
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Today I have Dr. Becca Chilczenkowski, board-certified practitioner and hormone specialist who was a top 100 CrossFitter yet gained 15 pounds in one month and lost her cycle for three years from overtraining. Genetic testing revealed her inflammatory system turns on easily and struggles to turn off, making extreme exercise backfire. Becca reveals why detoxification—liver, gallbladder, bile support—is foundational, why she cut training from 6 days to 3 days weekly and became leaner, and why peptides are a "privilege you must earn" through lifestyle work first. She shares healing weight loss resistance, autoimmune, and MCAS through nervous system regulation, faith, and honoring rest as productive.
Key TakeawaysChapters & Timestamps
01:11 Becca Fitness Origins
02:28 Injury IVF And Weight Gain
03:10 Functional Medicine Awakening
05:35 Beyond Hormones Root Causes
06:27 Inflammation Stress And Metabolism
08:19 Where To Start Cell Detox
10:20 Exercise Stress Perimenopause
11:56 Nervous System Grounding Tools
15:28 Bile Liver And Gut Support
17:47 Fitness Myths Rest Protein
21:42 Learning To Rest And Reset Mindset
24:22 Gut Rebuild Strategy
26:54 Methylation Detox Basics
28:58 Labs That Matter Most
31:48 Genetics For Personalization
34:00 Muscle Bone Without HRT
36:38 Training Styles That Stick
39:16 Nutrition For Strength
41:16 Peptides Safety First
44:02 Peptides Pros And Cons
47:24 Mindset Faith And Support
49:35 Where To Find Becca
Guest Details
Dr. Becca Chilczenkowski — Board-Certified Practitioner & Hormone Specialist
Background: Former top 100 CrossFitter. Lost 40-50 lbs competing, then gained 15 lbs in one month despite perfect diet/exercise. Lost cycle 3 years from overtraining.
Discovery: Genetic testing (Infron Pro 7) revealed highly responsive inflammatory system—turns on easily, struggles to turn off.
Practice: Virtual practice for weight loss resistance, autoimmune, MCAS, long COVID. Chicago-based.
Philosophy: Detox first (liver/gallbladder/bile). Rest is productive. Peptides require earning through lifestyle. Faith-based.
Connect:
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
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 I have Mickey Trescott, nutrition professional and AIP pioneer who trained 1,000+ providers worldwide. Mickey shares her journey from bedridden with Hashimoto's/Celiac to creating the AIP movement, and reveals groundbreaking research: 73% IBD patients achieved clinical remission in 6 weeks, Hashimoto's patients lost 8 pounds eating the same 2,000 calories through reduced inflammation, and 29% CRP reduction without changing thyroid meds. She introduces Modified AIP—including rice, legumes (no soy/peanuts), ghee, seeds—making the protocol less restrictive. Her new book The New Autoimmune Protocol covers 9 human studies with easy recipes for both core and modified AIP.
Chapters & Timestamps01:00 Mickey's Hashimoto's & Celiac Journey
07:00 What Is Autoimmune Protocol Diet?
09:00 Modified AIP: Rice, Legumes, Ghee, Seeds
16:00 IBD Study: 73% Remission in 6 Weeks
20:00 Hashimoto's: 29% CRP Reduction
23:00 Weight Loss Without Calorie Restriction
28:00 RA Study: 7 of 9 Improved
35:00 Elimination Phase: 30-90 Days
39:00 AIP vs Paleo Differences
42:00 Nightshades & Autoimmune
Guest DetailsMickey Trescott, NTP, MS — Nutrition Professional & AIP Pioneer
Training: MS in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine. AIP Certified Coach program co-creator (1,000+ providers trained).
Background: Hashimoto's & Celiac survivor. Created AIP movement from online community experiments. Collaborated on 9 human AIP studies.
Books: The New Autoimmune Protocol (May 26, 2025), The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, The Nutrient Dense Kitchen
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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 AlchemySubscribe & 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 I'm honored to have Dr. Salome Masghati, OB-GYN and pelvic surgeon who transitioned from operating rooms to preventative medicine.
Dr. Salome reveals why autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's, lupus, and RA spike during perimenopause—estrogen is anti-inflammatory, and when it declines, cortisol dysregulates, inflammation rises, and autoimmune flares.
She explains why calorie restriction backfires in midlife, worsening cortisol and weight gain, and shares practical steps: morning sunlight, protein breakfasts, resistance training, gut testing, and hormone optimization. Hormones alone aren't enough—you need proper liver detox, gut health, and anti-inflammatory diet to truly heal.
