Dr. Magda Havas, environmental toxicologist and Professor Emerita at Trent University, reveals how EMFs from 5G, WiFi, smart meters, and dirty electricity trigger chronic illness.

Her groundbreaking research shows MS patients dramatically improved after installing dirty electricity filters, diabetics experienced blood sugar spikes from EMF exposure within 20 minutes, and voltage-gated calcium channels cause oxidative stress.

She provides protection strategies: GS filters for outlets (readings below 50), Swiss Shield fabric, wired internet, avoiding LED lights, and shielding smart meters—essential for anyone with autoimmune disease or unexplained symptoms.

Key Takeaways

1. EMFs from 5G, WiFi, smart meters contribute to chronic illness
2. MS symptoms improved with dirty electricity filters (GS/Green Wave)
3. Diabetics: blood sugar spikes within 20 min of EMF exposure
4. Heart palpitations, arrhythmias triggered by EMF radiation
5. Dirty electricity filters: reduce readings below 50
6. LED/fluorescent lights produce dirty electricity—use incandescent
7. Cell phones: never hold to head or store in bra/pocket
8. Swiss Shield fabric blocks 90%+ radiation; Y-Shield paint for walls
9. EHS precursors: concussions, mercury, Lyme, mold
10. Voltage-gated calcium channels cause oxidative stress

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 What Are EMFs: Power Lines, 5G, Dirty Electricity

06:00 No Long-Term 5G Health Research

09:00 Heart Palpitations & Arrhythmias from EMFs

12:00 5G Millimeter Waves & Skin Penetration

15:00 Swiss Shield Fabric & Y-Shield Paint

17:00 Cell Phone Cancer Risk

20:00 MS Symptoms Reversed with Filters

26:00 GS Filters vs Green Wave Filters

29:00 Blood Sugar Spikes in Diabetics

32:00 LED Lights Produce Dirty Electricity

36:00 Electric Cars: High Magnetic Fields

39:00 Smart Meter Shielding Solutions

42:00 EHS Symptoms: Insomnia, Headaches, Fatigue

51:00 Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Guest Details

Dr. Magda Havas, BSc, PhD — Environmental Toxicologist & EMF Expert

Position: Professor Emerita, Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, Ontario, Canada. 30+ years EMF research.

Expertise: EMF hypersensitivity, dirty electricity, expert testimony in legal cases, advisor to NGOs/government agencies.

Breakthrough Research: First to show MS symptoms reversed with dirty electricity filters. Documented diabetic blood sugar spikes from EMF (20-min response). Heart arrhythmias from cordless phone radiation.

Connect:

1. Website:MagdaHavas.com
2. YouTube:YouTube.com/magdahavas
3. Resources: TheRoseLab.com | ZoryGlaser.com | GlobalEMF.net
4. Email:drmagdahavas@gmail.com

About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

Dr. 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, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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 Alchemy:

Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New

Instagram: @myautoimmunemd

Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD

YouTube: @myautoimmunemd

Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!

For more information, please visit .

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 making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.

Dr. Lee shares accessible acupressure techniques anyone can do at home—including Large Intestine 11 for autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and Stomach 36 for combating fatigue and boosting vitality.

We discuss how TCM addresses autoimmune disease as a "wrong signal" in the body, treating root causes through personalized point selection, herbal medicine, breathwork, and small consistent lifestyle changes that create lasting healing.

Key Takeaways

1. Acupressure = acupuncture you can do at home — no needles required
2. Large Intestine 11 (elbow crease) reduces autoimmune inflammation & skin flares
3. Stomach 36 (below kneecap) is TCM's #1 point for fatigue and vitality
4. TCM treats autoimmune disease as "wrong signals" needing personalized rebalancing
5. Dampness in TCM = swollen, heavy, painful joints common in RA patients
6. Acupuncture lowers cortisol and raises endorphins — backed by research
7. Humming breathwork through the nose creates nitric oxide for better circulation
8. Korean hand point stimulation activates brain function and fights fatigue
9. Small, consistent changes create lasting autoimmune healing — not extreme overhauls
10. Build your healthcare village — ask for help and stay open-minded

Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 Acupressure vs. Acupuncture: Healing at Home

03:00 What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session

04:00 How Acupuncture Regulates Immune System & Inflammation

06:00 TCM Approach: Dampness, Heat & Personalized Autoimmune Care

08:00 Acupuncture for Fatigue & Brain Function

10:00 Key Points: Large Intestine 11 & Stomach 36

12:00 Herbs, Breathwork & Lifestyle for Resilience

15:00 Small Consistent Changes Create Big Results

16:00 Building Your Healthcare Village

18:00 Dr. Lee's Book: "Stop Calling Me Infertile"

20:00 Where to Find Dr. Nam Lee

Guest Details

Dr. Nam Lee, LAc — Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist & Author

Credentials: Advanced training in Oriental Medicine & Integrative Care. Specializes in Korean-style acupuncture, herbal medicine, fertility, women's health, and autoimmune disease. Author of Stop Calling Me Infertile.

Practice: Newport Beach, Orange County, California

Connect:

1. Instagram: @lee_acupuncture
2. Book: Stop Calling Me Infertile — available now
3. Website: https://www.leeacupuncture.com/.

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. 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, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.

Amy Suto, former Hollywood TV writer and bestselling author, shares her incredible RA remission journey—going from debilitating joint pain and hair loss on methotrexate to being completely medication-free for 2 years. She reveals how she refused injectable biologics, discovered American food triggered flares while Italian pizza didn't, and combined Rinvoq with glutathione patches, vitamin D, and toxin detox to achieve remission. Her current protocol: strength training 3x/week, Zone 2 cardio, mostly vegetarian diet, no alcohol, and vegetable juicing—proving RA remission is possible.

Key Takeaways

1. RA remission without biologics possible—2 years medication-free
2. American food triggered flares; Italian pizza/pasta didn't
3. Glutathione patches detoxed heavy toxin load
4. Vitamin D deficiency common in RA—fixing reduces inflammation
5. Combining Rinvoq with holistic approach accelerated remission
6. Strength training 3x/week + Zone 2 cardio 4x/week critical
7. Quit alcohol, reduced sugar, mostly vegetarian essential
8. Vegetable juicing reduces inflammation flares
9. Mindset: believing remission possible is first step
10. Targeted approach better than 30 supplements

Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 Diagnosis 2021: Joint Pain & Typing Struggles

02:00 Methotrexate: Hair Loss & Side Effects

03:00 Refusing Injectable Biologics

06:00 Italy Changed Everything: Pizza Helped RA

08:00 Switching to Rinvoq & Holistic Protocol

09:00 Glutathione Patches for Toxin Load

11:00 Vitamin D Deficiency Game-Changer

13:00 Going Off Rinvoq in Argentina

14:00 2 Years Medication-Free & Pain-Free

18:00 Current Protocol: Strength Training & Zone 2

20:00 Vegetable Juicing & No Alcohol

24:00 Mindset: Believing Remission Is Possible

26:00 Where to Find Amy

Guest Details

Amy Suto — Writer, Author & RA Remission Success

Background: Former Hollywood TV writer, bestselling author. Creator of top 25 Substack Make Writing Your Job (30K+ subscribers). Author of Write for Money and Power, Six-Figure Freelance Writer, The Ash Trials.

RA Journey: Diagnosed 2021. Medication-free 2 years. Protocol: glutathione patches, vitamin D, strength training 3x/week, Zone 2 cardio 4x/45min, mostly vegetarian, no alcohol.

Connect:

1. Website:AmySuto.com
2. Substacks: MakeWritingYourJob.com & SutoScience.com
3. Social: @sutoscience (all platforms)

About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

Dr. 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, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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 Alchemy:

Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New

Instagram: @myautoimmunemd

Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD

YouTube: @myautoimmunemd

Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!

For more information, please visit .

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 making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.

Dr. Esparza reveals warning signs often dismissed as hemorrhoids, explains why 30% of rectal cancer patients can avoid surgery through chemo/radiation alone, and shares robotic surgery breakthroughs reducing hospital stays from 7-10 days to 1-2 days.

We discuss fiber's power (30g daily), why 90% of Americans are constipated, gut microbiome's impact on mood and immunity, and City of Hope's integrative approach combining surgery with acupuncture and multi-faith spiritual care.

Key Takeaways

1. Colorectal cancer becoming #1 young adult cancer death by 2030 (20% under 45)
2. Start screening at 45 (or 10 years before family member's diagnosis)
3. Warning signs: rectal bleeding, weight loss, stool changes, pain
4. <20% diagnosed during screening—most symptomatic when found
5. 30% rectal cancer patients avoid surgery with chemo/radiation
6. Robotic surgery: 7-10 days → 1-2 days hospital stay
7. Fiber: 30g daily prevents constipation, diverticulitis, cancer
8. 90% Americans constipated—fiber changes microbiome in 3-4 weeks
9. Gut microbiome (3-4 lbs) impacts mood, sleep, immunity, blood sugar
10. Core activation during weightlifting prevents hemorrhoids
11. 
    

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 Early Warning Signs Often Dismissed

04:00 Less Than 20% Diagnosed During Screening

05:00 30% Avoid Surgery with Chemo/Radiation

07:00 Robotic Surgery: 1-2 Day Hospital Stays

09:00 When to Get Screened: Age 45 & Family History

14:00 Diverticulitis Prevention Through Fiber

16:00 Why 30 Grams Daily Fiber Changes Everything

20:00 Seeds & Nuts Don't Cause Diverticulitis (Myth)

24:00 Gut Microbiome Controls Mood, Sleep & Immunity

26:00 90% of Americans Are Constipated

34:00 Best Fiber Sources: Avocados, Chia, Berries

42:00 Bloating & Food Intolerances

45:00 Hemorrhoid Treatment: Office vs Surgery

52:00 Core Activation Prevents Hemorrhoids

56:00 City of Hope's Integrative Medicine

Guest Details

Amir Esparza, MD, FACS — Colorectal & General Surgeon

Credentials: Double board-certified. Administrative Chief Resident, University of Illinois Chicago. Outstanding Resident Leadership Award. City of Hope Orange County.

Specializations: Robotic & minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery, perianal disease, fecal incontinence, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids. Research: remote surgical techniques.

Philosophy: Compassionate care transforms lives. Combines precision surgery with integrative medicine (acupuncture, yoga, meditation, multi-faith spiritual care).

Connect:

Instagram: @dr.amiresparza

YouTube: @dramiresparza

LinkedIn: dramiresparza

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. 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, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.

We discuss shocking statistics: 1 in 19 women on SSRIs break bones, acid blockers strip minerals causing hip fractures, and strontium causes blood clots. Dr. Neustadt explains the Mediterranean diet's 20% risk reduction, the 0.6g protein per pound formula, and how HRT builds bone better than bisphosphonates that fail to prevent primary hip fractures.

Key Takeaways

1. Bone density tests only predict 44% of women's fractures, 21% of men's
2. Fosamax doesn't prevent primary hip fractures—only vertebral
3. 1 in 19 women on SSRIs for 1-5 years will break a bone
4. MK-4 (45mg) reduces fractures 70%+ in clinical trials
5. Mediterranean diet: 20% less osteoporosis, 21% fewer hip fractures
6. Protein formula: 0.6g per pound body weight minimum
7. Strontium ranelate: 1 blood clot per fracture prevented
8. HRT (estrogen + testosterone) builds bone safely when appropriate
9. Men need estradiol tested—testosterone converts to it for bone building
10. Sleep <6 hours = 17% of fractures in elderly

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 90% Not Tested: The Underdiagnosis Crisis

03:00 SSRIs & Acid Blockers Destroy Bones

05:00 Focus on Fractures, Not Just Bone Density

07:00 Pediatric Condition with Geriatric Consequences

09:00 H. Pylori & Acid Reflux Root Causes

10:00 Fosamax Doesn't Prevent Hip Fractures

12:00 36% Die Within a Year from Hip Fracture

14:00 Dr. Neustadt's Mother-in-Law Broke Hip on Fosamax

16:00 Mediterranean Diet: 20% Osteoporosis Reduction

18:00 The Missing Protein: 0.6g Per Pound Formula

21:00 Debunking 150-200g Protein Myths

23:00 Sleep & Fracture Risk: Under 6 Hours Dangerous

27:00 Only 4 Nutrients Reduce Fractures Clinically

30:00 MK-4 vs MK-7: Why MK-4 Wins

33:00 45mg MK-4 Approved in Japan Since 1990s

36:00 Strontium: Blood Clots for Every Fracture Prevented

42:00 Hormone Replacement: Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone

46:00 Men Need Estradiol for Bone Building

49:00 Reversing T-Scores: Real Patient Outcomes

51:00 NBI Health & Strong Bones Guarantee

Guest Details

Dr. John Neustadt, ND

Naturopathic Doctor & Osteoporosis Expert

Credentials: Naturopathic Doctor (Bastyr University), Founder/President Nutritional Biochemistry Inc., 100+ published medical articles, #1 Amazon bestselling author

Book: "Fracture Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis"

Specialization: Integrative osteoporosis treatment, MK-4 vitamin K2 research, fracture prevention, hormone optimization

Connect

Website: nbihealth.com

Products: MK-4 + D3 (3 calcium doses: 1000mg, 400mg, none)

Guarantee: Strong Bones Guarantee - bone density stabilizes/improves in 6 months

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. 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.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.

Dahlia shares her Hashimoto's journey—bringing antibodies from over 3,500 (off the charts) to nearly normal using food as medicine. We discuss how gut inflammation progresses to autoimmune diseases, the vagus nerve "elevator" connecting gut and brain (fight→constipation, flight→diarrhea), and practical tools like gratitude before meals and anti-inflammatory "fire extinguisher" foods that shift your microbiome with every meal.

Key Takeaways

- All autoimmunity begins in gut - SIBO/IBS are early warnings

- Dahlia's antibodies: 3,500+ to near-normal with food

- Location matters - test before taking probiotics

- Anti-inflammatory foods: antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamin D, fiber

- Vagus nerve connects gut-brain (fight→constipation, flight→diarrhea)

- Calm nervous system before eating: gratitude, mantras, breathwork

- Microbiome shifts with EVERY meal

- Taste buds change to crave healthier foods over time

- Repair barrier with protein, amino acids, gooey foods

- Ask food relationship before giving elimination diets

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 Autoimmune & Gut Health Connection

04:00 Bloating to Autoimmune: The Timeline

05:00 Anti-Inflammatory "Fire Extinguisher" Foods

07:00 Location Matters: Don't Take Probiotics Blindly

09:00 Dahlia's Hashimoto's: 3,500+ to Normal

12:00 Vagus Nerve: The Gut-Brain Elevator

13:00 Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn & GI Symptoms

15:00 Sustaining Healthy Lifestyle

16:00 Microbiome Shifts with Every Meal

17:00 Married to Health Resources

Guest Details

James & Dahlia Marin, RD - Integrative Dietitians, Married to Health Founders

Credentials: Registered Dietitians specializing in SIBO, IBS & autoimmune disease. Dahlia: Hashimoto's survivor (antibodies less than 3,500 to near-normal).

Specializations: SIBO/IBS therapy, autoimmune nutrition, gut-brain connection, nervous system regulation, food relationship healing.

Philosophy: "Heal with each meal, feel with each meal" - every meal shifts microbiome toward healing or harm.

Connect with James & Dahlia Marin

Website: www.marriedtohealth.com (hub for all resources)

Social Media: @marriedtohealth (all platforms)

Services & Programs:

Private practice with 8+ specialized dietitians

Good Gut SIBO/IBS self-paced program

One-on-one nutrition sessions

eBooks & educational resources

Regenerative Nutrition & Gut Health Experience (October, Southern California in-person event)

About Your Host

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.

She combined clinical trials with acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and Reiki to survive and thrive through five months of chemotherapy and three surgeries.

We explore how mindfulness (6,000+ published studies) changes stress response at the genetic level, her work supporting burned-out healthcare professionals through the Mindful Healthcare Collective, and evidence-based treatments for long COVID including graded exercise for POTS and post-exertional malaise.

