Autoimmune Alchemy

Women often first meet autoimmunity during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause. In this conversation, in this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Jennifer Roelands (OB-GYN, integrative and functional medicine) unpack how shifting estrogen and progesterone interact with the immune system, why the gut–brain–hormone axis matters for mood and symptoms, and what to do first if you are seeing new labs, new aches, or a metabolism that no longer plays by your old rules. You will hear practical ways to lower inflammation, protect bone and muscle, choose labs that actually guide care, and build “low-hanging fruit” habits that stick.Key takeawaysHormone transitions can “flip on” latent genes and unmask autoimmunity; gut health and hormone metabolism are tightly linked.Do not skip the gut: the estrobolome, serotonin production, barrier integrity, and antibodies formed in the gut influence thyroid and joint autoimmunity.Start small to beat overwhelm: stack easy “wins” such as step-ups, resistance bands, or brief “exercise snacks” while you build consistency.Protect bone and muscle: lift 2–3x weekly, add protein and fiber, and consider DEXA earlier than 65 to get a baseline.Labs that help: iron panel, vitamin D, CRP, fasting insulin, thyroid panel, and cycle-timed sex hormones; wearables or CGM can add useful data.Options exist: HRT is one path; omega-3s, fiber, magnesium (glycinate), curcumin, and targeted botanicals can also support symptoms and sleep.Perimenopause is more than hot flashes: watch for unusual signs like ear itching, body-odor changes, recurrent UTIs, libido shifts, or oral-health changes.Suggested chapters 00:00 Intro and guest background 00:26 Why autoimmunity often appears in perimenopause 00:29 Gut–hormone metabolism, estrobolome, neurotransmitters 00:31 Stress load and “low-hanging fruit” habit building 00:34 Muscle and bone loss, strength training that fits pain levels 00:36 HRT, DEXA baselines, and fracture risk context 00:39 Supplement staples: omega-3s, fiber, magnesium, curcumin 00:42 Weight and metabolism changes, personalized nutrition 00:44 Unusual symptoms of perimenopause 00:46 Early or premature menopause and risk profile 00:49 Finding the right clinician; advocating for labs 00:51 What to test and how to time hormones 00:53 Where to find Dr. Roelands and her practicePerimenopause is a whole-system transition. Pair smart medical care with gut support, resistance training, sleep, stress tools, and cycle-aware labs. Start with one easy win, get a baseline DEXA earlier, and build from there. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress that protects your brain, bones, and immune system.Host Bio:Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth. She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause...

In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu welcomes Dr. Nisha Manek, integrative rheumatologist and author of Bridging Science and Spirit, for a wide-ranging conversation on where medicine is headed and why energy, the biofield, and conscious self-care belong beside conventional treatment. Hear how immune dysregulation shows up across the body, why drugs alone rarely create remission, and how subtle-energy practices, fascia and meridian science, sleep, intention, and community can help people with autoimmune disease feel better and do more. Key takeawaysWhat “biofield” means in plain language, how it relates to meridians, fascia, and whole-body connectivity, and why energy is a missing “vital sign” in clinicWhy rising autoimmune rates suggest we need more than medications alone, and how subtle-energy work can complement standard care to move patients toward remissionPractical self-regulation: simple hand “circuit” placements to recharge, gentle movement such as tai chi or qigong, sleep, nutrition basics, and intention settingA clinician’s perspective on research limits for energy medicine and how physics concepts help translate ancient ideas into modern practicePatient empowerment: build your plan with your doctor, add safe energy practices, and lean on community to reduce overload and stick with healing habitsSuggested chapters[00:00] Intro and guest background[02:00] From conventional training to integrative practice[05:00] Autoimmunity on the rise and environmental triggers[08:00] Beyond drugs: energy as the “missing mechanism”[11:00] The biofield as a vital sign[13:00] Meridians, chi, chakras, and a physics “umbrella”[15:00] Fascia as the body’s connective highway[20:00] A simple at-home hand circuit to recharge[29:30] The qigong headache story and what it implies[36:00] Medicine catching up, clinician burnout, patient agency[39:00] Where to find Dr. Manek and programsAutoimmune care improves when we pair smart conventional treatment with practices that restore the body’s energy and calm the nervous system. Start where you are: sleep, nutrition, gentle movement, and a simple daily recharge practice. Use your medical team for diagnostics and safety, then add community for support and momentum. The goal is not perfection. It is steady, sustainable progress toward remission and a fuller life.Guest resourcesDr. Manek’s Website: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/Get Dr. Manek’s Book: Bridging Science and Spirit: https://www.nishamanekmd.com/book Host Bio:Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration. He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted...