Key TakeawaysChapters & Timestamps
02:00 Cortisol Clues: Exhausted Mornings, Wired Nights
03:00 Why Cortisol Goes Haywire in Perimenopause
05:00 Metabolic Changes: Weight Gain, Insulin Resistance
07:00 Simple Starts: Sunlight, Protein, Resistance Training
10:00 Autoimmune Diseases Spike When Estrogen Declines
12:00 Hormones Need Gut Health & Liver Detox
14:00 When Is Surgery Needed vs Lifestyle?
16:00 Environmental Toxins & COVID Impact
17:00 Beyond Basic Bloodwork
Guest DetailsSalome Masghati, MD — OB-GYN, Pelvic Surgeon & Hormone Specialist
Training: OB-GYN, pelvic surgery, regenerative medicine, advanced hormone therapy, preventative wellness
Current Focus: Preventative medicine—balancing hormones to prevent surgeries, addressing root causes (gut health, environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction)
Philosophy: Individualized care. Hormones must be balanced with proper liver detox, gut microbiome, anti-inflammatory diet.
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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 AlchemySubscribe & 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 I sit down with Lara Adler, environmental health educator with 14+ years experience helping health professionals understand how environmental chemicals impact chronic health conditions.
Lara explains how environmental toxins—from air pollution to endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates—contribute to autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic illness over decades of exposure. She reveals air pollution has the strongest research linking it to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions, why PFAS "forever chemicals" can't be detoxed from the body, and practical free strategies anyone can implement today: open windows daily ("house burping"), remove shoes indoors, decline receipts, ditch scented products, vacuum/wet dust regularly, and swap kitchen plastics for glass/stainless steel.
Lara emphasizes this is a long game—not perfection—and shares how to protect yourself without fear-mongering or breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways01:00 How Lara Got Into Environmental Health
05:00 What Are Environmental Toxins?
09:00 Why Long-Term Studies Are Rare
14:00 Biggest Misconceptions About Toxins Online
18:00 Top 3 Toxin Exposures: Air Pollution & Endocrine Disruptors
26:00 BPA Disrupts Immune System Too
29:00 Free & Easy Swaps: Open Windows, Remove Shoes
32:00 Scented Products = Phthalates in House Dust
35:00 Ditch Kitchen Plastics: Glass, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron
37:00 Why Detox Supplements Don't Work for Most Toxins
39:00 PFAS Forever Chemicals: No Detox Solution Exists
41:00 Flame Retardants in Furniture: The California Story
49:00 Best Cookware: Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel
52:00 Water Filters: Reverse Osmosis vs Carbon Filters
56:00 Air Filters: HEPA + Carbon (Not Ionizing)
Guest DetailsLara Adler — Environmental Health Educator & Consultant
Expertise: 14+ years helping health professionals understand environmental chemical impacts on chronic health. Currently pursuing Master's in Public Health, University of Massachusetts.
Work: Bridges emerging research with practical evidence-based strategies to minimize toxic exposures and strengthen resilience. Advises health-focused organizations and practitioners.
Mission: Balanced, evidence-based education without fear-mongering. Helping people make practical changes within their means.
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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 AlchemySubscribe & 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. Tara Scott, a trailblazer in integrative hormone medicine with 23 years of experience, to reveal why birth control pills are NOT hormone replacement therapy and how bioidentical hormones transform women's health from teens to post-menopause.
Dr. Scott explains when to test hormones (even on birth control or IUDs), why progesterone drops first in late 30s causing insomnia and anxiety, and how estrogen is anti-inflammatory for autoimmune patients.
We discuss the groundbreaking 7 million women study showing 26% mortality reduction and 19% breast cancer reduction with transdermal hormone therapy.
Key Takeaways02:00 When Do Hormones Become Abnormal?
04:00 Testing Hormones: Timing & Birth Control
07:00 Can You Test on Birth Control or IUD?
12:00 Low DHEA in Autoimmune Patients
14:00 Progesterone Drops First: Insomnia & Anxiety
18:00 Birth Control Is NOT Hormone Replacement
22:00 Bioidentical Hormones: FDA-Approved Options
26:00 Luteal Phase Defect & Micronized Progesterone
29:00 Testosterone for Women: Compounding Solutions
46:00 DHEA vs DHEA-S: Why Test Both
50:00 Breast Cancer & Hormone Therapy Myths
56:00 7M Women Study: 26% Mortality Reduction
01:01:00 Where to Find Dr. Tara Scott
Guest DetailsDr. Tara Scott, MD, FACOG — OB-GYN & Hormone Specialist
Credentials: Board-certified OB-GYN. Certified Menopause Practitioner (2006). Fellowship Functional Medicine (A4M). Board-certified Integrative Medicine (2015). 23+ years hormone specialization.
