Autoimmune Alchemy

Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala
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Join Dr. Micah Yu, a board-certified integrative rheumatologist, and Dr. Melissa Mondala, an integrative medicine and mental health expert, as they bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and soulful healing. In Autoimmune Alchemy, this husband-and-wife MD team share personal stories, expert insights, and powerful patient journeys to explore how autoimmune illness and chronic disease can be transformed through integrative medicine. From evidence-based science and integrative medicine to ancient healing wisdom and mindset practices, this podcast is your guide to whole-person health, from science to soul.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    IBS, SIBO, and Autoimmune Disease: Healing the Gut First

    In this episode, I sit down with James and Dahlia Marin, integrative dietitians specializing in SIBO and IBS, to explore how food relationships shape healing and why all autoimmunity begins in the gut. Dahlia shares her Hashimoto's journey—bringing antibodies from over 3,500 (off the charts) to nearly normal using food as medicine. We discuss how gut inflammation progresses to autoimmune diseases, the vagus nerve "elevator" connecting gut and brain (fight→constipation, flight→diarrhea), and practical tools like gratitude before meals and anti-inflammatory "fire extinguisher" foods that shift your microbiome with every meal. Key Takeaways - All autoimmunity begins in gut - SIBO/IBS are early warnings - Dahlia's antibodies: 3,500+ to near-normal with food - Location matters - test before taking probiotics - Anti-inflammatory foods: antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamin D, fiber - Vagus nerve connects gut-brain (fight→constipation, flight→diarrhea) - Calm nervous system before eating: gratitude, mantras, breathwork - Microbiome shifts with EVERY meal - Taste buds change to crave healthier foods over time - Repair barrier with protein, amino acids, gooey foods - Ask food relationship before giving elimination diets Chapters & Timestamps 02:00 Autoimmune & Gut Health Connection 04:00 Bloating to Autoimmune: The Timeline 05:00 Anti-Inflammatory "Fire Extinguisher" Foods 07:00 Location Matters: Don't Take Probiotics Blindly 09:00 Dahlia's Hashimoto's: 3,500+ to Normal 12:00 Vagus Nerve: The Gut-Brain Elevator 13:00 Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn & GI Symptoms 15:00 Sustaining Healthy Lifestyle 16:00 Microbiome Shifts with Every Meal 17:00 Married to Health Resources Guest Details James & Dahlia Marin, RD - Integrative Dietitians, Married to Health Founders Credentials: Registered Dietitians specializing in SIBO, IBS & autoimmune disease. Dahlia: Hashimoto's survivor (antibodies less than 3,500 to near-normal). Specializations: SIBO/IBS therapy, autoimmune nutrition, gut-brain connection, nervous system regulation, food relationship healing. Philosophy: "Heal with each meal, feel with each meal" - every meal shifts microbiome toward healing or harm. Connect with James & Dahlia Marin Website: www.marriedtohealth.com (hub for all resources) Social Media: @marriedtohealth (all platforms) Services & Programs: Private practice with 8+ specialized dietitians Good Gut SIBO/IBS self-paced program One-on-one nutrition sessions eBooks & educational resources Regenerative Nutrition & Gut Health Experience (October, Southern California in-person event) About Your HostMelissa 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...