When Infections Inflame the Mind: Lyme, MS, and the Gut–Brain ConnectionDr. Darin Ingels connects the dots between chronic infections (like Lyme), the gut–brain axis, and neuroinflammation—explaining “leaky gut/leaky brain,” vagus-nerve signaling, mast-cell activation, and why mood, brain fog, and sleep often shift with immune activity. He shares practical supports—from joy practices to potent, targeted herbs—and how to vet supplement quality for safety and results. Key takeaways:Leaky gut and “leaky brain” often travel together; restoring gut function improves brain function. The vagus nerve can transmit gut signals that open the blood–brain barrier and drive neuro-inflammation. In Lyme and MS, immune cross-reactivity and mast-cell activation can inflame brain and nerves, contributing to anxiety, depression, OCD, and brain fog. Joy and regulation tools matter: music, humor, nature, and realistic activity resets help shift mental state on hard days. Herbal medicine is multi-targeted: combinations can modulate inflammation, immunity, hormones, and circulation—often at low doses with strong effects. Adaptogens to balance stress/cortisol: eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), rhodiola, holy basil, Ashwagandha—choose by symptom pattern (e.g., “tired-and-wired”). Sleep supports: lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, kava, California poppy; nutrients like magnesium and 5-HTP/L-tryptophan help with staying asleep. Pain/inflammation options: highly bioavailable curcumin, Boswellia (frankincense), white willow bark, and devil’s claw (Harpagophytum). Quality matters: look for GMP certification and third-party testing; request Certificates of Analysis; be cautious with heat-exposed or counterfeit online products. Forms and safety: tinctures, capsules, teas, glycerites—many herbs are GRAS with low toxicity when sourced and dosed correctly. Conclusion: Integrative mental health isn’t brain-only; it’s gut, immune, nerves, and daily rhythms working together. With clearer roots (infection, mast cells, barrier integrity) and practical tools (tailored herbs, joyful resets, vetted supplements), you can calm neuro-inflammation and support steadier mood, sleep, and cognition, step by step. Host Bio:Dr. Melissa Mondala is a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative/primary care psychiatry. She is double board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, completed her family medicine residency and Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health, and earned her MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in Health Administration and Biomedical Science. Dr. Mondala is co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, where she provides direct primary care, integrative mental health, and lifestyle-based prevention for patients locally and via telehealth. She has served as core faculty in Preventive/Lifestyle Medicine at Loma Linda University and has contributed to national education in lifestyle medicine. She also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Micah Yu and leads the Integrative Mental Health Summit, bringing root-cause strategies for anxiety, mood, and brain health to a wider audience. Her approach blends diagnostics and conventional care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress tools, and community to help patients reduce inflammation and build long-term resilience.

SummaryIn this in-depth interview, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Ty Vincent, founder of Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI), about his groundbreaking work in retraining the immune system. Dr. Vincent shares his journey from conventional medicine to developing LDI, explains how it differs from traditional allergy therapies and homeopathy, and reveals the remarkable outcomes he’s seen in patients with autoimmune and chronic illnesses. Together, they explore real-world success stories, the science of molecular mimicry, and why focusing on mechanisms rather than diagnoses may be the future of medicine.Key TakeawaysDiscover how Dr. Vincent’s path from family medicine to integrative care led him to create LDI.Learn the difference between Low Dose Allergen Immunotherapy (LDA) and Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI).Explore how LDI addresses immune tolerance rather than suppression, and why it works for conditions beyond allergies.Hear case studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, Lyme disease, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, and more who experienced remission or dramatic improvements.Understand the concept of molecular mimicry and its role in autoimmunity.See how LDI provides a safer, low-risk alternative to lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.Gain insight into Dr. Vincent’s ongoing innovations, including potential breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes.This conversation highlights a profound shift in how we can view and treat chronic illness. Instead of suppressing the immune system, Dr. Vincent’s work with LDI shows what’s possible when we restore tolerance and reprogram the body’s natural defenses. It’s an eye-opening discussion that offers hope for anyone struggling with autoimmunity or unexplained chronic conditions.Host Bio:Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration. He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience. Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

