PANDAS in Kids: The Infection-Driven Brain Disorder Doctors Are Finally Talking About | Dr. Scott Antoine

PANDAS in Kids: The Infection-Driven Brain Disorder Doctors Are Finally Talking About | Dr. Scott Antoine

SHOW NOTES On this episode of AutoImmune Alchemy, I sit down with Dr. Scott Antoine — triple board-certified integrative and functional medicine physician, Amazon bestselling author, and one of the leading experts in PANS and PANDAS. His journey into this field began when his own daughter Emma was suddenly struck with severe OCD, defiance, and behavioral changes at age 12 — only to recover dramatically after IVIG treatment. That experience changed everything. If you've ever wondered why your child's psychiatric diagnosis didn't respond to treatment, or if their symptoms came on suddenly out of nowhere, this conversation could be life-changing. Chapters & Time-Stamps 1:01 Dr. Antoine's Personal Story with PANDAS 3:19 What is PANS & PANDAS? 5:47 IVIG & Insurance Coverage 7:10 History of the Diagnosis 10:32 Medical Acceptance & Controversy 18:27 Diagnosis & Workup 29:10 Mycoplasma & Epstein-Barr Virus 36:53 Treatment Monitoring & Antibiotic Duration 45:41 Holistic Treatment Approach 48:55 Final Words & Hope for Families 49:49 Where to Find Dr. Antoine Guest Details Triple board-certified integrative & functional medicine physician, PANS/PANDAS expert, and author of the Amazon bestselling Comprehensive Physician's Guide to the Management of PANS & PANDAS. Co-owner of the Center for Fully Functional Health in Carmel, Indiana. 🔗 fullyfunctional.com [http://fullyfunctional.com] 🔗 thepandasdocs.com [http://thepandasdocs.com] 📱 @thepandasdocs ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP Dr. 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, 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 Podcast Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy * Website:MyAutoimmuneMD.com [http://myautoimmunemd.com/] * Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.org [http://www.drlifestyle.org/] * Instagram: @myautoimmunemd * Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD * YouTube: @myautoimmunemd * Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com [contact@myautoimmunemd.com] Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Perimenopause Warning Signs Doctors Miss & What to Do Instead

In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with Dr. Jila Senemar — OB/GYN, longevity physician, and founder of the Miami Menopause Collective. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Jila is rewriting the narrative around menopause — from fear to freedom. We cover everything from early perimenopause signs and comprehensive lab testing to bioidentical hormones, PCOS, microplastics, and why lifestyle always comes first. If you've ever felt dismissed by your doctor, this episode is for YOU. 10 KEY TAKEAWAYS * It's not anti-aging — it's longevity. * Lifestyle is non-negotiable first. * Perimenopause doesn't start with hot flashes. * Iron deficiency is massively underdiagnosed. * Your cardiovascular risk skyrockets after menopause. * All bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved. * Comprehensive labs are not expensive. * PCOS and endometriosis are driven by environment. * Food can restore ovulatory cycles in PCOS. * Women need time, not a 5-minute visit. CHAPTERS 01:34 What Anti Aging Means 03:04 Start With Lifestyle Basics 04:58 When Stress Catches Up 07:57 Early Perimenopause Clues 10:46 Menopause As New Chapter 13:02 Stepwise Plan And Supplements 16:57 Red Light And Sauna Reality 18:25 Labs To Check First 22:19 Cardio Risk After Fifty 24:40 When To Consider Hormones 25:49 Hormone Therapy Reframed 27:01 Bioidentical and Delivery Options 28:23 Hormones Autoimmunity and Heart Risk 29:02 PCOS Metabolic Roots 30:52 Toxins and Fertility Trends 32:22 Endometriosis New Science 33:07 Optimizing Women in Their 20s 34:52 Patient Wins Lifestyle and Listening 40:08 Why Womens Health Needed More 43:25 Miami Menopause Collective and Empower 47:04 Where to Find Her 47:49 Closing Thanks and Takeaways GUEST DETAILS Dr. Jila Senemar, MD | OB/GYN | Longevity & Women's Health Physician Founder — Miami Menopause Collective Host — Her Time, Her Health Podcast Perimenopause · Menopause · Hormones Longevity Medicine · Women's Integrative Health 20+ Years in OB/GYN & Women's Health Based in Miami, Florida CONNECT 🌐 jilamd.com [http://jilamd.com] 📸 @drjilasenemar (Instagram) 🎙️ Podcast: Her Time, Her Health 📍 Miami, Florida ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP Dr. 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, 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 Podcast Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy * Website:MyAutoimmuneMD.com [http://myautoimmunemd.com/] * Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.org [http://www.drlifestyle.org/] * Instagram: @myautoimmunemd * Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD * YouTube: @myautoimmunemd * Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com [contact@myautoimmunemd.com] Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Natural Testosterone Boosters That Actually Work—Dr. Micah Howard on Herbs, Hormones & Men's Health

