What Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Can Do for Chronic Illness with Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, PhD

Support the Institute today. https://givenow.nova.edu/the-institut... In today's episode, Haylie Pomroy talks with Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, a PhD immunologist from UC Irvine and founder of ReStem, for a conversation that brings cutting-edge cell therapy research directly to the chronic illness community. Dr. Gonzalez breaks down the science of immune exhaustion, explaining why so many patients with ME/CFS, long COVID, POTS, and autoimmune disorders are stuck in a state of dysfunction that conventional labs and appointments often fail to capture. He introduces the concept of senescent cells, what he calls zombie cells, and explains the specific role natural killer cells play in clearing viral burden and restoring immune balance. Together, Haylie and Dr. Gonzalez explore how cell therapies, specifically quality-cultivated umbilical cord lining stem cells and activated natural killer cells, are being used in clinical studies to re-regulate immune systems that have gone into either hyper-inflammatory overdrive or complete exhaustion. Dr. Gonzalez also clarifies the significant difference between legitimate, rigorously tested cell therapies and the inconsistent products flooding the market under the stem cell label. Key points: 00:01 Introduction 01:24 What is regenerative medicine and cell therapy 03:25 Why feeling exhausted is a systems-level issue 05:24 What zombie cells are doing to your immune function 08:42 Immune cell panels patients should be requesting 10:54 Converting naive T cells into regulatory T cells 12:30 Why the source and cultivation of stem cells is not all equal 16:14 What sets ReStem's approach apart 19:31 Why cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus testing matters 21:25 Autoimmune disease, long COVID, and chronic fatigue 24:02 ME/CFS and long COVID similar immune profiles 26:40 Using cell therapies in hospitalized COVID patients 30:39 Natural killer cells and their role in clearing viral burden 31:27 The stress-immune connection 33:39 Baby steps that support immune function right now 36:57 Why what you eat is either promoting or depleting health 39:27 Haylie's personal experience with cell therapy Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, PhD is a regenerative medicine expert and researcher with over 20 years of experience in cell biology, stem cell science, and immune health. He earned his PhD and BS from the University of California, Irvine, where his research focused on immune system interactions following spinal cord injury. Known for his work in regenerative medicine, longevity, and cell therapeutics, Dr. Gonzalez has authored scientific publications, holds multiple patents in the field, and frequently teaches and speaks internationally on stem cell biology, immune health, and anti-aging science. LinkedIn:   / rafael-gonzalez-6026672a   Instagram:   / drgonzalezphd   Haylie Pomroy, Founder and CEO of The Haylie Pomroy Group, is a leading health strategist specializing in metabolism, weight loss, and integrative wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with top medical institutions and high-profile clients, developing targeted programs and supplements rooted in the "Food is Medicine" philosophy. Inspired by her own autoimmune journey, she combines expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, and patient advocacy to help others reclaim their health. She is a New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet. Website: https://hayliepomroy.com Instagram:   / hayliepomroy   Facebook:   / hayliepomroy   YouTube:    / @hayliepomroy   LinkedIn:   / hayliepomroy   X: https://x.com/hayliepomroy Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subs... Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review so we can bring hope and help to others This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Facebook:   / instituteforneuroimmunemedicine   Instagram:   / nsu_inim   Twitter:   / nsu_inim   TikTok:   / nsu_inim   Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html #CellTherapy #RegenerativeMedicine #LongCOVID