What if the chemicals in our food, water, and everyday products were silently influencing our mental health? This week, I’m sitting down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert, to explore the powerful connection between toxins and mental health. Dr. Cohen’s journey into this space started with a deeply personal loss—the sudden illness of her beloved dog—which set her on a mission to uncover the hidden dangers of environmental chemicals. Now, through her work at The Smart Human podcast and her latest book, Detoxify, she’s empowering people to take control of their health in a way that’s accessible, science-backed, and not fear-based.

How Everyday Toxins Affect Mental Health, Hormones & Gut Health with Dr. Aly Cohen

In this episode, Dr. Cohen breaks down the unseen impact of toxins on our nervous system, hormones, and immune function—factors that play a huge role in anxiety, depression, and overall brain health. We dive into why autoimmune diseases (which disproportionately affect women) are on the rise, how common chemicals known as “obesogens” might actually be blocking weight loss, and why filtering your water could be one of the simplest, yet most impactful, changes for your mental and physical health. Plus, I put her expertise to the test by pulling out some of my own everyday products for an on-the-spot analysis—let’s just say I had a few wake-up calls!

If you’ve ever felt off but couldn’t quite pinpoint why, or if you’re ready to make small, powerful changes to feel better inside and out, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Cohen’s 21-day detox plan is the perfect way to start reducing your toxic load without overwhelm. Grab her book Detoxify, follow The Smart Human, and let’s take a step toward cleaner living—without the all-or-nothing pressure.

(00:03:01) How Everyday Toxins Impact Autoimmune Diseases, Hormones & Mental Health

• What got Dr. Aly into researching immune disrupting chemicals

• Read: Detoxify by Dr. Aly Cohen

• The link between autoimmune disease and toxic chemicals

• Why women are more prone to autoimmune disease

• The link between cancer and latent chemical exposure

(00:11:12) Detox Your Daily Life: Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home & Body

• How to limit exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday life

• App: EWG

• Healthier swaps for makeup, skincare and cleaning products to limit chemical exposure

• Food that can help our body detoxify from harmful chemicals

• The benefit of getting  frozen USDA Organic foods

• The truth about the water we drink and the best way to filter water

• Product Testing for Toxins with guest Heather Stapleton, PhD

(00:22:53) The Hidden Links Between Toxins, Gut Health, & Mental Wellness

• Is toxin exposure worse now than 50 years ago?

• Finding a balance between protecting ourselves and living in our environment

•  The impact of obesogens on body weight

•  How environmental issues contribute to brain and mental health through the gut

• Tips for a healthy gut microbiome

• Mindset and lifestyle factors that impact mental health

(00:35:29) Toxic or Safe? Breaking Down Everyday Products & Safer Swaps

• Dr. Cohen’s review of Karena’s home and body care products

• The harmful effects of fragrance and phthalates on health

• Exposing the chemicals in clothes made from recycled plastics

• The best way to get odor out of clothing without using fragrance

• What you can do to make non toxic dishwasher pods work better 

• The harmful chemicals hidden in skincare and how to vet products

• The best chemical free toothpaste and the tradeoffs that come with it

Thanks for the support from our partners, including 

Fatty15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

Guest Info:

• Website: alycohenmd.com

• Instagram: @thesmarthuman

• Read: Detoxify by Dr. Aly Cohen

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.