Key Takeaways

1. Integrative (evidence-based) ≠ alternative (unproven/dangerous)
2. Mindfulness = present moment awareness without judgment
3. 6,000+ studies prove mindfulness works at genetic level
4. Long COVID is multi-systemic and underdiagnosed
5. Anti-inflammatory diet: 5-9 servings vegetables/fruits daily
6. Graded exercise for long COVID: 5 min recumbent, increase 1-2 min weekly
7. Avoid upright exercise with POTS/post-exertional malaise
8. Group movement in nature = community + exercise + healing
9. Chair yoga accessible for bedbound patients
10. Mindfulness practice: anytime, anywhere, doing anything

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 Integrative Modalities During Chemotherapy

04:00 Evidence-Based vs. Alternative Therapies

10:00 What Is Mindfulness? Science & Practice

14:00 Mindfulness Changes Stress at Genetic Level

18:00 Mindful Healthcare Collective & Burnout

21:00 Long COVID: Multi-System Effects

24:00 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Movement

26:00 Dragon Boat Racing: Community Healing

30:00 Resources & Where to Find Dr. Liang

Guest Details

Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, MD

Board-Certified Integrative Pulmonologist, Cancer Survivor & Mindfulness Teacher

Credentials:

1. Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
2. Fellowship, University of Arizona Integrative Medicine
3. Former Executive Director, UCSD Center for Mindfulness
4. Co-Host, Healing Medicine Podcast
5. Founder, Mindful Healthcare Collective
6. 14+ year breast cancer survivor
7. Co-Captain, Team Survivor San Diego dragon boat team

Specializations: Long COVID, mindfulness-based stress reduction, asthma, COPD, cancer survivorship, healthcare burnout, graded exercise for POTS

Connect with Dr. Liang

Website: awakenbreath.org (free meditations)

Podcast: Healing Medicine Podcast

Practice: Coastal Pulmonary Associates (coastalpulmonaryassociates.com)

Serving: California telemedicine available

Free Resources:

1. UCSD Center for Mindfulness audio library
2. Mindful.org magazine
3. Silver Age Yoga (silverageyoga.org) - chair yoga

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. 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.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.

Maria shares her personal journey with her son's gut issues and mold exposure that led to complete dysfunction until they addressed both the physical detoxification and mental health trauma through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, ultimately leading to his full healing and return to college.

We discuss how narcissistic relationships create constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts the nervous system and gut health, why turning toward pain with compassion (rather than running from it) calms both emotional and physical symptoms, and how creating secure attachments through therapy can rewire dysregulated nervous systems formed in childhood.

Key Takeaways

1. 20% of people are highly sensitive (HSPs) - understanding this trait reduces shame and helps create supportive lifestyles
2. Trauma lives in the body; turning toward pain with compassion calms both emotional and physical symptoms
3. Mold exposure can be like "pouring gasoline on the fire" for those with gut issues and mental health challenges
4. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy works at a somatic level, helping people reconnect with their bodies and feel safe
5. Early childhood attachment patterns affect nervous system regulation and autoimmune disease risk
6. Narcissistic relationships cause constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts gut health and autoimmunity
7. Health dramatically improves when people leave narcissistic relationships or set firm boundaries
8. Morning and evening routines (walking, yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, breath work) create nervous system stability
9. Research shows Qigong and yoga reduce pain and flares in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia
10. It's through relationships that we heal - secure attachments with therapists can rewire dysregulated nervous systems

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 Welcome: Maria Lloyd & Trauma-Informed Therapy

02:00 Maria's Personal Journey: Her Son's Gut Issues & Mold Exposure

03:00 When the Medical System Failed: The Natural Health Journey

03:30 Mold Detoxification, Diet Changes & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

04:00 The Holistic Approach: Everything Is Connected

04:30 Navigating Pain Cycles & Hypervigilance in Autoimmune Flares

05:00 Trauma Lives in the Body: Turning Toward Pain with Compassion

06:00 Creating Secure Attachment with Ourselves

07:00 Attachment Styles & Their Impact on Nervous System Regulation

08:00 How Early Childhood Attachment Affects the Brain & Body

09:00 Two Autoimmune Phenotypes: Type A Perfectionists & Highly Sensitive People

10:00 What Are HSPs? 20% of People Are Highly Sensitive

11:00 HSPs Without Attachment: Mental Health & Autoimmune Disease

12:00 Reframing the Mindset: Creating Safety & Boundaries

12:30 Morning & Evening Routines: Walking, Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi

13:00 Breath Work & Meditation for Autoimmune & Mental Health

13:30 Research on Qigong & Yoga Reducing Pain in Lupus, RA & Fibromyalgia

14:00 Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Blowtorch for Getting Unstuck

15:00 Narcissistic Relationships: The Toxic Impact on the Nervous System

16:00 Gaslighting, Shame & Confusion: Setting Boundaries or Leaving

16:30 Health Improves When Leaving Narcissistic Relationships

17:00 Finding Maria: Website, Podcast & Resources

17:30 Closing Thoughts

Guest Details

Maria Lloyd, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Trauma Specialist

Credentials & Training:

1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
2. Certified in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
3. Trauma-informed therapy specialist
4. Attachment science & polyvagal theory expert
5. Somatic therapy practitioner

Specializations:

1. Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and empaths
2. Trauma resolution and nervous system regulation
3. Narcissistic relationship dynamics (home and workplace)
4. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma and autoimmune conditions
5. Attachment-based healing and secure attachment development
6. Somatic therapies for body-based trauma
7. Chronic pain and autoimmune disease with trauma component
8. Complex PTSD and dissociation

Host & Educator:

1. Host of "Catalyst for Healing" podcast
2. Focuses on innovative breakthroughs in mental health
3. Covers ketamine and emerging medicine research
4. Provides newest information on healing modalities

Personal Experience: Maria's journey into holistic health began when her son developed severe gut issues from birth that worsened dramatically after mold exposure in college, leaving him completely unable to function. After the medical system failed to help, she pursued naturopathic approaches including intensive mold detoxification, dietary changes, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for the mental health component. Her son's complete healing and return to thriving in college inspired her to integrate these holistic approaches into her therapy practice.

Clinical Approach: Maria emphasizes that trauma lives in the body and must be addressed somatically, not just cognitively. She helps clients turn toward pain with compassion rather than running from it through distraction or addiction. Her approach recognizes that 20% of people are highly sensitive (HSPs) and require different nervous system support than neurotypical individuals. She specializes in helping victims of narcissistic relationships understand the profound impact of constant gaslighting and fight-or-flight stress on physical health, often seeing dramatic health improvements when clients set boundaries or leave toxic relationships. Maria uses attachment science to help clients develop secure attachments with themselves and others, rewiring early childhood attachment wounds through therapeutic relationships.

Connect with Maria Lloyd

Website: www.marialloyd.com

Podcast: Catalyst for Healing - www.catalystforhealing.com

Services:

1. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
2. Trauma-informed individual therapy
3. Support for highly sensitive people and empaths
4. Narcissistic relationship recovery
5. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Lloyd, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, to explore how unresolved trauma lives in the body and manifests as autoimmune disease, particularly in highly sensitive people (HSPs) who make up 20% of the population.

   Maria shares her personal journey with her son's gut issues and mold exposure that led to complete dysfunction until they addressed both the physical detoxification and mental health trauma through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, ultimately leading to his full healing and return to college.

   We discuss how narcissistic relationships create constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts the nervous system and gut health, why turning toward pain with compassion (rather than running from it) calms both emotional and physical symptoms, and how creating secure attachments through therapy can rewire dysregulated nervous systems formed in childhood.

   Key Takeaways

   1. 20% of people are highly sensitive (HSPs) - understanding this trait reduces shame and helps create supportive lifestyles
   2. Trauma lives in the body; turning toward pain with compassion calms both emotional and physical symptoms
   3. Mold exposure can be like "pouring gasoline on the fire" for those with gut issues and mental health challenges
   4. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy works at a somatic level, helping people reconnect with their bodies and feel safe
   5. Early childhood attachment patterns affect nervous system regulation and autoimmune disease risk
   6. Narcissistic relationships cause constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts gut health and autoimmunity
   7. Health dramatically improves when people leave narcissistic relationships or set firm boundaries
   8. Morning and evening routines (walking, yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, breath work) create nervous system stability
   9. Research shows Qigong and yoga reduce pain and flares in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia
   10. It's through relationships that we heal - secure attachments with therapists can rewire dysregulated nervous systems
   
   

   Chapters & Timestamps

   00:00 Welcome: Maria Lloyd & Trauma-Informed Therapy

   02:00 Maria's Personal Journey: Her Son's Gut Issues & Mold Exposure

   03:00 When the Medical System Failed: The Natural Health Journey

   03:30 Mold Detoxification, Diet Changes & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

   04:00 The Holistic Approach: Everything Is Connected

   04:30 Navigating Pain Cycles & Hypervigilance in Autoimmune Flares

   05:00 Trauma Lives in the Body: Turning Toward Pain with Compassion

   06:00 Creating Secure Attachment with Ourselves

   07:00 Attachment Styles & Their Impact on Nervous System Regulation

   08:00 How Early Childhood Attachment Affects the Brain & Body

   09:00 Two Autoimmune Phenotypes: Type A Perfectionists & Highly Sensitive People

   10:00 What Are HSPs? 20% of People Are Highly Sensitive

   11:00 HSPs Without Attachment: Mental Health & Autoimmune Disease

   12:00 Reframing the Mindset: Creating Safety & Boundaries

   12:30 Morning & Evening Routines: Walking, Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi

   13:00 Breath Work & Meditation for Autoimmune & Mental Health

   13:30 Research on Qigong & Yoga Reducing Pain in Lupus, RA & Fibromyalgia

   14:00 Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Blowtorch for Getting Unstuck

   15:00 Narcissistic Relationships: The Toxic Impact on the Nervous System

   16:00 Gaslighting, Shame & Confusion: Setting Boundaries or Leaving

   16:30 Health Improves When Leaving Narcissistic Relationships

   17:00 Finding Maria: Website, Podcast & Resources

   17:30 Closing Thoughts

   Guest Details

   Maria Lloyd, LMFT

   Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Trauma Specialist

   Credentials & Training:

   1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
   2. Certified in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
   3. Trauma-informed therapy specialist
   4. Attachment science & polyvagal theory expert
   5. Somatic therapy practitioner
   
   

   Specializations:

   1. Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and empaths
   2. Trauma resolution and nervous system regulation
   3. Narcissistic relationship dynamics (home and workplace)
   4. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma and autoimmune conditions
   5. Attachment-based healing and secure attachment development
   6. Somatic therapies for body-based trauma
   7. Chronic pain and autoimmune disease with trauma component
   8. Complex PTSD and dissociation
   
   

   Host & Educator:

   1. Host of "Catalyst for Healing" podcast
   2. Focuses on innovative breakthroughs in mental health
   3. Covers ketamine and emerging medicine research
   4. Provides newest information on healing modalities
   
   

   Personal Experience: Maria's journey into holistic health began when her son developed severe gut issues from birth that worsened dramatically after mold exposure in college, leaving him completely unable to function. After the medical system failed to help, she pursued naturopathic approaches including intensive mold detoxification, dietary changes, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for the mental health component. Her son's complete healing and return to thriving in college inspired her to integrate these holistic approaches into her therapy practice.

   Clinical Approach: Maria emphasizes that trauma lives in the body and must be addressed somatically, not just cognitively. She helps clients turn toward pain with compassion rather than running from it through distraction or addiction. Her approach recognizes that 20% of people are highly sensitive (HSPs) and require different nervous system support than neurotypical individuals. She specializes in helping victims of narcissistic relationships understand the profound impact of constant gaslighting and fight-or-flight stress on physical health, often seeing dramatic health improvements when clients set boundaries or leave toxic relationships. Maria uses attachment science to help clients develop secure attachments with themselves and others, rewiring early childhood attachment wounds through therapeutic relationships.

   Connect with Maria Lloyd

   Website: www.marialloyd.com

   Podcast: Catalyst for Healing - www.catalystforhealing.com

   Services:

   1. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
   2. Trauma-informed individual therapy
   3. Support for highly sensitive people and empaths
   4. Narcissistic relationship recovery
   5. Attachment-based healing
   
   

   Podcast Topics:

   1. Innovative breakthroughs in mental health
   2. Ketamine and emerging medicine research
   3. Latest healing modalities and treatment options
   4. Expert interviews on cutting-edge therapies
   
   

   About Your Host

   Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

   Dr. 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 Podcast

   Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

   AutoImmune 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:

   1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
   2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
   3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
   4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
   5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com
   
   

   
   

   Subscribe & 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.

   ]]>6988fa7c-4eff-4366-8b45-ee3ac1a6956bMon, 09 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -040018:05falsefullIBS Is Not Psychological: Gut-Brain DiseaseIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist who directs the Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel, to reveal why IBS isn't "all in your head" and how specialized antibody testing can uncover autoimmune attacks on gut neurons. We explore the IBS-fibromyalgia overlap, why one in three people develop IBS after infections, and her groundbreaking research showing smartphone scrolling in bathrooms increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%.

   Dr. Pasricha shares evidence-based treatments including peppermint oil and psyllium fiber while debunking probiotic myths, and explains why constipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign. This conversation validates patients dismissed by doctors and proves these conditions have real pathology requiring collaborative care across specialties.

   Key Takeaways

   1. IBS is NOT "all in your head"—pathology lives in the deep enteric nervous system where standard tests can't reach
   2. 90% of gut-brain communication flows UPWARD through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress
   3. One in three people who get gastroenteritis will develop IBS from "scarring" of gut neurons
   4. The Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel can detect autoimmune antibodies attacking gut neurons (specialized test)
   5. Many IBS patients also have fibromyalgia—treatments often overlap (SNRIs, peppermint oil, fiber)
   6. Psyllium fiber (25g women, 38g men daily) works for BOTH constipation and diarrhea—it's a "shapeshifter"
   7. Probiotics are NOT recommended by gastroenterology guidelines—feed your microbiome with fiber and fermented foods instead
   8. Smartphone scrolling in the bathroom increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%—limit to 5 minutes maximum
   9. Constipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign—the disease likely begins in the gut
   10. H. pylori is abnormally prevalent in Parkinson's patients and treating it can improve tremors by enhancing levodopa absorption
   
   

   Chapters & Timestamps

   00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trisha Pasricha & Gut-Brain Research

   02:00 What Is IBS & Why It's Not "All in Your Head"

   04:00 The Enteric Nervous System: Our "Second Brain"

   07:00 The Autoimmune Connection to IBS

   10:00 IBS-Fibromyalgia Overlap & Treatment Crossover

   13:00 Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel: Testing for Autoimmune IBS

   16:00 Getting Second Opinions & Finding Neuro-GI Specialists

   19:00 Social Media Education: Benefits & Rabbit Holes

   21:00 Evidence-Based Treatments: Peppermint Oil & Psyllium Fiber

   26:00 The Truth About Probiotics: Not Recommended

   29:00 Fiber Diversity & the Mediterranean Diet Connection

   33:00 Groundbreaking Research: Smartphones & Hemorrhoids (46% Risk)

   36:00 Parkinson's Disease Begins in the Gut

   38:00 The GI-Neuro Parkinson's Clinic Model

   42:00 H. Pylori Connection to Parkinson's & Rheumatic Diseases

   45:00 Post-Infectious IBS & Reactive Arthritis Parallels

   47:00 Dr. Pasricha's Book & Where to Find Her

   Guest Details

   Dr. Trisha S. Pasricha, MD

   Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Neuro-GI Specialist

   Credentials & Training:

   1. Board Certified in Gastroenterology
   2. Harvard Medical School trained
   3. Johns Hopkins trained
   4. Fellowship in Neuro-Gastroenterology (Gut-Brain Connection & Motility)
   5. Director of Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
   6. Medical Columnist, The Washington Post (weekly Monday column)
   
   

   Research & Publications:

   1. Published in New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Nature Reviews
   2. Leading research on IBS, gut-brain axis, and Parkinson's disease gut origins
   3. Groundbreaking studies on smartphone use and GI health
   4. Expert in autoimmune causes of GI motility disorders
   
   

   Specializations:

   1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and its autoimmune etiologies
   2. Neuro-gastroenterology and enteric nervous system disorders
   3. Gut-brain connection and vagus nerve communication
   4. Parkinson's disease gastrointestinal manifestations
   5. Gastroparesis and GI motility disorders
   6. Fibromyalgia-IBS overlap syndrome
   7. Post-infectious IBS and reactive gut disorders
   8. Joint hypermobility syndromes with GI involvement
   9. Interdisciplinary care for complex patients
   
   

   Author: "You've Been Pooping All Wrong" (Release date: April 7, 2026)

   Clinical Philosophy: Dr. Pasricha is passionate about validating patients who've been dismissed with "it's all in your head" and proving that IBS and related conditions have real, measurable pathology in the deep layers of gut tissue that standard tests can't reach. She emphasizes that 90% of gut-brain communication flows upward from the gut through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress, and she takes exhaustive patient histories to uncover triggers like infections, autoimmune connections, or trauma. She strongly advocates for second opinions, encourages social media education (with medical guidance), and believes in treating pain at both the peripheral (gut) and central (brain) levels while being transparent about why certain medications like SNRIs work for pain independent of mental health. Her research lab is pioneering work on how Parkinson's disease may begin in the gut years before motor symptoms appear, and she runs an innovative interdisciplinary clinic with neurologists to treat the whole patient.

   Connect with Dr. Trisha Pasricha

   Instagram: @trishapasrichamd

   Column: The Washington Post (Mondays)

   Book: "You've Been Pooping All Wrong" (Available April 7, 2026)

   Practice: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

   Note: Due to high demand, securing an appointment may be challenging. Dr. Pasricha recommends finding a neuro-gastroenterologist or motility specialist closer to home who can partner with you on your care journey.

