Have you spent hundreds of dollars on supplements to heal your gut? 

You’ve probably heard a thousand opinions on gut health, from leaky gut theories to endless supplement stacks.

But what if there were real science showing how simple, everyday foods could make a measurable difference? YES, It can be that simple... and we have the science to prove it. 

In this episode, I’m sharing insights from a groundbreaking study that challenges what we thought we knew about nutrition, gut health, and autoimmune conditions. We’ll unpack why this matters, how it connects to immune health, and what this could mean for your daily choices.

If you’ve ever wondered whether food really has the power to change your health… this episode is for you.

If you loved this episode, you will love Autoimmuen Foundations. 

✨ If you're ready to take this deeper? See what the science says actually works...

Join me inside Autoimmune Foundations, where we break down the science and turn it into practical steps for your autoimmune journey.

👉 Get all the details here: https://autoimmunefoundations.com/register-2025

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About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.autoimmuneacademy.com  and www.AlisonDanby.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help get this message out further  **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

Episode Summary:

You’re doing the breathwork. You’ve tried the supplements. You meditate, journal, and maybe even cold plunge.

So why are you still inflamed, flaring, and flat-out exhausted?

In this episode, we’re flipping the conversation on stress. Not from a mindset or meditation angle, but from a deep biological perspective. We explore what it really means for your body to feel unsafe and how this hidden state of "threat" keeps your immune system stuck in overdrive, even when everything looks good on paper.

If you’ve ever felt like stress is the missing piece, but traditional advice isn’t cutting it… this episode is your lightbulb moment.

🔍 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why your body can be in “danger mode” 24/7, even if your life feels calm

• The difference between perceived stress vs. physiological stress (and why it matters)

• Why healing doesn’t happen unless your body feels safe

• The limits of breathwork and vagus nerve hacks (and what to focus on instead)

• The 23-hour stress cycle most people never think about

• Real client stories showing how nervous system support transforms autoimmune healing

🧠 Key Insight: Your body doesn’t heal just because you’re calm for 10 minutes. It heals when your system knows it’s safe, consistently.

📣 Call to Action: Ready to take the guesswork out of healing and finally get results that last? Join our upcoming Autoimmune Foundations Masterclass where we break down the core habits that truly move the needle.

https://autoimmunefoundations.com/registration

Join us inside Autoimmune Foundations—our 5-week live coaching program designed to help you rebuild the 4 pillars of healing: nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress relief. Here is the link for the waitlist - join to get access to exclusive waitlist bonuses.

PS doors open early for the waitlist only. 

https://autoimmunefoundations.com/waitlist

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About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.autoimmuneacademy.com  and www.AlisonDanby.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help get this message out further  **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

Should I Go Carnivore? The Top Question I’m Asked Every Week

Why Meat-Only Isn’t Your Autoimmune Fix (and What Your Gut Really Needs)

Have you ever wondered if going carnivore might be the answer to your autoimmune flares, gut issues, or relentless fatigue?

You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

Inside this powerful episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we’re tackling one of the biggest trends in the wellness world: the carnivore diet. You’ll hear why it seems to work at first—and why it may do more harm than good in the long run if you’re living with autoimmune issues.

We’re unpacking:

• Why the carnivore diet brings short-term symptom relief

• What’s missing when it comes to long-term healing

• The critical connection between gut health, diversity, and resilience

• The real root causes of autoimmune flares (spoiler: it’s not your broccoli)

• What your gut actually needs to regulate inflammation and rebuild tolerance

Plus, I’ll walk you through a smarter, more sustainable path to relief—without swinging from trend to trend or fearing every food group.

If you're tired of feeling stuck, scared of food, or constantly chasing the next "fix," this is your sign to pause—and listen.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• What short-term relief on carnivore is actually telling you

• How plant diversity fuels your microbiome, mitochondria, and immune system

• Why resilience—not restriction—is the real path to healing

• Foundational strategies that restore energy, calm inflammation, and build food freedom

Ready to stop surviving on restrictions and start building a body that can thrive on real nourishment?

Join us inside Autoimmune Foundations—our 5-week live coaching program designed to help you rebuild the 4 pillars of healing: nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress relief.

https://autoimmunefoundations.com/waitlist

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About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.autoimmuneacademy.com  and www.AlisonDanby.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave a 5 start review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

Hair in the drain. A widening part. Thinning at the temples.

You’ve tried the shampoo. The supplements. The serums. But nothing’s working.

