Episode 114: Understanding the Cell Danger Response with Dr. Paul Anderson
In this episode of The One Thing Podcast, Dr. Adam Rinde and Dr. Paul Anderson discuss a powerful concept shaping chronic illness care: the Cell Danger Response (CDR).
If you or someone you know is dealing with persistent fatigue, inflammation, long COVID, or autoimmune challenges, this discussion offers deep insights into what may be happening at the cellular level—and why traditional approaches often fall short.
Dr. Anderson explains the phases of the CDR, how it affects mitochondrial function, and why some patients feel worse when they start treatment. They also explore supportive therapies, the importance of gentle intervention, and how to approach healing sustainably and individually.
Key topics:
What is the Cell Danger Response?
How CDR connects to chronic illness, PTSD, and autism
Common treatment pitfalls and how to avoid them
When to support vs. when to detox
The future of mitochondrial medicine and personalized healing
Whether you're a practitioner or navigating your own health journey, this episode provides clarity, compassion, and actionable takeaways.
🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Adam Rinde
🧠 Guest: Dr. Paul Anderson
Connect & Learn More
📚 Dr. Anderson’s work: https://www.consultdranderson.com/about/
💬 Share this episode with someone who needs it!
🌐 www.onethingpodcast.com
Understanding the Cell Danger Response: Chronic Illness, Mitochondria & Healing Strategies | Ep. 114
In this powerful episode of The One Thing Podcast, Dr. Adam Rinde welcomes back Dr. Paul Anderson to explore one of the most fascinating frameworks in chronic illness recovery: the Cell Danger Response (CDR). If you’ve struggled with unexplained fatigue, autoimmune issues, long COVID, or persistent inflammation—this conversation is for you.
Dr. Anderson breaks down the core mechanisms behind CDR, how it keeps our cells in a loop of defense mode, and why many chronic illness treatments fail without addressing this foundational process. Together, they demystify how healing truly happens at the cellular level—and why sometimes less is more when it comes to treatment.
Whether you're a practitioner, patient, or wellness enthusiast, you’ll gain deep insight into:
-
Why chronic illness persists despite "doing everything right"
-
The phases of CDR (inflammation, proliferation, differentiation)
-
Common treatment pitfalls like overdoing supplements or pushing too hard
-
Gentle, supportive therapies to encourage cellular healing
-
How to approach complex conditions with patience, grace, and strategy
🙏 This episode is packed with clinical pearls, real-life examples, and empowering guidance for anyone navigating the long road of recovery.
⏱ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro & Healthgevity Sponsor
01:04 - Welcome & Today’s Topic: The Cell Danger Response
03:08 - Dr. Paul Anderson on How He Discovered CDR
06:03 - What Is the Cell Danger Response?
09:14 - Definition of “Cellgene” & Lifestyle Factors
14:46 - Chronic Illness Conditions Tied to CDR
18:33 - How the Healing Process Gets Stuck
24:49 - Can We Measure the Cell Danger Response?
31:37 - When Treatment Backfires: The “Broken Engine” Analogy
36:07 - Real-World Examples of Gentle Supportive Therapies
43:24 - Lipid Therapy: Helpful or Harmful?
47:03 - Drainage Therapies & Bioenergetics
52:28 - Final Thoughts & Dr. Anderson’s Current Work
Thank you for tuning in to The One Thing Podcast with Dr. Adam Rinde ! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions. Feel free to leave us a review and share your thoughts. Stay connected by subscribing to this page for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Until next time, keep healthy and stay empowered.
Paul Anderson, ND
Doctor/Educator/Researcher/Author
Dr. Anderson is a recognized educator and clinician in integrative and naturopathic medicine with a
focus on complex chronic illness, and cancer. In addition to three decades clinical experience, he also
was head of the interventional arm of a US-NIH funded human research trial using IV and integrative
therapies in cancer patients. He founded Advanced Medical Therapies in Seattle, Washington, a clinic
focusing on cancer and chronic diseases and now focuses his time in collaboration with clinics and
hospitals in the US and other countries.
Former positions include multiple medical school posts, Professor of Pharmacology and Clinical
Medicine at Bastyr University and Chief of IV Services for Bastyr Oncology Research Center.
He is co-author of the Hay House book “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” with Dr. Mark Stengler, and
the Lioncrest Publishing book “Cancer… The Journey from Diagnosis to Empowerment.”. He is also co-
author with Dr.’s Osborne and Carter of the IV textbook “A Scientific Reference for Intravenous Nutrient
Therapy”.