   About Your Host

   Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

   Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

   Dr. 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.

   About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

   Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

   AutoImmune 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...]]>In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist who directs the Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel, to reveal why IBS isn't "all in your head" and how specialized antibody testing can uncover autoimmune attacks on gut neurons. We explore the IBS-fibromyalgia overlap, why one in three people develop IBS after infections, and her groundbreaking research showing smartphone scrolling in bathrooms increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%.

   Dr. Pasricha shares evidence-based treatments including peppermint oil and psyllium fiber while debunking probiotic myths, and explains why constipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign. This conversation validates patients dismissed by doctors and proves these conditions have real pathology requiring collaborative care across specialties.

   Key Takeaways

   1. IBS is NOT "all in your head"—pathology lives in the deep enteric nervous system where standard tests can't reach
   2. 90% of gut-brain communication flows UPWARD through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress
   3. One in three people who get gastroenteritis will develop IBS from "scarring" of gut neurons
   4. The Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel can detect autoimmune antibodies attacking gut neurons (specialized test)
   5. Many IBS patients also have fibromyalgia—treatments often overlap (SNRIs, peppermint oil, fiber)
   6. Psyllium fiber (25g women, 38g men daily) works for BOTH constipation and diarrhea—it's a "shapeshifter"
   7. Probiotics are NOT recommended by gastroenterology guidelines—feed your microbiome with fiber and fermented foods instead
   8. Smartphone scrolling in the bathroom increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%—limit to 5 minutes maximum
   9. Constipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign—the disease likely begins in the gut
   10. H. pylori is abnormally prevalent in Parkinson's patients and treating it can improve tremors by enhancing levodopa absorption
   
   

   Chapters & Timestamps

   00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trisha Pasricha & Gut-Brain Research

   02:00 What Is IBS & Why It's Not "All in Your Head"

   04:00 The Enteric Nervous System: Our "Second Brain"

   07:00 The Autoimmune Connection to IBS

   10:00 IBS-Fibromyalgia Overlap & Treatment Crossover

   13:00 Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel: Testing for Autoimmune IBS

   16:00 Getting Second Opinions & Finding Neuro-GI Specialists

   19:00 Social Media Education: Benefits & Rabbit Holes

   21:00 Evidence-Based Treatments: Peppermint Oil & Psyllium Fiber

   26:00 The Truth About Probiotics: Not Recommended

   29:00 Fiber Diversity & the Mediterranean Diet Connection

   33:00 Groundbreaking Research: Smartphones & Hemorrhoids (46% Risk)

   36:00 Parkinson's Disease Begins in the Gut

   38:00 The GI-Neuro Parkinson's Clinic Model

   42:00 H. Pylori Connection to Parkinson's & Rheumatic Diseases

   45:00 Post-Infectious IBS & Reactive Arthritis Parallels

   47:00 Dr. Pasricha's Book & Where to Find Her

   Guest Details

   Dr. Trisha S. Pasricha, MD

   Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Neuro-GI Specialist

   Credentials & Training:

   1. Board Certified in Gastroenterology
   2. Harvard Medical School trained
   3. Johns Hopkins trained
   4. Fellowship in Neuro-Gastroenterology (Gut-Brain Connection & Motility)
   5. Director of Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
   6. Medical Columnist, The Washington Post (weekly Monday column)
   
   

   Research & Publications:

   1. Published in New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Nature Reviews
   2. Leading research on IBS, gut-brain axis, and Parkinson's disease gut origins
   3. Groundbreaking studies on smartphone use and GI health
   4. Expert in autoimmune causes of GI motility disorders
   
   

   Specializations:

   1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and its autoimmune etiologies
   2. Neuro-gastroenterology and enteric nervous system disorders
   3. Gut-brain connection and vagus nerve communication
   4. Parkinson's disease gastrointestinal manifestations
   5. Gastroparesis and GI motility disorders
   6. Fibromyalgia-IBS overlap syndrome
   7. Post-infectious IBS and reactive gut disorders
   8. Joint hypermobility syndromes with GI involvement
   9. Interdisciplinary care for complex patients
   
   

   Author: "You've Been Pooping All Wrong" (Release date: April 7, 2026)

   Clinical Philosophy: Dr. Pasricha is passionate about validating patients who've been dismissed with "it's all in your head" and proving that IBS and related conditions have real, measurable pathology in the deep layers of gut tissue that standard tests can't reach. She emphasizes that 90% of gut-brain communication flows upward from the gut through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress, and she takes exhaustive patient histories to uncover triggers like infections, autoimmune connections, or trauma. She strongly advocates for second opinions, encourages social media education (with medical guidance), and believes in treating pain at both the peripheral (gut) and central (brain) levels while being transparent about why certain medications like SNRIs work for pain independent of mental health. Her research lab is pioneering work on how Parkinson's disease may begin in the gut years before motor symptoms appear, and she runs an innovative interdisciplinary clinic with neurologists to treat the whole patient.

   Connect with Dr. Trisha Pasricha

   Instagram: @trishapasrichamd

   Column: The Washington Post (Mondays)

   Book: "You've Been Pooping All Wrong" (Available April 7, 2026)

   Practice: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

   Note: Due to high demand, securing an appointment may be challenging. Dr. Pasricha recommends finding a neuro-gastroenterologist or motility specialist closer to home who can partner with you on your care journey.

   About Your Host

   Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

   Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

   Dr. 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.

   About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

   Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

   AutoImmune 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:

   1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
   2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
   3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
   4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
   5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com
   
   

   
   

   Subscribe & 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.

   ]]>6645bedd-6395-406f-8deb-f2a982a05badMon, 02 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -040049:36falsefullWhy 80% of Autoimmune Disease Affects WomenIn this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Felice Gersh, an integrative OB-GYN, to explore why 80% of all autoimmune patients are women and how our two X chromosomes create a more robust immune system that can become overactive when hormones become imbalanced.

   Dr. Gersh explains the fascinating connection between leaky gut, hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause), and autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and rheumatoid arthritis, revealing how molecular mimicry causes antibodies against gut bacteria to cross-react with our own tissues.

   They discuss why rheumatologists often miss the root cause by only prescribing biologics that block immune responses without addressing leaky gut and hormone imbalances, and how early intervention with nutrition, stress management, sleep, and hormone balancing can reverse positive ANA antibodies and prevent full-blown autoimmune disease

   Key Takeaways

   1. 80% of all autoimmune patients are female due to two X chromosomes with immune-related genes
   2. 15% of genes on the "turned off" X chromosome stay active forever—almost all are immune-related
   3. Women make more antibodies, have higher white blood cell counts, and mount stronger immune responses
   4. Every woman with hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause) develops gut dysbiosis
   5. Leaky gut allows bacteria and toxins to escape, triggering antibody production through molecular mimicry
   6. Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to specific gut bacteria leaking through the intestinal barrier
   7. Biologics (Humira, Remicade) only block symptoms; they don't fix leaky gut or hormone imbalances
   8. Positive ANA = pre-autoimmunity = leaky gut—early intervention can reverse it
   9. Vegan diet high in fiber and polyphenols can reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain by 50% in one month
   10. Hormone balancing, gut repair, stress management, and nutrition work synergistically—it's all of the above
   
   

   Chapters & Timestamps

   01:00 Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh on Women & Autoimmune Disease

   01:30 Why Women Have More Robust Immune Systems

   02:00 The Two X Chromosomes & Immune-Related Genes

   02:30 15% of X Chromosome Genes Stay Active Forever

   03:00 Women Make More Antibodies & Have Higher White Blood Counts

   04:00 Estradiol & Progesterone's Role in Immune Function

   04:30 Leaky Gut, Endotoxins & Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue

   05:00 PCOS, Amenorrhea & Menopause Always Cause Gut Dysbiosis

   06:00 Molecular Mimicry: How Antibodies Attack Your Own Organs

   06:30 Hashimoto's: The Most Common Autoimmune Disease in Women

   07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Specific Gut Bacteria

   08:00 Every Woman with Autoimmune Disease Has Leaky Gut

   08:30 Biologics Block Symptoms, Not Root Causes

   09:00 The Integrative Approach: Hormones, Gut & Low Dose Naltrexone

   09:30 High Cortisol from Stress Causes Leaky Gut

   10:00 Fiber, Polyphenols & Nurturing Your Gut Microbiome

   10:30 Why Biologics Stop Working After 2-4 Years

   11:00 Pre-Autoimmunity: Positive ANA Without Disease Yet

   11:30 Reversing Early-Stage Autoimmune Disease

   12:00 Terry Wahls: Reversing MS Through Diet & Gut Healing

   12:30 Hormone Balancing at Every Life Stage

   13:00 Vegan Diet Reduces RA Pain by 50% in One Month

   13:30 It's All of the Above: Diet, Hormones & Lifestyle Combined

   14:00 Where to Find Dr. Gersh: YouTube, Instagram & Her Practice

   15:00 Closing & Resources

   Guest Details

   Dr. Felice Gersh, MD, FACOG

   Integrative OB-GYN & Women's Health Expert

   Credentials & Training:

   1. Board-certified OB-GYN (FACOG)
   2. Fellowship-trained in Integrative Medicine
   3. Combines traditional obstetrics/gynecology with functional and metabolic medicine
   4. Practices at Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, California
   
   

   Specializations:

   1. Women's hormonal health across all life stages
   2. Autoimmune disease prevention and reversal in women
   3. Leaky gut and gut microbiome restoration
   4. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
   5. Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
   6. Integrative approaches to rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's
   7. Pre-autoimmunity intervention (positive ANA)
   8. Lifestyle medicine for chronic disease reversal
   
   

   Author & Educator:

   1. Multiple published books on women's health
   2. Active YouTube channel with educational content
   3. Strong Instagram presence (@felicegershmd)
   4. International speaker on women's health and autoimmunity
   
   

   Clinical Approach: Dr. Gersh practices "old-fashioned" one-on-one patient care while educating people worldwide through social media platforms. She emphasizes that women's immune systems are fundamentally different from men's due to the X chromosome's immune-related genes, making women more susceptible to autoimmune diseases when hormones become imbalanced. Her approach addresses root causes—leaky gut, gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalances, stress, sleep, and nutrition—rather than just suppressing immune responses with biologics. She believes in proactive intervention at the pre-autoimmunity stage (positive ANA) and has successfully reversed early-stage autoimmune diseases through comprehensive lifestyle and hormonal optimization.

   Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh

   Practice: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine

   Location: Irvine, California

   Social Media:

   Instagram: @felicegershmd

   YouTube: @FeliceGershMD (active educational channel)

   Website: https://integrativemgi.com/

   Services:

   1. One-on-one patient consultations
   2. Educational content on women's health and autoimmunity
   3. Resources and freebies available through her platforms
   
   

   About Your Host

   Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

   Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

   Dr. 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.

   About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

   Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

   AutoImmune 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:

   1. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Felice Gersh, an integrative OB-GYN, to explore why 80% of all autoimmune patients are women and how our two X chromosomes create a more robust immune system that can become overactive when hormones become imbalanced.

      Dr. Gersh explains the fascinating connection between leaky gut, hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause), and autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and rheumatoid arthritis, revealing how molecular mimicry causes antibodies against gut bacteria to cross-react with our own tissues.

      They discuss why rheumatologists often miss the root cause by only prescribing biologics that block immune responses without addressing leaky gut and hormone imbalances, and how early intervention with nutrition, stress management, sleep, and hormone balancing can reverse positive ANA antibodies and prevent full-blown autoimmune disease

      Key Takeaways

      1. 80% of all autoimmune patients are female due to two X chromosomes with immune-related genes
      2. 15% of genes on the "turned off" X chromosome stay active forever—almost all are immune-related
      3. Women make more antibodies, have higher white blood cell counts, and mount stronger immune responses
      4. Every woman with hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause) develops gut dysbiosis
      5. Leaky gut allows bacteria and toxins to escape, triggering antibody production through molecular mimicry
      6. Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to specific gut bacteria leaking through the intestinal barrier
      7. Biologics (Humira, Remicade) only block symptoms; they don't fix leaky gut or hormone imbalances
      8. Positive ANA = pre-autoimmunity = leaky gut—early intervention can reverse it
      9. Vegan diet high in fiber and polyphenols can reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain by 50% in one month
      10. Hormone balancing, gut repair, stress management, and nutrition work synergistically—it's all of the above
      
      

      Chapters & Timestamps

      01:00 Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh on Women & Autoimmune Disease

      01:30 Why Women Have More Robust Immune Systems

      02:00 The Two X Chromosomes & Immune-Related Genes

      02:30 15% of X Chromosome Genes Stay Active Forever

      03:00 Women Make More Antibodies & Have Higher White Blood Counts

      04:00 Estradiol & Progesterone's Role in Immune Function

      04:30 Leaky Gut, Endotoxins & Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue

      05:00 PCOS, Amenorrhea & Menopause Always Cause Gut Dysbiosis

      06:00 Molecular Mimicry: How Antibodies Attack Your Own Organs

      06:30 Hashimoto's: The Most Common Autoimmune Disease in Women

      07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Specific Gut Bacteria

      08:00 Every Woman with Autoimmune Disease Has Leaky Gut

      08:30 Biologics Block Symptoms, Not Root Causes

      09:00 The Integrative Approach: Hormones, Gut & Low Dose Naltrexone

      09:30 High Cortisol from Stress Causes Leaky Gut

      10:00 Fiber, Polyphenols & Nurturing Your Gut Microbiome

      10:30 Why Biologics Stop Working After 2-4 Years

      11:00 Pre-Autoimmunity: Positive ANA Without Disease Yet

      11:30 Reversing Early-Stage Autoimmune Disease

      12:00 Terry Wahls: Reversing MS Through Diet & Gut Healing

      12:30 Hormone Balancing at Every Life Stage

      13:00 Vegan Diet Reduces RA Pain by 50% in One Month

      13:30 It's All of the Above: Diet, Hormones & Lifestyle Combined

      14:00 Where to Find Dr. Gersh: YouTube, Instagram & Her Practice

      15:00 Closing & Resources

      Guest Details

      Dr. Felice Gersh, MD, FACOG

      Integrative OB-GYN & Women's Health Expert

      Credentials & Training:

      1. Board-certified OB-GYN (FACOG)
      2. Fellowship-trained in Integrative Medicine
      3. Combines traditional obstetrics/gynecology with functional and metabolic medicine
      4. Practices at Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, California
      
      

      Specializations:

      1. Women's hormonal health across all life stages
      2. Autoimmune disease prevention and reversal in women
      3. Leaky gut and gut microbiome restoration
      4. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
      5. Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
      6. Integrative approaches to rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's
      7. Pre-autoimmunity intervention (positive ANA)
      8. Lifestyle medicine for chronic disease reversal
      
      

      Author & Educator:

      1. Multiple published books on women's health
      2. Active YouTube channel with educational content
      3. Strong Instagram presence (@felicegershmd)
      4. International speaker on women's health and autoimmunity
      
      

      Clinical Approach: Dr. Gersh practices "old-fashioned" one-on-one patient care while educating people worldwide through social media platforms. She emphasizes that women's immune systems are fundamentally different from men's due to the X chromosome's immune-related genes, making women more susceptible to autoimmune diseases when hormones become imbalanced. Her approach addresses root causes—leaky gut, gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalances, stress, sleep, and nutrition—rather than just suppressing immune responses with biologics. She believes in proactive intervention at the pre-autoimmunity stage (positive ANA) and has successfully reversed early-stage autoimmune diseases through comprehensive lifestyle and hormonal optimization.

      Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh

      Practice: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine

      Location: Irvine, California

      Social Media:

      Instagram: @felicegershmd

      YouTube: @FeliceGershMD (active educational channel)

      Website: https://integrativemgi.com/

      Services:

      1. One-on-one patient consultations
      2. Educational content on women's health and autoimmunity
      3. Resources and freebies available through her platforms
      
      

      About Your Host

      Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

      Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

      Dr. 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.

      About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

      Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

      AutoImmune 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:

      1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
      2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
      3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
      4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
      5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com
      
      

      Subscribe & 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.

      ]]>7b16c034-687a-4b5c-a559-ad4029c192a7Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -040015:10falsefullMold Illness Explained: Hidden Exposure & Health EffectsIn this episode, I sat down with John Banta, a retired certified industrial hygienist with over 35 years of experience, who discovered mold was destroying his wife's health after she recovered completely during a camping trip, leading him to dedicate his career to becoming a "mold doctor" for buildings.

      John reveals how 1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation, why killing mold actually makes it produce more biotoxins as a defense mechanism, and his revolutionary microfiber and soapy water technique that actually removes mold instead of spreading it.

      We discuss the connection between mold exposure and autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, how COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity in 24% of the population with HLA-positive genetics, and his groundbreaking pathways testing method to find hidden mold using peptide bonds.

