Autoimmune Alchemy

“Everything is normal, but I don’t feel normal.” Both can be true. In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I talk with Dr. Megha Mohey, a board-certified internal medicine and integrative medicine physician, about what to do when your labs look fine but your body says otherwise. We cover advanced testing, hidden nutrient gaps, cortisol and the HPA axis, SIBO, thyroid markers, and how to advocate for yourself

Chapters

• 01:00 Normal Labs, But You Don’t Feel Normal
• 02:00 The Integrative Approach: Listening for Patterns
• 03:00 Advanced Testing Beyond Conventional Labs
• 05:00 Hidden Nutrient Gaps: B Vitamins & Ferritin
• 07:00 Toxins, Detox & Food Sensitivities
• 09:00 Early Autoimmune & Thyroid Risk Markers
• 11:00 The HPA Axis & Cortisol Explained
• 15:00 Adaptogens & Glandular Support for Fatigue
• 20:00 Bloating, Gut Health & SIBO
• 25:00 Thyroid Testing: Free T3, Free T4 & Antibodies
• 29:00 Fatigue, Brain Fog & Eating Real Food
• 31:00 Where to Find Dr. Mohey

Key Takeaways

🧪 “Normal” Labs Can Still Hide Early Dysfunction

🎯 Lab Ranges Detect Disease, Not Early Imbalance

🔍 Expanded Testing Looks Beyond Iron: B Vitamins & Ferritin

⏰ Cortisol Should Be High in the Morning and Lowest at Night

🌿 Adaptogens Like Ashwagandha & Holy Basil Support the HPA Axis

🎈 Persistent Bloating Can Point to SIBO, Even With Normal Labs

🌱 Think of SIBO Like a Garden: Remove, Seed, and Feed

💬 Don’t Accept “It’s All in Your Head,” Advocate for Yourself

Guest Details & Links

Dr. Megha Mohey, MD is a board-certified internal medicine and integrative medicine physician and founder of Way Health in Michigan. She completed the University of Arizona’s Andrew Weil Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, with additional training in functional medicine, acupuncture, and yoga. She sees patients in person and virtually.

• Website:https://www.moheymd.com/
• Instagram & Substack: she mentions both in the episode but gives no handles, so add them before publishing

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Today's guest is Dr. Sierra Goncharoff — a naturopathic doctor in Oregon specializing in gut health and women's hormones.

Sierra breaks down how gut dysbiosis fuels autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and lupus, and introduces the estrobolome — the gut bacteria that regulate estrogen and drive conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. We cover fiber targets, red-flag period symptoms, perimenopause hormone testing, and why she believes "there is no cure for a crappy lifestyle." If you've ever felt dismissed about your hormones or gut symptoms, this episode gives you a real root-cause framework.

Chapter and Time Stamps

00:30 Meet the Gut Expert

01:06 Autoimmunity Starts in the Gut

02:55 Dysbiosis Explained Simply

04:00 What Naturopathic Care Means

05:23 Postbiotics and Leaky Gut

08:26 Signs Your Gut Is Off

10:50 Fixing the Microbiome Basics

12:40 Estrobolome and Estrogen Balance

15:26 Fiber Foods and How to Add Them

17:57 Endocrine Disruptors at Home

21:09 Stress Reset and Cycle Tracking

24:06 Cycle Phases Explained

24:47 PMS and Estrogen Excess

25:45 Breakfast Blood Sugar Balance

26:32 Habit Stacking Not Overhauling

28:09 Nervous System Reset Tools

30:15 When Healthy Habits Stall

32:29 Adaptogens and Cortisol Rhythm

35:57 Thyroid Clues and Food Support

37:38 Autoimmunity and Inflammation

39:15 Period Red Flags to Watch

41:33 Perimenopause Bleeding and Testing

44:15 Hormone Labs and Ratios

46:37 Where to Find Dr Sierra

Key Takeaways

🦠 The Gut Microbiome May Be an Autoimmune Root Cause

🧪 "Normal" Labs Don't Always Mean You're Fine

🔬 The Estrobolome Controls How Your Body Clears Estrogen

🥦 Fiber Is the #1 Lever for Hormone Balance

🕯️ Scented Candles & Incense Are Hidden Endocrine Disruptors

🩸 Heavy or Irregular Periods Are Never "Just Normal"

🧘 Box Breathing Can Calm Your Nervous System in Seconds

✨ There's No Supplement That Fixes a Crappy Lifestyle

Guest Details & Links

Dr. Sierra Goncharoff is a naturopathic doctor practicing primary care in Portland, Oregon, with a special focus on gut health and women's hormones. She helps patients uncover root causes behind autoimmune and hormonal imbalances — from gut dysbiosis to estrogen excess — using a personalized, food-first approach. A strong advocate for hormone education, she helps women understand their cycles, spot red-flag symptoms, and build sustainable habits instead of chasing quick fixes.

• Practices at: Florin Health (SW Portland) & Sprouting Health and Wellness (Gresham, OR) — in-person and virtual for Oregon residents

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Today's guest is Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann — Associate Professor of Rheumatology at UCLA and Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Program.

Elizabeth blends leading-edge research with holistic care — treating the whole person, not just the antibodies. In this episode, we cover the early, often-missed signs of scleroderma, the newest treatment frontier (CAR T therapy and stem cell transplant), and her groundbreaking research linking childhood trauma and gut microbiome health to disease risk. If you or someone you love lives with scleroderma, this conversation offers real hope grounded in real science.

