The Hidden Immune Switch: Dr. Charles Akle on Microbiome & Chronic Inflammation

About this Episode: In this groundbreaking conversation, Cate Stillman sits down with Dr. Charles Akle, pioneering surgeon, immunologist, and co-creator of immy. The friendly bacteria in immy, Mycolicibacterium aurum Aogashima (M. aurum), works naturally with your immune system to calm inflammation. With decades of experience in transplantation, oncology, and immunology, Dr. Akle brings rare clarity on how the immune system actually works, why chronic inflammation is rising globally, and how reconnecting with soil-based microbes may be the missing link in human health. Together, they explore the science behind the gut-brain-immune axis, the role of mycolyssi bacteria in regulating inflammation, why modern environments weaken immunity, and the future of "bugs as drugs" for cancer, autoimmune disease, and post-viral syndromes. Key Takeaways: 🧬 Your Immune System Is an Orchestra Health isn't about killing pathogens—it's about tuning the entire immune "symphony." Mycolyssi bacteria act as the conductor that brings the immune system back into balance. 🌱 Soil Microbes Are Medicine For most of human history, we absorbed beneficial mycobacteria through dirt, animals, and nature. Modern sanitized living breaks this evolutionary relationship—and our immunity pays the price. 🧠 The Gut-Brain-Immune Superhighway New research shows the gut sends direct immune instructions to the brain via dendritic cells and the vagus nerve—reshaping how we understand placebo, mood, inflammation, and healing. 🔥 Chronic Inflammation Is an Immune Misfire Post-viral fatigue, brain fog, autoimmunity, and even some cancers stem from immune cells that have "gone to sleep." Mycolyssi bacteria help "wake" and repolarize these cells. 🌿 Natural Immunotherapy Is the Future From early cancer trials to mood improvements, the data on mycolyssi bacteria is impressive—and points toward a future where gentle, nature-based immune modulation replaces harsh interventions. 🌍 Modern Life is Anti-Immune Ultra-processed foods, sterile environments, and lack of microbial diversity weaken immune resilience. Rewilding your microbiome is now essential, not optional. Resources Mentioned: Learn about immy → https://immy.co/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immyhealth/?hl=en Yogahealer → https://www.yogahealer.com Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 Cate's Books: Body Thrive, Master of You, Primal Habits About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For over 20 years she has guided wellness pros and conscious leaders in reversing inflammation, reconnecting with body intelligence, and leading regenerative, purpose-aligned lives. Tune In & Reflect: What if the key to healing chronic inflammation, fatigue, and immune dysfunction has been under our feet all along?