    20 min

  2. 16 FEB

    She Survived Cancer — Here’s What Actually Helped Her Heal

    Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, a board-certified integrative pulmonologist, shares her journey of being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 31 during pulmonary critical care fellowship. She combined clinical trials with acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and Reiki to survive and thrive through five months of chemotherapy and three surgeries. We explore how mindfulness (6,000+ published studies) changes stress response at the genetic level, her work supporting burned-out healthcare professionals through the Mindful Healthcare Collective, and evidence-based treatments for long COVID including graded exercise for POTS and post-exertional malaise. Key TakeawaysIntegrative (evidence-based) ≠ alternative (unproven/dangerous)Mindfulness = present moment awareness without judgment6,000+ studies prove mindfulness works at genetic levelLong COVID is multi-systemic and underdiagnosedAnti-inflammatory diet: 5-9 servings vegetables/fruits dailyGraded exercise for long COVID: 5 min recumbent, increase 1-2 min weeklyAvoid upright exercise with POTS/post-exertional malaiseGroup movement in nature = community + exercise + healingChair yoga accessible for bedbound patientsMindfulness practice: anytime, anywhere, doing anything Chapters & Timestamps02:00 Integrative Modalities During Chemotherapy 04:00 Evidence-Based vs. Alternative Therapies 10:00 What Is Mindfulness? Science & Practice 14:00 Mindfulness Changes Stress at Genetic Level 18:00 Mindful Healthcare Collective & Burnout 21:00 Long COVID: Multi-System Effects 24:00 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Movement 26:00 Dragon Boat Racing: Community Healing 30:00 Resources & Where to Find Dr. Liang Guest DetailsDr. Ni-Cheng Liang, MD Board-Certified Integrative Pulmonologist, Cancer Survivor & Mindfulness Teacher Credentials: Pulmonary & Critical Care MedicineFellowship, University of Arizona Integrative MedicineFormer Executive Director, UCSD Center for MindfulnessCo-Host, Healing Medicine PodcastFounder, Mindful Healthcare Collective14+ year breast cancer survivorCo-Captain, Team Survivor San Diego dragon boat team Specializations: Long COVID, mindfulness-based stress reduction, asthma, COPD, cancer survivorship, healthcare burnout, graded exercise for

    33 min

  3. 9 FEB

    Healing Trauma to Heal Autoimmune Disease: HSPs, Narcissistic Relationships & Ketamine-Assisted Therapy with Maria Lloyd

    In this episode, I sit down with Maria Lloyd, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, to explore how unresolved trauma lives in the body and manifests as autoimmune disease, particularly in highly sensitive people (HSPs) who make up 20% of the population. Maria shares her personal journey with her son's gut issues and mold exposure that led to complete dysfunction until they addressed both the physical detoxification and mental health trauma through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, ultimately leading to his full healing and return to college. We discuss how narcissistic relationships create constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts the nervous system and gut health, why turning toward pain with compassion (rather than running from it) calms both emotional and physical symptoms, and how creating secure attachments through therapy can rewire dysregulated nervous systems formed in childhood. Key Takeaways20% of people are highly sensitive (HSPs) - understanding this trait reduces shame and helps create supportive lifestylesTrauma lives in the body; turning toward pain with compassion calms both emotional and physical symptomsMold exposure can be like "pouring gasoline on the fire" for those with gut issues and mental health challengesKetamine-assisted psychotherapy works at a somatic level, helping people reconnect with their bodies and feel safeEarly childhood attachment patterns affect nervous system regulation and autoimmune disease riskNarcissistic relationships cause constant fight-or-flight stress that directly impacts gut health and autoimmunityHealth dramatically improves when people leave narcissistic relationships or set firm boundariesMorning and evening routines (walking, yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, breath work) create nervous system stabilityResearch shows Qigong and yoga reduce pain and flares in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgiaIt's through relationships that we heal - secure attachments with therapists can rewire dysregulated nervous systems Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Welcome: Maria Lloyd & Trauma-Informed Therapy 02:00 Maria's Personal Journey: Her Son's Gut Issues & Mold Exposure 03:00 When the Medical System Failed: The Natural Health Journey 03:30 Mold Detoxification, Diet Changes & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy 04:00 The Holistic Approach: Everything Is Connected 04:30 Navigating Pain Cycles & Hypervigilance in Autoimmune Flares 05:00 Trauma Lives in the Body: Turning Toward Pain with Compassion 06:00 Creating Secure Attachment with Ourselves 07:00 Attachment Styles & Their Impact on Nervous System Regulation 08:00 How Early Childhood Attachment Affects the Brain & Body 09:00 Two Autoimmune Phenotypes: Type A Perfectionists & Highly Sensitive People 10:00...