      Key Takeaways

      1. If you smell mold, it's actively growing - mold only produces musty odors when wet
      2. 1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation due to construction practices
      3. You can't see mold until there are 1-10 million colony-forming units per square inch
      4. Never kill mold - it fights back by producing more biotoxins as a defense mechanism
      5. Soapy water (5 drops detergent in a quart) + microfiber cloths remove mold effectively
      6. Vinegar doesn't work because "oil and vinegar don't mix" - you need detergent to emulsify lipids
      7. 24% of people have HLA-positive genetics; COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity overnight
      8. Concrete slabs take almost a year to lose 90% of moisture - premature building causes mold
      9. Dead mold still makes you sick - removal is essential, not just killing it
      10. An ounce of prevention: catching mold early can save $45,000+ in remediation costs
      
      

      Chapters & Timestamps

      00:00 Opening Teaser & Introduction to John Banta

      02:00 Where Mold Is Found: Beneficial Uses & Hidden Dangers

      03:00 John's Personal Journey: His Wife's Mystery Illness

      04:00 The Camping Trip That Changed Everything

      05:00 It's Always About the Water

      07:00 Mold Syndrome: Why Symptoms Vary So Much

      10:00 Medical Schools Don't Teach About Mold & Autoimmunity

      12:00 The Lead Poisoning Story & Daughter's Miracle

      17:00 How to Determine If Your Home Has Mold

      19:00 Clean Room Technology & Microfiber Innovation

      23:00 Why Vinegar Doesn't Work & Soapy Water Does

      25:00 Never Kill Mold: It Fights Back with Biotoxins

      27:00 Hidden Wall Damage: The 32-Foot Leak Case

      29:00 1 in 5 New Homes Have Mold Before Occupation

      31:00 Concrete Slabs & the Year-Long Drying Problem

      34:00 COVID-19 Triggers Mold Sensitivity in 24% of People

      37:00 The Seared Steak Problem: Why Dehumidifiers Aren't Enough

      40:00 Finding the Right Remediation Company

      43:00 The $50,000 Foundation Mistake: Catch It Early

      47:00 Mold Controlled Book: 25-Step Program Overview

      49:00 Pathways Testing: Finding Hidden Mold with Peptide Bonds

      53:00 John's COVID Fixer-Upper Experience

      56:00 How COVID Triggered John's Own Mold Illness

      58:00 Hope for the Medical Community

      59:00 Where to Find John's Book & Consultations

      Guest Details

      John Banta, CIH (Retired)

      Certified Industrial Hygienist & Mold/Water Damage Specialist

      Credentials & Experience:

      - Over 35 years of experience in indoor environmental consulting

      - Retired Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

      - Former medical research technician at UC Davis (FDA-certified in good laboratory practices)

      - Degree in Environmental Health Sciences

      - Mentored studies with East Coast mold experts (New Jersey, Philadelphia)

      - Specialized training in water damage, radon, lead, asbestos, and toxic chemicals

      - 25+ years as a dedicated mold and water damage specialist

      Specializations:

      - Water damage assessment and effective drying protocols

      - Hidden mold detection in residential and commercial buildings

      - Pathways testing using peptide bonds and proteins

      - Mold-sensitive patient advocacy (HLA-positive individuals)

      - Construction defect analysis (1 in 5 new homes)

      - Microfiber cleaning technology for mold removal

      - Next-generation sequencing for mold identification

      - Post-COVID mold illness recognition and treatment

      Author:

      "Mold Controlled: Finding, Fixing and Preventing Mold Problems in Buildings" (385 pages)

      - 25-step, 5-stage program for homeowners

      - 35 years of experience condensed into practical guidance

      - Personal stories including his wife's illness and his own COVID-triggered mold sensitivity

      - "Essentials boxes" for quick scanning of key information

      - Turns readers into their own best expert about their home

      Clinical Approach:

      John is a self-described "mold doctor for buildings, not people," though he works extensively with medically sensitive patients. His approach recognizes that 24% of the population has HLA-positive genetics that can be triggered by events like COVID-19, leading to mold sensitivity. He emphasizes that killing mold makes it produce more biotoxins as a defense mechanism, and instead advocates for physical removal using soapy water and microfiber technology. John developed the innovative "pathways testing" method to detect hidden mold by measuring peptide bonds and proteins, and consults with patients worldwide through telephone consultations averaging 3-4 hours daily.

      Connect with John Banta

      Author Website: www.johnbanta.com

      Consulting: www.restconenviro.com

      Book: "Mold Controlled" - Available wherever books are sold

      Services:

      - Telephone consultations (3-4 hours daily)

      - Pathways testing kits for hidden mold detection

      - Educational resources for homeowners and practitioners

      - Building assessment and remediation guidance

      About Your Host

      Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

      Dr. 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, DipABLM

      Dr. 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 Podcast

      Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

      AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.

      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...]]>In this episode, I sat down with John Banta, a retired certified industrial hygienist with over 35 years of experience, who discovered mold was destroying his wife's health after she recovered completely during a camping trip, leading him to dedicate his career to becoming a "mold doctor" for buildings.

      John reveals how 1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation, why killing mold actually makes it produce more biotoxins as a defense mechanism, and his revolutionary microfiber and soapy water technique that actually removes mold instead of spreading it.

      We discuss the connection between mold exposure and autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, how COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity in 24% of the population with HLA-positive genetics, and his groundbreaking pathways testing method to find hidden mold using peptide bonds.

      Key Takeaways

      1. If you smell mold, it's actively growing - mold only produces musty odors when wet
      2. 1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation due to construction practices
      3. You can't see mold until there are 1-10 million colony-forming units per square inch
      4. Never kill mold - it fights back by producing more biotoxins as a defense mechanism
      5. Soapy water (5 drops detergent in a quart) + microfiber cloths remove mold effectively
      6. Vinegar doesn't work because "oil and vinegar don't mix" - you need detergent to emulsify lipids
      7. 24% of people have HLA-positive genetics; COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity overnight
      8. Concrete slabs take almost a year to lose 90% of moisture - premature building causes mold
      9. Dead mold still makes you sick - removal is essential, not just killing it
      10. An ounce of prevention: catching mold early can save $45,000+ in remediation costs
      
      

      Chapters & Timestamps

      00:00 Opening Teaser & Introduction to John Banta

      02:00 Where Mold Is Found: Beneficial Uses & Hidden Dangers

      03:00 John's Personal Journey: His Wife's Mystery Illness

      04:00 The Camping Trip That Changed Everything

      05:00 It's Always About the Water

      07:00 Mold Syndrome: Why Symptoms Vary So Much

      10:00 Medical Schools Don't Teach About Mold & Autoimmunity

      12:00 The Lead Poisoning Story & Daughter's Miracle

      17:00 How to Determine If Your Home Has Mold

      19:00 Clean Room Technology & Microfiber Innovation

      23:00 Why Vinegar Doesn't Work & Soapy Water Does

      25:00 Never Kill Mold: It Fights Back with Biotoxins

      27:00 Hidden Wall Damage: The 32-Foot Leak Case

      29:00 1 in 5 New Homes Have Mold Before Occupation

      31:00 Concrete Slabs & the Year-Long Drying Problem

      34:00 COVID-19 Triggers Mold Sensitivity in 24% of People

      37:00 The Seared Steak Problem: Why Dehumidifiers Aren't Enough

      40:00 Finding the Right Remediation Company

      43:00 The $50,000 Foundation Mistake: Catch It Early

      47:00 Mold Controlled Book: 25-Step Program Overview

      49:00 Pathways Testing: Finding Hidden Mold with Peptide Bonds

      53:00 John's COVID Fixer-Upper Experience

      56:00 How COVID Triggered John's Own Mold Illness

      58:00 Hope for the Medical Community

      59:00 Where to Find John's Book & Consultations

      Guest Details

      John Banta, CIH (Retired)

      Certified Industrial Hygienist & Mold/Water Damage Specialist

      Credentials & Experience:

      - Over 35 years of experience in indoor environmental consulting

      - Retired Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

      - Former medical research technician at UC Davis (FDA-certified in good laboratory practices)

      - Degree in Environmental Health Sciences

      - Mentored studies with East Coast mold experts (New Jersey, Philadelphia)

      - Specialized training in water damage, radon, lead, asbestos, and toxic chemicals

      - 25+ years as a dedicated mold and water damage specialist

      Specializations:

      - Water damage assessment and effective drying protocols

      - Hidden mold detection in residential and commercial buildings

      - Pathways testing using peptide bonds and proteins

      - Mold-sensitive patient advocacy (HLA-positive individuals)

      - Construction defect analysis (1 in 5 new homes)

      - Microfiber cleaning technology for mold removal

      - Next-generation sequencing for mold identification

      - Post-COVID mold illness recognition and treatment

      Author:

      "Mold Controlled: Finding, Fixing and Preventing Mold Problems in Buildings" (385 pages)

      - 25-step, 5-stage program for homeowners

      - 35 years of experience condensed into practical guidance

      - Personal stories including his wife's illness and his own COVID-triggered mold sensitivity

      - "Essentials boxes" for quick scanning of key information

      - Turns readers into their own best expert about their home

      Clinical Approach:

      John is a self-described "mold doctor for buildings, not people," though he works extensively with medically sensitive patients. His approach recognizes that 24% of the population has HLA-positive genetics that can be triggered by events like COVID-19, leading to mold sensitivity. He emphasizes that killing mold makes it produce more biotoxins as a defense mechanism, and instead advocates for physical removal using soapy water and microfiber technology. John developed the innovative "pathways testing" method to detect hidden mold by measuring peptide bonds and proteins, and consults with patients worldwide through telephone consultations averaging 3-4 hours daily.

      Connect with John Banta

      Author Website: www.johnbanta.com

      Consulting: www.restconenviro.com

      Book: "Mold Controlled" - Available wherever books are sold

      Services:

      - Telephone consultations (3-4 hours daily)

      - Pathways testing kits for hidden mold detection

      - Educational resources for homeowners and practitioners

      - Building assessment and remediation guidance

      About Your Host

      Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

      Dr. 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, DipABLM

      Dr. 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 Podcast

      Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

      AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.

      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:

      1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
      2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
      3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
      4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
      5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com
      
      

      Subscribe & 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.

      ]]>58caa4ff-57cf-4da7-bd91-ff4050c57ec5Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -040054:06falsefullKetamine Therapy for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & PainIn this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Sam Ko, board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical director at Reset Ketamine, to explore how ketamine therapy is helping the 50-70% of autoimmune patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

      They discuss how ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors, reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, influences the gut-brain connection, and provides real hope for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, and POTS.

      Dr. Ko shares success stories, introduces Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a complementary treatment, and reminds us that your struggle is real and there are evidence-based tools to help you reclaim functional living.

      Key Takeaways

      1. 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disorders
      2. Ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitization
      3. The central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connection
      4. Ketamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and mood
      5. Extended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia
      6. Ketamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systems
      7. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset"
      8. Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathons
      9. Team-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is key
      10. Your struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will
      
      

      Chapters & Timestamps

      00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain

      00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both

      01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA

      02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions

      03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems

      04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True

      04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System

      06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols

      07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation

      07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10

      08:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the Cycle of Pain & Rumination

      09:30 Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Software vs Hardware Reset

      11:00 Addressing Autoimmune Fatigue: Realistic Functional Improvements

      12:00 The Power of 1%: Micro-Habits & 5-Minute Daily Walks

      13:00 What to Expect: Consultations & Finding the Right Fit

      14:00 Team-Based Care: Working with Rheumatologists on Biologics

      14:30 Safety Protocols: Lab Monitoring & Continuous Vital Signs

      16:00 Never Too Early or Late: Hope for Mental Health Struggles

      16:30 Validation: Your Struggle Is Real, Trust Your Body

      17:30 Finding Providers Who Listen & Building Your Support Team

      18:00 Connect with Reset Ketamine & Final Thoughts

      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. Individual results may vary.

      Guest Details

      Dr. Sam Ko, MD Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Medical Director at Reset Ketamine

      Credentials & Training:

      1. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
      2. Medical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigm
      3. Extensive experience in IV ketamine administration in ER settings
      4. Specialized training in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic pain
      5. Certified in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) procedures
      
      

      Specializations:

      1. IV Ketamine therapy for autoimmune-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD
      2. Central sensitization and neuropathic pain syndromes
      3. Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis treatment
      4. MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
      5. Treatment-resistant mental health conditions in autoimmune patients
      6. Stellate Ganglion Block for sympathetic nervous system reset
      7. Integrative approach to gut-brain-immune axis dysfunction
      
      

      Clinical Approach: Dr. Ko founded Reset Ketamine with the mission to provide evidence-based ketamine therapy specifically for patients with complex autoimmune conditions who experience overlapping mental health and pain symptoms. His approach recognizes the intimate mind-body connection and addresses both the "software" (neurological patterns through ketamine) and "hardware" (nervous system through SGB) aspects of healing. He emphasizes team-based care, working collaboratively with rheumatologists and primary care physicians to ensure safe, comprehensive treatment for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants. Dr. Ko works alongside his wife and partner, Dr. Kim, who handles social media and patient education, creating a family-centered practice dedicated to spreading knowledge about innovative treatment options.

      Connect with Dr. Sam Ko & Reset Ketamine

      Website: www.resetketamine.com

      Location: Palm Springs, California

      Social Media:

      1. Instagram: @resetketamine
      2. YouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos)
      3. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmba
      4. TikTok: @resetketamine
      5. Twitter: @resetketamine
      6. Pinterest: Reset Ketamine
      
      

      About Your Hosts

      Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

      Functional Medicine Practitioner & Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

      Dr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions. Alongside his wife Dr. Melissa Mondala, he co-hosts the AutoImmune Alchemy podcast where they blend science with soul to help patients navigate complex autoimmune journeys. Dr. Yu is passionate about integrative approaches to healing and bringing expert voices to the autoimmune community.

      Dr. Melissa Mondala

      Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

      Dr. Melissa Mondala co-hosts AutoImmune Alchemy with her husband Dr. Micah Yu, creating a dynamic duo dedicated to supporting patients and families dealing with autoimmune disease. Together, they work as a team to normalize symptoms, create safe spaces for healing, and bring experienced experts in...]]>In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Sam Ko, board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical director at Reset Ketamine, to explore how ketamine therapy is helping the 50-70% of autoimmune patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

      They discuss how ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors, reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, influences the gut-brain connection, and provides real hope for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, and POTS.

      Dr. Ko shares success stories, introduces Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a complementary treatment, and reminds us that your struggle is real and there are evidence-based tools to help you reclaim functional living.

      Key Takeaways

      1. 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disorders
      2. Ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitization
      3. The central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connection
      4. Ketamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and mood
      5. Extended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia
      6. Ketamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systems
      7. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset"
      8. Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathons
      9. Team-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is key
      10. Your struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will
      
      

      Chapters & Timestamps

      00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain

      00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both

      01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA

      02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions

      03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems

      04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True

      04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System

      06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols

      07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation

      07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10

      08:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the Cycle of Pain & Rumination

      09:30 Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Software vs Hardware Reset

      11:00 Addressing Autoimmune Fatigue: Realistic Functional Improvements

      12:00 The Power of 1%: Micro-Habits & 5-Minute Daily Walks

      13:00 What to Expect: Consultations & Finding the Right Fit

      14:00 Team-Based Care: Working with Rheumatologists on Biologics

      14:30 Safety Protocols: Lab Monitoring & Continuous Vital Signs

      16:00 Never Too Early or Late: Hope for Mental Health Struggles

      16:30 Validation: Your Struggle Is Real, Trust Your Body

      17:30 Finding Providers Who Listen & Building Your Support Team

      18:00 Connect with Reset Ketamine & Final Thoughts

      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. Individual results may vary.

      Guest Details

      Dr. Sam Ko, MD Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Medical Director at Reset Ketamine

      Credentials & Training:

      1. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
      2. Medical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigm
      3. Extensive experience in IV ketamine administration in ER settings
      4. Specialized training in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic pain
      5. Certified in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) procedures
      
      

      Specializations:

      1. IV Ketamine therapy for autoimmune-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD
      2. Central sensitization and neuropathic pain syndromes
      3. Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis treatment
      4. MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
      5. Treatment-resistant mental health conditions in autoimmune patients
      6. Stellate Ganglion Block for sympathetic nervous system reset
      7. Integrative approach to gut-brain-immune axis dysfunction
      
      

      Clinical Approach: Dr. Ko founded Reset Ketamine with the mission to provide evidence-based ketamine therapy specifically for patients with complex autoimmune conditions who experience overlapping mental health and pain symptoms. His approach recognizes the intimate mind-body connection and addresses both the "software" (neurological patterns through ketamine) and "hardware" (nervous system through SGB) aspects of healing. He emphasizes team-based care, working collaboratively with rheumatologists and primary care physicians to ensure safe, comprehensive treatment for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants. Dr. Ko works alongside his wife and partner, Dr. Kim, who handles social media and patient education, creating a family-centered practice dedicated to spreading knowledge about innovative treatment options.