Chapter and Time Stamps

00:34 Meet Dr. Volkmann

01:47 Early Signs and Diagnosis

03:54 Key Antibodies and Labs

06:30 Understanding Skin Thickening

08:00 Treating Fibrosis Today

09:53 Stem Cells and CAR T

13:10 CAR T Results and Trials

14:14 Interstitial Lung Disease Focus

15:31 Trauma and Autoimmunity

19:45 Gut Microbiome Discoveries

21:45 Probiotics and Bacteria Patterns

24:29 Reversal Through Lifestyle

27:48 Integrative Medicine Balance

29:00 Where to Find Dr Volkmann

29:45 Closing Thanks and Goodbye

Key Takeaways

🧬 Scleroderma Can Take Years to Diagnose — Here's Why

🩸 Antibodies Don't Tell the Whole Story

🌱 She Built Her Research From What Patients Told Her

🧠 Trauma Isn't Just Emotional — It May Predict Disease

💔 Patients Often Blame Themselves for Getting Sick

🔗 Antibiotics Revealed a Hidden Gut-Scleroderma Connection

🧩 Reversal Is Possible — But Rarely From Medication Alone

✨ One Truth Underlies It All: Healing Needs the Whole Person

Guest Details & Links

Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann is an Associate Professor of Rheumatology at UCLA and Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Program. She also founded the UCLA Connective Tissue Disease-Related Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) Program, where her research explores novel biomarkers and the gut microbiome's role in disease. A practitioner of holistic medicine, she treats the whole person — psychological, spiritual, and biological — and her research is directly inspired by patterns she's observed in her patients, including a striking link between childhood trauma and scleroderma risk.

• Instagram: @theholisticrheumatologist

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

What if the biggest predictor of your health isn't your genes, but your daily habits? In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with Dr. Monisha Bhanote, a quintuple board-certified physician and integrative pathologist, to talk about #cellcare — the science of listening to your cells before disease takes hold. We cover travel gut health, toxin protection, and the wild story of how a freak accident led her to develop autoimmune disease and rebuild her brain through lifestyle alone.

Chapter and Time Stamps:

00:50 Meet Dr. Monisha Bhanote

02:25 From Med School to Pathology

04:53 Integrative Medicine Shift

07:27 Cell Care Explained

10:24 Cells and Food Fuel

11:26 Autoimmune Travel Flare Story

13:51 Five Travel Pathways

18:04 Digestion Dos and Donts

21:42 Smart Travel Foods

23:30 Hydration Skin and Immunity

26:29 Find Quiet Spaces

27:09 Stress-Free Travel Mindset

27:58 Hotel Sleep Sanctuary

29:25 Immune Herbs Basics

30:49 Stillness and Recovery Days

33:03 Golf Ball TBI Story

37:29 Rebuilding with Lifestyle

38:12 Ayurvedic Brain Support

39:45 Mitochondria and Plant Diversity

44:16 True North Longevity

46:42 Retreats and Travela Supplement

50:46 Where to Find Dr Bhanote

51:16 Final Thanks and Wrap

Key Takeaways

🧬 90% of Cancer Isn't Genetics — It's Lifestyle

🔬 Your Cells Are "Angry" Long Before You Feel Sick

🌱 #CellCare Isn't Self-Care — It's Deeper Than That

✈️ Travel Changes Your Microbiome in Just 20 Hours

🫚 Ginger & Turmeric Water Beats Soda on the Road

🏌️ One Freak Accident Triggered Full-Blown Autoimmune Disease

🧠 She Rebuilt Her Brain With Lifestyle, Not Meds

💊 Travela Was Born From an Apothecary in Her Suitcase

Guest Details & Links

Dr. Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM — one of the few quintuple board-certified physicians in the U.S., known as the Wellbeing Doctor. She combines her expertise as an integrative pathologist, cytopathologist, and culinary medicine specialist to help people understand disease at the cellular level. Founder of the WELLKULÅ Institute and creator of Travela, a travel wellness and longevity supplement.

• Website: drbhanote.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest @DrBhanote

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Nate Handley — an integrative oncologist and Director of the Cancer Recovery Program at Jefferson University's Marcus Institute for Integrative Health, who treats both cancer patients and complex chronic illness through precision medicine, blending genetics, bloodwork, and whole-person care.

From explaining why 75% of people carry an MTHFR variant that may not even be their real problem, to breaking down what a "normal" homocysteine or MCV level can quietly hide, this episode is packed with real clinical insight, precision-medicine tools, and practical testing knowledge you won't hear anywhere else. We go deep into the polyomics approach — genes, gut, environment, and everything in between — why your genetic blueprint is only part of the story, and how Nate decides who actually needs targeted supplementation versus who doesn't

Chapters and Time Stamps:

00:55 Meet Dr Nate Hanly

01:52 What Integrative Oncology Means

04:06 Beyond Cancer Care

04:57 Precision Medicine Polyomics

08:10 SNPs High vs Low Penetrance

11:06 MTHFR Variants Explained

13:03 Who Needs Methylfolate

15:32 SNP Panels and Polyomics

17:57 Supplements Food First Strategy

19:21 Clinic Testing Workflow

23:20 Inflammation Markers and Cytokines

24:04 Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio

25:52 High MCV Causes and Clues

29:16 Homocysteine and Methylation Cycle

32:05 Wrap Up and Where to Find Him

Key Takeaways

🧬 Having the Gene Doesn't Mean You'll Have the Problem

🏠 Your Genes Are a Blueprint — Not the Whole House

🔬 75% of People Have an MTHFR Variant — Most Never Notice It

🥦 Food First, Supplements Second — Always

🩸 A "Normal" Homocysteine Can Still Hide a Methylation Block

📊 A High MCV Isn't Always a B12 Problem

🌍 Your Environment Is Part of Your Biology Too

🧪 One Test Rarely Tells the Whole Story — Look at the Landscape

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Nate Handley

Specialty: Integrative Oncology | Precision Medicine | Internal Medicine

Background: While practicing general oncology, Nate noticed a recurring gap — patients recovering from cancer treatment were often left without support for the fatigue, pain, and cognitive changes that followed. That gap led him to integrative oncology, and eventually to expand his practice to treat complex chronic illness beyond cancer, including autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions and long COVID.

Education: Board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and integrative medicine; Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University

Certifications: N/A (board certifications listed above; no additional certifications stated in episode)

Past Work: Practiced general oncology before shifting toward integrative and precision medicine; now splits his practice roughly evenly between cancer patients and patients with complex chronic disease

Turning Point: Repeatedly seeing cancer survivors left to navigate recovery alone — without support for the physical and cognitive fallout of treatment — pushed Nate to build a program centered on whole-person healing, not just disease treatment

Known For: Director of the Integrative Cancer Recovery Program at the Marcus Institute for Integrative Health; expert in polyomics-based precision medicine, SNP testing, and methylation pathways (MTHFR, COMT, homocysteine)

Offers: Integrative oncology and precision medicine consultations at the Marcus Institute for Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia)

Links:

• 🌐 Website: http://nathanleymd.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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

What if the panic attacks, the insomnia, the depression you've been handed a prescription for are actually your body asking you to look deeper? In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with Kirkland Newman, journalist, founder of MindHealth360, and Executive Director of IMMH.

