The Autoimmune Babe Podcast

Gianna Michalak MS,CNS
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The Autoimmune Babe Podcast: A Guide for Women with Connective Tissue Autoimmune Disease Welcome to The Autoimmune Babe Podcast, your go-to resource for women battling connective tissue autoimmune diseases like scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hosted by Gianna Michalak, a Scleroderma warrior who’s been in remission for 9 years, this podcast is dedicated to helping you reclaim control of your health, reduce inflammation, and find lasting relief. Each episode delivers expert advice, personal success stories, and science-backed strategies to help you navigate the emotional and physical challenges of autoimmune disease, Gianna shares her powerful methods to combat inflammation, focusing on both healing the body and supporting emotional well-being. If you're tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, The Autoimmune Babe Podcast will empower you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to take action and improve your health. Whether you're dealing with daily symptoms or seeking long-term relief, this podcast provides the hope and clarity you need to start feeling like yourself again. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes, and subscribe now to start your journey toward healing.

  1. How Nervous System Dysregulation Can Trigger Autoimmunity

    10/21/2025

    How Nervous System Dysregulation Can Trigger Autoimmunity

    How Nervous System Dysregulation Can Trigger Autoimmunity Have you ever wondered: “Why do I feel worse even when I’m eating ‘healthier’?” “Why do flare-ups hit harder on stressful weeks?” “Is there a gentler way to reduce inflammation without living on elimination diets?” this episode is for you. In this eye-opening talk, Gianna explains how feeling chronically unsafe in your body keeps you stuck in inflammation and why healing starts with a gentle, 'more feminine' approach that highlights regulation, connection, and nourishment. You’ll learn the three mistakes that stall progress (it’s not just diet), how to shift out of fight-or-flight, and how tiny, repeatable habits build real evidence that remission is within reach. You’ll learn Why women fall through the cracks of conventional care. Why you are NOT what you eat. How to make progress even on symptom-filled days. The E2P2 Method (Energy, Emotions, Physical symptoms, Poop). Why recovery (not perfection) is the secret weapon elite athletes and autoimmune warriors share. Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your licensed clinician before making changes.

    38 min
  2. How Start Healing Your Gut Health? — An Interview with Emily Prada

    10/14/2025

    How Start Healing Your Gut Health? — An Interview with Emily Prada

    You've likely Googling it — Can autoimmune disease go into remission? What foods heal autoimmune symptoms? What’s the fastest way to reset your immune system? In this episode, Gianna is interviewed by Emily Prada and discusses the popular questions about starting a healing journey, gut health and autoimmune remission. You’ll discover why gut healing starts with digestion, why elimination diets don't always work , and how to start a healing journey if you’ve been told “there’s nothing more you can do.” Chapters00:00 Intro & why “health” ≠ restriction03:05 Gianna’s diagnosis story (linear morphea scleroderma) & bullying at 1208:42 The mental health break-through: choosing a new path12:10 Digestion first → gut health next (why this order matters)15:18 The “Add-In Approach” to eating (Trader Joe’s produce → diversity)19:40 E2P2-style check-ins: Energy, Emotions, Physical, Poop (post-meal awareness)24:05 Why most food sensitivity tests disappoint (IgG/IgE caveats)28:30 Vagus-nerve mealtime breaths: 1–3 deep diaphragmatic breaths32:50 Boundaries with food (enjoy the cookie, choose the right context)37:15 Business & becoming: evolution > perfection41:30 Hope & next steps: simple, strategic, consistent     Resources Mentioned / Helpful Links Free guide: How to Heal Naturally Alongside Medication Work with Gianna: Autoimmune Relief Consultation (personalized food-log review + next steps) Follow on IG/TikTok: @autoimmune.babe Try This This Week Before 1–2 meals per day: 3 slow belly breaths. Add in two produce items you don’t usually buy to increase diversity.   DisclaimerThis content is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your clinician before making changes.

    36 min
  3. How I Reversed Scleroderma Naturally as a Clinical Nutritionist | Q&A Episode

