Autoimmune Alchemy

Jaksot

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  Infertility & Autoimmune Disease: The Hidden Hormone Connection 14.09.2026 42min

  Dr. Belinda Adams — a UK physician who traded the doctor's coat for the patient gown, going through six rounds of IVF before becoming a mother, and later founding Fertility Hero, an evidence-based supplement company built from everything she wished someone had told her. From discovering that egg quality isn't actually fixed, to using a gluten-free diet to normalize thyroid antibodies instead of steroids, this episode is packed with real clinical insight, hard-won personal experience, and practical fertility tools you won't hear anywhere else. We go deep into why infertility carries psychological symptom scores comparable to cancer patients, the shame and self-blame so many women silently carry, and the science behind sleep, melatonin, CoQ10, and five element acupuncture — plus what Belinda wishes she'd known before her very first IVF cycle. Chapter and Time Stamps:00:58 Meet Dr Belinda Adams01:43 Her Infertility Journey04:15 Mental Health Toll07:18 Dropping Shame and Blame08:43 Getting Unstuck Tools11:37 Visualization and Testing15:12 Five Element Acupuncture17:28 Egg Quality Lifestyle20:46 When to Seek Help22:09 Talking to Loved Ones23:55 Self Care and Sleep25:11 IVF Lessons Learned26:43 Choosing Clinics Wisely30:21 Autoimmunity and IVF32:33 Why Fertility Hero Exists35:11 Reading Supplement Labels38:35 How to Take Supplements40:56 Where to Find Belinda41:53 Final Thanks and Goodbye Key Takeaways🥚 Egg Quality Isn't Fixed — The Months Before Ovulation Matter💔 Infertility Grief Rivals a Cancer Diagnosis Psychologically🙅 Shame Isn't the Cause of Your Infertility — Let It Go🧵 Some Emotions Are Healthy — Anger Can Spur You to Dig Deeper🪡 Acupuncture May Help — But Nobody's Fully Sure Why Yet😴 Sleep Isn't Just Rest — It Protects Egg Quality Through Melatonin🔬 One Round of IVF Is an Experiment, Not a Verdict🗣️ You Don't Owe Anyone Real-Time Updates on Your Journey Guest Details & LinksGuest: Dr. Belinda AdamsSpecialty: UK Physician | Fertility, Hormones & Reproductive Psychology | Founder of Fertility HeroBackground: After three years of unexplained infertility, Belinda took what she thought was a temporary break from clinical medicine to pursue IVF — a break that became permanent. She and her husband went through six rounds of IVF and four different clinics over several years before welcoming their two daughters. Being on the receiving end of care, having to ask to see her own blood results, completely reshaped how she understood the fertility system from the inside.Education: Trained and practiced as a physician in the UK before stepping away from clinical medicine in 2018Certifications: N/A (medical training; not formally stated in episode)Past Work: Practiced clinical medicine in the UK; worked in medical education, which shaped her ability to critically evaluate fertility research and supplement evidenceTurning Point: After her own struggles with raised thyroid antibodies, a chemical pregnancy, and repeated failed IVF cycles, Belinda used a gluten-free diet to normalize her thyroid antibodies as an alternative to steroids — an experience that deepened her belief in accessible, low-risk lifestyle interventions alongside conventional careKnown For: Founder of Fertility Hero, a UK-based evidence-based fertility supplement company; vocal advocate for addressing the mental health toll of infertility, egg quality myths, and the overlap between autoimmune conditions and fertility strugglesOffers: Third-party tested, evidence-based fertility supplements (CoQ10, magnesium bisglycinate, prenatal, omega-3) currently available in the UK, with plans to expand to Europe and the US Links:🌐 Website: fertilityhero.co.uk📷 Instagram: @fertilityheroAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Berberine, Ashwagandha & LDN for Thyroid Healing 07.09.2026 41min

  Your TSH is "normal" but you still feel exhausted, cold, and foggy — sound familiar? In this episode I sit down with Dr. Saadia Mian, a board-certified endocrinologist and functional medicine practitioner, to unpack why standard thyroid labs miss so many patients.Chapters & Time-stamps00:39 Meet the Endocrinologist01:43 Thyroid Symptoms Explained03:20 Core Thyroid Lab Panel04:34 Reverse T3 and Illness07:33 Thyroid Metabolism Links08:54 Insulin Testing and Targets10:38 Treating Insulin Resistance14:03 Thyroid and Sex Hormones16:33 Why Free T3 Matters19:19 Optimal Thyroid Ranges20:47 Reverse T3 Ratio Use21:58 Hashimoto’s With Normal Labs24:51 Key Nutrients and Iodine28:10 Hypothyroid Medication Options31:33 Choosing the Right Meds32:52 Graves’ Treatment Reality35:31 Adjuncts and Nervous System37:06 Supplements for Inflammation38:31 Final Advice and Where to Find Her Key Takeaways:Why free T3 matters more than TSH alone — and the optimal ranges Dr. Mian looks for (free T3 ≥3.0, free T4 ≥1.0)The free T3-to-reverse T3 ratio functional practitioners use to catch what standard labs missHow untreated hypothyroidism quietly drives high cholesterol and insulin resistanceFasting insulin targets (≤5) and why postprandial insulin testing matters tooBerberine, inositol, and cinnamon for blood sugar supportThe gut-autoimmunity-thyroid triad: genetics, leaky gut, and triggersSynthetic vs. desiccated thyroid hormone — how Dr. Mian decides which to useLow-dose naltrexone and ashwagandha as adjuncts for Hashimoto's and Graves'Why iodine supplementation needs to be individualized, not routine Guest DetailsDr. Saadia Mian, MD, FACE, IFMCP is a board-certified endocrinologist and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, as well as a certified life coach. A Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology, she blends conventional endocrinology with root-cause, systems-based medicine. She's the founder of Precision Endocrine and The Functional Endocrinologist, focusing on thyroid health, metabolic optimization, weight management, and bioidentical hormone therapy. She's the author of Hormones in Sync: An Endocrinologist's Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy, Joy, and Health (releasing September 2026), a Detroit Hour Top Doc, and a sought-after speaker and educator. Connect with Dr. Mian:🌐 Website: www.saadiamianmd.com📸 Instagram: @dr.saadiamianmd📘 Facebook: Saadia Mian MD💼 LinkedIn: Saadia Mian MD📍 Clinic: Woodhaven, MichiganAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Why Anxiety Lives in Your Body, Not Your Mind | Dr. Russell Kennedy 31.08.2026 57min