To unpack her own postpartum depression journey and why functional psychiatry looks at root causes instead of just silencing symptoms. We go deep into trauma, hormones, nervous system regulation, and the daily practices that build real resilience.

Chapter and Time Stamps:

00:56 Meet Kiki Newman

02:23 First Postpartum Panic

03:58 Medication Fallout

05:28 Testing Changed Everything

07:10 Mind Health 360 Mission

09:21 Trauma Meets Biochemistry

12:42 Why Postpartum Gets Missed

18:41 Self Care and Rest Lessons

21:40 Experts and Common Threads

27:12 Start With the Basics

32:13 Bioenergetics and Inner Healer

35:19 Conference Invite and Wrap Up

Key Takeaways

🧠 Postpartum Depression Isn't "Just Hormones" — It's Missed

🔍 Nobody Tested Her Hormones, Nutrients, or Gut

🌱 She Built a Global Platform From Her Own Breakdown

🩺 Even Mental Health Experts Forget to Rest

💔 Trauma Isn't Just Emotional — It Lives in the Body

🔗 Gabor Maté's Work Reshaped How She Sees Healing

🧩 The 360 Framework: Sleep, Nutrition, Movement, Rest & Trauma

✨ One Truth Underlies It All: The Body Can Heal Itself

Guest Details & Links

Kirkland Newman is an Anglo-American journalist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of mental health and functional medicine. She's Founder & Editor of MindHealth360, host of The MindHealth360 Show, and Executive Director of IMMH, the leading U.S. conference in the field — founded after her own experience with postpartum depression. She holds degrees from Oxford, LSE, and SOAS, and co-founded The Horizon Foundation for young refugees.

• Website: mindhealth360.com
• Conference: immh.org

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

What if treating your autoimmune disease didn't mean a lifetime of infusions, but one? In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I talk with Dr. Vaneet Sandhu, VP of Clinical Development at Fate Therapeutics, about CAR T-cell therapy: how it reprograms immune cells to eliminate the "bad actor" B-cells driving disease, why it started in oncology and is now being tested in lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis and more, and what the recent safety headlines actually mean for patients considering a trial.

Chapter and Time Stamps:

00:00 CAR T Cells Explained

01:04 Meet The Guest

02:19 What Is CAR T Therapy

03:28 Off The Shelf Manufacturing

05:39 Dosing And Infusion Basics

06:57 How CAR T Targets B Cells

08:37 B Cell Return And Reset

09:56 Diseases And Trial Phases

11:05 Timeline And Eligibility

13:37 From Cancer To Autoimmune

15:18 Early Results And Safety

20:18 Trial Pauses And Deaths

23:35 Comparing Companies

27:01 Hard To Treat Diseases

28:26 How To Join Trials

29:41 Final Thoughts And Resources

Key Takeaways

🧬 A CAR T-Cell Is Just a Soldier With New Orders

🏭 Off-the-Shelf Beats Custom-Made — Here's Why

💉 One Infusion, Not a Lifetime of Them

🎯 It's Not Killing Immunity — It's Retraining It

🔄 The B-Cells That Come Back Aren't the Bad Ones

🦠 Started in Cancer, Now Rewriting Autoimmune Treatment

⚠️ Safety Headlines Aren't the Whole Story — Context Matters

🔍 Not a Cure Yet — But a Real Shot at Remission

Guest Details & Links

Dr. Vaneet Sandhu — Vice President of Clinical Development at Fate Therapeutics, where she leads clinical programs in autoimmunity. Previously a practicing rheumatologist at Loma Linda University and rheumatology fellowship program director. Medical degree from a medical college in India; master's in academic medicine from the University of Missouri; internal medicine residency at Loma Linda University; rheumatology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

• Website: fatetherapeutics.com
• Clinical trial search: clinicaltrials.gov

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Belinda Adams — a UK physician who traded the doctor's coat for the patient gown, going through six rounds of IVF before becoming a mother, and later founding Fertility Hero, an evidence-based supplement company built from everything she wished someone had told her.

From discovering that egg quality isn't actually fixed, to using a gluten-free diet to normalize thyroid antibodies instead of steroids, this episode is packed with real clinical insight, hard-won personal experience, and practical fertility tools you won't hear anywhere else. We go deep into why infertility carries psychological symptom scores comparable to cancer patients, the shame and self-blame so many women silently carry, and the science behind sleep, melatonin, CoQ10, and five element acupuncture — plus what Belinda wishes she'd known before her very first IVF cycle.

Chapter and Time Stamps:

00:58 Meet Dr Belinda Adams

01:43 Her Infertility Journey

04:15 Mental Health Toll

07:18 Dropping Shame and Blame

08:43 Getting Unstuck Tools

11:37 Visualization and Testing

15:12 Five Element Acupuncture

17:28 Egg Quality Lifestyle

20:46 When to Seek Help

22:09 Talking to Loved Ones

23:55 Self Care and Sleep

25:11 IVF Lessons Learned

26:43 Choosing Clinics Wisely

30:21 Autoimmunity and IVF

32:33 Why Fertility Hero Exists

35:11 Reading Supplement Labels

38:35 How to Take Supplements

40:56 Where to Find Belinda

41:53 Final Thanks and Goodbye

Key Takeaways

🥚 Egg Quality Isn't Fixed — The Months Before Ovulation Matter

💔 Infertility Grief Rivals a Cancer Diagnosis Psychologically

🙅 Shame Isn't the Cause of Your Infertility — Let It Go

🧵 Some Emotions Are Healthy — Anger Can Spur You to Dig Deeper

🪡 Acupuncture May Help — But Nobody's Fully Sure Why Yet

😴 Sleep Isn't Just Rest — It Protects Egg Quality Through Melatonin

🔬 One Round of IVF Is an Experiment, Not a Verdict

🗣️ You Don't Owe Anyone Real-Time Updates on Your Journey

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Belinda Adams

Specialty: UK Physician | Fertility, Hormones & Reproductive Psychology | Founder of Fertility Hero

Background: After three years of unexplained infertility, Belinda took what she thought was a temporary break from clinical medicine to pursue IVF — a break that became permanent. She and her husband went through six rounds of IVF and four different clinics over several years before welcoming their two daughters. Being on the receiving end of care, having to ask to see her own blood results, completely reshaped how she understood the fertility system from the inside.