      Connect with Dr. Sam Ko & Reset Ketamine

      Website: www.resetketamine.com

      Location: Palm Springs, California

      Social Media:

      1. Instagram: @resetketamine
      2. YouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos)
      3. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmba
      4. TikTok: @resetketamine
      5. Twitter: @resetketamine
      6. Pinterest: Reset Ketamine
      
      

      About Your Hosts

      Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

      Functional Medicine Practitioner & Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

      Dr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions. Alongside his wife Dr. Melissa Mondala, he co-hosts the AutoImmune Alchemy podcast where they blend science with soul to help patients navigate complex autoimmune journeys. Dr. Yu is passionate about integrative approaches to healing and bringing expert voices to the autoimmune community.

      Dr. Melissa Mondala

      Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

      Dr. Melissa Mondala co-hosts AutoImmune Alchemy with her husband Dr. Micah Yu, creating a dynamic duo dedicated to supporting patients and families dealing with autoimmune disease. Together, they work as a team to normalize symptoms, create safe spaces for healing, and bring experienced experts in integrative and functional medicine to their community.

      About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

      Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

      AutoImmune 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. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala, the show features expert interviews, discusses cutting-edge treatments, and normalizes the very real symptoms that 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and fatigue.

      Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

      1. Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/
      2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
      3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
      4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
      5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com
      
      

      Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review to help us reach more people in the autoimmune community!

      ]]>64e202b6-134b-4f72-b21e-08233cd85aa8Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -040019:44falsefullThe Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 2: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin RoseIn Part 2 of this Autoimmune Alchemy conversation, Dr.

      Micah Yu is joined again by Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to move from awareness into actionable healing strategies.

      This episode dives deep into peptides, bio-regulator therapies, and lifestyle foundations that support kidney repair in autoimmune disease. Dr. Rose explains how autoimmune inflammation damages kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and how targeted tools can help reverse epigenetic injury rather than simply slow decline.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Part 2 Kickoff: Strategies, Peptides & Bio-Regulators

      [1:00] — “Renal Vulnerability Syndrome”: Autoimmune Impact on Kidneys (Quick Review)

      [3:00] — Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Kidney Protection: Polyphenols, Herbs, Teas, Toxins

      [9:00] — Protein, Carnivore Diets & Why Kidney Nutrition Must Be Personalized

      [12:00] — Sugar, Glycotoxins, Gluten/Grains & Practical Kidney-Friendly Protein Choices

      [19:00] — Peptides vs Bio-Regulators: What They Are + Epigenetics Explained

      [28:00] — Core Support Stack: Nutrients, Sleep/Circadian (Pineal), Carnosine + Clean Labels

      [35:00] — Best Peptides/Bio-Regulators for CKD & Autoimmunity + Sequencing + Wrap/Resources

      [45:00] — Where to Find Dr. Rose + Closing

      Key Takeaways

      1. Understand how autoimmune inflammation creates “renal vulnerability syndrome,” quietly damaging kidney tubules and mitochondria.
      2. Discover why kidney decline is largely an epigenetic injury — and how that means it can be modulated and improved.
      3. Learn the difference between peptides and bio-regulators, and why bio-regulators can directly influence gene expression.
      4. Explore anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies that protect kidneys, including polyphenols, herbs, teas, and cooking methods.
      
      

      In Part 2, Dr. Robin Rose reframes kidney disease not as a fixed diagnosis, but as a dynamic, modifiable process shaped by immune signaling, epigenetics, lifestyle, and targeted therapies. By combining peptides, bio-regulators, nutrition, and mindset, she offers a compassionate and science-based approach to healing that empowers patients rather than frightening them. This episode reminds us that recovery is not about perfection — it’s about informed, consistent choices that restore balance over time.

      ]]>In Part 2 of this Autoimmune Alchemy conversation, Dr.

      Micah Yu is joined again by Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to move from awareness into actionable healing strategies.

      This episode dives deep into peptides, bio-regulator therapies, and lifestyle foundations that support kidney repair in autoimmune disease. Dr. Rose explains how autoimmune inflammation damages kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and how targeted tools can help reverse epigenetic injury rather than simply slow decline.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Part 2 Kickoff: Strategies, Peptides & Bio-Regulators

      [1:00] — “Renal Vulnerability Syndrome”: Autoimmune Impact on Kidneys (Quick Review)

      [3:00] — Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Kidney Protection: Polyphenols, Herbs, Teas, Toxins

      [9:00] — Protein, Carnivore Diets & Why Kidney Nutrition Must Be Personalized

      [12:00] — Sugar, Glycotoxins, Gluten/Grains & Practical Kidney-Friendly Protein Choices

      [19:00] — Peptides vs Bio-Regulators: What They Are + Epigenetics Explained

      [28:00] — Core Support Stack: Nutrients, Sleep/Circadian (Pineal), Carnosine + Clean Labels

      [35:00] — Best Peptides/Bio-Regulators for CKD & Autoimmunity + Sequencing + Wrap/Resources

      [45:00] — Where to Find Dr. Rose + Closing

      Key Takeaways

      1. Understand how autoimmune inflammation creates “renal vulnerability syndrome,” quietly damaging kidney tubules and mitochondria.
      2. Discover why kidney decline is largely an epigenetic injury — and how that means it can be modulated and improved.
      3. Learn the difference between peptides and bio-regulators, and why bio-regulators can directly influence gene expression.
      4. Explore anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies that protect kidneys, including polyphenols, herbs, teas, and cooking methods.
      
      

      In Part 2, Dr. Robin Rose reframes kidney disease not as a fixed diagnosis, but as a dynamic, modifiable process shaped by immune signaling, epigenetics, lifestyle, and targeted therapies. By combining peptides, bio-regulators, nutrition, and mindset, she offers a compassionate and science-based approach to healing that empowers patients rather than frightening them. This episode reminds us that recovery is not about perfection — it’s about informed, consistent choices that restore balance over time.

      ]]>9c9989f4-41ce-4f79-b19a-fb05113f8082Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -040047:57falsefull115151The Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 1: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin RoseIn this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to uncover a critical but often overlooked topic: early kidney decline in autoimmune disease.

      Dr. Rose shares her powerful personal story of surviving kidney cancer, losing a kidney, and reversing what doctors told her was irreversible kidney failure. She explains why kidney damage often begins long before standard labs change, how autoimmune inflammation quietly stresses kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and why many patients are told to “wait” instead of act.

      This conversation reframes kidney health as something proactive, reversible, and deeply connected to autoimmune disease, gut health, lifestyle, peptides, and mindset — offering hope and actionable insight for patients at every stage.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Introduction: Autoimmune Disease & the Forgotten Role of the Kidneys

      [1:20] — Dr. Robin Rose’s Story

      [7:40] — Why Kidney Damage Starts Before Labs Change

      [11:35] — How Autoimmune Disease Stresses Kidney Tubules, Blood Vessels & Mitochondria

      [17:17] — Diet, Protein, Acidity & Lifestyle Choices That Impact Kidney Health

      [25:20] — The Gut–Kidney–Immune Axis: Dysbiosis, Uremic Toxins & Inflammation

      [31:00] — Early Detection Tools, Binders & Proactive Kidney Protection

      [50:00] — Hope, Mindset & Setting the Stage for Part 2 (Peptides & Therapies)

      
      

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover why autoimmune disease creates kidney vulnerability long before creatinine or GFR appear abnormal.
      • Understand how inflammation, immune complexes, and vascular damage quietly stress kidney tubules and blood vessels.
      • Learn why early kidney decline is often missed — and why waiting for “bad labs” delays prevention.
      • Uncover the difference between kidney filtration (glomeruli) and reabsorption (tubules), and why tubules are damaged first.
      • Explore how autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s, RA, MS, and Hashimoto’s increase renal risk through inflammation and dysbiosis.
      
      

      
      

      Dr. Robin Rose’s story challenges the belief that kidney decline is inevitable. By understanding early warning signs, supporting the gut–immune–kidney axis, and shifting from fear to informed action, patients with autoimmune disease can protect their kidneys long before crisis occurs. Part 1 offers clarity, empowerment, and hope — reminding us that prevention begins with awareness and belief in healing.

      ]]>In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to uncover a critical but often overlooked topic: early kidney decline in autoimmune disease.

      Dr. Rose shares her powerful personal story of surviving kidney cancer, losing a kidney, and reversing what doctors told her was irreversible kidney failure. She explains why kidney damage often begins long before standard labs change, how autoimmune inflammation quietly stresses kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and why many patients are told to “wait” instead of act.

      This conversation reframes kidney health as something proactive, reversible, and deeply connected to autoimmune disease, gut health, lifestyle, peptides, and mindset — offering hope and actionable insight for patients at every stage.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Introduction: Autoimmune Disease & the Forgotten Role of the Kidneys

      [1:20] — Dr. Robin Rose’s Story

      [7:40] — Why Kidney Damage Starts Before Labs Change

      [11:35] — How Autoimmune Disease Stresses Kidney Tubules, Blood Vessels & Mitochondria

      [17:17] — Diet, Protein, Acidity & Lifestyle Choices That Impact Kidney Health

      [25:20] — The Gut–Kidney–Immune Axis: Dysbiosis, Uremic Toxins & Inflammation

      [31:00] — Early Detection Tools, Binders & Proactive Kidney Protection

      [50:00] — Hope, Mindset & Setting the Stage for Part 2 (Peptides & Therapies)

      
      

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover why autoimmune disease creates kidney vulnerability long before creatinine or GFR appear abnormal.
      • Understand how inflammation, immune complexes, and vascular damage quietly stress kidney tubules and blood vessels.
      • Learn why early kidney decline is often missed — and why waiting for “bad labs” delays prevention.
      • Uncover the difference between kidney filtration (glomeruli) and reabsorption (tubules), and why tubules are damaged first.
      • Explore how autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s, RA, MS, and Hashimoto’s increase renal risk through inflammation and dysbiosis.
      
      

      
      

      Dr. Robin Rose’s story challenges the belief that kidney decline is inevitable. By understanding early warning signs, supporting the gut–immune–kidney axis, and shifting from fear to informed action, patients with autoimmune disease can protect their kidneys long before crisis occurs. Part 1 offers clarity, empowerment, and hope — reminding us that prevention begins with awareness and belief in healing.

      ]]>b8c071a1-e303-4b71-8c63-29392ac4abdeTue, 16 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -040055:16falsefull114141Food Sensitivities, Inflammation & Autoimmunity: Dr. Melissa Mondala with Dr. Peter KanIn this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Melissa Mondala welcomes Dr. Peter Kan — board-certified chiropractor, functional neurologist, and functional medicine expert known for bridging the gut–brain–immune connection. Dr. Kan works extensively with Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s, mixed connective tissue disease, MS, and patients with “autoimmune of unknown origin.” In this conversation, he breaks down why autoimmune patients so often struggle with food sensitivities, inflammatory flares, neurological symptoms, and overlapping autoimmune conditions thattraditional medicine misses. He explains the difference between allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, why “food can be medicine or poison,” and how immune pathways like T-reg cells, Th17 activation, NF-kB, and leaky gut shape the autoimmune experience. He also shares strategic supplements, lifestyle foundations, and a practical roadmap for people who are overwhelmed, undiagnosed, or stuck in flare cycles.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Understanding the Gut–Brain–Immune Connection

      [1:40] — How Food Sensitivities Trigger Autoimmune Flares

      [3:27] — Why Autoimmune Symptoms Spread Throughout the Body

      [5:44] — Allergies vs. Sensitivities vs. Intolerances Explained

      [8:34] — Foundational Supplements for Reducing Inflammation

      [10:54] — T-Reg Cells, Glutathione & Immune Modulation

      [14:17] — Elimination Diets, Testing & Reintroductions

      [16:57] — Personalizing Your Autoimmune Nutrition Plan

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover how food sensitivities ignite autoimmune flares by ramping up the immune system and triggering tissue inflammation.
      • Understand why many patients have “autoimmune of unknown origin” long before receiving an official diagnosis.
      • Explore the difference between allergies (IgE), sensitivities (IgG/IgA), and intolerances (enzyme-based) — and why each requires a different treatment approach.
      • Learn how food reactions can show up as fatigue, brain fog, sinus issues, weight changes, joint pain, skin symptoms, or mood shifts — not just digestive problems.
      • Uncover how regulatory T-cells work as the “brake pedal” of the immune system, and why supporting them helps quiet autoimmune activity and move toward remission.
      
      

      
      

      Dr. Peter Kan brings clarity to one of the most confusing and overwhelming parts of autoimmune disease: the relationship between food, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. His science-backed but practical approach helps patients understand why they react to so many foods, how to begin healing gut and immune pathways, and how to move toward remission through immune modulation — not fear or restriction. This conversation offers hope, direction, and a clear roadmap for anyone lost in the world of autoimmune flares.

      
      

      ]]>In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Melissa Mondala welcomes Dr. Peter Kan — board-certified chiropractor, functional neurologist, and functional medicine expert known for bridging the gut–brain–immune connection. Dr. Kan works extensively with Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s, mixed connective tissue disease, MS, and patients with “autoimmune of unknown origin.” In this conversation, he breaks down why autoimmune patients so often struggle with food sensitivities, inflammatory flares, neurological symptoms, and overlapping autoimmune conditions thattraditional medicine misses. He explains the difference between allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, why “food can be medicine or poison,” and how immune pathways like T-reg cells, Th17 activation, NF-kB, and leaky gut shape the autoimmune experience. He also shares strategic supplements, lifestyle foundations, and a practical roadmap for people who are overwhelmed, undiagnosed, or stuck in flare cycles.

      TimeStamps

      [0:00] — Understanding the Gut–Brain–Immune Connection

      [1:40] — How Food Sensitivities Trigger Autoimmune Flares

      [3:27] — Why Autoimmune Symptoms Spread Throughout the Body

      [5:44] — Allergies vs. Sensitivities vs. Intolerances Explained

      [8:34] — Foundational Supplements for Reducing Inflammation

      [10:54] — T-Reg Cells, Glutathione & Immune Modulation

      [14:17] — Elimination Diets, Testing & Reintroductions

      [16:57] — Personalizing Your Autoimmune Nutrition Plan

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover how food sensitivities ignite autoimmune flares by ramping up the immune system and triggering tissue inflammation.
      • Understand why many patients have “autoimmune of unknown origin” long before receiving an official diagnosis.
      • Explore the difference between allergies (IgE), sensitivities (IgG/IgA), and intolerances (enzyme-based) — and why each requires a different treatment approach.
      • Learn how food reactions can show up as fatigue, brain fog, sinus issues, weight changes, joint pain, skin symptoms, or mood shifts — not just digestive problems.
      • Uncover how regulatory T-cells work as the “brake pedal” of the immune system, and why supporting them helps quiet autoimmune activity and move toward remission.
      
      

      
      

      Dr. Peter Kan brings clarity to one of the most confusing and overwhelming parts of autoimmune disease: the relationship between food, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. His science-backed but practical approach helps patients understand why they react to so many foods, how to begin healing gut and immune pathways, and how to move toward remission through immune modulation — not fear or restriction. This conversation offers hope, direction, and a clear roadmap for anyone lost in the world of autoimmune flares.

      
      

      ]]>4f2ddca5-30c4-4514-b1e3-eb507a05bb56Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -040018:06falsefull113131Sjögren’s, Seronegative Cases & New Breakthrough Treatments: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Kara WadaWelcome to another episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — board-certified allergist, immunologist, lifestyle medicine physician, Sjögren’s patient, and founder of The Immune Confidence Institute. Dr. Wada opens up about her long diagnostic journey with Sjögren’s, why so many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and how clinical “gray zone” diseases like seronegative Sjögren’s, MCAS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue often fall through the cracks in modern medicine. She also shares the lifestyle changes, supplements, and clinical trial therapy (dazodalibep) that changed her health, plus the innovative lymph-node–targeted allergy treatment she now offers in her clinic.

      Time Stamps

      [0:00] — Welcome & Introduction

      [1:07] — Early Symptoms & Missed Red Flags

      [3:45] — Diagnosis Journey & Lab Findings

      [6:12] — What Sjögren’s Really Is

      [7:50] — Dryness Isn’t Always the First Symptom

      [9:26] — Misrouted Specialists & Delayed Diagnosis

      [9:50] — Full Symptom Breakdown

      [14:16] — Lifestyle Changes That Helped

      [15:30] — New Sjögren’s Drug Trial (Dazodalibep)

      [18:10] — Future Treatments & Seronegative Gap

      [19:39] — Supplements That Helped

      [23:14] — “Clinical Ghosts” & Why Patients Are Dismissed

      [27:17] — Rethinking Mast Cells & MCAS

      [29:06] — ISLIT Protocol (Lymph-Node Immunotherapy)

      [30:30] — Closing & Part 2 Teaser

      Key Takeaways

      Discover why Sjögren’s isn’t rare — only rarely diagnosed — and how normal labs can still hide the disease.

