine, it’s just aging, maybe you’re making it up, just eat right and exercise. Or you are prescribed an antidepressant. We’ve seen patient after patient come in with this story. That’s because standard blood tests screen for diseases instead of *trends* toward disease.
Cultivating gut harmony: prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
Ever wondered what those terms like prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic really mean and why it matters? The gut microbiome refers to the complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms in the digestive tract. Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome significantly impacts overall health.
Could overly high blood sugar be contributing to your symptoms?
People are always looking for the magic supplement or protocol, but honestly, blood sugar imbalances are probably the most common disorder we see – blood sugar spikes cause chaos in the body’s other systems.
Is your labwork telling the whole story?
Have you ever gotten labs done because you suffer from the following? Fatigue Brain fog Hair loss Gut issues Joint pain Weight gain Weight loss resistance Depression Loss of libido Chronic pain Yet, your labs came back normal? We see this all the time with our patients. They feel terrible, they have all sorts of symptoms, yet their labwork from their doctor’s appointment comes back with everything in the “normal” range.
Are you and your family eating too much sugar?
The rules around sugar can be confusing when all you hear is, “sugar is bad for you, eat less.” It’s important to understand the difference between natural sugars and added sugars. Natural sugars are found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They are an intrinsic part of these foods and not added during processing. Examples of natural sugars include fructose in fruit and lactose in milk.
Daily exposure to toxins adds up for our children
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Consistent exposure to toxins each day adds up for your child. Baby and child products always have such colorful and cheerful packaging. Which is why it’s hard to mentally connect to the fact that many of them are so full of toxins.
Gluten sensitivity causes brain issues in some people
The most common neurological presentation of a gluten sensitivity is gluten ataxia. What is it? In gluten ataxia, gluten sensitivity triggers the immune system to attack the cerebellum. This can lead to difficulty with balance, coordination, and speech, as well as other neurological symptoms, such as anxiety and hypersensitivity. Your cerebellum, or “little brain,” is comprised of two lobes at the back of your head.
Concerns about microplastics and our health
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – A recent study found microplastics in 75% of breastmilk. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic debris, typically less than 5mm (0.2 inch) in diameter. They come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, and personal care products such as exfoliants with microbeads. Microplastics have been found in *all* marine environments, from the surface to the seafloor, and in both freshwater and saltwater.
Brain fog indicates brain inflammation
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Suffering from ongoing fatigue, an inability to concentrate or remember, and a loss of motivation? These symptoms of “brain fog” may indicate that your brain is inflamed. Brain fog results from inflammation in the brain. Unlike other parts of the body, an inflamed brain does not cause pain. Instead, it manifests in vague symptoms such as depression, malaise, and foggy thinking. Why does the brain get inflamed?
Brain fog indicates brain inflammation; how dietary changes can ensure damage – St George News - Diglogs
Image | Photo by Paul Bradbury/OJO Images/Getty Images Plus, St. George News CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Do you suffer from constant fatigue, inability to concentrate or remember and loss of motivation? These “Brain Fog” Symptoms it could mean your brain is inflamed. Brain fog is the result of inflammation in the brain. Unlike other parts of the body, an inflamed brain does not cause pain. Instead, it presents with vague symptoms such as depression, malaise, and foggy thinking.
Positive Health Online | Article - Effective Lifestyle Changes - Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Sleep, Daily Exercise, and Non-Toxic Household and Body Products to Manage Autoimmune Conditions
About Dr Josh Redd Dr Josh Redd NMD MS MAPHB has a total of 12 years of post-graduate education in health care, including two master’s degrees and two doctorate degrees. He recently graduated from naturopathic medical school and is in the process of completing his residency. In addition to his naturopathic medical training, Dr Redd has an MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, and a MAPHB from Johns Hopkins, with a graduating thesis titled Underlying Mechanisms Driving Hashimoto’s.
Avoid alcohol if you have a chronic health condition
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Many people think of alcohol as a harmless way to unwind and socialize, but alcohol can seriously impact your health. One of the main ways it does this is through the production of toxic byproducts called free radicals, which damage cells and tissues. Here are a few ways in which alcohol damages the body: Damages the intestinal lining, leading to a “leaky gut.” This allows toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream, triggering inflammatory-based disorders.
Epstein-Barr virus can keep someone chronically ill; learn tips to boost your health
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Epstein-Barr (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in humans and causes mononucleosis (also known as “mono”). When the infection is symptomatic, the most common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. In most cases, the condition resolves in a few weeks, and the person goes back to normal.
A lactose-free diet has been shown to reduce TSH in lactose-intolerant Hashimoto’s patients
If you do not tolerate dairy well but continue to eat it, it could make it more difficult to manage your low thyroid and to correctly absorb your low thyroid hormone. There are two main ways you can be sensitive to dairy. The first is to have an inflammatory immune response to the protein in milk, called casein. This is very common in thyroid patients and symptoms vary depending on how that person expresses inflammation. However, you can also have a lactose intolerance.