Education: Trained and practiced as a physician in the UK before stepping away from clinical medicine in 2018

Certifications: N/A (medical training; not formally stated in episode)

Past Work: Practiced clinical medicine in the UK; worked in medical education, which shaped her ability to critically evaluate fertility research and supplement evidence

Turning Point: After her own struggles with raised thyroid antibodies, a chemical pregnancy, and repeated failed IVF cycles, Belinda used a gluten-free diet to normalize her thyroid antibodies as an alternative to steroids — an experience that deepened her belief in accessible, low-risk lifestyle interventions alongside conventional care

Known For: Founder of Fertility Hero, a UK-based evidence-based fertility supplement company; vocal advocate for addressing the mental health toll of infertility, egg quality myths, and the overlap between autoimmune conditions and fertility struggles

Offers: Third-party tested, evidence-based fertility supplements (CoQ10, magnesium bisglycinate, prenatal, omega-3) currently available in the UK, with plans to expand to Europe and the US

Links:

• 🌐 Website: http://fertilityhero.co.uk/
• 📷 Instagram: @fertilityhero

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Your TSH is "normal" but you still feel exhausted, cold, and foggy — sound familiar? In this episode I sit down with Dr. Saadia Mian, a board-certified endocrinologist and functional medicine practitioner, to unpack why standard thyroid labs miss so many patients.

Chapters & Time-stamps

00:39 Meet the Endocrinologist

01:43 Thyroid Symptoms Explained

03:20 Core Thyroid Lab Panel

04:34 Reverse T3 and Illness

07:33 Thyroid Metabolism Links

08:54 Insulin Testing and Targets

10:38 Treating Insulin Resistance

14:03 Thyroid and Sex Hormones

16:33 Why Free T3 Matters

19:19 Optimal Thyroid Ranges

20:47 Reverse T3 Ratio Use

21:58 Hashimoto’s With Normal Labs

24:51 Key Nutrients and Iodine

28:10 Hypothyroid Medication Options

31:33 Choosing the Right Meds

32:52 Graves’ Treatment Reality

35:31 Adjuncts and Nervous System

37:06 Supplements for Inflammation

38:31 Final Advice and Where to Find Her

Key Takeaways:

• Why free T3 matters more than TSH alone — and the optimal ranges Dr. Mian looks for (free T3 ≥3.0, free T4 ≥1.0)
• The free T3-to-reverse T3 ratio functional practitioners use to catch what standard labs miss
• How untreated hypothyroidism quietly drives high cholesterol and insulin resistance
• Fasting insulin targets (≤5) and why postprandial insulin testing matters too
• Berberine, inositol, and cinnamon for blood sugar support
• The gut-autoimmunity-thyroid triad: genetics, leaky gut, and triggers
• Synthetic vs. desiccated thyroid hormone — how Dr. Mian decides which to use
• Low-dose naltrexone and ashwagandha as adjuncts for Hashimoto's and Graves'
• Why iodine supplementation needs to be individualized, not routine

Guest Details

Dr. Saadia Mian, MD, FACE, IFMCP is a board-certified endocrinologist and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, as well as a certified life coach. A Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology, she blends conventional endocrinology with root-cause, systems-based medicine. She's the founder of Precision Endocrine and The Functional Endocrinologist, focusing on thyroid health, metabolic optimization, weight management, and bioidentical hormone therapy. She's the author of Hormones in Sync: An Endocrinologist's Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy, Joy, and Health (releasing September 2026), a Detroit Hour Top Doc, and a sought-after speaker and educator.

Connect with Dr. Mian:

• 🌐 Website: http://www.saadiamianmd.com/
• 📸 Instagram: @dr.saadiamianmd
• 📘 Facebook: Saadia Mian MD
• 💼 LinkedIn: Saadia Mian MD
• 📍 Clinic: Woodhaven, Michigan

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Russell Kennedy — physician, neuroscientist, and founder of "The Anxiety MD," who reframes anxiety as a felt alarm in the body rather than a problem to think your way out of.

From childhood alarm quietly fueling autoimmune flares to a simple ABC framework (Awareness, Body, Compassion) that helps patients finally get out of their heads and into their bodies, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools you won't hear anywhere else.

Chapters and Time-stamps

00:31 Meet Dr Russell Kennedy

01:44 Origin Story and Sensitivity

03:53 Background Alarm Explained

05:33 Alarm Anxiety Cycle

07:52 LSD Insight Body Based Anxiety

10:08 Find Anxiety in the Body

12:52 Meditation and Thought Distance

16:08 Catastrophizing and Certainty Traps

19:10 ABC Method Get Into Body

24:13 Sensation Without Explanation

27:25 Adult Child Reunion and Autoimmunity

29:43 Autoimmune and Anxiety Link

30:45 ALARMS Childhood Triggers

32:44 Anxiety vs Depression Signals

33:51 Pain as a Lighthouse

36:55 Prayer and Trusting Life

40:56 Practicing Gratitude Daily

43:25 Why Medicine Falls Short

45:42 Group Healing and Patterns

49:52 Addiction Shame and Support

52:27 Surprised by Connection 55:01 Where to Find Dr Kennedy

56:36 Final Takeaway Connection Heals

Key Takeaways

🧠 Anxiety Isn't in Your Mind — It's in Your Body

🚨 Every Anxious Person Has a Background "Alarm" Running

👶 Your Anxiety Is Actually Your Younger Self, Waiting

🫁 Sensation Without Explanation — Feel It, Don't Fix It

🔄 The ABC Method: Awareness, Body, Compassion

🩹 Autoimmune Flares Can Be the Child Asking to Be Heard

🤝 Connection Heals What Pills Never Will

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Russell Kennedy

Specialty: Physician | Neuroscientist | Anxiety & Nervous System Healing

Background: Grew up with a father who had schizophrenia and bipolar illness; developed his own anxiety disorder early in life; left traditional medicine after discovering healing comes through the body, not pharmaceuticals alone