  In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Russell Kennedy — physician, neuroscientist, and founder of "The Anxiety MD," who reframes anxiety as a felt alarm in the body rather than a problem to think your way out of.From childhood alarm quietly fueling autoimmune flares to a simple ABC framework (Awareness, Body, Compassion) that helps patients finally get out of their heads and into their bodies, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools you won't hear anywhere else. Chapters and Time-stamps00:31 Meet Dr Russell Kennedy01:44 Origin Story and Sensitivity03:53 Background Alarm Explained05:33 Alarm Anxiety Cycle07:52 LSD Insight Body Based Anxiety10:08 Find Anxiety in the Body12:52 Meditation and Thought Distance16:08 Catastrophizing and Certainty Traps19:10 ABC Method Get Into Body24:13 Sensation Without Explanation27:25 Adult Child Reunion and Autoimmunity29:43 Autoimmune and Anxiety Link30:45 ALARMS Childhood Triggers32:44 Anxiety vs Depression Signals33:51 Pain as a Lighthouse36:55 Prayer and Trusting Life40:56 Practicing Gratitude Daily43:25 Why Medicine Falls Short45:42 Group Healing and Patterns49:52 Addiction Shame and Support52:27 Surprised by Connection 55:01 Where to Find Dr Kennedy56:36 Final Takeaway Connection Heals Key Takeaways🧠 Anxiety Isn't in Your Mind — It's in Your Body🚨 Every Anxious Person Has a Background "Alarm" Running👶 Your Anxiety Is Actually Your Younger Self, Waiting🫁 Sensation Without Explanation — Feel It, Don't Fix It🔄 The ABC Method: Awareness, Body, Compassion🩹 Autoimmune Flares Can Be the Child Asking to Be Heard🤝 Connection Heals What Pills Never Will Guest Details & LinksGuest: Dr. Russell KennedySpecialty: Physician | Neuroscientist | Anxiety & Nervous System HealingBackground: Grew up with a father who had schizophrenia and bipolar illness; developed his own anxiety disorder early in life; left traditional medicine after discovering healing comes through the body, not pharmaceuticals aloneEducation: Medical Doctor (MD); background in neurosciencePast Work: Practiced medicine for years before shifting fully into anxiety education, writing, and coachingTurning Point: A 2013 experience revealed his anxiety was held in his body (not his mind) — reshaping his entire approach to healingKnown For: Bestselling, award-winning author of Anxiety Rx; creator of the ABC Method (Awareness, Body, Compassion) and the ALARMS frameworkOffers: Online course — Your Mind Body Prescription for Permanent Anxiety Healing; upcoming third bookAlso Known As: "The Anxiety MD"Links:🌐 Website: The Anxiety MD📷 Instagram: @TheAnxietyMD📖 Book: Anxiety RxAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Forever Chemicals & Autoimmunity: What Your Fat Cells Are Hiding 24.08.2026 53min

  Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Stanford rheumatologist who also runs a rare Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, treating patients whose cancer drugs trigger autoimmune flares. We break down why fiber is her #1 prescription, how forever chemicals hide in your fat for decades, and the simple gut hacks she uses with her own patients. Chapters & Time-Stamps00:40 Meet Dr Katsumoto01:58 Why Lifestyle Medicine03:24 Cancer Immunotherapy Basics06:07 Fiber Microbiome Link07:23 Diet Counseling in Clinic08:59 Whole Food Plant Predominant10:54 Practical Patient Resources14:17 Lifestyle Trials for Arthritis18:39 Leaky Gut Explained20:07 ZOE Microbiome Mega Studies23:30 Keto Carnivore Debate25:46 Microbial Diversity Tips27:19 Tracking 30 Plants Weekly28:24 Food Scanning Apps29:18 Yuka For Products30:17 Microbiome Testing Debate31:36 Fiber And Crucifers32:23 Broccoli Sprouts Hack34:15 Toxins And Plastics35:54 Forever Chemicals PFAS37:17 Legacy POPs Explained43:59 Pesticides And EWG47:12 Lowering Toxic Load48:28 When Fiber Hurts51:19 Wrap Up And Where To Find Key TakeawaysCancer immunotherapy can trigger autoimmune arthritis as a side effectHigh-fiber, plant-forward eating improves both cancer and autoimmune outcomesForever chemicals (PFAS, dioxins) accumulate in fat — especially animal fatBroccoli sprouts pack more detoxifying power than broccoli itselfApps like ZOE and Yuka make tracking food quality effortless Guest Details & LinksTamiko Katsumoto, MD, DipABLM is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University, board-certified in lifestyle medicine. She directs Stanford's Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, co-chairs the ACR Climate Change Task Force, and co-leads the Food Systems, Health and Environment Working Group at Stanford's Center for Human and Planetary Health.Stanford: profiles.stanford.edu/tamiko-katsumotoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamiko-katsumoto-md-dipablm-62b29915Instagram: @tamiko_katsumotoAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Why You're Exhausted, Bloated & Anxious: A Naturopath Explains Burnout in Women 17.08.2026 44min