      Understand why dryness doesn’t always appear first and how neurological issues, fatigue, migraines, and POTS often come earlier.

      Learn how over-reliance on blood work leads doctors to dismiss patients whose symptoms don’t fit textbook patterns.

      Uncover the deep neurological involvement in Sjögren’s, including dizziness, orthostatic intolerance, and chronic headaches.

      Explore the lifestyle tools that helped Dr. Wada improve, including sleep optimization, stress management, and plant-forward nutrition.

      Autoimmune patients can be overlooked — even when the symptoms are loud and life-altering. Dr. Kara's perspective as both a physician and a patient brings clarity, compassion, and validation to a community that’s often dismissed. From redefining what Sjögren’s really looks like to exploring groundbreaking new therapies, this conversation offers hope and direction for anyone navigating immune-driven illness. #podcast #autoimmune

      ]]>Welcome to another episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — board-certified allergist, immunologist, lifestyle medicine physician, Sjögren’s patient, and founder of The Immune Confidence Institute. Dr. Wada opens up about her long diagnostic journey with Sjögren’s, why so many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and how clinical “gray zone” diseases like seronegative Sjögren’s, MCAS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue often fall through the cracks in modern medicine. She also shares the lifestyle changes, supplements, and clinical trial therapy (dazodalibep) that changed her health, plus the innovative lymph-node–targeted allergy treatment she now offers in her clinic.

      Time Stamps

      [0:00] — Welcome & Introduction

      [1:07] — Early Symptoms & Missed Red Flags

      [3:45] — Diagnosis Journey & Lab Findings

      [6:12] — What Sjögren’s Really Is

      [7:50] — Dryness Isn’t Always the First Symptom

      [9:26] — Misrouted Specialists & Delayed Diagnosis

      [9:50] — Full Symptom Breakdown

      [14:16] — Lifestyle Changes That Helped

      [15:30] — New Sjögren’s Drug Trial (Dazodalibep)

      [18:10] — Future Treatments & Seronegative Gap

      [19:39] — Supplements That Helped

      [23:14] — “Clinical Ghosts” & Why Patients Are Dismissed

      [27:17] — Rethinking Mast Cells & MCAS

      [29:06] — ISLIT Protocol (Lymph-Node Immunotherapy)

      [30:30] — Closing & Part 2 Teaser

      Key Takeaways

      Discover why Sjögren’s isn’t rare — only rarely diagnosed — and how normal labs can still hide the disease.

      Understand why dryness doesn’t always appear first and how neurological issues, fatigue, migraines, and POTS often come earlier.

      Learn how over-reliance on blood work leads doctors to dismiss patients whose symptoms don’t fit textbook patterns.

      Uncover the deep neurological involvement in Sjögren’s, including dizziness, orthostatic intolerance, and chronic headaches.

      Explore the lifestyle tools that helped Dr. Wada improve, including sleep optimization, stress management, and plant-forward nutrition.

      Autoimmune patients can be overlooked — even when the symptoms are loud and life-altering. Dr. Kara's perspective as both a physician and a patient brings clarity, compassion, and validation to a community that’s often dismissed. From redefining what Sjögren’s really looks like to exploring groundbreaking new therapies, this conversation offers hope and direction for anyone navigating immune-driven illness. #podcast #autoimmune

      ]]>764c84af-8033-495e-a4d3-ece4dbe802c9Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -040032:37falsefull112121Unraveling Complex Chronic Illnesses: Mold, Lyme, Mast Cell Activation & More, with Dr. Kelly McCannIn this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, host Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Kelly McCann, an expert in internal medicine, functional medicine, and environmental medicine, about chronic illnesses and their root causes.

      Dr. McCann discusses the concept of total toxic load and how various factors such as mold exposure, chronic infections like Lyme disease, and environmental toxins contribute to complex chronic conditions. She explains the various symptoms and diagnostic challenges of these illnesses, particularly emphasizing the importance of early identification and personalized treatment.

      Dr. McCann also emphasizes the role of mind-body-spirit connection in the healing process and how trauma and emotional well-being can impact physical health. Additionally, the discussion covers hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), providing insights into their management and treatment. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of chronic illnesses and how to navigate their complexity.

      Here are some time stamps to support you.

      00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

      01:25 Understanding Chronic Illnesses and Root Causes

      02:08 The Concept of Total Load and Environmental Medicine

      03:27 Mold and Mycotoxins: A Major Player

      04:15 Chronic Infections and Their Impact

      06:19 Environmental Toxins and Genetic Susceptibilities

      07:36 Diagnosing and Treating Mold Toxicity

      21:07 Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in Healing

      23:27 Exploring Trauma and Emotional Healing

      32:11 Energy Medicine and Self-Discovery

      38:02 Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

      39:48 A Family's Lyme Disease Journey

      40:13 Understanding Lyme Disease Transmission

      41:08 Divergent Views on Lyme Disease

      44:08 Chronic Lyme and Functional Medicine

      47:06 The Importance of Asking 'Why' in Medicine

      54:03 Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

      01:07:29 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Explained

      01:15:48 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

      Uncover the truth behind chronic illnesses with Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Kelly McCann.

      From Lyme disease to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, this episode explores the root causes and innovative treatments for complex conditions. Don't miss this insightful conversation on Autoimmune Alchemy! #IntegrativeMedicine #PodcastLife

      ]]>In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, host Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Kelly McCann, an expert in internal medicine, functional medicine, and environmental medicine, about chronic illnesses and their root causes.

      Dr. McCann discusses the concept of total toxic load and how various factors such as mold exposure, chronic infections like Lyme disease, and environmental toxins contribute to complex chronic conditions. She explains the various symptoms and diagnostic challenges of these illnesses, particularly emphasizing the importance of early identification and personalized treatment.

      Dr. McCann also emphasizes the role of mind-body-spirit connection in the healing process and how trauma and emotional well-being can impact physical health. Additionally, the discussion covers hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), providing insights into their management and treatment. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of chronic illnesses and how to navigate their complexity.

      Here are some time stamps to support you.

      00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

      01:25 Understanding Chronic Illnesses and Root Causes

      02:08 The Concept of Total Load and Environmental Medicine

      03:27 Mold and Mycotoxins: A Major Player

      04:15 Chronic Infections and Their Impact

      06:19 Environmental Toxins and Genetic Susceptibilities

      07:36 Diagnosing and Treating Mold Toxicity

      21:07 Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in Healing

      23:27 Exploring Trauma and Emotional Healing

      32:11 Energy Medicine and Self-Discovery

      38:02 Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

      39:48 A Family's Lyme Disease Journey

      40:13 Understanding Lyme Disease Transmission

      41:08 Divergent Views on Lyme Disease

      44:08 Chronic Lyme and Functional Medicine

      47:06 The Importance of Asking 'Why' in Medicine

      54:03 Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

      01:07:29 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Explained

      01:15:48 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

      Uncover the truth behind chronic illnesses with Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Kelly McCann.

      From Lyme disease to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, this episode explores the root causes and innovative treatments for complex conditions. Don't miss this insightful conversation on Autoimmune Alchemy! #IntegrativeMedicine #PodcastLife

      ]]>5eb69498-4413-4067-ad25-a5477388d1bdMon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -040001:18:28falsefull111111Perimenopause, Autoimmunity, and the Gut–Brain Link: Dr. Jennifer Roelands with Dr. Melissa MondalaWomen often first meet autoimmunity during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause. In this conversation, in this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Jennifer Roelands (OB-GYN, integrative and functional medicine) unpack how shifting estrogen and progesterone interact with the immune system, why the gut–brain–hormone axis matters for mood and symptoms, and what to do first if you are seeing new labs, new aches, or a metabolism that no longer plays by your old rules. You will hear practical ways to lower inflammation, protect bone and muscle, choose labs that actually guide care, and build “low-hanging fruit” habits that stick.

      Key takeaways

      • Hormone transitions can “flip on” latent genes and unmask autoimmunity; gut health and hormone metabolism are tightly linked.
      • Do not skip the gut: the estrobolome, serotonin production, barrier integrity, and antibodies formed in the gut influence thyroid and joint autoimmunity.
      • Start small to beat overwhelm: stack easy “wins” such as step-ups, resistance bands, or brief “exercise snacks” while you build consistency.
      • Protect bone and muscle: lift 2–3x weekly, add protein and fiber, and consider DEXA earlier than 65 to get a baseline.
      • Labs that help: iron panel, vitamin D, CRP, fasting insulin, thyroid panel, and cycle-timed sex hormones; wearables or CGM can add useful data.
      • Options exist: HRT is one path; omega-3s, fiber, magnesium (glycinate), curcumin, and targeted botanicals can also support symptoms and sleep.
      • Perimenopause is more than hot flashes: watch for unusual signs like ear itching, body-odor changes, recurrent UTIs, libido shifts, or oral-health changes.
      
      

      Suggested chapters

      00:00 Intro and guest background

      00:26 Why autoimmunity often appears in perimenopause

      00:29 Gut–hormone metabolism, estrobolome, neurotransmitters

      00:31 Stress load and “low-hanging fruit” habit building

      00:34 Muscle and bone loss, strength training that fits pain levels

      00:36 HRT, DEXA baselines, and fracture risk context

      00:39 Supplement staples: omega-3s, fiber, magnesium, curcumin

      00:42 Weight and metabolism changes, personalized nutrition

      00:44 Unusual symptoms of perimenopause

      00:46 Early or premature menopause and risk profile

      00:49 Finding the right clinician; advocating for labs

      00:51 What to test and how to time hormones

      00:53 Where to find Dr. Roelands and her practice

      Perimenopause is a whole-system transition. Pair smart medical care with gut support, resistance training, sleep, stress tools, and cycle-aware labs. Start with one easy win, get a baseline DEXA earlier, and build from there. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress that protects your brain, bones, and immune system.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      ]]>Women often first meet autoimmunity during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause. In this conversation, in this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Jennifer Roelands (OB-GYN, integrative and functional medicine) unpack how shifting estrogen and progesterone interact with the immune system, why the gut–brain–hormone axis matters for mood and symptoms, and what to do first if you are seeing new labs, new aches, or a metabolism that no longer plays by your old rules. You will hear practical ways to lower inflammation, protect bone and muscle, choose labs that actually guide care, and build “low-hanging fruit” habits that stick.

      Key takeaways

      • Hormone transitions can “flip on” latent genes and unmask autoimmunity; gut health and hormone metabolism are tightly linked.
      • Do not skip the gut: the estrobolome, serotonin production, barrier integrity, and antibodies formed in the gut influence thyroid and joint autoimmunity.
      • Start small to beat overwhelm: stack easy “wins” such as step-ups, resistance bands, or brief “exercise snacks” while you build consistency.
      • Protect bone and muscle: lift 2–3x weekly, add protein and fiber, and consider DEXA earlier than 65 to get a baseline.
      • Labs that help: iron panel, vitamin D, CRP, fasting insulin, thyroid panel, and cycle-timed sex hormones; wearables or CGM can add useful data.
      • Options exist: HRT is one path; omega-3s, fiber, magnesium (glycinate), curcumin, and targeted botanicals can also support symptoms and sleep.
      • Perimenopause is more than hot flashes: watch for unusual signs like ear itching, body-odor changes, recurrent UTIs, libido shifts, or oral-health changes.
      
      

      Suggested chapters

      00:00 Intro and guest background

      00:26 Why autoimmunity often appears in perimenopause

      00:29 Gut–hormone metabolism, estrobolome, neurotransmitters

      00:31 Stress load and “low-hanging fruit” habit building

      00:34 Muscle and bone loss, strength training that fits pain levels

      00:36 HRT, DEXA baselines, and fracture risk context

      00:39 Supplement staples: omega-3s, fiber, magnesium, curcumin

      00:42 Weight and metabolism changes, personalized nutrition

      00:44 Unusual symptoms of perimenopause

      00:46 Early or premature menopause and risk profile

      00:49 Finding the right clinician; advocating for labs

      00:51 What to test and how to time hormones

      00:53 Where to find Dr. Roelands and her practice

      Perimenopause is a whole-system transition. Pair smart medical care with gut support, resistance training, sleep, stress tools, and cycle-aware labs. Start with one easy win, get a baseline DEXA earlier, and build from there. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress that protects your brain, bones, and immune system.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      ]]>b9a882aa-42a8-4c5c-ac36-e7c3143e4e0fMon, 13 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -040028:12falsefull110101Energy Medicine for Autoimmunity? Integrative Rheumatologist Dr. Nisha Manek ExplainsIn this episode, Dr. Micah Yu welcomes Dr. Nisha Manek, integrative rheumatologist and author of Bridging Science and Spirit, for a wide-ranging conversation on where medicine is headed and why energy, the biofield, and conscious self-care belong beside conventional treatment. 

      Hear how immune dysregulation shows up across the body, why drugs alone rarely create remission, and how subtle-energy practices, fascia and meridian science, sleep, intention, and community can help people with autoimmune disease feel better and do more. 

      Key takeaways

      • What “biofield” means in plain language, how it relates to meridians, fascia, and whole-body connectivity, and why energy is a missing “vital sign” in clinic
      • Why rising autoimmune rates suggest we need more than medications alone, and how subtle-energy work can complement standard care to move patients toward remission
      • Practical self-regulation: simple hand “circuit” placements to recharge, gentle movement such as tai chi or qigong, sleep, nutrition basics, and intention setting
      • A clinician’s perspective on research limits for energy medicine and how physics concepts help translate ancient ideas into modern practice
      • Patient empowerment: build your plan with your doctor, add safe energy practices, and lean on community to reduce overload and stick with healing habits
      
      

      Suggested chapters

      [00:00] Intro and guest background

      [02:00] From conventional training to integrative practice

      [05:00] Autoimmunity on the rise and environmental triggers

      [08:00] Beyond drugs: energy as the “missing mechanism”

      [11:00] The biofield as a vital sign

      [13:00] Meridians, chi, chakras, and a physics “umbrella”

      [15:00] Fascia as the body’s connective highway

      [20:00] A simple at-home hand circuit to recharge

      [29:30] The qigong headache story and what it implies

      [36:00] Medicine catching up, clinician burnout, patient agency

      [39:00] Where to find Dr. Manek and programs

      Autoimmune care improves when we pair smart conventional treatment with practices that restore the body’s energy and calm the nervous system. Start where you are: sleep, nutrition, gentle movement, and a simple daily recharge practice. Use your medical team for diagnostics and safety, then add community for support and momentum. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress toward remission and a fuller life.

      Guest resources

      • Dr. Manek’s Website: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/
      • Get Dr. Manek’s Book: Bridging Science and Spirit: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/book
      
      

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu welcomes Dr. Nisha Manek, integrative rheumatologist and author of Bridging Science and Spirit, for a wide-ranging conversation on where medicine is headed and why energy, the biofield, and conscious self-care belong beside conventional treatment. 

      Hear how immune dysregulation shows up across the body, why drugs alone rarely create remission, and how subtle-energy practices, fascia and meridian science, sleep, intention, and community can help people with autoimmune disease feel better and do more. 

      Key takeaways

      • What “biofield” means in plain language, how it relates to meridians, fascia, and whole-body connectivity, and why energy is a missing “vital sign” in clinic
      • Why rising autoimmune rates suggest we need more than medications alone, and how subtle-energy work can complement standard care to move patients toward remission
      • Practical self-regulation: simple hand “circuit” placements to recharge, gentle movement such as tai chi or qigong, sleep, nutrition basics, and intention setting
      • A clinician’s perspective on research limits for energy medicine and how physics concepts help translate ancient ideas into modern practice
      • Patient empowerment: build your plan with your doctor, add safe energy practices, and lean on community to reduce overload and stick with healing habits
      
      

      Suggested chapters

      [00:00] Intro and guest background

      [02:00] From conventional training to integrative practice

      [05:00] Autoimmunity on the rise and environmental triggers

      [08:00] Beyond drugs: energy as the “missing mechanism”

      [11:00] The biofield as a vital sign

      [13:00] Meridians, chi, chakras, and a physics “umbrella”

      [15:00] Fascia as the body’s connective highway

      [20:00] A simple at-home hand circuit to recharge

      [29:30] The qigong headache story and what it implies

      [36:00] Medicine catching up, clinician burnout, patient agency

      [39:00] Where to find Dr. Manek and programs

      Autoimmune care improves when we pair smart conventional treatment with practices that restore the body’s energy and calm the nervous system. Start where you are: sleep, nutrition, gentle movement, and a simple daily recharge practice. Use your medical team for diagnostics and safety, then add community for support and momentum. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress toward remission and a fuller life.