    10/07/2025

    How I Reversed Scleroderma Naturally as a Clinical Nutritionist | Q&A Episode

    How I Reversed Scleroderma Naturally | My Story as a Clinical Nutritionist Episode Summary In this unfiltered Q&A episode, Gianna opens up her unread DMs and answers questions from autoimmune women like you on what she did to achieve unmedicated remission and what she diet(s) were a resource to her autoimmune healing along the way. Gianna opens up about the dark side of anti-inflammatory diets, the emotional side of remission, and why strengthening your digestion—before focusing on your gut—is what truly changes the game. You’ll walk away with clarity, and a deeper understanding of how your body is designed to heal when it feels safe and supported. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Scleroderma remission is possible and what it realistically looks like The truth about elimination diets and why they will only get you so far The dark side about “anti-inflammatory” eating The emotional work that helped her body feel safe enough to heal Why gut health is the foundation for every autoimmune recovery & what must come first What diet did Gianna follow that allowed her to experience autoimmune remission Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: 📩 Listener Q&A Invitation – Do you want to see more episodes like this or have a question for the next Q&A? Email Gianna directly at contact.autoimmunebabe@gmail.com  📋 Food Log Audit Waitlist – Get early access to a brand new offer designed to get expert eyes on your meals and help you identify which foods fight or fuel your inflammation. Join the waitlist here → autoimmunebabe.com/Food-Log-Waitlist  Looking for Free Resource? Start here! 📖 Free Guide – How to Start Healing Naturally Alongside MedicationLearn the first steps to calm inflammation, improve digestion, and increase your odds of remission → Coming soon! Subscribe & Share New episodes drop every Tuesday! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode full of hope, education, and real-life healing stories. 💛 If this episode encouraged you, share it with another autoimmune babe in your life. Sharing hope is one of the most powerful gifts we can give.

    21 min
  4. POSTbiotics or Probiotics? The Gut-Health Duo Changing Autoimmune Healing

    09/23/2025

    POSTbiotics or Probiotics? The Gut-Health Duo Changing Autoimmune Healing

    POSTbiotics or Probiotics? The Gut-Health Duo Changing Autoimmune Healing Episode Summary What if probiotics aren’t the first step and sometimes, probiotics can make symptoms worse?  In this episode, Gianna explains the crucial difference between probiotics and POSTbiotics, and why introducing the right supplement at the right time can make all the difference on your healing journey. You’ll learn how your gut microbiome functions as an ecosystem (not a math equation), why adding probiotics at the wrong time can backfire, and increase your odds of a flare up. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What probiotics actually are and how they impact inflammation. Why your gut microbiome works more like an ecosystem than a simple “good vs bad bacteria” equation. How probiotics can sometimes make autoimmune symptoms worse. Why postbiotics often need to come first, even before a high quality probiotic. What are postbiotics and how they influence chronic inflammation Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🦠 High-Quality Probiotics List: Get access to Gianna’s recommended probiotics (with 10% off through Fullscript!) → Click here 📋 Anti-Inflammatory Food Log Audit: Waitlist is live now! Be the first to access this limited-spot promo and get personalized diet guidance for only $97 → Click here Next Steps 📖 Free Guide – How to Start Healing Naturally Alongside Medication: Learn the first steps to calm inflammation, improve digestion, and increase your odds of remission → Click here Subscribe & Share New episodes drop every Tuesday! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where Gianna answers her most-asked TikTok question: What diet did you start with that increased your odds of remission? 💛 If this episode encouraged you, share it with another autoimmune babe in your life. Sharing hope is one of the most powerful gifts we can give.

    10 min
  5. What Are Probiotics & Do They Increase Your Odds of Remission?

    09/17/2025

    What Are Probiotics & Do They Increase Your Odds of Remission?

    What Are Probiotics & Do They Increase Your Odds of Remission? Episode SummaryProbiotics are a multi-billion dollar industry, but are they really worth the hype when it comes to autoimmune healing? If you’ve ever wondered whether probiotics can actually help reduce inflammation and increase your odds of remission, this episode is for you. Gianna breaks down what probiotics are, how they interact with your gut microbiome, and why supplement quality matters more than you think. You’ll also learn why random probiotics can sometimes make symptoms worse, and the crucial role prebiotics (and postbiotics) play in your healing journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What probiotics really are and how they impact autoimmune inflammation. How your gut microbiome works like a safari 🦓🦏 and why diversity is king. Why probiotics need prebiotics to actually work. The step-by-step approach Gianna uses with her clients. Hint: probiotics is not the first step! Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🦠 High-Quality Probiotics List: Get access to Gianna’s recommended probiotics (with 10% off through Fullscript!) → Click here Next Steps 📖 Free Guide: How to Start Healing Naturally Alongside Medication: Learn the first steps to calm inflammation, improve digestion, and increase your odds of remission → Click here Subscribe & ShareNew episodes drop every Tuesday! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode, all about postbiotics, the supplement Gianna believes will be the next big breakthrough in autoimmune healing. 💛 If this episode encouraged you, share it with another autoimmune babe in your life. Sharing hope is one of the most powerful gifts we can give.