  In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Stephanie Cowie — a naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist who blends functional medicine with mental health expertise to treat burnout, gut dysfunction, and hormone imbalances that leave women feeling dismissed and unheard. From burnout rooted in cortisol dysregulation to rage and irritability mistaken for a personality flaw instead of perimenopause, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools to help you finally read your body's signals correctly. Chapters and Time-stamps01:30 What Burnout Really Is02:45 Her Personal Journey04:23 Key Burnout Symptoms06:03 Cortisol And Stress Physiology07:29 Gut Issues In Burnout08:53 Daily Habits That Worsen It11:27 Mood Changes In Midlife15:27 Tools To Regulate Sleep17:28 Caffeine Effects And Swaps20:59 Alcohol As A Coping Ritual23:24 Perimenopause Habit Traps25:58 Her Wind Down Routine28:05 Early Warning Signs30:21 Talking To Family And Work32:27 Signs You Are Recovering34:06 Labs To Rule Things Out36:36 Protein First Nutrition Strategy40:03 Hormone Supporting Foods41:45 Final Wisdom And Where To Find Her Key Takeaways🔥 Burnout Isn't Laziness — It's an Empty Tank⏰ Cortisol Has a Rhythm, and Burnout Breaks It🍳 Breakfast Is the Glucose Regulator of Your Whole Day😤 Rage That Doesn't Match the Moment Is a Signal, Not a Flaw🌞 Morning Sunlight Beats Morning Scrolling — Every Time🍷 That "Relaxing" Glass of Wine Is Sabotaging Your Sleep🩸 Your Labs Can Tell You What Your Symptoms Can't🛌 Healing Takes Patience — Rest First, Then Rebuild Guest Details & LinksGuest: Dr. Stephanie Cowie, NDSpecialty: Naturopathic Doctor | Certified Nutritional Practitioner | Gut, Hormone & Burnout HealthBackground: Struggled with debilitating exhaustion, brain fog, and bloating starting at age 22, after being repeatedly dismissed by practitioners as "just tired." That experience launched a years-long search for real answers — leading her to build a multidisciplinary practice treating burnout, gut health, and hormones through both a clinical and psychological lens.Education: Naturopathic Doctor (ND); Bachelor of Arts, McGill University (Spanish major, Italian & French minors); Master's in Human Development and Applied Psychology (M.Ed), University of Toronto; Diploma in Holistic PsychotherapyCertifications: Certified Nutritional Practitioner; Certified Life Coach; Certified Aromatherapy Health PractitionerPast Work: Practiced as a psychotherapist before transitioning fully into naturopathic medicine; co-authored Evidence Informed Nutrition with Dr. VizniakTurning Point: Her own decade-long burnout — and the medical system's failure to explain it — pushed her to combine nutrition, functional labs, and nervous-system work into one integrated approach for womenKnown For: Dual-licensed ND (Ontario & British Columbia) specializing in perimenopausal women; helping patients decode burnout through cortisol, blood sugar, and gut-brain connectionsOffers: Customized gut and hormone strategies (Ontario & BC residents); upcoming online gut & hormone workshopsLinks:🌐 Website: drstephaniecowie.com📷 Instagram: @dr.stephaniecowie🎵 TikTok: @drstephaniecowieNDAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Chrononutrition for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmunity: Timing Your Meals Right 10.08.2026 40min

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Beth Biggee, integrative rheumatologist, to explore how circadian rhythm — not just diet — shapes autoimmune health. We break down when to eat, exercise, and take supplements based on your cortisol and melatonin cycles, plus how Ayurvedic dosha types and fasting research apply to rheumatoid arthritis.Chapters + Timestamps00:40 Meet Dr Beth Biggie01:59 Her Integrative Journey04:12 Circadian Rhythm Basics07:04 Chrononutrition Timing11:07 Hormones Sleep Repair14:15 Fasting And Autophagy18:10 Breakfast And Fiber20:10 Best Time To Exercise23:42 Chronotypes Night Owls26:46 Ayurveda Doshas Sleep30:09 Dinacharya Herbs Timing32:03 Supplements And Med Timing35:48 Milk Thistle For RA37:21 Where To Find Dr Biggie38:27 Final TakeawaysKey Takeaways:Eat within a 12-hour window (roughly 6am–6pm) to sync with cortisol and melatoninTime-restricted eating and fasting-mimicking diets may support autophagy and reduce inflammationAyurvedic dosha type can guide sleep, meal timing, and herb dosingMilk thistle may protect the liver and reduce disease activity in methotrexate usersExercise timing matters: gentle movement at sunrise, resistance training late afternoonGuest Bio & LinksDr. Beth Biggee provides holistic, human-centered autoimmune care at her direct care specialty practice, Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, in North Andover, MA. She is triple board certified in Lifestyle Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Rheumatology, with certificates in Auricular Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Reiki, HeartMath, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. She is honored to support patients on their journey toward deeper healing and optimal health of mind, body, and spirit.🔗 Website: www.bethbiggeemd.com📍 North Andover, MA (serving MA & NH)About Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Perimenopause Rage & Dark Thoughts: What 40-60% of Women Never Talk About 03.08.2026 46min

  Dr. Rebecca Hertel, DO, MSCP — an osteopathic physician and certified menopause practitioner who founded a telemedicine practice helping women navigate midlife with real answers instead of dismissal.From estrogen fluctuations silently driving vertigo, tinnitus, and migraines to darkest-day thoughts that terrified her before she found real answers, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools to help you finally read your body's signals correctly.Chapters and Time-stamps01:24 Training Gaps In Menopause Care02:22 Why She Chose Osteopathy05:18 OMT In Real Practice07:55 What Osteopathic Medicine Means10:43 OMT Wins For Patients12:54 Vertigo Tinnitus And Hormones14:09 Her Perimenopause Wake Up Call19:14 Symptoms And Dark Thoughts22:04 Finding Help And Starting HRT24:55 Gut Health Deep Dive26:05 Hormone Tools Overview26:39 Lifestyle Nonnegotiables28:41 Longevity and Bone Health31:31 Her Daily Routine34:58 CGM and Blood Sugar38:28 Zone Two Training Basics41:27 Creatine and Collagen43:22 Family Fitness Habits44:55 Where to Find Her Key Takeaways🌪️ Perimenopause Can Look Like Rage, Not Just Hot Flashes🌀 Vertigo & Tinnitus Are Often Estrogen, Not Aging🧠 Brain Fog Can Steal Your Confidence at Work🙊 40-60% of Women Have Mood Dysfunction — Nobody Talks About It💉 Hormone Therapy Is Support, Not a Magic Fix🩸 A CGM Can Reveal Blood Sugar Swings You'd Never Suspect💪 Creatine Isn't Just for Muscle — It Protects Your Brain🏃 Zone 2 + Sleep Are the Longevity Basics That Actually WorkGuest Details & LinksGuest: Dr. Rebecca Hertel, DO, MSCPSpecialty: Board-Certified Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician | Certified Menopause Practitioner | Midlife & Menopause CareBackground: Despite being a physician, Rebecca went undiagnosed through years of debilitating perimenopause symptoms — irritability, brain fog, migraines, vertigo, and even frightening intrusive thoughts — while being told it was "just aging" or she was "too young for this." That experience launched her deep dive into menopause medicine and led her to build the practice she couldn't find herself.Education: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Family Medicine residency; trained under Dr. Heather Hirsch in menopause careCertifications: Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)Past Work: Nearly 20 years in family medicine, incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT); developed an OMT clinic during residency; moonlighted and trained under leading menopause specialists before launching her own telemedicine practiceTurning Point: Her own undiagnosed, years-long perimenopause crisis — including dark, frightening thoughts and life-altering vertigo — pushed her to specialize fully in midlife women's health and hormone optimizationKnown For: Founder & CEO of Osteopathic Midlife Health; Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at LECOM; host of Midlife Minute news series; blending hormone therapy, OMT, and lifestyle medicine for women in perimenopause and menopauseOffers: Telemedicine menopause care through Osteopathic Midlife Health; provider/community education and speaking📷 Instagram: @DrRebeccaHertelDO🎥 YouTube: Rebecca Hertel MSCP🎙️ Podcasts: Dusty Muffins™, The Founder's Series📺 News Series: Midlife MinuteAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
• 
  East Plus West Medicine: How a Rheumatologist Uses Herbs & Acupuncture to Treat Autoimmune Disease 27.07.2026 40min