Specializations: Bioidentical HRT, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, testosterone for women, breast cancer survivors, autoimmune-hormone connection.
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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:Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!
For more information, please visit MyautoimmunemdMyAutoImmuneMD | Autoimmunity Redefined .
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.
Dr. Jill Crista, mold illness expert, reveals her "Peel the Orange" 5-step recovery method: avoidance, fundamentals, protecting organs, repair, microbiome reset.
She explains how mycotoxins stored in mitochondria cause chronic fatigue, why 50% recover just by leaving moldy environments, and her detox protocol using bioflavonoids (quercetin, astaxanthin), DHA (3-10g/day), and food-based binders (aloe, flax, greens) instead of cholestyramine. Testing strategies include VCS, urine mycotoxin (Vibrant), blood antibodies (MycoLab). Recovery typically takes 1.5 months per year of illness post-COVID adjustment.
Key Takeaways01:00 Where Mold Hides
03:00 Mycotoxins: Fat-Soluble Toxins
08:00 Made to Harm Living Things
13:00 Mitochondrial Disruption = Fatigue
14:00 Peel the Orange: 5 Steps
18:00 Bile is Secret Sauce: Binders
22:00 Bioflavonoids Before Binders
24:00 DHA: 3-10g/Day Protection
31:00 Testing Cluster Strategy
39:00 Treating Mold + Lyme Together
Guest DetailsDr. Jill Crista, ND — Naturopathic Doctor & Mold Expert
Specializes: Mold, PANS/PANDAS, Lyme, concussion, post-COVID syndromes. Bestselling author, educator.
"Peel the Orange" Method: 5-step protocol: avoidance, fundamentals, protecting, repair, fight/reset microbiomes.
Key Insight: 50% recover by leaving moldy environment—body's wisdom heals.
Recovery: 6-9 months to 2 years. Rule: 1.5 months per year sick.
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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:
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.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, pioneering mental health expert and author of "It's Gonna Be OK," to reveal how chronic compounded stress drives nervous system dysregulation and fuels the rise of autoimmune disease.
Dr. Roseann explains why "shopping cart diagnoses"—collecting labels without treating the root cause—keep patients stuck, and how regulating the nervous system through breathwork, neurofeedback, nutrition, and sleep unlocks the body's ability to heal.
This conversation is a game-changer for anyone with autoimmune disease, PANS/PANDAS, ADHD, or mast cell activation who hasn't found answers despite trying everything.
Key Takeaways01:00 Chronic Stress = Sympathetic Dominance & Stuck Nervous System
02:00 "Shopping Cart Diagnoses" & Why Kids Are More Dysregulated
04:00 4-7-8 Breathwork: Fastest Way to Parasympathetic State
05:00 PMFT, Neurofeedback & Brain Tools for Nervous System Reset
06:00 Stress Hijacks Immunity: Rise of Autoimmune & Mast Cell Activation
07:00 Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Sleep, Gut & Hormones
09:00 Neurofeedback Success: From Impulsive to Regulated
11:00 Top 3 Strategies: Regulate, Diet & Sleep
12:00 90% of Brain Detox Happens During Sleep
15:00 Downtime, Workaholic Culture & Stress Deposits
18:00 100% of Complex Cases Have Trauma in Their Background
19:00 Programs, Podcast & Where to Find Dr. Roseann
Guest DetailsDr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, PhD Integrative Mental Health Expert, Author & Founder
Credentials: Pioneered Brain Behavior Reset™ program. Founder of the Global Institute of Children's Mental Health. Author of It's Gonna Be OK and multiple books on integrative mental health. Top podcaster and one-to-one program ending 2026.
Specializations: Nervous system dysregulation, ADHD, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, neurofeedback, autoimmune-mental health connection, trauma, neurodivergence, children & adult complex cases.
Connect:
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 PodcastMission: 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:
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.
Dr. Magda Havas, environmental toxicologist and Professor Emerita at Trent University, reveals how EMFs from 5G, WiFi, smart meters, and dirty electricity trigger chronic illness.
Her groundbreaking research shows MS patients dramatically improved after installing dirty electricity filters, diabetics experienced blood sugar spikes from EMF exposure within 20 minutes, and voltage-gated calcium channels cause oxidative stress.
She provides protection strategies: GS filters for outlets (readings below 50), Swiss Shield fabric, wired internet, avoiding LED lights, and shielding smart meters—essential for anyone with autoimmune disease or unexplained symptoms.