    8 min
  6. Living Life Again with Lupus: How Megan Found Freedom from Autoimmune Fear After 25 Years

    09/02/2025

    Living Life Again with Lupus: How Megan Found Freedom from Autoimmune Fear After 25 Years

    When you've been sick for so long (I'm talking years), it can feel delusional to hope in healing. Because countless times before you've likely tried to eat better, hydrate more, work out consistently, and nothing seemed to help you truly feel better. In this week's episode, we get honest about the messy middle of autoimmune healing. Gianna sits down with her client Megan (25+ years with lupus) to unpack how she started living life again—finding joy, advocating with confidence, and finally experiencing freedom from all-consuming autoimmune fear. This conversation reflects the same patterns Gianna sees in clients, and what’s helped Megan and other autoimmune women get their sparkle back, regardless of how long they’ve been fighting autoimmune disease. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why healing and flaring can happen at the same time, and how this is part of the road to remission. How to break the all-or-nothing mentality and feel safe in your body again. Advocacy that works: how to partner with your doctor without feeling gaslit. How “soft-life” recovery (rest, pacing, nervous system calm) lowers flares and chronic symptoms.   If you’ve wondered why your symptoms aren’t improving despite your effort, this episode offers clarity and tangible steps toward hope.   ✨ Ready to start a healing journey that gives you your life back? Grab my free guide, How to Heal Alongside Medication: A Beginner’s Guide to Autoimmune Relief, at autoimmunebabe.com to start your own journey today.   🎙 New episodes of the Autoimmune Babe Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM EST—subscribe and tune in weekly!   ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more autoimmune relief tips and join me on Instagram @autoimmune.babe for daily support.

    54 min
  7. Why Your Autoimmune Symptoms Aren’t Improving Despite Eating Healthy

    08/26/2025

    Why Your Autoimmune Symptoms Aren’t Improving Despite Eating Healthy

    Are you doing all the right things, eating healthy, working out, taking supplements and still not feeling better? You’re likely making these 3 mistakes. In this episode, I break down 3 "wellness" mistakes that keep your body stuck in pain, fatigue, and inflammation. These are the very patterns I see over and over again in my clients and the same ones I made during my 10-year battle with scleroderma before finally reaching unmedicated remission. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why the all-or-nothing mentality sabotages healing. The truth about elimination diets (and what to do instead). How to see your medication as a bridge, not a roadblock. If you’ve ever wondered why your autoimmune symptoms aren’t improving despite all your effort, this conversation will give you clarity, and most importantly, hope. ✨ Grab my free guide, How to Heal Alongside Medication: A Beginner’s Guide to Autoimmune Relief, at autoimmunebabe.com  to start your own journey today. 🎙 New episodes of the Autoimmune Babe Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7AM EST, so be sure to subscribe and tune in weekly! ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more autoimmune relief tips and join me on Instagram @autoimmune.babe  for daily support.

    48 min
  8. Foods That Help You Heal: Postpartum Recovery, Breastfeeding, and Mental Wellness

    08/19/2025

    Foods That Help You Heal: Postpartum Recovery, Breastfeeding, and Mental Wellness

    Did you know that after birth, your placenta leaves behind a wound the size of a large dinner plate? In this nourishing and insightful episode, Gianna sits down with postpartum specialist Samantha Franceschini to explore what most new moms aren’t told about recovery: the power of food, rest, and gentle support. Together, they unpack the physiological changes that occur after childbirth, how under-eating can hinder healing, and why warm, nutrient-dense meals are essential for both physical and mental wellness. Whether you’re expecting, recovering, or supporting a postpartum mom, this conversation will change the way you view the fourth trimester. What You’ll Learn 💡 🥣 Why warm, broth-based meals are more healing than cold salads postpartum🧠 How nutrition directly impacts postpartum anxiety and depression🍼 Why breastfeeding moms need more calories—not fewer❌ The common postpartum nutrition mistakes that can delay healing🌿 Practical food prep tips to nourish your body and mind in early motherhood🛐 How affirmations and self-compassion support recovery just as much as food     FIND AUTOIMMUNE BABE 💻 Websiteautoimmunebabe.com 🎁 Free GuideHow to Heal Alongside Medication 📸 YouTubeautoimmune.babe.podcast 🎙️ Subscribe to The Autoimmune Babe PodcastListen on Spotify 🎥 Watch the WorkshopHow to Increase Your Odds of Remission

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Autoimmune Babe Podcast: A Guide for Women with Connective Tissue Autoimmune Disease Welcome to The Autoimmune Babe Podcast, your go-to resource for women battling connective tissue autoimmune diseases like scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hosted by Gianna Michalak, a Scleroderma warrior who’s been in remission for 9 years, this podcast is dedicated to helping you reclaim control of your health, reduce inflammation, and find lasting relief. Each episode delivers expert advice, personal success stories, and science-backed strategies to help you navigate the emotional and physical challenges of autoimmune disease, Gianna shares her powerful methods to combat inflammation, focusing on both healing the body and supporting emotional well-being. If you're tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, The Autoimmune Babe Podcast will empower you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to take action and improve your health. Whether you're dealing with daily symptoms or seeking long-term relief, this podcast provides the hope and clarity you need to start feeling like yourself again. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes, and subscribe now to start your journey toward healing.

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