  Dr. Yousef Zarbalian — "Dr. Z" — a board-certified rheumatologist who combines Chinese herbal medicine, medical acupuncture, and therapeutic fasting to treat autoimmune conditions that conventional medicine struggles to address.From a patient achieving 85% pain relief without pharmaceuticals to a hopeless fibromyalgia case turning around in just three weeks, this episode is packed with real clinical stories and practical integrative tools you won't hear anywhere else.Key Takeaways:Therapeutic fasting (Buchinger-style: herbal tea + vegetable broth) can dramatically reduce autoimmune inflammation — one patient saw 85% pain relief without any pharmaceuticalsChinese herbal formulas treat patterns, not just symptoms, using 8–12 herbs together — frankincense, myrrh, and coix seed are among Dr. Z's go-to anti-inflammatory herbsEarly intervention is key — the less structural joint damage present, the greater the opportunity to heal with integrative tools aloneLow-carb, low-starch diets show the strongest evidence for spondyloarthritis and RA, but no single diet works for everyoneElimination and reintroduction beats food sensitivity testing every time — IgG panels can mislead more than they helpHerbal medicine can reduce the side effects of DMARDs like methotrexate, making it a powerful partner to Western treatment rather than a replacementThunder God Vine studied head-to-head against methotrexate showed non-inferior results — but sourcing and dosing still need careful attentionChapters & Time-stamps01:01 Meet Dr Z02:11 Path to Integrative Rheumatology04:30 Why Herbs Work05:42 Personalized Medicine Limits07:03 When to Use Drugs09:15 Therapeutic Fasting Explained17:34 Diet Strategies by Condition21:21 Food Sensitivities and Testing23:05 Herbal Formulas for Inflammation26:11 Mixing Herbs with Meds29:41 Surprising Patient Turnarounds35:12 Mindset and Healing36:04 Final Message and Where to Find Dr ZAbout Dr. Yousef Zarbalian (Dr. Z):Board-certified rheumatologist, herbalist, and medical acupuncturist. Founder of East West Rheumatology in Vienna, VA.Connect with Dr. Z:Website: www.eastwestmd.comInstagram: @eastwestmd | @dr.youssef_zarbalianFacebook: East West RheumatologyAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
• 
  How Healing Your Nervous System Reversed My MS Symptoms 20.07.2026 33min

  Today's guest is the incredible Christine Ruch — holistic nutrition expert, nervous system healing coach, and a woman who walked away from everything — three thriving food businesses, a 30-year marriage, and life as she knew it — to find out why doing everything "right" still left her sick.Christine's personal journey from an MS and celiac diagnosis to closing her Boulder, Colorado restaurants, moving solo to the jungles of Costa Rica, and discovering the one missing piece that finally changed her health — her nervous system — is nothing short of extraordinary.In this episode, we go deep into why emotional capacity is the most underrated healing tool in chronic illness, how childhood wounds keep your nervous system locked in fight-or-flight, her simple 30-second practice that begins to shift your baseline, and why your body never lies — even when your mind does. If you've been eating clean, doing all the things, and still not healing — this one is for YOU.Chapters and Time-Stamps00:53 Meet Christine Ruch01:28 MS Diagnosis to Nutrition02:25 Costa Rica Reset08:56 Emotional Capacity Basics12:27 Creating Inner Safety16:23 Nature and Embodiment18:55 30 Second Practice22:18 Releasing Stored Trauma27:29 Finding Your Light30:19 Client Transformations31:47 Programs and FarewellKey Takeaways🍽️Food Is a Powerful First Gateway to Healing⚠️The "Perfect Lifestyle" Can Still Leave You Sick🌿The Nervous System Is the Missing Piece🧘Build Emotional Capacity, 30 Seconds at a Time💬You Are Not Your Emotions🫀The Body Never Lies — Learn to Listen to It✨Healing Becomes Embodied, Not a Daily Practice to RememberGuest Details & LinksGuest: Christine RuchSpecialty: Nervous System Healing Coach | Holistic Nutrition | Autoimmune WellnessBackground: Diagnosed with MS & celiac disease 20 years ago; healed through food and nervous system workEducation: Degree in Holistic NutritionPast Work: Ran 3 food businesses in Boulder, Colorado for ~10 yearsTraining: Mentorship with two healers in Costa Rica; trained alongside therapists & healing arts practitionersOffers1:1 coaching calls, webinars, and a 3-month nervous system healing programLinks:🌐https://www.christineruch.com/ About Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Pediatric Rheumatologist Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dr. Saimun Singla's Story 13.07.2026 42min