Key Takeaways02:00 What Are EMFs: Power Lines, 5G, Dirty Electricity
06:00 No Long-Term 5G Health Research
09:00 Heart Palpitations & Arrhythmias from EMFs
12:00 5G Millimeter Waves & Skin Penetration
15:00 Swiss Shield Fabric & Y-Shield Paint
17:00 Cell Phone Cancer Risk
20:00 MS Symptoms Reversed with Filters
26:00 GS Filters vs Green Wave Filters
29:00 Blood Sugar Spikes in Diabetics
32:00 LED Lights Produce Dirty Electricity
36:00 Electric Cars: High Magnetic Fields
39:00 Smart Meter Shielding Solutions
42:00 EHS Symptoms: Insomnia, Headaches, Fatigue
51:00 Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
Guest Details
Dr. Magda Havas, BSc, PhD — Environmental Toxicologist & EMF Expert
Position: Professor Emerita, Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, Ontario, Canada. 30+ years EMF research.
Expertise: EMF hypersensitivity, dirty electricity, expert testimony in legal cases, advisor to NGOs/government agencies.
Breakthrough Research: First to show MS symptoms reversed with dirty electricity filters. Documented diabetic blood sugar spikes from EMF (20-min response). Heart arrhythmias from cordless phone radiation.
Connect:
About Your Hosts:
Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP
Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.
Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM
Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.
About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast
Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy
AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.
Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:
Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
Email: [email protected]
Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!
For more information, please visit .
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nam Lee, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and author, to explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine can regulate the immune system, reduce chronic inflammation, and restore energy for autoimmune patients.
Dr. Lee shares accessible acupressure techniques anyone can do at home—including Large Intestine 11 for autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and Stomach 36 for combating fatigue and boosting vitality.
We discuss how TCM addresses autoimmune disease as a "wrong signal" in the body, treating root causes through personalized point selection, herbal medicine, breathwork, and small consistent lifestyle changes that create lasting healing.
Key Takeaways01:00 Acupressure vs. Acupuncture: Healing at Home
03:00 What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session
04:00 How Acupuncture Regulates Immune System & Inflammation
06:00 TCM Approach: Dampness, Heat & Personalized Autoimmune Care
08:00 Acupuncture for Fatigue & Brain Function
10:00 Key Points: Large Intestine 11 & Stomach 36
12:00 Herbs, Breathwork & Lifestyle for Resilience
15:00 Small Consistent Changes Create Big Results
16:00 Building Your Healthcare Village
18:00 Dr. Lee's Book: "Stop Calling Me Infertile"
20:00 Where to Find Dr. Nam Lee
Dr. Nam Lee, LAc — Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist & Author
Credentials: Advanced training in Oriental Medicine & Integrative Care. Specializes in Korean-style acupuncture, herbal medicine, fertility, women's health, and autoimmune disease. Author of Stop Calling Me Infertile.
Practice: Newport Beach, Orange County, California
Connect:
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.
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:
Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.
Amy Suto, former Hollywood TV writer and bestselling author, shares her incredible RA remission journey—going from debilitating joint pain and hair loss on methotrexate to being completely medication-free for 2 years. She reveals how she refused injectable biologics, discovered American food triggered flares while Italian pizza didn't, and combined Rinvoq with glutathione patches, vitamin D, and toxin detox to achieve remission. Her current protocol: strength training 3x/week, Zone 2 cardio, mostly vegetarian diet, no alcohol, and vegetable juicing—proving RA remission is possible.
Key Takeaways01:00 Diagnosis 2021: Joint Pain & Typing Struggles
02:00 Methotrexate: Hair Loss & Side Effects
03:00 Refusing Injectable Biologics
06:00 Italy Changed Everything: Pizza Helped RA
08:00 Switching to Rinvoq & Holistic Protocol
09:00 Glutathione Patches for Toxin Load
11:00 Vitamin D Deficiency Game-Changer
13:00 Going Off Rinvoq in Argentina
14:00 2 Years Medication-Free & Pain-Free
18:00 Current Protocol: Strength Training & Zone 2
20:00 Vegetable Juicing & No Alcohol
24:00 Mindset: Believing Remission Is Possible
26:00 Where to Find Amy
Guest DetailsAmy Suto — Writer, Author & RA Remission Success
Background: Former Hollywood TV writer, bestselling author. Creator of top 25 Substack Make Writing Your Job (30K+ subscribers). Author of Write for Money and Power, Six-Figure Freelance Writer, The Ash Trials.
RA Journey: Diagnosed 2021. Medication-free 2 years. Protocol: glutathione patches, vitamin D, strength training 3x/week, Zone 2 cardio 4x/45min, mostly vegetarian, no alcohol.
Connect:
About Your Hosts:
Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP
Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.
Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM
Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.
About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast
Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy
AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.
Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:
Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
Email: [email protected]
Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand the hormone-autoimmune connection, please leave a 5-star review!
For more information, please visit .
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.
From the publisher's feed