In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, I sit down with my fellow Andrew Weil Center cohort member and dear friend, Dr. Micah Howard — integrative physician, hypnotherapist, and Alabama's trailblazer in root-cause medicine. We dive DEEP into the testosterone conversation most doctors are getting wrong. Is TRT always necessary? What's really driving the hormonal crash in men? And what can herbs, lifestyle, and nitric oxide do before you ever pick up a syringe? Whether you're navigating autoimmune disease, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance — this one's for you. 10 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Testosterone isn't a fix-all. * Body fat is the #1 testosterone killer. * Endocrine disruptors are real and everywhere. * Remove the poison before you add anything. * Natural boosters work — if you give them time. * Nitric oxide is the unsung hero of men's health. * Testosterone levels are wildly dynamic. * GLP-1s are a double-edged sword. * Testosterone can improve autoimmune symptoms. * Sugar is hormonal sabotage — and it's addictive by design. CHAPTERS 01:52 Testosterone Hype And Risks 04:19 Why Levels Are Dropping 07:03 Endocrine Disruptors 09:04 GLP One Tradeoffs 10:17 Target Levels And Testing 13:12 Deficiency Signs And Vascular Health 14:37 Lifestyle Before TRT 18:18 Women And Testosterone 20:13 Natural Boosters And Herbs 23:54 Hibiscus For Water Retention 24:25 Hawthorn And Vessel Support 25:08 Ginseng And Key Adjuncts 27:27 Best Forms To Take 29:25 Stacking Versus Single Herbs 30:19 Men Versus Women Use 31:18 Trial Timelines And Goals 33:41 Testosterone Delivery Options 36:01 Autoimmune Links And Sugar Breaks 39:59 Wrap Up And Where To Find GUEST DETAILS Dr. Micah Howard, MD, ABOIM Board-Certified Integrative & Family Physician | CEO & Medical Director, Healing University Alabama's first integrative primary care clinic — rooted in Ayurvedic, Native American & evidence-based medicine. 🎓 Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellow 📍 Decatur, Alabama 📖 Author of Body of Work + 7 published collections 🌐 Website: bewellconnective.com 📧 Email: micahhowardmd@gmail.com About Your Hosts Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP Dr. 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, 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 Podcast Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy Website:MyAutoimmuneMD.com Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.org Instagram: @myautoimmunemd Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD YouTube: @myautoimmunemd Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Former CrossFit Pro: How Overtraining Destroyed Metabolism & Hormones