    18 min

  4. 2 FEB

    IBS Is Not Psychological: Gut-Brain Disease

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist who directs the Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel, to reveal why IBS isn't "all in your head" and how specialized antibody testing can uncover autoimmune attacks on gut neurons. We explore the IBS-fibromyalgia overlap, why one in three people develop IBS after infections, and her groundbreaking research showing smartphone scrolling in bathrooms increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%. Dr. Pasricha shares evidence-based treatments including peppermint oil and psyllium fiber while debunking probiotic myths, and explains why constipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign. This conversation validates patients dismissed by doctors and proves these conditions have real pathology requiring collaborative care across specialties. Key TakeawaysIBS is NOT "all in your head"—pathology lives in the deep enteric nervous system where standard tests can't reach90% of gut-brain communication flows UPWARD through the vagus nerve, not downward from stressOne in three people who get gastroenteritis will develop IBS from "scarring" of gut neuronsThe Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel can detect autoimmune antibodies attacking gut neurons (specialized test)Many IBS patients also have fibromyalgia—treatments often overlap (SNRIs, peppermint oil, fiber)Psyllium fiber (25g women, 38g men daily) works for BOTH constipation and diarrhea—it's a "shapeshifter"Probiotics are NOT recommended by gastroenterology guidelines—feed your microbiome with fiber and fermented foods insteadSmartphone scrolling in the bathroom increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%—limit to 5 minutes maximumConstipation may be an early Parkinson's warning sign—the disease likely begins in the gutH. pylori is abnormally prevalent in Parkinson's patients and treating it can improve tremors by enhancing levodopa absorption Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trisha Pasricha & Gut-Brain Research 02:00 What Is IBS & Why It's Not "All in Your Head" 04:00 The Enteric Nervous System: Our "Second Brain" 07:00 The Autoimmune Connection to IBS 10:00 IBS-Fibromyalgia Overlap & Treatment Crossover 13:00 Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel: Testing for Autoimmune IBS 16:00 Getting Second Opinions & Finding Neuro-GI Specialists 19:00 Social Media Education: Benefits & Rabbit Holes 21:00 Evidence-Based Treatments: Peppermint Oil & Psyllium Fiber 26:00 The Truth About Probiotics: Not Recommended 29:00 Fiber Diversity & the Mediterranean Diet Connection 33:00 Groundbreaking Research: Smartphones & Hemorrhoids (46% Risk) 36:00 Parkinson's Disease Begins in the Gut 38:00 The GI-Neuro Parkinson's Clinic Model 42:00 H. Pylori Connection to Parkinson's & Rheumatic...