Education: Medical Doctor (MD); background in neuroscience

Past Work: Practiced medicine for years before shifting fully into anxiety education, writing, and coaching

Turning Point: A 2013 experience revealed his anxiety was held in his body (not his mind) — reshaping his entire approach to healing

Known For: Bestselling, award-winning author of Anxiety Rx; creator of the ABC Method (Awareness, Body, Compassion) and the ALARMS framework

Offers: Online course — Your Mind Body Prescription for Permanent Anxiety Healing; upcoming third book

Also Known As: "The Anxiety MD"

Links:

• 🌐 Website: The Anxiety MD
• 📷 Instagram: @TheAnxietyMD
• 📖 Book: Anxiety Rx

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Stanford rheumatologist who also runs a rare Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, treating patients whose cancer drugs trigger autoimmune flares. We break down why fiber is her #1 prescription, how forever chemicals hide in your fat for decades, and the simple gut hacks she uses with her own patients.

Chapters & Time-Stamps

00:40 Meet Dr Katsumoto

01:58 Why Lifestyle Medicine

03:24 Cancer Immunotherapy Basics

06:07 Fiber Microbiome Link

07:23 Diet Counseling in Clinic

08:59 Whole Food Plant Predominant

10:54 Practical Patient Resources

14:17 Lifestyle Trials for Arthritis

18:39 Leaky Gut Explained

20:07 ZOE Microbiome Mega Studies

23:30 Keto Carnivore Debate

25:46 Microbial Diversity Tips

27:19 Tracking 30 Plants Weekly

28:24 Food Scanning Apps

29:18 Yuka For Products

30:17 Microbiome Testing Debate

31:36 Fiber And Crucifers

32:23 Broccoli Sprouts Hack

34:15 Toxins And Plastics

35:54 Forever Chemicals PFAS

37:17 Legacy POPs Explained

43:59 Pesticides And EWG

47:12 Lowering Toxic Load

48:28 When Fiber Hurts

51:19 Wrap Up And Where To Find

Key Takeaways

• Cancer immunotherapy can trigger autoimmune arthritis as a side effect
• High-fiber, plant-forward eating improves both cancer and autoimmune outcomes
• Forever chemicals (PFAS, dioxins) accumulate in fat — especially animal fat
• Broccoli sprouts pack more detoxifying power than broccoli itself
• Apps like ZOE and Yuka make tracking food quality effortless

Guest Details & Links

Tamiko Katsumoto, MD, DipABLM is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University, board-certified in lifestyle medicine. She directs Stanford's Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, co-chairs the ACR Climate Change Task Force, and co-leads the Food Systems, Health and Environment Working Group at Stanford's Center for Human and Planetary Health.

• Stanford: http://profiles.stanford.edu/tamiko-katsumoto
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/tamiko-katsumoto-md-dipablm-62b29915
• Instagram: @tamiko_katsumoto

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Stephanie Cowie — a naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist who blends functional medicine with mental health expertise to treat burnout, gut dysfunction, and hormone imbalances that leave women feeling dismissed and unheard.

From burnout rooted in cortisol dysregulation to rage and irritability mistaken for a personality flaw instead of perimenopause, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools to help you finally read your body's signals correctly.

Chapters and Time-stamps

01:30 What Burnout Really Is

02:45 Her Personal Journey

04:23 Key Burnout Symptoms

06:03 Cortisol And Stress Physiology

07:29 Gut Issues In Burnout

08:53 Daily Habits That Worsen It

11:27 Mood Changes In Midlife

15:27 Tools To Regulate Sleep

17:28 Caffeine Effects And Swaps

20:59 Alcohol As A Coping Ritual

23:24 Perimenopause Habit Traps

25:58 Her Wind Down Routine

28:05 Early Warning Signs

30:21 Talking To Family And Work

32:27 Signs You Are Recovering

34:06 Labs To Rule Things Out

36:36 Protein First Nutrition Strategy

40:03 Hormone Supporting Foods

41:45 Final Wisdom And Where To Find Her

Key Takeaways

🔥 Burnout Isn't Laziness — It's an Empty Tank

⏰ Cortisol Has a Rhythm, and Burnout Breaks It

🍳 Breakfast Is the Glucose Regulator of Your Whole Day

😤 Rage That Doesn't Match the Moment Is a Signal, Not a Flaw

🌞 Morning Sunlight Beats Morning Scrolling — Every Time

🍷 That "Relaxing" Glass of Wine Is Sabotaging Your Sleep

🩸 Your Labs Can Tell You What Your Symptoms Can't

🛌 Healing Takes Patience — Rest First, Then Rebuild

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Cowie, ND

Specialty: Naturopathic Doctor | Certified Nutritional Practitioner | Gut, Hormone & Burnout Health

Background: Struggled with debilitating exhaustion, brain fog, and bloating starting at age 22, after being repeatedly dismissed by practitioners as "just tired." That experience launched a years-long search for real answers — leading her to build a multidisciplinary practice treating burnout, gut health, and hormones through both a clinical and psychological lens.