CIRS, Mold, and Autoimmunity: Getting Off the Inflammation Roller CoasterThis is an encouraging and educational interview for anyone navigating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Jenny Johnson, a CIRS guide and community-builder, to unpack how biotoxin exposure from water-damaged buildings, mold, bacteria, and Lyme can drive chronic inflammation that mimics or even triggers autoimmune disease. They cover what to look for, how to differentiate CIRS from conditions like lupus, MS, and RA, and why environmental cleanup, sleep, nervous system support, and community are foundational. Jenny also shares moving recovery stories and practical ways families can pace healing without burning out. CIRS is a chronic inflammatory response to biotoxins the body cannot easily clear. Symptoms can mirror lupus, MS, and RA, and CIRS may coexist with or trigger autoimmune flares. Taking a careful timeline, targeted labs, and sometimes imaging helps sort out what to treat first. Key takeawaysLearn what CIRS is and how it overlaps with autoimmunity.Discover why “remove the exposure” is step #1.Cleaning up or leaving a water-damaged environment reduces daily biotoxin load. Explore "pairing" detox strategies so the immune system can calm and autoimmune symptoms become more manageable. Learn the “brain on fire and brain on ice” model.Discover the early anchors of recovery.Learn why community speeds healing.Discover hope through real-world stories.CIRS can cause anxiety, depression, panic, rage, and cognitive issues like brain fog and executive dysfunction. Having a coach or community to be your “borrowed brain” reduces overwhelm while you recover. Prioritize sleep and simple nervous system supports. Add nutrition shifts toward anti-inflammatory eating, then layer movement as capacity returns. Passive vagus-nerve supports can help when you are too depleted to do more. Jenny’s CIRS Healing Collective (https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landing) meets weekly to share practical tips, host guest experts, and reduce loneliness. Safe, validating connection supports the parasympathetic nervous system and helps people stay on the “healing track.” Jenny shares recoveries in her family from Lyme and mold injury, and a child’s neurodivergent symptoms easing after addressing environmental causes. Parents are encouraged to keep pressing for answers. ConclusionCIRS is fixable, and addressing it can dramatically change the trajectory of autoimmune symptoms. Start with a solid history, test what matters, remove exposures, and anchor sleep and nervous system care. Do less, but do it on the right track. Most of all, do not do this alone. Community and a clear plan make the path lighter and faster. Connect with Jenny JohnsonSimplified Wellness Designs: https://simplifiedwellnessdesigns.com The CIRS Healing Collective https://cirshealingcollective.mn.co/landingJenny Johnson is a leading expert in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and complex environmental illness. She is a Shoemaker Certified Coach, and drawing on years of clinical research and

In this groundbreaking conversation, Dr. Micah Yu speaks with retired rheumatologist Dr. Alfred Miller, who spent 40 years in practice and training at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Miller shares his personal journey of discovering how Borrelia infections (often mislabeled as Lyme disease) may underlie many neurological and autoimmune conditions. From misdiagnosis in academic institutions to overlooked testing protocols, he reveals why conventional approaches often miss the mark — and how proper testing, treatment, and even unconventional therapies like bee venom and stem cells can change lives.Key TakeawaysWhy Borrelia infection is a “great imitator,” often misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, dementia, and other chronic diseasesThe flaws in current Lyme disease testing — and why omitting bands 31 & 34 on the Western blot leads to false negativesHow Borrelia’s 28-day reproductive cycle makes short-term antibiotic treatment ineffectiveThe role of cyst-busting medications and pulsed antibiotic protocols in treatmentCase studies: how Dr. Miller’s daughter-in-law lived seven years beyond a 4-month ALS prognosis after proper treatmentWhy Dr. Miller believes autoimmune disease is a mislabel, and many cases are driven by BorreliaFascinating integrative therapies, including bee venom’s ability to eradicate Borrelia and stem cell use in repairing neurodegenerative damageThe importance of specialized labs like IGeneX (U.S.) and ArminLabs (Europe) for accurate tick-borne disease testingThe link betweenBorrelia infections, which cause Lyme disease, and autoimmune disorders is a complex and evolving area of medical research. A Borrelia infection can trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals through several mechanisms, including molecular mimicry and the induction of chronic inflammation. The resulting immune dysfunction can lead to the development of specific autoimmune conditions, or it can produce symptoms that closely mimic those of autoimmune diseases. If you’ve ever wondered about the root causes of autoimmune disease, dementia, ALS, or rheumatoid arthritis, this episode will open your eyes to a different paradigm of medicine.Host Bio:Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration. He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience. Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