    50 min

  5. 26 JAN

    Why 80% of Autoimmune Disease Affects Women

    In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Felice Gersh, an integrative OB-GYN, to explore why 80% of all autoimmune patients are women and how our two X chromosomes create a more robust immune system that can become overactive when hormones become imbalanced. Dr. Gersh explains the fascinating connection between leaky gut, hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause), and autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and rheumatoid arthritis, revealing how molecular mimicry causes antibodies against gut bacteria to cross-react with our own tissues. They discuss why rheumatologists often miss the root cause by only prescribing biologics that block immune responses without addressing leaky gut and hormone imbalances, and how early intervention with nutrition, stress management, sleep, and hormone balancing can reverse positive ANA antibodies and prevent full-blown autoimmune disease Key Takeaways80% of all autoimmune patients are female due to two X chromosomes with immune-related genes15% of genes on the "turned off" X chromosome stay active forever—almost all are immune-relatedWomen make more antibodies, have higher white blood cell counts, and mount stronger immune responsesEvery woman with hormonal dysfunction (PCOS, amenorrhea, menopause) develops gut dysbiosisLeaky gut allows bacteria and toxins to escape, triggering antibody production through molecular mimicryRheumatoid arthritis is linked to specific gut bacteria leaking through the intestinal barrierBiologics (Humira, Remicade) only block symptoms; they don't fix leaky gut or hormone imbalancesPositive ANA = pre-autoimmunity = leaky gut—early intervention can reverse itVegan diet high in fiber and polyphenols can reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain by 50% in one monthHormone balancing, gut repair, stress management, and nutrition work synergistically—it's all of the above Chapters & Timestamps01:00 Introduction: Dr. Felice Gersh on Women & Autoimmune Disease 01:30 Why Women Have More Robust Immune Systems 02:00 The Two X Chromosomes & Immune-Related Genes 02:30 15% of X Chromosome Genes Stay Active Forever 03:00 Women Make More Antibodies & Have Higher White Blood Counts 04:00 Estradiol & Progesterone's Role in Immune Function 04:30 Leaky Gut, Endotoxins & Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue 05:00 PCOS, Amenorrhea & Menopause Always Cause Gut Dysbiosis 06:00 Molecular Mimicry: How Antibodies Attack Your Own Organs 06:30 Hashimoto's: The Most Common Autoimmune Disease in Women 07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Specific Gut Bacteria 08:00 Every Woman with Autoimmune Disease Has Leaky Gut 08:30 Biologics Block Symptoms, Not Root Causes 09:00 The Integrative Approach: Hormones, Gut & Low Dose Naltrexone 09:30 High Cortisol from Stress Causes Leaky Gut 10:00 Fiber, Polyphenols & Nurturing Your Gut Microbiome 10:30 Why Biologics Stop Working After 2-4 Years 11:00 Pre-Autoimmunity: Positive ANA Without Disease Yet 11:30 Reversing...

    15 min

  6. 19 JAN

    Mold Illness Explained: Hidden Exposure & Health Effects

    In this episode, I sat down with John Banta, a retired certified industrial hygienist with over 35 years of experience, who discovered mold was destroying his wife's health after she recovered completely during a camping trip, leading him to dedicate his career to becoming a "mold doctor" for buildings. John reveals how 1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation, why killing mold actually makes it produce more biotoxins as a defense mechanism, and his revolutionary microfiber and soapy water technique that actually removes mold instead of spreading it. We discuss the connection between mold exposure and autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, how COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity in 24% of the population with HLA-positive genetics, and his groundbreaking pathways testing method to find hidden mold using peptide bonds. Key TakeawaysIf you smell mold, it's actively growing - mold only produces musty odors when wet1 in 5 brand new homes has mold before occupation due to construction practicesYou can't see mold until there are 1-10 million colony-forming units per square inchNever kill mold - it fights back by producing more biotoxins as a defense mechanismSoapy water (5 drops detergent in a quart) + microfiber cloths remove mold effectivelyVinegar doesn't work because "oil and vinegar don't mix" - you need detergent to emulsify lipids24% of people have HLA-positive genetics; COVID-19 can trigger mold sensitivity overnightConcrete slabs take almost a year to lose 90% of moisture - premature building causes moldDead mold still makes you sick - removal is essential, not just killing itAn ounce of prevention: catching mold early can save $45,000+ in remediation costs Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Opening Teaser & Introduction to John Banta 02:00 Where Mold Is Found: Beneficial Uses & Hidden Dangers 03:00 John's Personal Journey: His Wife's Mystery Illness 04:00 The Camping Trip That Changed Everything 05:00 It's Always About the Water 07:00 Mold Syndrome: Why Symptoms Vary So Much 10:00 Medical Schools Don't Teach About Mold & Autoimmunity 12:00 The Lead Poisoning Story & Daughter's Miracle 17:00 How to Determine If Your Home Has Mold 19:00 Clean Room Technology & Microfiber Innovation 23:00 Why Vinegar Doesn't Work & Soapy Water Does 25:00 Never Kill Mold: It Fights Back with Biotoxins 27:00 Hidden Wall Damage: The 32-Foot Leak Case 29:00 1 in 5 New Homes Have Mold Before Occupation 31:00 Concrete Slabs & the Year-Long Drying Problem 34:00 COVID-19 Triggers Mold Sensitivity in 24% of People 37:00 The Seared Steak Problem: Why Dehumidifiers Aren't Enough 40:00 Finding the Right Remediation...