  In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I'm joined by my friend and integrative medicine colleague, Dr. Saimun Singla — a pediatric rheumatologist who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis only after becoming a full-fledged rheumatologist herself.We dig into the real differences between juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and adult RA, why even doctors miss their own diagnoses, and how she blends Western medicine with diet, supplements, and mind-body therapy to get kids (and adults) into remission.Chapters and Time-Stamps00:37 Meet Dr Saimun Singla01:46 JIA vs RA Explained03:26 Spotting JIA in Toddlers05:28 Her Postpartum RA Diagnosis08:23 When Treatments Keep Failing11:49 Finding Remission and Reading Flares13:12 Integrative Treatment Approach15:28 Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis18:48 Pediatric Only Conditions CRMO21:13 When Families Fear Meds23:14 Treat Early Remission23:48 Prevent Permanent Damage25:04 Risks Benefits Middle Ground25:32 Not Forever Meds26:36 Complementary Clinic Tools27:54 Supplements For Kids29:52 Best Diet Basics32:47 Mind Body Regulation34:50 Mind Body For Kids36:10 Vagus Nerve And VR38:00 Remarkable Recovery Story40:06 Final Advice And ContactKey Takeaways:JIA vs RA: under 16 = JIA (7 subtypes), 16+ = RA, even though joint patterns differDr. Singla's own RA diagnosis came a year after she became an attending — proof doctors make the worst patientsFatigue and morning hand stiffness were her first red flags, easily dismissed as postpartum exhaustionCRMO is a pediatric-only bone condition that can mimic infection and later evolve into ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritisTreatment isn't just medication — sleep, stress, and micronutrients (vitamin D, iron) fuel or calm inflammationThe Mediterranean/anti-inflammatory diet has the strongest evidence; elimination + reintroduction personalizes it furtherMind-body medicine = nervous system regulation; for kids that means play therapy, guided imagery, and breathwork, not adult meditationVagus nerve stimulation and VR breathing tools are growing in popularity, especially for teensBiologics aren't forever — the goal is lowest effective dose, or none, once remission is reachedUntreated inflammation carries long-term risk: heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, not just joint damageAbout Dr. Saimun Singla:Pediatric rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician treating autoimmune and chronic illness in children and young adults. Diagnosed with RA after becoming an attending rheumatologist, she brings a rare dual lens — physician and patient — to her work. Founder and CEO of Rheum to Grow, a naturally-minded, scientifically-grounded practice in Houston, TX blending Western and Eastern medicine.Connect with Dr. Singla:Website: rheumtogrowtx.com (book a free 15-min call)Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/YouTube: @rheumtogrowtxAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
• 
  Bloated After Every Meal? The Hidden Gut Condition Your Doctor Is Missing with Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad 06.07.2026 55min

  In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad — integrative internal medicine physician, gut health specialist, SIBO expert, and founder of OC Integrative Medicine in Fullerton, California.Dr. Rajshree's personal journey from debilitating bloating, food intolerances, and daily nausea to healing her own SIBO naturally is nothing short of transformational.We go deep into why so many IBS diagnoses miss the real root cause, the difference between hydrogen and methane SIBO, her powerful 4-phase herbal protocol, and how healing your gut can reverse everything from skin rashes to anxiety to autoimmune flares. If you've been told to just "live with" your gut symptoms — this one is for YOU.Chapters and Time-Stamps00:53 Welcome and Guest Intro02:27 Why SIBO Gets Missed03:39 What SIBO Does in Gut05:42 IBS vs SIBO Types07:48 Herbal Protocol Origin Story12:25 Four Phase SIBO Plan14:33 Testing to Rule Out Causes20:33 Microbiome Diet and Cravings22:16 Stress Food and Antibiotics25:34 Histamine and Probiotic Pitfalls28:35 Best Supplements Digestive Enzymes30:16 Digestive Enzyme Stack30:53 Magnesium for Constipation31:58 Motility Activator Basics32:27 Phase-Based SIBO Strategy34:10 Meal Spacing and MMC35:23 Low-Bloat Food Swaps36:57 Mindful Eating and Portions39:19 Reintroducing Foods Safely41:48 Nausea Relief Tools43:57 Acid vs Non-Acid Reflux50:34 Gut-Immune Connection Wrap53:30 Where to Find Dr RajshreeKey Takeaways🦠 IBS Is a Label, Not a Diagnosis🧪 Know Your SIBO Type🌿 Fix the Foundation Before Killing Bacteria💊 Three Supplements That Change Everything🍽️ Meal Spacing Is Medicine🔬 Your Gut Drives Your Immune System🥛 Go Slow With ReintroductionGuest Details & LinksGuest: Dr. Rasjree Nambudripad, MDSpecialty: Integrative Internal Medicine | Gut Health | SIBO ExpertPractice Location: Fullerton, CaliforniaTraining: Internal Medicine Residency at Northwestern University; Gastroenterology Fellowship at UC IrvineLinks: Website: oc-integrative-medicine.com📺 YouTube: @drrajsree📸 Instagram: @dr_rajsree_nambudripadAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  RA Remission Without Methotrexate or Biologics — A Real Patient Story That Will Blow Your Mind 29.06.2026 21min