Education: Naturopathic Doctor (ND); Bachelor of Arts, McGill University (Spanish major, Italian & French minors); Master's in Human Development and Applied Psychology (M.Ed), University of Toronto; Diploma in Holistic Psychotherapy

Certifications: Certified Nutritional Practitioner; Certified Life Coach; Certified Aromatherapy Health Practitioner

Past Work: Practiced as a psychotherapist before transitioning fully into naturopathic medicine; co-authored Evidence Informed Nutrition with Dr. Vizniak

Turning Point: Her own decade-long burnout — and the medical system's failure to explain it — pushed her to combine nutrition, functional labs, and nervous-system work into one integrated approach for women

Known For: Dual-licensed ND (Ontario & British Columbia) specializing in perimenopausal women; helping patients decode burnout through cortisol, blood sugar, and gut-brain connections

Offers: Customized gut and hormone strategies (Ontario & BC residents); upcoming online gut & hormone workshops

Links:

• 🌐 Website: http://drstephaniecowie.com
• 📷 Instagram: @dr.stephaniecowie
• 🎵 TikTok: @drstephaniecowieND

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Beth Biggee, integrative rheumatologist, to explore how circadian rhythm — not just diet — shapes autoimmune health. We break down when to eat, exercise, and take supplements based on your cortisol and melatonin cycles, plus how Ayurvedic dosha types and fasting research apply to rheumatoid arthritis.

Chapters + Timestamps

00:40 Meet Dr Beth Biggie

01:59 Her Integrative Journey

04:12 Circadian Rhythm Basics

07:04 Chrononutrition Timing

11:07 Hormones Sleep Repair

14:15 Fasting And Autophagy

18:10 Breakfast And Fiber

20:10 Best Time To Exercise

23:42 Chronotypes Night Owls

26:46 Ayurveda Doshas Sleep

30:09 Dinacharya Herbs Timing

32:03 Supplements And Med Timing

35:48 Milk Thistle For RA

37:21 Where To Find Dr Biggie

38:27 Final Takeaways

Key Takeaways:

Eat within a 12-hour window (roughly 6am–6pm) to sync with cortisol and melatonin

Time-restricted eating and fasting-mimicking diets may support autophagy and reduce inflammation

Ayurvedic dosha type can guide sleep, meal timing, and herb dosing

Milk thistle may protect the liver and reduce disease activity in methotrexate users

Exercise timing matters: gentle movement at sunrise, resistance training late afternoon

Guest Bio & Links

Dr. Beth Biggee provides holistic, human-centered autoimmune care at her direct care specialty practice, Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, in North Andover, MA. She is triple board certified in Lifestyle Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Rheumatology, with certificates in Auricular Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Reiki, HeartMath, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. She is honored to support patients on their journey toward deeper healing and optimal health of mind, body, and spirit.

🔗 Website: www.bethbiggeemd.com

📍 North Andover, MA (serving MA & NH)

About Your 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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Rebecca Hertel, DO, MSCP — an osteopathic physician and certified menopause practitioner who founded a telemedicine practice helping women navigate midlife with real answers instead of dismissal.

From estrogen fluctuations silently driving vertigo, tinnitus, and migraines to darkest-day thoughts that terrified her before she found real answers, this episode is packed with real clinical insight and practical tools to help you finally read your body's signals correctly.

Chapters and Time-stamps

01:24 Training Gaps In Menopause Care

02:22 Why She Chose Osteopathy

05:18 OMT In Real Practice

07:55 What Osteopathic Medicine Means

10:43 OMT Wins For Patients

12:54 Vertigo Tinnitus And Hormones

14:09 Her Perimenopause Wake Up Call

19:14 Symptoms And Dark Thoughts

22:04 Finding Help And Starting HRT

24:55 Gut Health Deep Dive

26:05 Hormone Tools Overview

26:39 Lifestyle Nonnegotiables

28:41 Longevity and Bone Health

31:31 Her Daily Routine

34:58 CGM and Blood Sugar

38:28 Zone Two Training Basics

41:27 Creatine and Collagen

43:22 Family Fitness Habits

44:55 Where to Find Her

Key Takeaways

🌪️ Perimenopause Can Look Like Rage, Not Just Hot Flashes

🌀 Vertigo & Tinnitus Are Often Estrogen, Not Aging

🧠 Brain Fog Can Steal Your Confidence at Work

🙊 40-60% of Women Have Mood Dysfunction — Nobody Talks About It

💉 Hormone Therapy Is Support, Not a Magic Fix

🩸 A CGM Can Reveal Blood Sugar Swings You'd Never Suspect

💪 Creatine Isn't Just for Muscle — It Protects Your Brain

🏃 Zone 2 + Sleep Are the Longevity Basics That Actually Work

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Rebecca Hertel, DO, MSCP

Specialty: Board-Certified Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician | Certified Menopause Practitioner | Midlife & Menopause Care

Background: Despite being a physician, Rebecca went undiagnosed through years of debilitating perimenopause symptoms — irritability, brain fog, migraines, vertigo, and even frightening intrusive thoughts — while being told it was "just aging" or she was "too young for this." That experience launched her deep dive into menopause medicine and led her to build the practice she couldn't find herself.

Education: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Family Medicine residency; trained under Dr. Heather Hirsch in menopause care

Certifications: Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)

Past Work: Nearly 20 years in family medicine, incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT); developed an OMT clinic during residency; moonlighted and trained under leading menopause specialists before launching her own telemedicine practice

Turning Point: Her own undiagnosed, years-long perimenopause crisis — including dark, frightening thoughts and life-altering vertigo — pushed her to specialize fully in midlife women's health and hormone optimization

Known For: Founder & CEO of Osteopathic Midlife Health; Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at LECOM; host of Midlife Minute news series; blending hormone therapy, OMT, and lifestyle medicine for women in perimenopause and menopause

Offers: Telemedicine menopause care through Osteopathic Midlife Health; provider/community education and speaking

• 📷 Instagram: @DrRebeccaHertelDO
• 🎥 YouTube: Rebecca Hertel MSCP
• 🎙️ Podcasts: Dusty Muffins™, The Founder's Series
• 📺 News Series: Midlife Minute

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Yousef Zarbalian — "Dr. Z" — a board-certified rheumatologist who combines Chinese herbal medicine, medical acupuncture, and therapeutic fasting to treat autoimmune conditions that conventional medicine struggles to address.

From a patient achieving 85% pain relief without pharmaceuticals to a hopeless fibromyalgia case turning around in just three weeks, this episode is packed with real clinical stories and practical integrative tools you won't hear anywhere else.