Description: Board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen joins Dr. Micah Yu to connect environmental exposures with inflammation and autoimmunity, then turn that science into practical, low-stress habits. From plastics and bisphenols to water, air, food, and personal-care choices, Dr. Cohen shares a simple framework to cut risk without overwhelm, and how she integrates these steps into rheumatology care and patient outcomes.What listeners will learn:Learn what “toxic load” means in plain language and why Dr. Cohen is seeing more young patients with autoimmune issues in her rheumatology practice. Discover smart ways to cut plastic exposure at home. Learn Dr. Cohen’s “4 As” roadmap to reduce exposures step by step so people make progress without burnout. Discover high-impact upgrades for water and why simple filtration can be a game changer across a lifetime. Learn how to choose and wash produce to lower pesticide residuesDiscover where endocrine-disrupting chemicals hide in cosmetics and personal careLearn practical changes for the kitchen, such as ways to remove microplasticsDiscover how Dr. Cohen pairs lifestyle and exposure reduction with standard rheumatology treatments to improve inflammation and quality of life.Short bio for Dr. Aly Cohen:Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with more than two decades of clinical experience. Her work focuses on how everyday environmental exposures influence hormones, immunity, and inflammation, and on translating that science into simple habits patients can sustain. In practice and public education, she teaches practical steps for safer water, food, air, and personal-care choices, and how to layer these into rheumatology care to support symptom control and long-term health. Dr. Aly Cohen’s Website: https://thesmarthuman.com/ Link to Dr. Cohen’s Book: “Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them” Host Bio:Dr. Micah Yu is a board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional care with lifestyle and nutrition to help people reverse inflammation and live well with autoimmune disease. He is board certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, completed his residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, and earned his MD from Chicago Medical School along with master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration. He also completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu co-founded Dr. Lifestyle in Newport Beach, California, where he sees patients locally and via telemedicine. He also co-hosts the Autoimmune Alchemy podcast with Dr. Melissa Mondala, bringing evidence, empathy, and practical tools to a global audience. His clinical perspective is informed by his own journey with autoimmune disease and by the results he has seen when patients pair targeted therapies with nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress resilience. Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/

In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of autoimmune disease: mental health. With depression and anxiety affecting more than half of all autoimmune patients, the conversation explores the deep connection between the nervous system, trauma, inflammation, and long-term healing.Key Points:One in two people with autoimmune disease also has depression or anxiety.Mental health symptoms often appear years before autoimmune diagnosis.Emotional trauma, chronic stress, and neuroinflammation can all trigger or worsen autoimmune flares.The field of psycho-neuro-immunology explains how the brain, nervous system, and immune system interact.Childhood trauma (ACEs) significantly increases the risk of autoimmune conditions later in life.Early signs of depression and anxiety include sleep changes, appetite issues, mood swings, perfectionism, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue.Root Causes of Mental Health + Autoimmune Disease:Chronic stress and traumaHormonal fluctuations (e.g., PMS, menopause)Neurotransmitter imbalancesGut and microbiome dysfunctionEnvironmental toxins and heavy metalsNutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, etc.)Treatment Strategies:Nutrition: Whole foods rich in omega-3s, zinc, tryptophan, tyrosine, antioxidantsLifestyle: Daily movement, quality sleep, community connectionPractices: Meditation, prayer, breathwork, vagus nerve activation (humming, singing)Supplements (under guidance): SAM-e, L-theanine, ashwagandha, tryptophanPsychotherapy, psychosomatic healing, and nervous system retrainingFeatured Case Study:A 60-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis saw dramatic improvement in pain, energy, and inflammation after focusing on nervous system regulation, sleep, and mental wellness. Her care plan included vagus nerve stimulation and lifestyle changes. Within 3 months, she was pain-free, off prednisone, and considering a return to nursing. Her recovery also positively impacted her son, who struggled with mental health issues.Final Message:Healing is possible — even after years of trying. When diet and medications aren’t enough, it’s time to address mental health, trauma, and the nervous system. This episode reminds us that what feels emotional is often physical, and that support, persistence, and the right tools can make all the difference.Learn more or schedule a consult:Dr. Yu and Dr. Mondala’s clinic: https://myautoimmunemd.comDr. Yu on YouTube: My Autoimmune MDDr. Mondala on YouTube & Instagram: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen

In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala explore the rising epidemic of autoimmune disease. They unpack the root causes, early warning signs, and the whole-body approach needed for healing. They share personal clinical experiences, including a powerful success story using an anti-inflammatory protocol, and preview upcoming discussions on mental health, trauma, and psycho-neuro-immunology. The tone is both educational and hopeful, aimed at empowering patients and practitioners alike.🔹 Key Bullet Points:10% of the global population has autoimmune disease — and that number is rising.Autoimmunity affects multiple systems: rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, GI, and beyond.These diseases are often missed or misdiagnosed, with patients cycling through many specialists.Women make up 80% of autoimmune cases.Autoimmune diseases include lupus, Hashimoto’s, RA, Crohn’s, type 1 diabetes, celiac, and more.Patients often develop multiple autoimmune conditions over time.Traditional medicine focuses on symptom suppression, not root cause resolution.🧠 Root Causes of Autoimmunity Discussed:Diet and lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep)Environmental toxins (plastics, BPAs, PFAS, mold, heavy metals)Infections (Lyme, COVID, flu, mycoplasma, etc.)Medications and vaccines (as documented potential triggers)Genetics and epigeneticsChronic stress and traumaPsycho-neuro-immunology — the link between brain, immune system, and inflammation⚠️ Early Signs of Autoimmune Disease:Fatigue and brain fogRashes and joint painGI issues (like bloody stools)Oral/nasal ulcers, dry eyes/mouthHair lossThese signs are often subtle and systemic, making diagnosis difficult.🌿 Prevention & Healing:Emphasis on a functional and integrative medicine approachFocus on Anti-inflammatory nutrition, Lifestyle changes (movement, sleep, stress), Avoiding or reducing toxin exposure, and identifying and managing infectious triggersHealing is possible with small, consistent changes — often starting with food and mindset🧪 Patient Success Stories:Lupus Diagnosis: A patient went 5 years misdiagnosed by 10+ doctors. Dr. Yu correctly diagnosed lupus using labs and clinical intuition.RA Reversal with Diet: A long-term RA patient experienced a dramatic reduction in pain (from 9/10 to 1/10) in just one month using Dr. Yu’s anti-inflammatory protocol — no added meds or steroids.❤️ Mental Health Tie-In:50%+ of autoimmune patients struggle with depression and anxiety.Melissa introduces the concept of psycho-neuro-immunology: inflammation in the brain due to stress or trauma affects emotional regulation.Mental health support is crucial and will be discussed more deeply in the next episode.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Dr. Micah Yu’s YouTube: My Autoimmune MDDr. Melissa’s channel: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen (healthy recipes)Clinic website: https://myautoimmunemd.com — based in Newport Beach, CA, offering telemedicine across the U.S.

“Our Story: Healing Autoimmunity, Medicine, and Each Other”Here are the highlights from our very first episode! The origin story behind the podcast and why it’s deeply personalDr. Micah Yu shares his journey with autoimmune arthritis, undiagnosed pain, and years of suffering through medical school and residencyHow nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle were missing pieces in traditional medical trainingThe power of plant-based eating in reversing inflammation and chronic symptomsDr. Melissa Mondala’s experience navigating the system as a doctor, caregiver, and seeker of integrative solutionsWhy their clinical training and personal pain fueled a passion for integrative, lifestyle, and functional medicineReflections on medical culture, patient isolation, and the emotional weight of chronic illnessWhat they wish every patient and doctor knew about healing from the inside outAbout Your Hosts: Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. 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, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.