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Gut issues are incredibly common in scleroderma — but they also show up across many autoimmune diseases. In this episode, I’m diving deep into how scleroderma affects the gut, why gut motility and vagal tone matter so much, and what you can actually do to support digestion and resilience — whether or not you have a scleroderma diagnosis.

If you’re dealing with bloating, reflux, constipation, food sensitivities, SIBO, or nutrient deficiencies — this one is for you.

I’ll cover:

• How excess collagen and nervous system changes affect gut function
• Why so many people end up on PPIs — and what to do alongside them
• How to safely support motility and nutrient absorption
• My go-to foods and supplements for gut repair and resilience
• The critical role of vagal tone — and simple ways to improve it
• Practical steps to address stubborn constipation

Plus I’ll share how I use Nurosym for vagus nerve support (discount code VH5 for 5% off here), and how our Gut Health Testing Package can help you get to the root of your gut symptoms. Learn more here.

And don’t miss our upcoming live Q&A on Foods to Eat for Autoimmune Disease inside The Autoimmune Forum — happening 18th June. Link in show notes.

Your gut can heal — and this episode will give you the tools to start.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson—holistic nutritionist and founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle—to unpack his journey of reversing life-threatening Crohn’s disease using natural, integrative therapies. After multiple hospitalisations, failed medications, and being told he had few options left, Dane made the radical decision to take charge of his own recovery. What followed was years of experimentation, research, and ultimately the development of the S.H.I.E.L.D. method—his signature approach to managing and reversing IBD.

We explore the tools and therapies that helped Dane regain his health, including targeted supplements, herbal protocols, mindset work, and key dietary shifts. We also touch on the emotional toll of chronic illness, what it's like to challenge conventional narratives around disease, and how to rebuild hope when your body feels like it's failing you.

If you or someone you love is navigating Crohn’s, colitis, or another chronic gut condition, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply encouraging. It’s a reminder that with the right strategy and support, recovery is possible—even when it seems out of reach.

Connect with Dane Johnson

• 🌐 Website: Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle
• 📸 Instagram: @danejohnson1
• 📘 Facebook: Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle

Other helpful resources:

• Ossa Organics Bone Broth – use code VJ10 for 10% off
• BodyBio supplements – including phospholipids and butyrate for detox and cell repair - use code VJ15 for 15% off.
• Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation – code VH5 for 5% off which you can learn more about here.

You can also download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

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In this episode, I uncover the hidden role that methylation plays in hair loss—particularly in conditions like alopecia areata—and why supporting your methylation pathways could be the missing link in your healing journey.

We explore:

• What methylation actually is and why it impacts hair, immune balance, detox, and energy
• The key nutrients involved (like B12, folate, choline, and glycine)—and what happens when they’re depleted
• How genetics like MTHFR, COMT, and CBS variants can affect your hair growth, hormone clearance, and mood
• The symptom patterns I see in clinic that point to sluggish methylation (even without testing)
• My personal experience with alopecia areata, functional testing, and how uncovering my methylation issues changed everything
• How to use testing like Lifecode Gx and Metabolomix+ to identify methylation blocks
• Food, lifestyle, and supplement strategies I use personally and with clients to support these pathways—gently and effectively

You’ll come away with a fresh perspective on hair loss—one that goes beyond iron and hormones—and practical tools to support your body where it needs it most.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Lifecode Gx methylation panel – available through the Autoimmune Nutrition Clinic
• Metabolomix+ advanced nutrient and detox test
• Ossa Organics Bone Broth – use code VJ10 for 10% off
• BodyBio supplements – including phospholipids and butyrate for detox and cell repair - use code VJ15 for 15% off.
• Bon Charge red light therapy – supports hair and skin health (code AUTOIMMUNITY for 15% off)
• Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation – code VH5 for 5% off which you can learn more about here.

Whether you’ve been dealing with hair loss for years or you’re only just starting to connect the dots between fatigue, gut health, and methylation—this episode will give you the insight and clarity you need to move forward.