    54 min

  7. 12 JAN

    Ketamine Therapy for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain

    In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Sam Ko, board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical director at Reset Ketamine, to explore how ketamine therapy is helping the 50-70% of autoimmune patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. They discuss how ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors, reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, influences the gut-brain connection, and provides real hope for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, and POTS. Dr. Ko shares success stories, introduces Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a complementary treatment, and reminds us that your struggle is real and there are evidence-based tools to help you reclaim functional living. Key Takeaways50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disordersKetamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitizationThe central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connectionKetamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and moodExtended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgiaKetamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systemsStellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset"Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathonsTeam-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is keyYour struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain 00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both 01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA 02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions 03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems 04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True 04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System 06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols 07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation 07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10 08:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the...

    20 min
  8. The Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 2: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin Rose

    30/12/2025

    The Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 2: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin Rose

    In Part 2 of this Autoimmune Alchemy conversation, Dr. Micah Yu is joined again by Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to move from awareness into actionable healing strategies. This episode dives deep into peptides, bio-regulator therapies, and lifestyle foundations that support kidney repair in autoimmune disease. Dr. Rose explains how autoimmune inflammation damages kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and how targeted tools can help reverse epigenetic injury rather than simply slow decline. TimeStamps [0:00] — Part 2 Kickoff: Strategies, Peptides & Bio-Regulators [1:00] — “Renal Vulnerability Syndrome”: Autoimmune Impact on Kidneys (Quick Review) [3:00] — Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Kidney Protection: Polyphenols, Herbs, Teas, Toxins [9:00] — Protein, Carnivore Diets & Why Kidney Nutrition Must Be Personalized [12:00] — Sugar, Glycotoxins, Gluten/Grains & Practical Kidney-Friendly Protein Choices [19:00] — Peptides vs Bio-Regulators: What They Are + Epigenetics Explained [28:00] — Core Support Stack: Nutrients, Sleep/Circadian (Pineal), Carnosine + Clean Labels [35:00] — Best Peptides/Bio-Regulators for CKD & Autoimmunity + Sequencing + Wrap/Resources [45:00] — Where to Find Dr. Rose + Closing Key Takeaways Understand how autoimmune inflammation creates “renal vulnerability syndrome,” quietly damaging kidney tubules and mitochondria.Discover why kidney decline is largely an epigenetic injury — and how that means it can be modulated and improved.Learn the difference between peptides and bio-regulators, and why bio-regulators can directly influence gene expression.Explore anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies that protect kidneys, including polyphenols, herbs, teas, and cooking methods. In Part 2, Dr. Robin Rose reframes kidney disease not as a fixed diagnosis, but as a dynamic, modifiable process shaped by immune signaling, epigenetics, lifestyle, and targeted therapies. By combining peptides, bio-regulators, nutrition, and mindset, she offers a compassionate and science-based approach to healing that empowers patients rather than frightening them. This episode reminds us that recovery is not about perfection — it’s about informed, consistent choices that restore balance over time.

    48 min
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About

Join Dr. Micah Yu, a board-certified integrative rheumatologist, and Dr. Melissa Mondala, an integrative medicine and mental health expert, as they bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and soulful healing. In Autoimmune Alchemy, this husband-and-wife MD team share personal stories, expert insights, and powerful patient journeys to explore how autoimmune illness and chronic disease can be transformed through integrative medicine. From evidence-based science and integrative medicine to ancient healing wisdom and mindset practices, this podcast is your guide to whole-person health, from science to soul.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala
  • Show Website
    Autoimmune Alchemy

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