230 Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Interstitial Cystitis. What the Immune System Reveals with Dr. Bruce Gillis

In this episode of Growing Older Living Younger, Dr. Gillian Lockitch speaks with Dr. Bruce Gillis about chronic immune system disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and long COVID. Dr. Gillis shares how his research overturned decades of stigma by proving these conditions are objectively measurable through immune system testing and DNA genomic signatures. The conversation explores the role of epigenetics in disease development, the link between coronaviruses and long COVID, and the discovery of a microbiome-modulating compound that reduces symptoms. Listeners will gain validation, clarity, and practical insights into how accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies can improve quality of life.
Dr. Bruce Gillis is a physician-scientist and public health expert whose career spans clinical medicine, research, and academic leadership. After earning his MD from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and his MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health, he completed two residencies and two fellowships before joining the faculty at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, and the University of Illinois. His early work focused on environmental health and toxic exposures, including oversight of the Alaskan oil spill cleanup and aerospace medicine projects. Dr. Gillis later turned his focus to chronic immune system disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and long COVID. Through groundbreaking research, his team identified specific white blood cell dysfunctions and unique DNA genomic signatures that objectively prove fibromyalgia and related disorders are real, diagnosable conditions. He pioneered the development of the FibroTest, an FDA-reviewed diagnostic blood test now covered by Medicare and many insurers, and continues to study therapeutic compounds that support microbiome health and improve symptom management. 

 Episode Timeline 

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 
Podcast focus on aging youthfully; Gillian introduces Dr. Gillis and chronic immune disorders. 

05:51 – Dr. Gillis' Journey 
From rural upbringing to Harvard MD/MPH; work in environmental health, aerospace, and proving fibromyalgia is real. 

08:44 – What Are Chronic Immune Disorders? 
Definitions, stigma, and why current drugs only mask symptoms. 

12:17 – Epigenetics & Long COVID 
How environmental triggers and coronaviruses drive epigenetic DNA changes linked to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. 

16:40 – Blood-Based Diagnostics 
Immune system testing, identification of protein deficiencies, and discovery of unique DNA genomic signatures. 

18:56 – Comparing Conditions 
How fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and interstitial cystitis differ yet share immune dysfunction. 

25:34 – Better Diagnostics for Interstitial Cystitis 
Blood tests prove 11x more accurate than invasive cystoscopy. 

27:15 – Therapies & Lifestyle 
Nutrition, hydration, and discovery of the mycobacterium-derived compound Imbics that supports microbiome health. 

34:40 – Future Directions 
Expanding research into long COVID and other chronic conditions; improving management, not curing DNA changes. 

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Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch

Email: askdrgill@gmail.com
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Learn about Dr. Gillis's work here:

www.thefibrotest.com
www.imbxx.com
www. the1test.com