What if the real reason your hair is falling out… has nothing to do with your hair at all?

In today’s episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood symptoms of autoimmune conditions: hair loss.

• What’s really causing it?
• Why are traditional solutions missing the mark?
• And what’s the one lab marker that’s often labeled “normal” but quietly sabotaging your hair regrowth?

 If you’ve ever been told, “It’s just aging,” or “It’s cosmetic,” this episode will change the way you see your symptoms.

We’re covering:

• What autoimmune inflammation does to your hair cycle

• The misunderstood lab test that might hold the key to regrowth

• Why hormone shifts in perimenopause and menopause amplify shedding

• How your nervous system and stress hormones secretly drive hair loss

Plus: What you need to know about that “normal” iron level (hint: it’s not so normal).

Grab your Perimenopause & Autoimmune Bloodwork Guide Get a clear list of labs to run (and how to interpret them in this phase). www.AlisonDanby.com/hormonelabs

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave a 5 start review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

Are your autoimmune symptoms flaring as your hormones shift? You're not imagining it.

In this episode, Dr. Alison Danby dives deep into the powerful intersection between perimenopause and autoimmune disease — what’s happening in your body, why things feel harder than they used to, and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

• What perimenopause really is — and how it affects your hormones, mood, sleep, and immune system

• Why hormone testing may not be as helpful as you think (and what to do instead)

• How fluctuating estrogen and declining progesterone can trigger autoimmune flares

• Why blood sugar crashes, histamine overload, and poor sleep make things worse

• The root causes of increased sensitivity to foods, stress, and medications

• Practical steps to regulate your nervous system, stabilize hormones, and reduce immune reactivity

• The role of HRT and when it might be worth exploring

This is a must-listen if you're in your late 30s or 40s, feeling off, and wondering: “Is this perimenopause? Or is it my autoimmune condition?” (Spoiler: it’s both — and we can work with it.)

Grab your Perimenopause & Autoimmune Bloodwork Guide Get a clear list of labs to run (and how to interpret them in this phase). www.AlisonDanby.com/hormonelabs

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave a 5 start review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

We hear it everywhere: “Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.” But… what does anti-inflammatory really mean?

In this episode, Dr. Alison opens up about why she made a major pivot in her approach to autoimmune nutrition — stepping away from restrictive diets she once supported — and the powerful science that changed everything.

We explore two fascinating studies that challenge conventional wisdom: A brand-new randomized controlled trial in autoimmune disease

A a mindblowing study that reveals how you feel about food can shift your biology

You’ll discover:

• Why “anti-inflammatory” isn't as black-and-white as you’ve been told

• What we should be asking when it comes to food and inflammation

• How mindset and stress impact the body’s response to food

• What really creates a healing environment — and how to start building it today

If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting advice, overwhelmed by wellness trends, or anxious about what’s on your plate… this episode will bring you clarity, calm, and science-backed perspective.

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LINKS from the Show: 

Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

What do childhood cartoons, spontaneous dance breaks, and ancient healing traditions have in common?

They’re all part of the surprising, science-backed tools I use to support the nervous system—tools that have transformed my own healing and the journey of so many clients navigating autoimmunity.

In this soul-soothing episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we’re diving into the beautiful intersection of science and self-care—nervous system regulation. I’m sharing three of my most-loved practices for calming the body, shifting out of stress, and creating space for true healing.

They’re joyful. They're emotional. They're powerful.

And I promise—you won’t see them coming.

Whether you're mid-flare, burned out, or just need a moment of calm—this episode is your permission slip to feel, move, release, and come home to your body.

Gentle. Real. Life-changing. Let’s regulate—together.

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LINKS from the Show: 

Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

This episode dives deep into one of the questions I get asked most often: Should I take Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? If you're wondering whether LDN will work for your autoimmune condition, why it’s not working for you, or why so many people online swear by it—this is the episode you need to hear.

LDN has gained a lot of traction in the autoimmune community, especially on social media and even among some medical professionals. But is the hype supported by science? In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and getting real about what the research actually says.

We’ll break down:

• What LDN is and how it works
• The evidence (and limitations) in conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s, and scleroderma
• Why some people feel better—and others don’t
• The difference between symptom relief and disease progression
• Why we need large, controlled studies before LDN becomes a mainstream autoimmune treatment

As a practitioner, it’s incredibly important to me that we don’t just chase the latest trend. My role is to give you the full picture—the good and the bad—so you can make an informed decision about your health. We’re not offering blanket solutions here. We’re offering clarity.

