EP 1278
1278. The Deadliest Room in Your House — And How to Detox It for Better Health | Aly Cohen MD
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Aly Cohen, board-certified rheumatologist and environmental health expert, to uncover how everyday chemicals are quietly disrupting hormones, fertility, immunity, and long-term health. You’ll learn how plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and even drinking water can sabotage your biology—and what science-backed strategies can reduce your exposure. Dr. Cohen shares the latest insights on endocrine disruptors, autoimmune triggers, and microplastics, along with practical biohacks to detox your environment, support fertility, and build resilience against the invisible toxins of modern life.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Your environment is rewiring your hormones, fertility, and long-term health without your consent.
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Aly Cohen, board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health educator. Together they expose how common toxins in plastics, pesticides, drinking water, personal care products, and food packaging are hijacking your biology.
Dr. Cohen explains how daily chemical exposures contribute to autoimmune disease, thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalance, infertility, obesity, cancer, and accelerated aging. You will learn how to identify hidden endocrine disruptors, spot surprising sources of microplastics and PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and apply science-backed detox strategies to protect your hormones, fertility, metabolism, and longevity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How chemicals in household, cleaning, and beauty products disrupt hormones
- The link between environmental toxins, autoimmune disease, thyroid issues, and infertility
- Hidden sources of microplastics and PFAS chemicals and how to eliminate them
- Affordable, practical steps to detox your home, water, and personal care routine
- Dr. Cohen’s top biohacks to protect fertility, balance hormones, and build toxin resilience
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“Our regulatory system in the U.S. does not require chemicals to be proven safe before they’re put on the market.”
Aly Cohen
00:00 Trailer
A quick preview of what you’ll learn in this episode.
02:01 Introduction
Dave shares a personal confession and introduces Dr. Aly Cohen.
02:15 Rheumatism and Rheumatology
Understanding the origins of rheumatology and its connection to joint health.
03:36 Autoimmune Diseases and Toxins
How environmental toxins contribute to autoimmune disorders.
04:17 Chemical Impact on Health
The widespread effects of chemicals on hormones, fertility, and immunity.
04:49 Personal Health Journey
Dr. Cohen’s story of how environmental health became her mission.
06:15 Microplastics and Immune Disruption
The hidden dangers of microplastics and their impact on immune function.
08:21 Resilience and Lifestyle Changes
Practical steps to build resilience against environmental exposures.
21:45 Nutritional Deficiencies
How nutrient shortages can worsen toxin sensitivity and illness.
26:48 Lab Results and Assessments
How to interpret common lab results and spot health red flags.
34:40 Detoxification and Resilience
Dr. Cohen’s strategies for safe, effective detox and toxin resilience.
41:14 Personal Journey Continued
Further insights from Dr. Cohen’s own health challenges and solutions.
42:22 Clean Drinking Water
Why water quality is critical and how to improve yours.
44:20 Travel Hacks for Water
Simple tools and methods for accessing clean water while traveling.
46:15 Hotel Room Detox Tips
How to minimize toxin exposure during hotel stays.
50:06 EPA Water Standards
Why government water standards may not be enough to protect you.
53:06 Restaurant Toxins and Home Safety
Navigating toxins in restaurants and creating a safer home environment.
55:36 Top Toxic Household Items
The most common and harmful household products to avoid.
01:08:31 Synthetic Materials Impact
How synthetic fabrics and materials can affect long-term health.
01:13:30 Final Thoughts and Book
Dr. Cohen’s closing advice and information on her book.
Resources:
-
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Aly’s Website – https://thesmarthuman.com/
- Aly’s Website – https://alycohenmd.com/
- Aly’s New Book – Detoxify: https://alycohenmd.com/books
- 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
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