Key Takeaways:

• Therapeutic fasting (Buchinger-style: herbal tea + vegetable broth) can dramatically reduce autoimmune inflammation — one patient saw 85% pain relief without any pharmaceuticals
• Chinese herbal formulas treat patterns, not just symptoms, using 8–12 herbs together — frankincense, myrrh, and coix seed are among Dr. Z's go-to anti-inflammatory herbs
• Early intervention is key — the less structural joint damage present, the greater the opportunity to heal with integrative tools alone
• Low-carb, low-starch diets show the strongest evidence for spondyloarthritis and RA, but no single diet works for everyone
• Elimination and reintroduction beats food sensitivity testing every time — IgG panels can mislead more than they help
• Herbal medicine can reduce the side effects of DMARDs like methotrexate, making it a powerful partner to Western treatment rather than a replacement
• Thunder God Vine studied head-to-head against methotrexate showed non-inferior results — but sourcing and dosing still need careful attention

Chapters & Time-stamps

01:01 Meet Dr Z

02:11 Path to Integrative Rheumatology

04:30 Why Herbs Work

05:42 Personalized Medicine Limits

07:03 When to Use Drugs

09:15 Therapeutic Fasting Explained

17:34 Diet Strategies by Condition

21:21 Food Sensitivities and Testing

23:05 Herbal Formulas for Inflammation

26:11 Mixing Herbs with Meds

29:41 Surprising Patient Turnarounds

35:12 Mindset and Healing

36:04 Final Message and Where to Find Dr Z

About Dr. Yousef Zarbalian (Dr. Z):

Board-certified rheumatologist, herbalist, and medical acupuncturist. Founder of East West Rheumatology in Vienna, VA.

Connect with Dr. Z:

• Website: http://www.eastwestmd.com/
• Instagram: @eastwestmd | @dr.youssef_zarbalian
• Facebook: East West Rheumatology

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Today's guest is the incredible Christine Ruch — holistic nutrition expert, nervous system healing coach, and a woman who walked away from everything — three thriving food businesses, a 30-year marriage, and life as she knew it — to find out why doing everything "right" still left her sick.

Christine's personal journey from an MS and celiac diagnosis to closing her Boulder, Colorado restaurants, moving solo to the jungles of Costa Rica, and discovering the one missing piece that finally changed her health — her nervous system — is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this episode, we go deep into why emotional capacity is the most underrated healing tool in chronic illness, how childhood wounds keep your nervous system locked in fight-or-flight, her simple 30-second practice that begins to shift your baseline, and why your body never lies — even when your mind does. If you've been eating clean, doing all the things, and still not healing — this one is for YOU.

Chapters and Time-Stamps

00:53 Meet Christine Ruch

01:28 MS Diagnosis to Nutrition

02:25 Costa Rica Reset

08:56 Emotional Capacity Basics

12:27 Creating Inner Safety

16:23 Nature and Embodiment

18:55 30 Second Practice

22:18 Releasing Stored Trauma

27:29 Finding Your Light

30:19 Client Transformations

31:47 Programs and Farewell

Key Takeaways

🍽️Food Is a Powerful First Gateway to Healing

⚠️The "Perfect Lifestyle" Can Still Leave You Sick

🌿The Nervous System Is the Missing Piece

🧘Build Emotional Capacity, 30 Seconds at a Time

💬You Are Not Your Emotions

🫀The Body Never Lies — Learn to Listen to It

✨Healing Becomes Embodied, Not a Daily Practice to Remember

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Christine Ruch

Specialty: Nervous System Healing Coach | Holistic Nutrition | Autoimmune Wellness

Background: Diagnosed with MS & celiac disease 20 years ago; healed through food and nervous system work

Education: Degree in Holistic Nutrition

Past Work: Ran 3 food businesses in Boulder, Colorado for ~10 years

Training: Mentorship with two healers in Costa Rica; trained alongside therapists & healing arts practitioners

Offers1:1 coaching calls, webinars, and a 3-month nervous system healing program

Links:

🌐https://www.christineruch.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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I'm joined by my friend and integrative medicine colleague, Dr. Saimun Singla — a pediatric rheumatologist who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis only after becoming a full-fledged rheumatologist herself.

We dig into the real differences between juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and adult RA, why even doctors miss their own diagnoses, and how she blends Western medicine with diet, supplements, and mind-body therapy to get kids (and adults) into remission.

Chapters and Time-Stamps

00:37 Meet Dr Saimun Singla

01:46 JIA vs RA Explained

03:26 Spotting JIA in Toddlers

05:28 Her Postpartum RA Diagnosis

08:23 When Treatments Keep Failing

11:49 Finding Remission and Reading Flares

13:12 Integrative Treatment Approach

15:28 Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis

18:48 Pediatric Only Conditions CRMO

21:13 When Families Fear Meds

23:14 Treat Early Remission

23:48 Prevent Permanent Damage

25:04 Risks Benefits Middle Ground

25:32 Not Forever Meds

26:36 Complementary Clinic Tools

27:54 Supplements For Kids

29:52 Best Diet Basics

32:47 Mind Body Regulation

34:50 Mind Body For Kids

36:10 Vagus Nerve And VR

38:00 Remarkable Recovery Story

40:06 Final Advice And Contact

Key Takeaways:

• JIA vs RA: under 16 = JIA (7 subtypes), 16+ = RA, even though joint patterns differ
• Dr. Singla's own RA diagnosis came a year after she became an attending — proof doctors make the worst patients
• Fatigue and morning hand stiffness were her first red flags, easily dismissed as postpartum exhaustion
• CRMO is a pediatric-only bone condition that can mimic infection and later evolve into ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis
• Treatment isn't just medication — sleep, stress, and micronutrients (vitamin D, iron) fuel or calm inflammation
• The Mediterranean/anti-inflammatory diet has the strongest evidence; elimination + reintroduction personalizes it further
• Mind-body medicine = nervous system regulation; for kids that means play therapy, guided imagery, and breathwork, not adult meditation
• Vagus nerve stimulation and VR breathing tools are growing in popularity, especially for teens
• Biologics aren't forever — the goal is lowest effective dose, or none, once remission is reached
• Untreated inflammation carries long-term risk: heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, not just joint damage

About Dr. Saimun Singla:

Pediatric rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician treating autoimmune and chronic illness in children and young adults. Diagnosed with RA after becoming an attending rheumatologist, she brings a rare dual lens — physician and patient — to her work. Founder and CEO of Rheum to Grow, a naturally-minded, scientifically-grounded practice in Houston, TX blending Western and Eastern medicine.

