Detoxify Your Life: Dr. Aly Cohen’s Mission to Empower a Healthier Generation

SCU faculty member and author of the new book “Detoxify” shares how small changes can have big health impacts and why now is the time to act.

Dr. Aly Cohen has worn many hats throughout her career—rheumatologist, environmental health expert, integrative medicine specialist, educator, and now, the author of Detoxify: The Everyday Consumer’s Guide to a Toxin-Free, Healthy Life. Detoxify is more than just a book—it’s a call to action for individuals and communities to reclaim their health through awareness, evidence-based strategies, and small but powerful lifestyle shifts.

As a faculty member in Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program, Dr. Cohen brings her expertise and passion for whole-person care to SCU students. These future leaders are shaping the transformation of healthcare. In this exclusive Q&A, Dr. Cohen opens up about the personal story that sparked her journey, what people get wrong about toxins, and how we all can begin to take control of our health, one step at a time.

Q: What inspired you to write Detoxify?

A: This book is really the culmination of two decades of clinical practice, integrative medicine, and environmental health advocacy. The journey began when my dog—whom I was very close to—developed a rare autoimmune disease. As I investigated how that happened, I began to see connections to what I was seeing in human patients every day: rising autoimmune conditions, immune disorders, and food allergies. I realized that so much of it pointed back to environmental exposures—what we eat, drink, breathe, and put on our skin. Detoxify is my way of giving people a practical, empowering guide to reduce those exposures and protect their health.

Q: What are some everyday toxins that people might be exposed to without even realizing it?

A: Most people are shocked when they learn what’s in their air fresheners, personal care products, or even their drinking water. I was, too, when I first started this journey. The U.S. has major regulatory gaps—companies can sell products with potentially harmful chemicals without safety testing. That’s why teaching people to recognize these exposures—and make informed swaps—is so important. My goal is to give people agency over their own bodies. We can’t wait for regulation to catch up when our health is on the line.

Q: You created the “4 A’s” framework in your book. Can you share what that is and how it helps people get started?

A: The “4 A’s” are: Assess, Avoid, Add, and Allow. Assess where you are today—your habits, products, diet, and exposures. Avoid the worst offenders by swapping them out for safer options. Add things that build resilience: good nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress reduction. Allow for flexibility—life happens, and perfection isn’t the goal. This isn’t a crash diet or detox fad. It’s a lifelong mindset shift. And it works better when it’s done with grace and patience.

Q: What’s one simple change people can make today to detoxify their daily lives?

A: Start with your water. It’s often overlooked, but contaminants in tap water—from outdated infrastructure to unregulated chemicals—can really impact health. I recommend investing in a water filter, ideally reverse osmosis, but even a carbon-block pitcher is a good start. Also, switch to reusable glass or stainless steel bottles to avoid microplastics from bottled water.

Q: How does your work in SCU’s Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program connect to the themes in your book?

A: Whole Health is all about looking at the person in their full context—physically, emotionally, socially, and environmentally. The environmental piece is so often missed in traditional healthcare, but it’s critical. At SCU, I have the opportunity to help future healthcare leaders incorporate environmental awareness into their practice.

Q: What do you hope healthcare professionals and students take away from your work?

A: I want them to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. This isn’t about shame or fear. It’s about understanding that once we know better, we can do better. That’s why I made the title Detoxify a verb—it’s about taking action. I hope my students and readers feel inspired to take that journey and share it with others.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of healthcare?

A: I’d love to see environmental health integrated into earlier stages of medical education—pre-med, nursing, pharmacy, you name it. If we can introduce this content upstream, we can influence health outcomes for future generations.

About the Book & Where to Learn More

Detoxify by Dr. Aly Cohen is available on Amazon and other online retailers. To learn more about Dr. Cohen’s work, visit TheSmartHuman.com, follow @thesmarthuman on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or check out her TEDx talk and online courses.

Dr. Cohen is also in private practice as an integrative rheumatologist in New Jersey. Learn more at AlyCohenMD.com.