Why do autoimmune symptoms flare after stress, poor sleep, illness, or major life events?

If autoimmune disease were simply the immune system attacking the body, symptoms would be constant. But for many people, flares follow a pattern.

So what's actually driving them?

In this episode, Dr. Alison Danby explains a system in the body that most autoimmune patients are never taught about in the doctor's office, and why understanding it may completely change how we think about autoimmune disease.

You'll learn:

• Why stress is the #1 trigger for autoimmune flares • Why cortisol may not be the real problem • The hidden communication system between the brain and the immune system • Why chronic stress changes immune behavior • The surprising research on stress resilience from Navy SEAL training • Why autoimmune disease might be responding to signals from somewhere else

Once you understand how these systems interact, autoimmune disease stops looking random.

And that changes everything.

Why pushing through fatigue may actually make autoimmune disease worse.

Ready to go deeper? Check out autoimmuneacademy.com

Get on the waitlist to be the first to hear about Autoimmune Rewired. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/rewired

Drop a Review on the Podcast + Send us a screenshot and we'll send you Dr. Alison's Exclusive Training on Autoimmune Myths, That Are Keeping You Stuck www.autoimmuneacademy.com/review

Follow Dr. Alison Dnaby on Instagram @dr.AlisonDanby

If you've ever wondered why eating "right" feels harder during menopause, this episode is for you.

We're taking an honest look at food, hormones, and the messy middle between doing what you should and what your body actually needs.

This conversation is about letting go of rigid food rules and leaning into practical nutrition, the kind that supports your energy, hormones, and overall well-being without guilt or perfection.

You'll hear insights on intuitive eating, how to navigate conflicting nutrition advice, and why freedom with food can be one of the most healing steps in menopause and perimenopause.

• Why menopause is the perfect time to rethink old food beliefs

• The truth about carbs, protein, and balance

• How intuitive eating builds trust with your body

• Why "good" and "bad" foods don't exist

• What practical, sustainable nutrition really looks like

• Stop second-guessing what you eat

• Reconnect with your body's cues

• Let go of diet culture and find peace with food

About Our Guest:

Dr. Jenn Salib Huber is a Canadian Registered Dietitian, Naturopathic Doctor and Intuitive Eating Counselor on a mission to help women manage menopause without diets and food rules. She supports women through the physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause and menopause using a Health at Every Size approach, intuitive eating, and practical nutrition. Jenn hosts The Midlife Feast podcast and community, and is the author of the upcoming book Eat to Thrive During Menopause, out October 21, 2025.

How to find Jenn,

Book: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book

Podcast (The Midlife Feast) and/or my free nutrition blueprint: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/MenopauseNutritionGuide

Instagram @menopause.nutritionist,

https://themidlifefeast.substack.com/

[email protected]

Resources & Links:

Ready to go deeper? Check out autoimmuneacademy.com

Get on the waitlist to be the first to hear about Autoimmune Rewired. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/rewired

Drop a Review on the Podcast + Send us a screenshot and we'll send you Dr. Alison's Exclusive Training on Autoimmune Myths, That Are Keeping You Stuck www.autoimmuneacademy.com/review

Follow Dr. Alison Dnaby on Instagram @dr.AlisonDanby

Most people think resilience means pushing harder, powering through stress, fatigue, and flare-ups until the body finally gives in.

But what if that approach is actually keeping you stuck in burnout?

In this episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison Danby redefines what resilience really means in autoimmune healing, and it's not about being tougher or doing more. You'll learn how true resilience is built through flexibility, not force, and why it may be the key to restoring balance after chronic stress or flares.

This is Part 3 of our 3-part Autoimmune Burnout Series, wrapping up the conversation on burnout and cortisol with the science (and practice) of building your bounce-back capacity.

🔑 In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why resilience isn't about "staying strong", and what it actually looks like in autoimmune recovery.

• How burnout affects your body's ability to adapt (and how to retrain it).

• The subtle mindset shift that signals your nervous system that it's safe to rest.

• Practical ways to start rebuilding energy, balance, and emotional flexibility, one small step at a time.

Resources & Links:

Ready to go deeper? Check out autoimmuneacademy.com

Get on the waitlist to be the first to hear about Autoimmune Rewired. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/rewired

Drop a Review on the Podcast + Send us a screenshot and we'll send you Dr. Alison's Exclusive Training on Autoimmune Myths, That Are Keeping You Stuck www.autoimmuneacademy.com/review

Follow Dr. Alison Dnaby on Instagram @dr.AlisonDanby

The Surprising Truth About Cortisol and Autoimmune Health

Cortisol gets blamed for everything from weight gain to fatigue to brain fog, but what if we've been thinking about it all wrong?

In this episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison Danby reveals why cortisol isn't the enemy, and why the way it's often talked about online is missing the bigger picture. We'll dig into the myths, the surprising truth about testing, and what actually matters for autoimmune health.

This is Part 2 of our 3-part Autoimmune Burnout Series, so if you've ever wondered whether your symptoms are due to "adrenal fatigue" or questioned if testing your cortisol is worth it, you don't want to miss this one.

• Why the real story of cortisol has less to do with "high" or "low" and more to do with rhythm.

• The hidden truth behind popular cortisol myths you've probably heard.

• Why testing isn't always the answer — and what to focus on instead.

• Practical ways to work with your body's natural patterns to build resilience and energy.

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Resources & Links:

Ready to go deeper? Check out autoimmuneacademy.com.

The Fatigue Fix course & Autoimmune Foundations has a full section designed specifically to help you overcome burnout. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/programs/

Drop a Review on the Podcast + Send us a screenshot and we'll send you Dr. Alison's Exclusive Training on Autoimmune Myths, That Are Keeping You Stuck www.autoimmuneacademy.com/review

Follow Dr. Alison Dnaby on Instagram @dr.AlisonDanby

Why Autoimmune Burnout Hits Harder, And What to Do About It

Burnout isn't just about long hours and too much coffee. When you live with an autoimmune condition, burnout is deeper, more advanced, and more relentless. Think of it as burnout on steroids, an emotional rollercoaster of symptoms, endless appointments, a diagnosis that's both a relief and a life sentence, and fatigue so bone-deep it's invisible to everyone but you.

Description: In this first episode of the Running on Empty series, Dr. Alison breaks down why autoimmune burnout is different, and why it leaves you more exhausted, more frustrated, and more misunderstood than "regular" burnout.

Here's what you'll discover inside this episode:

• Why autoimmune burnout is more advanced: from the exhausting path to diagnosis, to the emotional weight of "no cure," to the invisible fatigue no one else seems to understand.

• The science behind it: how burnout impacts your brain, nervous system, hormones, and inflammation — and why it can amplify flares and symptoms.

• The truth about testing: why there's no single burnout biomarker, and why cortisol panels won't tell you what you already feel in your body.

• What doesn't work: quick-fix detoxes, supplement stacks, or trying to "push through."

• What actually helps: research-backed strategies, from sleep and movement to mindset, gratitude, and nervous system regulation, that rebuild resilience step by step.

✨ Most importantly, you'll walk away knowing this: burnout isn't permanent. With the right strategies, you can recover, rebuild, and reclaim your energy.

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Resources & Links:

Ready to go deeper? Check out autoimmuneacademy.com.

The Fatigue Fix course has a full section designed specifically to help you overcome burnout. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/programs/

Drop a Review on the Podcast + Send us a screenshot and we'll send you Dr. Alison's Exclusive Training on Autoimmune Myths, That Are Keeping You Stuck www.autoimmuneacademy.com/review

Follow Dr. Alison Dnaby on Instagram @dr.AlisonDanby

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!