  What does it actually look like when a patient goes from swollen joints, X-ray erosions, and almost starting a biologic — to zero inflammation, no medications, and running on a treadmill again? In this episode, I sit down with my patient Jenny Heiss, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. Her road to remission is one of the most remarkable I've seen in my clinic, and I wanted her to share it in her own words. We talk about her decade-long search through conventional rheumatology, holistic practitioners, ozone therapy, and methotrexate side effects — and the three things that finally turned everything around: Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), MSM supplementation, and Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) using a Proteus/Klebsiella antigen. Jenny has now been in full remission for 2.5 years with zero joint inflammation on labs and zero disease limitations. This one is for anyone who's been told biologics are their only option. Key TakeawaysSeronegative RA is still real RAMethotrexate isn't the only answer — and side effects are realMSM was a surprisingly powerful first stepLDI works by retraining the immune system, not suppressing itRoot cause matters — bacteria may trigger RAFood is medicine — and Jenny proved it early onRemission means getting your life back — completelyThere's no right or wrong path to healing Chapters & Time-Stamps00:56 Meet Jenny Hess01:47 First Signs and Diagnosis02:53 Methotrexate Experience03:19 Holistic Detours and Setbacks04:41 Minocycline and Moving States07:02 Seropositive Shift and Fears09:01 Starting Care With Dr Yu09:33 Supplements and LDN Gains10:11 LDI and Lab Turnaround12:07 Life in Remission14:53 Current Regimen Breakdown15:44 How LDI Works17:34 Diet and Lifestyle Foundations19:38 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps Guest & linksJenny Heiss — Patient & RA Remission AdvocatePatient of Dr. Micah Yu | 10-year RA journey, now in full remissionNo social media listed — her story speaks for itselfDr. Micah Yu, MD — HostIntegrative Rheumatologist & Functional Medicine | Newport Beach, CAClinic: drlifestyle.orgLDI episode reference: Search "Dr. Ty Vincent" on Autoimmune AlchemyAbout Your HostDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMPFunctional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune AlchemyDr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the "why" behind their illness and find pathways to healing.Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – NewInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.
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  MCAS: Why Doctors Keep Missing This Diagnosis — And How to Finally Get Answers 22.06.2026 41min

  If you've been bouncing between specialists with no answers, this episode might be the missing piece.Dr. Melissa Mondala and I break down everything you need to know about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — one of the most underdiagnosed conditions we see at our clinic.From head-to-toe symptoms and tricky lab work to root causes like long COVID, mold, Lyme disease, and trauma, we cover it all — and share the exact treatment tools we use.Key TakeawaysMCAS is a master mimickerTryptase alone is not enoughSymptoms are the diagnosis when labs failAlways look for the root causeMCAS, POTS & hypermobility often travel togetherTrauma and stress are real biological triggersDiet and lifestyle are the foundation — not an afterthoughtMCAS treatment is never one-size-fits-allChapters & TimeStamps1:12 — What Is MCAS? (Overview)2:42 — What Are Mast Cells?8:49 — Lab Testing for MCAS13:23 — Diagnosis Criteria (Consensus 1 & 2)16:07 — Root Causes of MCAS16:35 — Long Haul COVID & POTS24:47 — Mold Exposure as a Trigger32:17 — Treatment Approach37:32 — Prescription Medications (LDN, Ketotifen, Cromolyn, Xolair)39:48 — GLP-1s, Peptides & Closing RemarksAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Do Fermented Foods beat High Fiber Foods? 15.06.2026 52min

  Today's guest is the incredible Dr. Vincent Pedre — integrative physician, Medical Director of Pedre Integrative Health in NYC, founder of Happy Gut Health, and bestselling author of Happy Gut and The Gut Smart Protocol.Dr. Vincent's personal journey from 20+ rounds of childhood antibiotics to healing his own IBS, eczema, and leaky gut is nothing short of transformational.In this episode, we go deep into the gut-immune connection, the power of fermented foods, peptide therapy, mitochondrial health, and even the hidden toxins in your morning coffee. If you have an autoimmune condition, chronic inflammation, or just want to optimize your gut — this one is for YOU.Chapters & Time Stamps0:56 Introduction & Welcome2:00 Dr. Pedre's Personal Gut Health Journey6:02 Childhood Foods & Antibiotic Overuse6:48 Discovering Functional Medicine & Diet Clean-Up10:33 Going Gluten-Free & Building a Clean Home11:27 Dr. Pedre's Books: Happy Gut & The Gut Smart Protocol13:33 Fermented Foods vs. High Fiber Diet Study14:21 Gut Microbiome Diversity Explained18:54 Fermented Foods Win Over Fiber for Inflammation20:29 How Fermented Foods Increase Gut Diversity24:13 Pesticides, Glyphosate & Gut Disruption25:08 Leaky Gut, Dysbiosis & Chronic Disease26:18 Gluten, Dairy & Healing Food Intolerances26:52 Peptide Therapy for Gut Healing30:12 What Are Peptides & How They Work31:21 GLP-1 Medications — Benefits & Cautions32:34 Key Supplements: L-Glutamine, Zinc, Omega-3s35:08 Mitochondria: The Next Frontier in Health37:10 Mitochondrial Damage: Antibiotics, Toxins & EMF40:15 Red Light Therapy & Mitochondrial Energy43:23 GLP-1 & SIBO — What's the Connection?45:37 Happy Gut Coffee — The Origin Story48:53 Coffee's Hidden Dangers & Health Benefits50:58 Where to Find Dr. Pedre & Happy Gut CoffeeGUEST DETAILS & LINKSDr. Vincent Pedre, MD Integrative & Functional Medicine Physician | Gut Health Expert | Author🌐 Website: happygut.com☕ Happy Gut Coffee: happygutcoffee.com📸 Instagram: @DrPedre📚 Books: Happy Gut | The Gut Smart ProtocolAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  PANDAS in Kids: The Infection-Driven Brain Disorder Doctors Are Finally Talking About | Dr. Scott Antoine 08.06.2026 52min

  SHOW NOTESOn this episode of AutoImmune Alchemy, I sit down with Dr. Scott Antoine — triple board-certified integrative and functional medicine physician, Amazon bestselling author, and one of the leading experts in PANS and PANDAS.His journey into this field began when his own daughter Emma was suddenly struck with severe OCD, defiance, and behavioral changes at age 12 — only to recover dramatically after IVIG treatment. That experience changed everything.If you've ever wondered why your child's psychiatric diagnosis didn't respond to treatment, or if their symptoms came on suddenly out of nowhere, this conversation could be life-changing.Chapters & Time-Stamps1:01 Dr. Antoine's Personal Story with PANDAS3:19 What is PANS & PANDAS?5:47 IVIG & Insurance Coverage7:10 History of the Diagnosis10:32 Medical Acceptance & Controversy18:27 Diagnosis & Workup29:10 Mycoplasma & Epstein-Barr Virus36:53 Treatment Monitoring & Antibiotic Duration45:41 Holistic Treatment Approach48:55 Final Words & Hope for Families49:49 Where to Find Dr. AntoineGuest DetailsTriple board-certified integrative & functional medicine physician, PANS/PANDAS expert, and author of the Amazon bestselling Comprehensive Physician's Guide to the Management of PANS & PANDAS. Co-owner of the Center for Fully Functional Health in Carmel, Indiana.🔗 fullyfunctional.com🔗 thepandasdocs.com📱 @thepandasdocsAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Perimenopause Warning Signs Doctors Miss & What to Do Instead 01.06.2026 48min