If you’ve been curious about LDN, this is the episode that gives you the straight facts—backed by science, explained with heart.

🎧 Tune in now and walk away empowered to make the right choice for your body.

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LINKS from the Show: 

Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

In this episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison Danby ND  explores the powerful connection between gut health and thyroid function, particularly in Hashimoto’s. Learn how gut imbalances, nutrient absorption, leaky gut, and dysbiosis can impact your thyroid and autoimmune response.

Key Topics Covered:

✔ The Thyroid-Gut Axis – How gut health influences thyroid function

✔ Leaky Gut & Autoimmune Thyroid Disease 

✔ The role of gut bacteria in Hashimoto’s and how microbiome imbalances contribute to thyroid dysfunction

✔ Diet and lifestyle shifts to support gut and thyroid health

✔ How testing moves the needle in your care

✔ Do probiotics really help? What the latest research says

✔ Supplements that may support gut and thyroid healing

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your gut could be impacting your thyroid and what steps you can take to improve your health!

Apple: Link to Episode: The Missing Link - Key steps to healing your gut

Spotify: Link to Episode The Missing Link: Key steps to Healing Your Gut

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LINKS from the Show: 

Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup

About your host:

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. 

Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Connect with Dr. Danby, ND

IG: @dr.AlisonDanby

Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor 

website: www.AlisonDanby.com

In this episode, we welcome back Laura Valvasori, she shares her remarkable journey of transforming her life and health by eliminating alcohol. This conversation tackles a critical yet often overlooked aspect of autoimmune care – the significant impact of alcohol on health.

Laura's story is not just inspiring; it's a wake-up call to many who are diligently following their health routines but might be ignoring the 'big elephant in the room' – alcohol. We delve into how Laura made the pivotal decision to quit drinking and the profound health benefits she experienced as a result.

This episode is packed with eye-opening statistics, particularly regarding the risks alcohol poses for cancer, and offers a wealth of practical tips for those considering a similar path. Laura provides invaluable insights on how to transition away from alcohol seamlessly, focusing on not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind this life-changing decision.

Join us as Laura opens up about her challenges and triumphs, providing listeners with motivation and strategies to make a health-forward change. Whether you're dealing with autoimmune issues or simply seeking to improve your overall well-being, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the role of alcohol in health and how its removal can lead to a more vibrant, healthier life without feeling like you're missing out.

Listen to Laura's Previous Episode 

Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition.

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Laura Valvasori Bio:  Laura Valvasori is a Business & Well-Being Mentor, the Author of Good to Grow: Cultivate Your Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur, a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, and the creator of the Still Me, But Alcohol-Free program.

Like many women, in her early forties, Laura started feeling like alcohol was no longer agreeing with her body and drinking was starting to feel out of alignment with her otherwise healthy lifestyle. After hitting a breaking point, she decided to "try on" going alcohol-free in a quest to feel better. Today, over 3 years later, she lives happily alcohol-free. She is now passionate about sharing what she's learned to guide other women through the journey of shifting to an alcohol-free life.

Listen to Laura's Previous Episode 

Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:

Launching February 1st, 2024, Still Me, But Alcohol-Free is a 6-week program, designed for women, to guide you through "trying on" going alcohol-free with the right mindset, tools, and support to help you be successful. Find out more at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/still-me-alcohol-free

For those in the Oakville, Ontario area, you can join Laura for the Dry January Tasting Experience on January 18th from 6:30 – 8:30 at The Clover Collective. You will have an opportunity to taste a variety of non-alcoholic drinks while having a fun, social experience with like-minded women.

Buy your tickets at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/dry-january-tasting-experience

FREE RESOURCES:

Grab a FREE copy of Laura’s 12 Days of Alcohol-Free Holiday Mocktails that Don’t Require Non-Alcoholic Spirits.

Download at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/12-days-mocktails

Grab a FREE copy of Your Guide to Non-Alcoholic Drinks that Don’t Suck.

Download at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/non-alcoholic-drinks-that-dont-suck

Sign up for Laura’s FREE 40-minute on-demand MentorClass “Five Hacks to a Happier Happy Hour Alcohol-Free” you'll learn strategies to help you "try on" socializing alcohol-free, while still having fun!

Sign-up to watch: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/five-hacks-mentorclass-on-demand

PREVIOUS EPISODE:

Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition.

CONNECT WITH LAURA:

Instagram and TikTok at @laura_valvasori

Email: [email protected]

www.lauravalvasori.com