      Guest resources

      • Dr. Manek’s Website: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/
      • Get Dr. Manek’s Book: Bridging Science and Spirit: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/book
      
      

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>4907b0b6-ca60-466f-8944-42d4f85f516aSun, 12 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -040042:04falsefull1991When Infections Inflame the Mind: Lyme, MS, and the Gut–Brain ConnectionWhen Infections Inflame the Mind: Lyme, MS, and the Gut–Brain Connection

      Dr. Darin Ingels connects the dots between chronic infections (like Lyme), the gut–brain axis, and neuroinflammation—explaining “leaky gut/leaky brain,” vagus-nerve signaling, mast-cell activation, and why mood, brain fog, and sleep often shift with immune activity. He shares practical supports—from joy practices to potent, targeted herbs—and how to vet supplement quality for safety and results.

      Key takeaways:

      Leaky gut and “leaky brain” often travel together; restoring gut function improves brain function.

      The vagus nerve can transmit gut signals that open the blood–brain barrier and drive neuro-inflammation.

      In Lyme and MS, immune cross-reactivity and mast-cell activation can inflame brain and nerves, contributing to anxiety, depression, OCD, and brain fog.

      Joy and regulation tools matter: music, humor, nature, and realistic activity resets help shift mental state on hard days.

      Herbal medicine is multi-targeted: combinations can modulate inflammation, immunity, hormones, and circulation—often at low doses with strong effects.

      Adaptogens to balance stress/cortisol: eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), rhodiola, holy basil, Ashwagandha—choose by symptom pattern (e.g., “tired-and-wired”).

      Sleep supports: lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, kava, California poppy; nutrients like magnesium and 5-HTP/L-tryptophan help with staying asleep.

      Pain/inflammation options: highly bioavailable curcumin, Boswellia (frankincense), white willow bark, and devil’s claw (Harpagophytum).

      Quality matters: look for GMP certification and third-party testing; request Certificates of Analysis; be cautious with heat-exposed or counterfeit online products.

      Forms and safety: tinctures, capsules, teas, glycerites—many herbs are GRAS with low toxicity when sourced and dosed correctly.

      Conclusion: Integrative mental health isn’t brain-only; it’s gut, immune, nerves, and daily rhythms working together. With clearer roots (infection, mast cells, barrier integrity) and practical tools (tailored herbs, joyful resets, vetted supplements), you can calm neuro-inflammation and support steadier mood, sleep, and cognition, step by step.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      ]]>When Infections Inflame the Mind: Lyme, MS, and the Gut–Brain Connection

      Dr. Darin Ingels connects the dots between chronic infections (like Lyme), the gut–brain axis, and neuroinflammation—explaining “leaky gut/leaky brain,” vagus-nerve signaling, mast-cell activation, and why mood, brain fog, and sleep often shift with immune activity. He shares practical supports—from joy practices to potent, targeted herbs—and how to vet supplement quality for safety and results.

      Key takeaways:

      Leaky gut and “leaky brain” often travel together; restoring gut function improves brain function.

      The vagus nerve can transmit gut signals that open the blood–brain barrier and drive neuro-inflammation.

      In Lyme and MS, immune cross-reactivity and mast-cell activation can inflame brain and nerves, contributing to anxiety, depression, OCD, and brain fog.

      Joy and regulation tools matter: music, humor, nature, and realistic activity resets help shift mental state on hard days.

      Herbal medicine is multi-targeted: combinations can modulate inflammation, immunity, hormones, and circulation—often at low doses with strong effects.

      Adaptogens to balance stress/cortisol: eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), rhodiola, holy basil, Ashwagandha—choose by symptom pattern (e.g., “tired-and-wired”).

      Sleep supports: lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, kava, California poppy; nutrients like magnesium and 5-HTP/L-tryptophan help with staying asleep.

      Pain/inflammation options: highly bioavailable curcumin, Boswellia (frankincense), white willow bark, and devil’s claw (Harpagophytum).

      Quality matters: look for GMP certification and third-party testing; request Certificates of Analysis; be cautious with heat-exposed or counterfeit online products.

      Forms and safety: tinctures, capsules, teas, glycerites—many herbs are GRAS with low toxicity when sourced and dosed correctly.

      Conclusion: Integrative mental health isn’t brain-only; it’s gut, immune, nerves, and daily rhythms working together. With clearer roots (infection, mast cells, barrier integrity) and practical tools (tailored herbs, joyful resets, vetted supplements), you can calm neuro-inflammation and support steadier mood, sleep, and cognition, step by step.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      ]]>62b52283-b2f3-4e29-9643-b4b344c797d1Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -040018:17falsefull1881Reprogramming the Immune System: Dr. Ty Vincent on LDI (Low Dose Immunotherapy) and Autoimmune HealingSummary

      In this in-depth interview, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Ty Vincent, founder of Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI), about his groundbreaking work in retraining the immune system. Dr. Vincent shares his journey from conventional medicine to developing LDI, explains how it differs from traditional allergy therapies and homeopathy, and reveals the remarkable outcomes he’s seen in patients with autoimmune and chronic illnesses. Together, they explore real-world success stories, the science of molecular mimicry, and why focusing on mechanisms rather than diagnoses may be the future of medicine.

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover how Dr. Vincent’s path from family medicine to integrative care led him to create LDI.
      • Learn the difference between Low Dose Allergen Immunotherapy (LDA) and Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI).
      • Explore how LDI addresses immune tolerance rather than suppression, and why it works for conditions beyond allergies.
      • Hear case studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, Lyme disease, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, and more who experienced remission or dramatic improvements.
      • Understand the concept of molecular mimicry and its role in autoimmunity.
      • See how LDI provides a safer, low-risk alternative to lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
      • Gain insight into Dr. Vincent’s ongoing innovations, including potential breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes.
      
      

      This conversation highlights a profound shift in how we can view and treat chronic illness. Instead of suppressing the immune system, Dr. Vincent’s work with LDI shows what’s possible when we restore tolerance and reprogram the body’s natural defenses. It’s an eye-opening discussion that offers hope for anyone struggling with autoimmunity or unexplained chronic conditions.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>Summary

      In this in-depth interview, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Ty Vincent, founder of Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI), about his groundbreaking work in retraining the immune system. Dr. Vincent shares his journey from conventional medicine to developing LDI, explains how it differs from traditional allergy therapies and homeopathy, and reveals the remarkable outcomes he’s seen in patients with autoimmune and chronic illnesses. Together, they explore real-world success stories, the science of molecular mimicry, and why focusing on mechanisms rather than diagnoses may be the future of medicine.

      Key Takeaways

      • Discover how Dr. Vincent’s path from family medicine to integrative care led him to create LDI.
      • Learn the difference between Low Dose Allergen Immunotherapy (LDA) and Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI).
      • Explore how LDI addresses immune tolerance rather than suppression, and why it works for conditions beyond allergies.
      • Hear case studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, Lyme disease, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, and more who experienced remission or dramatic improvements.
      • Understand the concept of molecular mimicry and its role in autoimmunity.
      • See how LDI provides a safer, low-risk alternative to lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
      • Gain insight into Dr. Vincent’s ongoing innovations, including potential breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes.
      
      

      This conversation highlights a profound shift in how we can view and treat chronic illness. Instead of suppressing the immune system, Dr. Vincent’s work with LDI shows what’s possible when we restore tolerance and reprogram the body’s natural defenses. It’s an eye-opening discussion that offers hope for anyone struggling with autoimmunity or unexplained chronic conditions.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>4410a097-0bfc-4d20-be54-c78e9cfa7d9aMon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040001:04:19falsefull1771CIRS & Autoimmunity: Untangling the Hidden Triggers, with Jenny Johnson, PTCIRS, Mold, and Autoimmunity: Getting Off the Inflammation Roller Coaster

      This is an encouraging and educational interview for anyone navigating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Jenny Johnson, a CIRS guide and community-builder, to unpack how biotoxin exposure from water-damaged buildings, mold, bacteria, and Lyme can drive chronic inflammation that mimics or even triggers autoimmune disease. They cover what to look for, how to differentiate CIRS from conditions like lupus, MS, and RA, and why environmental cleanup, sleep, nervous system support, and community are foundational. Jenny also shares moving recovery stories and practical ways families can pace healing without burning out.

      CIRS is a chronic inflammatory response to biotoxins the body cannot easily clear. Symptoms can mirror lupus, MS, and RA, and CIRS may coexist with or trigger autoimmune flares. Taking a careful timeline, targeted labs, and sometimes imaging helps sort out what to treat first.

      Key takeaways

      • Learn what CIRS is and how it overlaps with autoimmunity.
      • Discover why “remove the exposure” is step #1.
      • Cleaning up or leaving a water-damaged environment reduces daily biotoxin load.
      • Explore "pairing" detox strategies so the immune system can calm and autoimmune symptoms become more manageable.
      • Learn the “brain on fire and brain on ice” model.
      • Discover the early anchors of recovery.
      • Learn why community speeds healing.
      • Discover hope through real-world stories.
      
      

      CIRS can cause anxiety, depression, panic, rage, and cognitive issues like brain fog and executive dysfunction. Having a coach or community to be your “borrowed brain” reduces overwhelm while you recover.

      Prioritize sleep and simple nervous system supports. Add nutrition shifts toward anti-inflammatory eating, then layer movement as capacity returns. Passive vagus-nerve supports can help when you are too depleted to do more.

      Jenny’s CIRS Healing Collective (https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landing) meets weekly to share practical tips, host guest experts, and reduce loneliness. Safe, validating connection supports the parasympathetic nervous system and helps people stay on the “healing track.”

      Jenny shares recoveries in her family from Lyme and mold injury, and a child’s neurodivergent symptoms easing after addressing environmental causes. Parents are encouraged to keep pressing for answers.

      Conclusion

      CIRS is fixable, and addressing it can dramatically change the trajectory of autoimmune symptoms. Start with a solid history, test what matters, remove exposures, and anchor sleep and nervous system care. Do less, but do it on the right track. Most of all, do not do this alone. Community and a clear plan make the path lighter and faster.

      Connect with Jenny Johnson

      • Simplified Wellness Designs: https://simplifiedwellnessdesigns.com
      • The CIRS Healing Collective https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landing
      
      

      Jenny Johnson is a leading expert in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and complex environmental illness. She is a Shoemaker Certified Coach, and drawing on years of clinical research and personal experience, she helps patients navigate the often-overlooked world of mold toxicity, biotoxin exposure, and neuroimmune dysfunction. Jenny is known for her deeply compassionate, whole-person approach and her ability to distill complex protocols into practical, healing strategies that work in the real world.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>CIRS, Mold, and Autoimmunity: Getting Off the Inflammation Roller Coaster

      This is an encouraging and educational interview for anyone navigating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Jenny Johnson, a CIRS guide and community-builder, to unpack how biotoxin exposure from water-damaged buildings, mold, bacteria, and Lyme can drive chronic inflammation that mimics or even triggers autoimmune disease. They cover what to look for, how to differentiate CIRS from conditions like lupus, MS, and RA, and why environmental cleanup, sleep, nervous system support, and community are foundational. Jenny also shares moving recovery stories and practical ways families can pace healing without burning out.

      CIRS is a chronic inflammatory response to biotoxins the body cannot easily clear. Symptoms can mirror lupus, MS, and RA, and CIRS may coexist with or trigger autoimmune flares. Taking a careful timeline, targeted labs, and sometimes imaging helps sort out what to treat first.

      Key takeaways

      • Learn what CIRS is and how it overlaps with autoimmunity.
      • Discover why “remove the exposure” is step #1.
      • Cleaning up or leaving a water-damaged environment reduces daily biotoxin load.
      • Explore "pairing" detox strategies so the immune system can calm and autoimmune symptoms become more manageable.
      • Learn the “brain on fire and brain on ice” model.
      • Discover the early anchors of recovery.
      • Learn why community speeds healing.
      • Discover hope through real-world stories.
      
      

      CIRS can cause anxiety, depression, panic, rage, and cognitive issues like brain fog and executive dysfunction. Having a coach or community to be your “borrowed brain” reduces overwhelm while you recover.

      Prioritize sleep and simple nervous system supports. Add nutrition shifts toward anti-inflammatory eating, then layer movement as capacity returns. Passive vagus-nerve supports can help when you are too depleted to do more.

      Jenny’s CIRS Healing Collective (https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landing) meets weekly to share practical tips, host guest experts, and reduce loneliness. Safe, validating connection supports the parasympathetic nervous system and helps people stay on the “healing track.”

      Jenny shares recoveries in her family from Lyme and mold injury, and a child’s neurodivergent symptoms easing after addressing environmental causes. Parents are encouraged to keep pressing for answers.

      Conclusion

      CIRS is fixable, and addressing it can dramatically change the trajectory of autoimmune symptoms. Start with a solid history, test what matters, remove exposures, and anchor sleep and nervous system care. Do less, but do it on the right track. Most of all, do not do this alone. Community and a clear plan make the path lighter and faster.

      Connect with Jenny Johnson

      • Simplified Wellness Designs: https://simplifiedwellnessdesigns.com
      • The CIRS Healing Collective https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landing
      
      

      Jenny Johnson is a leading expert in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and complex environmental illness. She is a Shoemaker Certified Coach, and drawing on years of clinical research and personal experience, she helps patients navigate the often-overlooked world of mold toxicity, biotoxin exposure, and neuroimmune dysfunction. Jenny is known for her deeply compassionate, whole-person approach and her ability to distill complex protocols into practical, healing strategies that work in the real world.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth.

      She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>c4d9b78b-154a-481d-8c83-ac86b74b755bMon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040031:47falsefull1661The Hidden Link: Borrelia Infections & Autoimmunity (Lyme, MS, ALS, Dementia, Rheumatoid Arthritis)In this groundbreaking conversation, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with retired rheumatologist Dr. Alfred Miller, who spent 40 years in practice and training at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Miller shares his personal journey of discovering how Borrelia infections (often mislabeled as Lyme disease) may underlie many neurological and autoimmune conditions.

      From misdiagnosis in academic institutions to overlooked testing protocols, he reveals why conventional approaches often miss the mark — and how proper testing, treatment, and even unconventional therapies like bee venom and stem cells can change lives.

      Key Takeaways

      • Why Borrelia infection is a “great imitator,” often misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, dementia, and other chronic diseases
      • The flaws in current Lyme disease testing — and why omitting bands 31 & 34 on the Western blot leads to false negatives
      • How Borrelia’s 28-day reproductive cycle makes short-term antibiotic treatment ineffective
      • The role of cyst-busting medications and pulsed antibiotic protocols in treatment
      • Case studies: how Dr. Miller’s daughter-in-law lived seven years beyond a 4-month ALS prognosis after proper treatment
      • Why Dr. Miller believes autoimmune disease is a mislabel, and many cases are driven by Borrelia
      • Fascinating integrative therapies, including bee venom’s ability to eradicate Borrelia and stem cell use in repairing neurodegenerative damage
      • The importance of specialized labs like IGeneX (U.S.) and ArminLabs (Europe) for accurate tick-borne disease testing
      
      

      The link betweenBorrelia infections, which cause Lyme disease, and autoimmune disorders is a complex and evolving area of medical research. A Borrelia infection can trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals through several mechanisms, including molecular mimicry and the induction of chronic inflammation.

      The resulting immune dysfunction can lead to the development of specific autoimmune conditions, or it can produce symptoms that closely mimic those of autoimmune diseases. 

      If you’ve ever wondered about the root causes of autoimmune disease, dementia, ALS, or rheumatoid arthritis, this episode will open your eyes to a different paradigm of medicine.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>In this groundbreaking conversation, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with retired rheumatologist Dr. Alfred Miller, who spent 40 years in practice and training at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Miller shares his personal journey of discovering how Borrelia infections (often mislabeled as Lyme disease) may underlie many neurological and autoimmune conditions.

      From misdiagnosis in academic institutions to overlooked testing protocols, he reveals why conventional approaches often miss the mark — and how proper testing, treatment, and even unconventional therapies like bee venom and stem cells can change lives.

      Key Takeaways

      • Why Borrelia infection is a “great imitator,” often misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, dementia, and other chronic diseases
      • The flaws in current Lyme disease testing — and why omitting bands 31 & 34 on the Western blot leads to false negatives
      • How Borrelia’s 28-day reproductive cycle makes short-term antibiotic treatment ineffective
      • The role of cyst-busting medications and pulsed antibiotic protocols in treatment
      • Case studies: how Dr. Miller’s daughter-in-law lived seven years beyond a 4-month ALS prognosis after proper treatment
      • Why Dr. Miller believes autoimmune disease is a mislabel, and many cases are driven by Borrelia
      • Fascinating integrative therapies, including bee venom’s ability to eradicate Borrelia and stem cell use in repairing neurodegenerative damage
      • The importance of specialized labs like IGeneX (U.S.) and ArminLabs (Europe) for accurate tick-borne disease testing
      
      

      The link betweenBorrelia infections, which cause Lyme disease, and autoimmune disorders is a complex and evolving area of medical research. A Borrelia infection can trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals through several mechanisms, including molecular mimicry and the induction of chronic inflammation.