  In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with Dr. Jila Senemar — OB/GYN, longevity physician, and founder of the Miami Menopause Collective. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Jila is rewriting the narrative around menopause — from fear to freedom.We cover everything from early perimenopause signs and comprehensive lab testing to bioidentical hormones, PCOS, microplastics, and why lifestyle always comes first.If you've ever felt dismissed by your doctor, this episode is for YOU.10 KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's not anti-aging — it's longevity.Lifestyle is non-negotiable first.Perimenopause doesn't start with hot flashes.Iron deficiency is massively underdiagnosed.Your cardiovascular risk skyrockets after menopause.All bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved.Comprehensive labs are not expensive.PCOS and endometriosis are driven by environment.Food can restore ovulatory cycles in PCOS.Women need time, not a 5-minute visit.CHAPTERS01:34 What Anti Aging Means03:04 Start With Lifestyle Basics04:58 When Stress Catches Up07:57 Early Perimenopause Clues10:46 Menopause As New Chapter13:02 Stepwise Plan And Supplements16:57 Red Light And Sauna Reality18:25 Labs To Check First22:19 Cardio Risk After Fifty24:40 When To Consider Hormones25:49 Hormone Therapy Reframed27:01 Bioidentical and Delivery Options28:23 Hormones Autoimmunity and Heart Risk29:02 PCOS Metabolic Roots30:52 Toxins and Fertility Trends32:22 Endometriosis New Science33:07 Optimizing Women in Their 20s34:52 Patient Wins Lifestyle and Listening40:08 Why Womens Health Needed More43:25 Miami Menopause Collective and Empower47:04 Where to Find Her47:49 Closing Thanks and TakeawaysGUEST DETAILSDr. Jila Senemar, MD | OB/GYN | Longevity & Women's Health PhysicianFounder — Miami Menopause Collective Host — Her Time, Her Health PodcastPerimenopause · Menopause · Hormones Longevity Medicine · Women's Integrative Health20+ Years in OB/GYN & Women's Health Based in Miami, FloridaCONNECT🌐 jilamd.com📸 @drjilasenemar (Instagram)🎙️ Podcast: Her Time, Her Health 📍 Miami, FloridaAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Natural Testosterone Boosters That Actually Work—Dr. Micah Howard on Herbs, Hormones & Men's Health 25.05.2026 42min

  In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with my fellow Andrew Weil Center cohort member and dear friend, Dr. Micah Howard — integrative physician, hypnotherapist, and Alabama's trailblazer in root-cause medicine.We dive DEEP into the testosterone conversation most doctors are getting wrong. Is TRT always necessary? What's really driving the hormonal crash in men? And what can herbs, lifestyle, and nitric oxide do before you ever pick up a syringe?Whether you're navigating autoimmune disease, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance — this one's for you.10 KEY TAKEAWAYSTestosterone isn't a fix-all.Body fat is the #1 testosterone killer.Endocrine disruptors are real and everywhere.Remove the poison before you add anything.Natural boosters work — if you give them time.Nitric oxide is the unsung hero of men's health.Testosterone levels are wildly dynamic.GLP-1s are a double-edged sword.Testosterone can improve autoimmune symptoms.Sugar is hormonal sabotage — and it's addictive by design.CHAPTERS01:52 Testosterone Hype And Risks04:19 Why Levels Are Dropping07:03 Endocrine Disruptors09:04 GLP One Tradeoffs10:17 Target Levels And Testing13:12 Deficiency Signs And Vascular Health14:37 Lifestyle Before TRT18:18 Women And Testosterone20:13 Natural Boosters And Herbs23:54 Hibiscus For Water Retention24:25 Hawthorn And Vessel Support25:08 Ginseng And Key Adjuncts27:27 Best Forms To Take29:25 Stacking Versus Single Herbs30:19 Men Versus Women Use31:18 Trial Timelines And Goals33:41 Testosterone Delivery Options36:01 Autoimmune Links And Sugar Breaks39:59 Wrap Up And Where To FindGUEST DETAILSDr. Micah Howard, MD, ABOIM Board-Certified Integrative & Family Physician | CEO & Medical Director, Healing University Alabama's first integrative primary care clinic — rooted in Ayurvedic, Native American & evidence-based medicine.🎓 Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellow📍 Decatur, Alabama📖 Author of Body of Work + 7 published collections🌐 Website: bewellconnective.com📧 Email: [email protected] Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Former CrossFit Pro: How Overtraining Destroyed Metabolism & Hormones 18.05.2026 51min