Most cases of hormonal imbalances - PCOS, PMS, infertility, perimenopause symptoms - boil down to three simple things
Most cases of hormonal imbalances — PCOS, PMS, infertility, perimenopause symptoms — boil down to three simple things People, and their doctors, often don’t know why they develop hormonal imbalances. Many are prescribed birth control pills to regulate their cycles. However, the reasons for hormone imbalances in most people are quite simple: High blood sugar, inflammation, and poor estrogen clearance.
Most cases of hormonal imbalances boil down to these 3 simple things - St George News
Written by JOSH REDD, chiropractic physician at RedRiver Health and Wellness Center.• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T • About Josh Redd Josh Redd, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, is a chiropractic physician and author of the Amazon bestselling book “The Truth About Low Thyroid.However, the reasons for hormone imbalances in most people are quite simple: high blood sugar, inflammation and poor estrogen clearance.Chronically high stress and cortisol When you’re in a chronic stress response from either your...
Strategies for clearing excess and toxic estrogen to stabilize health
One of the biggest physiological problems we see with our patients from all over the world is excess estrogen or estrogen dominance. This causes a number of symptoms on its own but it is also one of the biggest triggers for our autoimmune patients and patients who are suffering with inflammatory conditions. Our bodies are constantly being bombarded by foods, chemicals and medications that jack up estrogen or mimic estrogen.
Losing weight requires reducing inflammation
Sometimes the inability to lose weight is caused by two factors that are rampant these days: Inflammation and excess insulin. Many studies show links between inflammation, insulin, and weight gain. In fact, when researchers inject healthy subjects with inflammatory immune cells, they develop insulin resistance — a pre-diabetic condition associated with a high-carb diet.
Food dyes can worsen food intolerances
Have you seen a child eat a snowcone or popsicle and notice their tongue and skin around their mouth become stained with the dye? That’s because the dye bonds to the proteins in human tissue. Unfortunately, this bonding makes the human tissue unrecognizable to the immune system. In a vulnerable individual, this can trigger an autoimmune attack every time the dye is eaten. Food dyes have other problems.
Laziness is a health red flag, not a character flaw
If you struggle with lack of motivation and low energy, you may beat yourself up and call yourself lazy. But science demonstrates laziness and lack of motivation are often red flags pointing to chronic inflammation. When you’re healthy you are naturally motivated to engage in life. If you can’t be bothered and don’t care, this is a sign an underlying health condition could be sapping your motivation. A new study shows that chronic inflammation impacts an area of the brain that govern motivation.
Bind toxins for removal from your body with these key supplements
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Binders are supplements that can help remove heavy metals, toxins, and mold mycotoxins from your body. Here are some binders that can help reduce the toxic load on your body: Modified citrus pectin: This product is processed from citrus peel and is able enter the bloodstream to bind to toxins throughout the body. It is also a “prebiotic” which means it’s a food source for your good gut bacteria. Healthy gut bacteria are also important to help protect you from toxins.
Why you should filter your tap water for better health
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Although our home drinking water is sanitized to prevent disease, you should still filter it for truly healthy water. While treating tap water prevents disease from pathogens such Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it still contains abundant treatment chemicals and environmental pollutants. Chlorine and chloramine are the two treatments used to treat drinking water. Chlorine is the most commonly used. Chloramine, which combines chlorine with ammonia, is not as common.
To manage and prevent autoimmune disease, glutathione is a must-have in your toolkit
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – Antioxidants are a buzz word in health circles that sometimes deliver empty promises. But when it comes to autoimmune Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, one antioxidant is a must-have in your protocol kit: Glutathione. Glutathione is considered the body’s master antioxidant and you need it dampen autoimmune disease and lower your risk of developing new autoimmune diseases.
Reset your immune, gut, and brain health through fasting
CONTRIBUTED – Recent research shows fasting can be a profound way to quickly and dramatically improve your immune, gut, and brain health. In our clinics we have many of our Hashimoto’s patients undergo different types of fasts because we have found it is one of the surest ways to swiftly relieve their symptoms. Humans are actually built to withstand regular periods without food.
Fibromyalgia is a trash can of a diagnosis
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – All too often, fibromyalgia is used as a catch-all diagnosis for chronic symptoms that your doctor does not have the time or expertise to figure out.
Strategies to improve brain health when you have Hashimoto’s low thyroid and other autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune diseases are among the most common yet underdiagnosed chronic health disorders today, with the most common being Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, Most of my Hashimoto’s, low thyroid, and autoimmune patients don’t realize how much their condition impacts their brain. Chronic inflammation from an undiagnosed or improperly managed autoimmune condition ultimately inflames the brain.
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