Connect with Dr. Singla:

Website: http://rheumtogrowtx.com (book a free 15-min call)

Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/YouTube: @rheumtogrowtx

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad — integrative internal medicine physician, gut health specialist, SIBO expert, and founder of OC Integrative Medicine in Fullerton, California.

Dr. Rajshree's personal journey from debilitating bloating, food intolerances, and daily nausea to healing her own SIBO naturally is nothing short of transformational.

We go deep into why so many IBS diagnoses miss the real root cause, the difference between hydrogen and methane SIBO, her powerful 4-phase herbal protocol, and how healing your gut can reverse everything from skin rashes to anxiety to autoimmune flares. If you've been told to just "live with" your gut symptoms — this one is for YOU.

Chapters and Time-Stamps

00:53 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:27 Why SIBO Gets Missed

03:39 What SIBO Does in Gut

05:42 IBS vs SIBO Types

07:48 Herbal Protocol Origin Story

12:25 Four Phase SIBO Plan

14:33 Testing to Rule Out Causes

20:33 Microbiome Diet and Cravings

22:16 Stress Food and Antibiotics

25:34 Histamine and Probiotic Pitfalls

28:35 Best Supplements Digestive Enzymes

30:16 Digestive Enzyme Stack

30:53 Magnesium for Constipation

31:58 Motility Activator Basics

32:27 Phase-Based SIBO Strategy

34:10 Meal Spacing and MMC

35:23 Low-Bloat Food Swaps

36:57 Mindful Eating and Portions

39:19 Reintroducing Foods Safely

41:48 Nausea Relief Tools

43:57 Acid vs Non-Acid Reflux

50:34 Gut-Immune Connection Wrap

53:30 Where to Find Dr Rajshree

Key Takeaways

🦠 IBS Is a Label, Not a Diagnosis

🧪 Know Your SIBO Type

🌿 Fix the Foundation Before Killing Bacteria

💊 Three Supplements That Change Everything

🍽️ Meal Spacing Is Medicine

🔬 Your Gut Drives Your Immune System

🥛 Go Slow With Reintroduction

Guest Details & Links

Guest: Dr. Rasjree Nambudripad, MD

Specialty: Integrative Internal Medicine | Gut Health | SIBO Expert

Practice Location: Fullerton, California

Training: Internal Medicine Residency at Northwestern University; Gastroenterology Fellowship at UC Irvine

Links:

• Website: https://oc-integrative-medicine.com/
• 📺 YouTube: @drrajsree
• 📸 Instagram: @dr_rajsree_nambudripad

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

What does it actually look like when a patient goes from swollen joints, X-ray erosions, and almost starting a biologic — to zero inflammation, no medications, and running on a treadmill again? In this episode, I sit down with my patient Jenny Heiss, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. Her road to remission is one of the most remarkable I've seen in my clinic, and I wanted her to share it in her own words.

We talk about her decade-long search through conventional rheumatology, holistic practitioners, ozone therapy, and methotrexate side effects — and the three things that finally turned everything around: Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), MSM supplementation, and Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) using a Proteus/Klebsiella antigen. Jenny has now been in full remission for 2.5 years with zero joint inflammation on labs and zero disease limitations. This one is for anyone who's been told biologics are their only option.

Key Takeaways

• Seronegative RA is still real RA
• Methotrexate isn't the only answer — and side effects are real
• MSM was a surprisingly powerful first step
• LDI works by retraining the immune system, not suppressing it
• Root cause matters — bacteria may trigger RA
• Food is medicine — and Jenny proved it early on
• Remission means getting your life back — completely
• There's no right or wrong path to healing

Chapters & Time-Stamps

00:56 Meet Jenny Hess

01:47 First Signs and Diagnosis

02:53 Methotrexate Experience

03:19 Holistic Detours and Setbacks

04:41 Minocycline and Moving States

07:02 Seropositive Shift and Fears

09:01 Starting Care With Dr Yu

09:33 Supplements and LDN Gains

10:11 LDI and Lab Turnaround

12:07 Life in Remission

14:53 Current Regimen Breakdown

15:44 How LDI Works

17:34 Diet and Lifestyle Foundations

19:38 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Guest & links

Jenny Heiss — Patient & RA Remission Advocate

• Patient of Dr. Micah Yu | 10-year RA journey, now in full remission
• No social media listed — her story speaks for itself

Dr. Micah Yu, MD — Host

• Integrative Rheumatologist & Functional Medicine | Newport Beach, CA
• Clinic: http://drlifestyle.org
• LDI episode reference: Search "Dr. Ty Vincent" on Autoimmune Alchemy

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:

• 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 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.

If you've been bouncing between specialists with no answers, this episode might be the missing piece.

Dr. Melissa Mondala and I break down everything you need to know about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — one of the most underdiagnosed conditions we see at our clinic.

From head-to-toe symptoms and tricky lab work to root causes like long COVID, mold, Lyme disease, and trauma, we cover it all — and share the exact treatment tools we use.

Key Takeaways

• MCAS is a master mimicker
• Tryptase alone is not enough
• Symptoms are the diagnosis when labs fail
• Always look for the root cause
• MCAS, POTS & hypermobility often travel together
• Trauma and stress are real biological triggers
• Diet and lifestyle are the foundation — not an afterthought
• MCAS treatment is never one-size-fits-all
•

Chapters & TimeStamps

1:12 — What Is MCAS? (Overview)

2:42 — What Are Mast Cells?

8:49 — Lab Testing for MCAS

13:23 — Diagnosis Criteria (Consensus 1 & 2)

16:07 — Root Causes of MCAS

16:35 — Long Haul COVID & POTS

24:47 — Mold Exposure as a Trigger

32:17 — Treatment Approach

37:32 — Prescription Medications (LDN, Ketotifen, Cromolyn, Xolair)

39:48 — GLP-1s, Peptides & Closing Remarks

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:http://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:http://www.drlifestyle.org/
• 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 environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!