Autoimmune Alchemy

Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

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. 5 DAYS AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. The Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 1: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin Rose

    17/12/2025

    The Overlooked Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Kidney Health Part 1: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Robin Rose

    In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Robin Rose — family medicine physician, peptide specialist, and kidney health educator — to uncover a critical but often overlooked topic: early kidney decline in autoimmune disease. Dr. Rose shares her powerful personal story of surviving kidney cancer, losing a kidney, and reversing what doctors told her was irreversible kidney failure. She explains why kidney damage often begins long before standard labs change, how autoimmune inflammation quietly stresses kidney tubules, blood vessels, and mitochondria, and why many patients are told to “wait” instead of act. This conversation reframes kidney health as something proactive, reversible, and deeply connected to autoimmune disease, gut health, lifestyle, peptides, and mindset — offering hope and actionable insight for patients at every stage. TimeStamps [0:00] — Introduction: Autoimmune Disease & the Forgotten Role of the Kidneys [1:20] — Dr. Robin Rose’s Story [7:40] — Why Kidney Damage Starts Before Labs Change [11:35] — How Autoimmune Disease Stresses Kidney Tubules, Blood Vessels & Mitochondria [17:17] — Diet, Protein, Acidity & Lifestyle Choices That Impact Kidney Health [25:20] — The Gut–Kidney–Immune Axis: Dysbiosis, Uremic Toxins & Inflammation [31:00] — Early Detection Tools, Binders & Proactive Kidney Protection [50:00] — Hope, Mindset & Setting the Stage for Part 2 (Peptides & Therapies) Key Takeaways Discover why autoimmune disease creates kidney vulnerability long before creatinine or GFR appear abnormal. Understand how inflammation, immune complexes, and vascular damage quietly stress kidney tubules and blood vessels. Learn why early kidney decline is often missed — and why waiting for “bad labs” delays prevention. Uncover the difference between kidney filtration (glomeruli) and reabsorption (tubules), and why tubules are damaged first. Explore how autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s, RA, MS, and Hashimoto’s increase renal risk through inflammation and dysbiosis. Dr. Robin Rose’s story challenges the belief that kidney decline is inevitable. By understanding early warning signs, supporting the gut–immune–kidney axis, and shifting from fear to informed action, patients with autoimmune disease can protect their kidneys long before crisis occurs. Part 1 offers clarity, empowerment, and hope — reminding us that prevention begins with awareness and belief in healing.

    55 min
  7. Food Sensitivities, Inflammation & Autoimmunity: Dr. Melissa Mondala with Dr. Peter Kan

    09/12/2025

    Food Sensitivities, Inflammation & Autoimmunity: Dr. Melissa Mondala with Dr. Peter Kan

    In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Melissa Mondala welcomes Dr. Peter Kan — board-certified chiropractor, functional neurologist, and functional medicine expert known for bridging the gut–brain–immune connection. Dr. Kan works extensively with Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s, mixed connective tissue disease, MS, and patients with “autoimmune of unknown origin.” In this conversation, he breaks down why autoimmune patients so often struggle with food sensitivities, inflammatory flares, neurological symptoms, and overlapping autoimmune conditions thattraditional medicine misses. He explains the difference between allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, why “food can be medicine or poison,” and how immune pathways like T-reg cells, Th17 activation, NF-kB, and leaky gut shape the autoimmune experience. He also shares strategic supplements, lifestyle foundations, and a practical roadmap for people who are overwhelmed, undiagnosed, or stuck in flare cycles. TimeStamps [0:00] — Understanding the Gut–Brain–Immune Connection [1:40] — How Food Sensitivities Trigger Autoimmune Flares [3:27] — Why Autoimmune Symptoms Spread Throughout the Body [5:44] — Allergies vs. Sensitivities vs. Intolerances Explained [8:34] — Foundational Supplements for Reducing Inflammation [10:54] — T-Reg Cells, Glutathione & Immune Modulation [14:17] — Elimination Diets, Testing & Reintroductions [16:57] — Personalizing Your Autoimmune Nutrition Plan Key Takeaways Discover how food sensitivities ignite autoimmune flares by ramping up the immune system and triggering tissue inflammation. Understand why many patients have “autoimmune of unknown origin” long before receiving an official diagnosis. Explore the difference between allergies (IgE), sensitivities (IgG/IgA), and intolerances (enzyme-based) — and why each requires a different treatment approach. Learn how food reactions can show up as fatigue, brain fog, sinus issues, weight changes, joint pain, skin symptoms, or mood shifts — not just digestive problems. Uncover how regulatory T-cells work as the “brake pedal” of the immune system, and why supporting them helps quiet autoimmune activity and move toward remission. Dr. Peter Kan brings clarity to one of the most confusing and overwhelming parts of autoimmune disease: the relationship between food, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. His science-backed but practical approach helps patients understand why they react to so many foods, how to begin healing gut and immune pathways, and how to move toward remission through immune modulation — not fear or restriction. This conversation offers hope, direction, and a clear roadmap for anyone lost in the world of autoimmune flares.

    18 min
  8. Sjögren’s, Seronegative Cases & New Breakthrough Treatments: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Kara Wada

    30/11/2025

    Sjögren’s, Seronegative Cases & New Breakthrough Treatments: Dr. Micah Yu with Dr. Kara Wada

    Welcome to another episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, Dr. Micah Yu sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — board-certified allergist, immunologist, lifestyle medicine physician, Sjögren’s patient, and founder of The Immune Confidence Institute. Dr. Wada opens up about her long diagnostic journey with Sjögren’s, why so many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and how clinical “gray zone” diseases like seronegative Sjögren’s, MCAS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue often fall through the cracks in modern medicine. She also shares the lifestyle changes, supplements, and clinical trial therapy (dazodalibep) that changed her health, plus the innovative lymph-node–targeted allergy treatment she now offers in her clinic. Time Stamps [0:00] — Welcome & Introduction [1:07] — Early Symptoms & Missed Red Flags [3:45] — Diagnosis Journey & Lab Findings [6:12] — What Sjögren’s Really Is [7:50] — Dryness Isn’t Always the First Symptom [9:26] — Misrouted Specialists & Delayed Diagnosis [9:50] — Full Symptom Breakdown [14:16] — Lifestyle Changes That Helped [15:30] — New Sjögren’s Drug Trial (Dazodalibep) [18:10] — Future Treatments & Seronegative Gap [19:39] — Supplements That Helped [23:14] — “Clinical Ghosts” & Why Patients Are Dismissed [27:17] — Rethinking Mast Cells & MCAS [29:06] — ISLIT Protocol (Lymph-Node Immunotherapy) [30:30] — Closing & Part 2 Teaser Key Takeaways Discover why Sjögren’s isn’t rare — only rarely diagnosed — and how normal labs can still hide the disease. Understand why dryness doesn’t always appear first and how neurological issues, fatigue, migraines, and POTS often come earlier. Learn how over-reliance on blood work leads doctors to dismiss patients whose symptoms don’t fit textbook patterns. Uncover the deep neurological involvement in Sjögren’s, including dizziness, orthostatic intolerance, and chronic headaches. Explore the lifestyle tools that helped Dr. Wada improve, including sleep optimization, stress management, and plant-forward nutrition. Autoimmune patients can be overlooked — even when the symptoms are loud and life-altering. Dr. Kara's perspective as both a...

    33 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
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala
  • Show Website
    Autoimmune Alchemy

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