  Today I have Dr. Becca Chilczenkowski, board-certified practitioner and hormone specialist who was a top 100 CrossFitter yet gained 15 pounds in one month and lost her cycle for three years from overtraining. Genetic testing revealed her inflammatory system turns on easily and struggles to turn off, making extreme exercise backfire. Becca reveals why detoxification—liver, gallbladder, bile support—is foundational, why she cut training from 6 days to 3 days weekly and became leaner, and why peptides are a "privilege you must earn" through lifestyle work first. She shares healing weight loss resistance, autoimmune, and MCAS through nervous system regulation, faith, and honoring rest as productive.Key TakeawaysGenetics: Some bodies turn on inflammation easily, struggle to shut offDetox first: Liver, gallbladder, bile before hormone optimizationExercise less: 3 days strength beats 6 days HIITRest is productive: Body forces rest if you don't choose itProtein moderation: 80-90g/day works better for somePeptides privilege: Earn through lifestyle, not replacementBile crucial: Main hormone detoxifier, methylation supportGenetic testing: Infron Pro 7 validates strugglesNervous system: Faith, journaling, vagus nerve essentialMindset matters: Self-talk sabotages healingChapters & Timestamps01:11 Becca Fitness Origins02:28 Injury IVF And Weight Gain03:10 Functional Medicine Awakening05:35 Beyond Hormones Root Causes06:27 Inflammation Stress And Metabolism08:19 Where To Start Cell Detox10:20 Exercise Stress Perimenopause11:56 Nervous System Grounding Tools15:28 Bile Liver And Gut Support17:47 Fitness Myths Rest Protein21:42 Learning To Rest And Reset Mindset24:22 Gut Rebuild Strategy26:54 Methylation Detox Basics28:58 Labs That Matter Most31:48 Genetics For Personalization34:00 Muscle Bone Without HRT36:38 Training Styles That Stick39:16 Nutrition For Strength41:16 Peptides Safety First44:02 Peptides Pros And Cons47:24 Mindset Faith And Support49:35 Where To Find Becca Guest DetailsDr. Becca Chilczenkowski — Board-Certified Practitioner & Hormone SpecialistBackground: Former top 100 CrossFitter. Lost 40-50 lbs competing, then gained 15 lbs in one month despite perfect diet/exercise. Lost cycle 3 years from overtraining.Discovery: Genetic testing (Infron Pro 7) revealed highly responsive inflammatory system—turns on easily, struggles to turn off.Practice: Virtual practice for weight loss resistance, autoimmune, MCAS, long COVID. Chicago-based.Philosophy: Detox first (liver/gallbladder/bile). Rest is productive. Peptides require earning through lifestyle. Faith-based.Connect:Instagram: @theHormoneQueenWebsite:FitMom.co About Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out. Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen. About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Autoimmune Protocol Diet: How to Start the AIP Diet The Right Way 11.05.2026 49min

  Today I have Mickey Trescott, nutrition professional and AIP pioneer who trained 1,000+ providers worldwide. Mickey shares her journey from bedridden with Hashimoto's/Celiac to creating the AIP movement, and reveals groundbreaking research: 73% IBD patients achieved clinical remission in 6 weeks, Hashimoto's patients lost 8 pounds eating the same 2,000 calories through reduced inflammation, and 29% CRP reduction without changing thyroid meds. She introduces Modified AIP—including rice, legumes (no soy/peanuts), ghee, seeds—making the protocol less restrictive. Her new book The New Autoimmune Protocol covers 9 human studies with easy recipes for both core and modified AIP.Chapters & Timestamps01:00 Mickey's Hashimoto's & Celiac Journey07:00 What Is Autoimmune Protocol Diet?09:00 Modified AIP: Rice, Legumes, Ghee, Seeds16:00 IBD Study: 73% Remission in 6 Weeks20:00 Hashimoto's: 29% CRP Reduction23:00 Weight Loss Without Calorie Restriction28:00 RA Study: 7 of 9 Improved35:00 Elimination Phase: 30-90 Days39:00 AIP vs Paleo Differences42:00 Nightshades & AutoimmuneGuest DetailsMickey Trescott, NTP, MS — Nutrition Professional & AIP PioneerTraining: MS in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine. AIP Certified Coach program co-creator (1,000+ providers trained).Background: Hashimoto's & Celiac survivor. Created AIP movement from online community experiments. Collaborated on 9 human AIP studies.Books: The New Autoimmune Protocol (May 26, 2025), The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, The Nutrient Dense KitchenConnect:Website:TheAutoimmuneProtocol.comSocial: @MickeyTrescottBook: May 26, 2025About Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!
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  Stop Dieting in Perimenopause: Why Calorie Restriction Worsens Cortisol & Autoimmune 04.05.2026 20min

  Today I'm honored to have Dr. Salome Masghati, OB-GYN and pelvic surgeon who transitioned from operating rooms to preventative medicine.Dr. Salome reveals why autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's, lupus, and RA spike during perimenopause—estrogen is anti-inflammatory, and when it declines, cortisol dysregulates, inflammation rises, and autoimmune flares.She explains why calorie restriction backfires in midlife, worsening cortisol and weight gain, and shares practical steps: morning sunlight, protein breakfasts, resistance training, gut testing, and hormone optimization. Hormones alone aren't enough—you need proper liver detox, gut health, and anti-inflammatory diet to truly heal.Key TakeawaysAutoimmune diseases spike in perimenopause when estrogen (anti-inflammatory) declinesCortisol dysregulates when estrogen drops—overactive to compensateCalorie restriction worsens cortisol dysregulation—don't undereat in midlifeStart simple: morning sunlight, protein breakfasts, resistance training (not just cardio)Estrogen & testosterone are immune modulators—decline = autoimmune flaresHashimoto's, lupus, RA improve in pregnancy, worsen in menopauseHormones need gut health, liver detox, anti-inflammatory diet to workHeavy/painful periods, cyclical migraines = hormone-related symptomsCOVID disrupted gut microbiome—long COVID worsened autoimmuneIndividualized testing: gut, heavy metals, micronutrientsChapters & Timestamps02:00 Cortisol Clues: Exhausted Mornings, Wired Nights03:00 Why Cortisol Goes Haywire in Perimenopause05:00 Metabolic Changes: Weight Gain, Insulin Resistance07:00 Simple Starts: Sunlight, Protein, Resistance Training10:00 Autoimmune Diseases Spike When Estrogen Declines12:00 Hormones Need Gut Health & Liver Detox14:00 When Is Surgery Needed vs Lifestyle?16:00 Environmental Toxins & COVID Impact17:00 Beyond Basic BloodworkGuest DetailsSalome Masghati, MD — OB-GYN, Pelvic Surgeon & Hormone SpecialistTraining: OB-GYN, pelvic surgery, regenerative medicine, advanced hormone therapy, preventative wellnessCurrent Focus: Preventative medicine—balancing hormones to prevent surgeries, addressing root causes (gut health, environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction)Philosophy: Individualized care. Hormones must be balanced with proper liver detox, gut microbiome, anti-inflammatory diet.Connect:Instagram: @drsalomemasghatimdWebsite: DrsalomemasghatiIndividualized Hormone Therapy for Women | Dr. Salome MasghatiAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.Connect with AutoImmune AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!