      The resulting immune dysfunction can lead to the development of specific autoimmune conditions, or it can produce symptoms that closely mimic those of autoimmune diseases. 

      If you’ve ever wondered about the root causes of autoimmune disease, dementia, ALS, or rheumatoid arthritis, this episode will open your eyes to a different paradigm of medicine.

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>9695bf14-c09e-457f-a2ea-b5172dcdbedcMon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040001:53:44falsefull55Toxic Load, Autoimmunity & Everyday Swaps with Dr. Aly CohenDescription: Board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen joins Dr. Micah Yu to connect environmental exposures with inflammation and autoimmunity, then turn that science into practical, low-stress habits. From plastics and bisphenols to water, air, food, and personal-care choices, Dr. Cohen shares a simple framework to cut risk without overwhelm, and how she integrates these steps into rheumatology care and patient outcomes.

      What listeners will learn:

      • Learn what “toxic load” means in plain language and why Dr. Cohen is seeing more young patients with autoimmune issues in her rheumatology practice.
      • Discover smart ways to cut plastic exposure at home.
      • Learn Dr. Cohen’s “4 As” roadmap to reduce exposures step by step so people make progress without burnout.
      • Discover high-impact upgrades for water and why simple filtration can be a game changer across a lifetime.
      • Learn how to choose and wash produce to lower pesticide residues
      • Discover where endocrine-disrupting chemicals hide in cosmetics and personal care
      • Learn practical changes for the kitchen, such as ways to remove microplastics
      • Discover how Dr. Cohen pairs lifestyle and exposure reduction with standard rheumatology treatments to improve inflammation and quality of life.
      
      

      Short bio for Dr. Aly Cohen:

      Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with more than two decades of clinical experience. Her work focuses on how everyday environmental exposures influence hormones, immunity, and inflammation, and on translating that science into simple habits patients can sustain. In practice and public education, she teaches practical steps for safer water, food, air, and personal-care choices, and how to layer these into rheumatology care to support symptom control and long-term health.

      Dr. Aly Cohen’s Website: https://thesmarthuman.com/ 

      Link to Dr. Cohen’s Book: “Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them” 

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>Description: Board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen joins Dr. Micah Yu to connect environmental exposures with inflammation and autoimmunity, then turn that science into practical, low-stress habits. From plastics and bisphenols to water, air, food, and personal-care choices, Dr. Cohen shares a simple framework to cut risk without overwhelm, and how she integrates these steps into rheumatology care and patient outcomes.

      What listeners will learn:

      • Learn what “toxic load” means in plain language and why Dr. Cohen is seeing more young patients with autoimmune issues in her rheumatology practice.
      • Discover smart ways to cut plastic exposure at home.
      • Learn Dr. Cohen’s “4 As” roadmap to reduce exposures step by step so people make progress without burnout.
      • Discover high-impact upgrades for water and why simple filtration can be a game changer across a lifetime.
      • Learn how to choose and wash produce to lower pesticide residues
      • Discover where endocrine-disrupting chemicals hide in cosmetics and personal care
      • Learn practical changes for the kitchen, such as ways to remove microplastics
      • Discover how Dr. Cohen pairs lifestyle and exposure reduction with standard rheumatology treatments to improve inflammation and quality of life.
      
      

      Short bio for Dr. Aly Cohen:

      Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with more than two decades of clinical experience. Her work focuses on how everyday environmental exposures influence hormones, immunity, and inflammation, and on translating that science into simple habits patients can sustain. In practice and public education, she teaches practical steps for safer water, food, air, and personal-care choices, and how to layer these into rheumatology care to support symptom control and long-term health.

      Dr. Aly Cohen’s Website: https://thesmarthuman.com/ 

      Link to Dr. Cohen’s Book: “Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them” 

      Host Bio:

      Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration.

      He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience.

      Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

      ]]>84431a97-d8f2-4075-915b-0858741115c9Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040053:14falsefull44Mental Health, Depression & Autoimmune Disease: The Vagus Nerve ConnectionIn this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of autoimmune disease: mental health. With depression and anxiety affecting more than half of all autoimmune patients, the conversation explores the deep connection between the nervous system, trauma, inflammation, and long-term healing.

      Key Points:

      • One in two people with autoimmune disease also has depression or anxiety.
      • Mental health symptoms often appear years before autoimmune diagnosis.
      • Emotional trauma, chronic stress, and neuroinflammation can all trigger or worsen autoimmune flares.
      • The field of psycho-neuro-immunology explains how the brain, nervous system, and immune system interact.
      • Childhood trauma (ACEs) significantly increases the risk of autoimmune conditions later in life.
      • Early signs of depression and anxiety include sleep changes, appetite issues, mood swings, perfectionism, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue.
      
      

      Root Causes of Mental Health + Autoimmune Disease:

      • Chronic stress and trauma
      • Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., PMS, menopause)
      • Neurotransmitter imbalances
      • Gut and microbiome dysfunction
      • Environmental toxins and heavy metals
      • Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, etc.)
      
      

      Treatment Strategies:

      • Nutrition: Whole foods rich in omega-3s, zinc, tryptophan, tyrosine, antioxidants
      • Lifestyle: Daily movement, quality sleep, community connection
      • Practices: Meditation, prayer, breathwork, vagus nerve activation (humming, singing)
      • Supplements (under guidance): SAM-e, L-theanine, ashwagandha, tryptophan
      • Psychotherapy, psychosomatic healing, and nervous system retraining
      
      

      Featured Case Study:

      A 60-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis saw dramatic improvement in pain, energy, and inflammation after focusing on nervous system regulation, sleep, and mental wellness. Her care plan included vagus nerve stimulation and lifestyle changes. Within 3 months, she was pain-free, off prednisone, and considering a return to nursing. Her recovery also positively impacted her son, who struggled with mental health issues.

      Final Message:

      Healing is possible — even after years of trying. When diet and medications aren’t enough, it’s time to address mental health, trauma, and the nervous system. This episode reminds us that what feels emotional is often physical, and that support, persistence, and the right tools can make all the difference.

      Learn more or schedule a consult:

      • Dr. Yu and Dr. Mondala’s clinic: https://myautoimmunemd.com
      • Dr. Yu on YouTube: My Autoimmune MD
      • Dr. Mondala on YouTube & Instagram: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen
      
      ]]>In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of autoimmune disease: mental health. With depression and anxiety affecting more than half of all autoimmune patients, the conversation explores the deep connection between the nervous system, trauma, inflammation, and long-term healing.

      Key Points:

      • One in two people with autoimmune disease also has depression or anxiety.
      • Mental health symptoms often appear years before autoimmune diagnosis.
      • Emotional trauma, chronic stress, and neuroinflammation can all trigger or worsen autoimmune flares.
      • The field of psycho-neuro-immunology explains how the brain, nervous system, and immune system interact.
      • Childhood trauma (ACEs) significantly increases the risk of autoimmune conditions later in life.
      • Early signs of depression and anxiety include sleep changes, appetite issues, mood swings, perfectionism, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue.
      
      

      Root Causes of Mental Health + Autoimmune Disease:

      • Chronic stress and trauma
      • Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., PMS, menopause)
      • Neurotransmitter imbalances
      • Gut and microbiome dysfunction
      • Environmental toxins and heavy metals
      • Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, etc.)
      
      

      Treatment Strategies:

      • Nutrition: Whole foods rich in omega-3s, zinc, tryptophan, tyrosine, antioxidants
      • Lifestyle: Daily movement, quality sleep, community connection
      • Practices: Meditation, prayer, breathwork, vagus nerve activation (humming, singing)
      • Supplements (under guidance): SAM-e, L-theanine, ashwagandha, tryptophan
      • Psychotherapy, psychosomatic healing, and nervous system retraining
      
      

      Featured Case Study:

      A 60-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis saw dramatic improvement in pain, energy, and inflammation after focusing on nervous system regulation, sleep, and mental wellness. Her care plan included vagus nerve stimulation and lifestyle changes. Within 3 months, she was pain-free, off prednisone, and considering a return to nursing. Her recovery also positively impacted her son, who struggled with mental health issues.

      Final Message:

      Healing is possible — even after years of trying. When diet and medications aren’t enough, it’s time to address mental health, trauma, and the nervous system. This episode reminds us that what feels emotional is often physical, and that support, persistence, and the right tools can make all the difference.

      Learn more or schedule a consult:

      • Dr. Yu and Dr. Mondala’s clinic: https://myautoimmunemd.com
      • Dr. Yu on YouTube: My Autoimmune MD
      • Dr. Mondala on YouTube & Instagram: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen
      
      ]]>13939ee1-ec40-4944-ac6e-e2d3b33a7ec0Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -040020:10falsefull33The Rising Epidemic of AutoimmuneIn this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala explore the rising epidemic of autoimmune disease. They unpack the root causes, early warning signs, and the whole-body approach needed for healing. They share personal clinical experiences, including a powerful success story using an anti-inflammatory protocol, and preview upcoming discussions on mental health, trauma, and psycho-neuro-immunology. The tone is both educational and hopeful, aimed at empowering patients and practitioners alike.

      🔹 Key Bullet Points:

      • 10% of the global population has autoimmune disease — and that number is rising.
      • Autoimmunity affects multiple systems: rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, GI, and beyond.
      • These diseases are often missed or misdiagnosed, with patients cycling through many specialists.
      • Women make up 80% of autoimmune cases.
      • Autoimmune diseases include lupus, Hashimoto’s, RA, Crohn’s, type 1 diabetes, celiac, and more.
      • Patients often develop multiple autoimmune conditions over time.
      • Traditional medicine focuses on symptom suppression, not root cause resolution.
      
      

      🧠 Root Causes of Autoimmunity Discussed:

      • Diet and lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep)
      • Environmental toxins (plastics, BPAs, PFAS, mold, heavy metals)
      • Infections (Lyme, COVID, flu, mycoplasma, etc.)
      • Medications and vaccines (as documented potential triggers)
      • Genetics and epigenetics
      • Chronic stress and trauma
      • Psycho-neuro-immunology — the link between brain, immune system, and inflammation
      
      

      ⚠️ Early Signs of Autoimmune Disease:

      • Fatigue and brain fog
      • Rashes and joint pain
      • GI issues (like bloody stools)
      • Oral/nasal ulcers, dry eyes/mouth
      • Hair loss
      
      

      These signs are often subtle and systemic, making diagnosis difficult.

      🌿 Prevention & Healing:

      • Emphasis on a functional and integrative medicine approach
      • Focus on Anti-inflammatory nutrition, Lifestyle changes (movement, sleep, stress), Avoiding or reducing toxin exposure, and identifying and managing infectious triggers
      • Healing is possible with small, consistent changes — often starting with food and mindset
      
      

      🧪 Patient Success Stories:

      1. Lupus Diagnosis: A patient went 5 years misdiagnosed by 10+ doctors. Dr. Yu correctly diagnosed lupus using labs and clinical intuition.
      2. RA Reversal with Diet: A long-term RA patient experienced a dramatic reduction in pain (from 9/10 to 1/10) in just one month using Dr. Yu’s anti-inflammatory protocol — no added meds or steroids.
      
      

      ❤️ Mental Health Tie-In:

      • 50%+ of autoimmune patients struggle with depression and anxiety.
      • Melissa introduces the concept of psycho-neuro-immunology: inflammation in the brain due to stress or trauma affects emotional regulation.
      • Mental health support is crucial and will be discussed more deeply in the next episode.
      
      

      🔗 Resources Mentioned:

      • Dr. Micah Yu’s YouTube: My Autoimmune MD
      • Dr. Melissa’s channel: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen (healthy recipes)
      • Clinic website: https://myautoimmunemd.com — based in Newport Beach, CA, offering telemedicine across the U.S.
      
      ]]>In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala explore the rising epidemic of autoimmune disease. They unpack the root causes, early warning signs, and the whole-body approach needed for healing. They share personal clinical experiences, including a powerful success story using an anti-inflammatory protocol, and preview upcoming discussions on mental health, trauma, and psycho-neuro-immunology. The tone is both educational and hopeful, aimed at empowering patients and practitioners alike.

      🔹 Key Bullet Points:

      • 10% of the global population has autoimmune disease — and that number is rising.
      • Autoimmunity affects multiple systems: rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, GI, and beyond.
      • These diseases are often missed or misdiagnosed, with patients cycling through many specialists.
      • Women make up 80% of autoimmune cases.
      • Autoimmune diseases include lupus, Hashimoto’s, RA, Crohn’s, type 1 diabetes, celiac, and more.
      • Patients often develop multiple autoimmune conditions over time.
      • Traditional medicine focuses on symptom suppression, not root cause resolution.
      
      

      🧠 Root Causes of Autoimmunity Discussed:

      • Diet and lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep)
      • Environmental toxins (plastics, BPAs, PFAS, mold, heavy metals)
      • Infections (Lyme, COVID, flu, mycoplasma, etc.)
      • Medications and vaccines (as documented potential triggers)
      • Genetics and epigenetics
      • Chronic stress and trauma
      • Psycho-neuro-immunology — the link between brain, immune system, and inflammation
      
      

      ⚠️ Early Signs of Autoimmune Disease:

      • Fatigue and brain fog
      • Rashes and joint pain
      • GI issues (like bloody stools)
      • Oral/nasal ulcers, dry eyes/mouth
      • Hair loss
      
      

      These signs are often subtle and systemic, making diagnosis difficult.

      🌿 Prevention & Healing:

      • Emphasis on a functional and integrative medicine approach
      • Focus on Anti-inflammatory nutrition, Lifestyle changes (movement, sleep, stress), Avoiding or reducing toxin exposure, and identifying and managing infectious triggers
      • Healing is possible with small, consistent changes — often starting with food and mindset
      
      

      🧪 Patient Success Stories:

      1. Lupus Diagnosis: A patient went 5 years misdiagnosed by 10+ doctors. Dr. Yu correctly diagnosed lupus using labs and clinical intuition.
      2. RA Reversal with Diet: A long-term RA patient experienced a dramatic reduction in pain (from 9/10 to 1/10) in just one month using Dr. Yu’s anti-inflammatory protocol — no added meds or steroids.
      
      

      ❤️ Mental Health Tie-In:

      • 50%+ of autoimmune patients struggle with depression and anxiety.
      • Melissa introduces the concept of psycho-neuro-immunology: inflammation in the brain due to stress or trauma affects emotional regulation.
      • Mental health support is crucial and will be discussed more deeply in the next episode.
      
      

      🔗 Resources Mentioned:

      • Dr. Micah Yu’s YouTube: My Autoimmune MD
      • Dr. Melissa’s channel: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen (healthy recipes)
      • Clinic website: https://myautoimmunemd.com — based in Newport Beach, CA, offering telemedicine across the U.S.
      
      ]]>0b67166d-0cd6-45b6-ab66-3a0dd5def52eTue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -040015:59falsefull22Welcome to the Journey“Our Story: Healing Autoimmunity, Medicine, and Each Other”

      Here are the highlights from our very first episode!

      • The origin story behind the podcast and why it’s deeply personal
      • Dr. Micah Yu shares his journey with autoimmune arthritis, undiagnosed pain, and years of suffering through medical school and residency
      • How nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle were missing pieces in traditional medical training
      • The power of plant-based eating in reversing inflammation and chronic symptoms
      • Dr. Melissa Mondala’s experience navigating the system as a doctor, caregiver, and seeker of integrative solutions
      • Why their clinical training and personal pain fueled a passion for integrative, lifestyle, and functional medicine
      • Reflections on medical culture, patient isolation, and the emotional weight of chronic illness
      • What they wish every patient and doctor knew about healing from the inside out
      
      

      About Your Hosts:

      Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

      Dr. 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, DipABLM

      Dr. 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.

      For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.

      ]]>“Our Story: Healing Autoimmunity, Medicine, and Each Other”

      Here are the highlights from our very first episode!

      • The origin story behind the podcast and why it’s deeply personal
      • Dr. Micah Yu shares his journey with autoimmune arthritis, undiagnosed pain, and years of suffering through medical school and residency
      • How nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle were missing pieces in traditional medical training
      • The power of plant-based eating in reversing inflammation and chronic symptoms
      • Dr. Melissa Mondala’s experience navigating the system as a doctor, caregiver, and seeker of integrative solutions
      • Why their clinical training and personal pain fueled a passion for integrative, lifestyle, and functional medicine
      • Reflections on medical culture, patient isolation, and the emotional weight of chronic illness
      • What they wish every patient and doctor knew about healing from the inside out
      
      

      About Your Hosts:

      Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

      Dr. 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, DipABLM

      Dr. 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.

      For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.

      ]]>a475d42c-a726-4794-aa80-de81c58ae6c9Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -040056:59falsefull1111