You can also download your free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

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Could there be a deeper connection between hypermobility, fatigue, and your autoimmune symptoms?

In this episode, I unpack the lesser-known links between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and autoimmune conditions—exploring why so many people with joint hypermobility also struggle with gut issues, immune reactivity, fatigue, and nervous system dysregulation.

We dive into:

• Why connective tissue fragility can lead to leaky gut and immune activation
• The role of mast cell activation, POTS, and vagal nerve dysfunction
• How your family history (think scoliosis, frequent injuries, clicky joints) may hold important clues
• Why gluten can be an issue, even without coeliac disease
• My go-to food, supplement, and lifestyle strategies for supporting this overlap

You’ll also hear practical tips on bone broth, slow-cooked meals, magnesium, vagus nerve support—and how to reframe your diagnosis as a doorway to deeper healing.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ossa Organics Bone Broth – use code VJ10 for 10% off
• Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation – code VJ10 for 10% off
• BodyBio supplements – including magnesium and butyrate for gut + tissue support: Click here for UK / Click here for US (discount code VJ15)
• Join the conversation inside The Autoimmune Forum

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with EDS, suspect hypermobility, or simply want to understand your autoimmune body more deeply—this one’s for you.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

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In this episode, we’re uncovering the hidden complexity behind a condition often dismissed as purely cosmetic: vitiligo.

Join VJ Hamilton, registered nutritionist and autoimmune health specialist, as we explore why pigment loss in the skin is actually a sign of deeper immune dysregulation—and what the latest science reveals about how to restore balance from the inside out.

You’ll discover:

• What vitiligo is and why it’s more than a skin-deep issue
• The immune pathways involved in melanocyte destruction, including the IFN-γ/CXCL10 feedback loop
• How oxidative stress, low catalase activity, and mitochondrial dysfunction drive pigment loss
• The link between vitiligo and other autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, coeliac disease, and type 1 diabetes
• Why emotional stress, trauma, and H. pylori infections may trigger or worsen symptoms
• The truth about blueberries, hydroquinone, and whether antioxidant-rich foods should really be avoided
• How greying hair, mitochondrial dysfunction, and skin pigmentation are all connected
• Functional strategies for re-pigmentation including nutritional therapy, antioxidant support, and gut healing
• The role of UVB light, nervous system regulation, and tools like Metabolomix+ testing to personalise your approach

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

🧪 Explore Metabolomix+ Testing – A functional test that assesses oxidative stress, nutrient status, and detox pathways to help uncover what’s driving melanocyte damage. You can learn more here.

🧠 Explore Nurosym – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support nervous system balance and reduce immune overactivation. Use code VH5 for 5% off at checkout.

🌿 Learn more about the gut–skin–immune axis and why supporting digestion is key for skin health.

💡 Join The Autoimmune Forum – A free community where you can connect with others navigating vitiligo, Hashimoto’s, and other immune-driven conditions.

Perfect for you if:

• You have vitiligo and are looking for more than topical treatments or steroids
• You’ve noticed premature greying, fatigue, or nutrient deficiencies alongside pigment changes
• You’re interested in how stress, diet, gut health, and immune function interact
• You want a science-backed, compassionate, and holistic approach to re-pigmentation

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

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 – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support nervous system balance and reduce immune overactivation. Use code VJ5 for 5% 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.

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

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 – A gentle 5-day protocol to support your liver, lymph, gut, and immune system (starting 8 April)
🔬 Read: At-Home Gut Health Testing Guide – How to test for gut imbalances and what markers to look for
🧠 Explore Nurosym – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support stress resilience and inflammation reduction. Use code VH10 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

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 – A gentle 5-day protocol to support your liver, lymph, gut, and immune system (starting 8 April)
🦋 Explore The Thyroid Revival – A 3-month personalised plan to support thyroid, gut, adrenal, and liver health
🔬 Read: At-Home Gut Health Testing Guide – How to test for gut imbalances and what markers to look for
🧠 Explore Nurosym – A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device to support stress resilience and inflammation reduction. Use code VH5 for 5% 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.