Today I have Dr. Becca Chilczenkowski, board-certified practitioner and hormone specialist who was a top 100 CrossFitter yet gained 15 pounds in one month and lost her cycle for three years from overtraining. Genetic testing revealed her inflammatory system turns on easily and struggles to turn off, making extreme exercise backfire. Becca reveals why detoxification—liver, gallbladder, bile support—is foundational, why she cut training from 6 days to 3 days weekly and became leaner, and why peptides are a "privilege you must earn" through lifestyle work first. She shares healing weight loss resistance, autoimmune, and MCAS through nervous system regulation, faith, and honoring rest as productive. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Genetics: Some bodies turn on inflammation easily, struggle to shut off 2. Detox first: Liver, gallbladder, bile before hormone optimization 3. Exercise less: 3 days strength beats 6 days HIIT 4. Rest is productive: Body forces rest if you don't choose it 5. Protein moderation: 80-90g/day works better for some 6. Peptides privilege: Earn through lifestyle, not replacement 7. Bile crucial: Main hormone detoxifier, methylation support 8. Genetic testing: Infron Pro 7 validates struggles 9. Nervous system: Faith, journaling, vagus nerve essential 10. Mindset matters: Self-talk sabotages healing Chapters & Timestamps 01:11 Becca Fitness Origins 02:28 Injury IVF And Weight Gain 03:10 Functional Medicine Awakening 05:35 Beyond Hormones Root Causes 06:27 Inflammation Stress And Metabolism 08:19 Where To Start Cell Detox 10:20 Exercise Stress Perimenopause 11:56 Nervous System Grounding Tools 15:28 Bile Liver And Gut Support 17:47 Fitness Myths Rest Protein 21:42 Learning To Rest And Reset Mindset 24:22 Gut Rebuild Strategy 26:54 Methylation Detox Basics 28:58 Labs That Matter Most 31:48 Genetics For Personalization 34:00 Muscle Bone Without HRT 36:38 Training Styles That Stick 39:16 Nutrition For Strength 41:16 Peptides Safety First 44:02 Peptides Pros And Cons 47:24 Mindset Faith And Support 49:35 Where To Find Becca GUEST DETAILS Dr. Becca Chilczenkowski — Board-Certified Practitioner & Hormone Specialist Background: Former top 100 CrossFitter. Lost 40-50 lbs competing, then gained 15 lbs in one month despite perfect diet/exercise. Lost cycle 3 years from overtraining. Discovery: Genetic testing (Infron Pro 7) revealed highly responsive inflammatory system—turns on easily, struggles to turn off. Practice: Virtual practice for weight loss resistance, autoimmune, MCAS, long COVID. Chicago-based. Philosophy: Detox first (liver/gallbladder/bile). Rest is productive. Peptides require earning through lifestyle. Faith-based. Connect: * Instagram: @theHormoneQueen * Website:FitMom.co [http://fitmom.co/] ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP Dr. 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, 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 PODCAST Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. CONNECT WITH AUTOIMMUNE ALCHEMY * Website:MyAutoimmuneMD.com [http://myautoimmunemd.com/] * Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.org [http://www.drlifestyle.org/] * Instagram: @myautoimmunemd * Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD * YouTube: @myautoimmunemd * Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com [contact@myautoimmunemd.com] Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!

Autoimmune Protocol Diet: How to Start the AIP Diet The Right Way

Today I have Mickey Trescott, nutrition professional and AIP pioneer who trained 1,000+ providers worldwide. Mickey shares her journey from bedridden with Hashimoto's/Celiac to creating the AIP movement, and reveals groundbreaking research: 73% IBD patients achieved clinical remission in 6 weeks, Hashimoto's patients lost 8 pounds eating the same 2,000 calories through reduced inflammation, and 29% CRP reduction without changing thyroid meds. She introduces Modified AIP—including rice, legumes (no soy/peanuts), ghee, seeds—making the protocol less restrictive. Her new book The New Autoimmune Protocol covers 9 human studies with easy recipes for both core and modified AIP. CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 01:00 Mickey's Hashimoto's & Celiac Journey 07:00 What Is Autoimmune Protocol Diet? 09:00 Modified AIP: Rice, Legumes, Ghee, Seeds 16:00 IBD Study: 73% Remission in 6 Weeks 20:00 Hashimoto's: 29% CRP Reduction 23:00 Weight Loss Without Calorie Restriction 28:00 RA Study: 7 of 9 Improved 35:00 Elimination Phase: 30-90 Days 39:00 AIP vs Paleo Differences 42:00 Nightshades & Autoimmune GUEST DETAILS Mickey Trescott, NTP, MS — Nutrition Professional & AIP Pioneer Training: MS in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine. AIP Certified Coach program co-creator (1,000+ providers trained). Background: Hashimoto's & Celiac survivor. Created AIP movement from online community experiments. Collaborated on 9 human AIP studies. Books: The New Autoimmune Protocol (May 26, 2025), The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, The Nutrient Dense Kitchen Connect: * Website:TheAutoimmuneProtocol.com [http://TheAutoimmuneProtocol.com] * Social: @MickeyTrescott * Book: May 26, 2025 ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP Dr. 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, 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 PODCAST Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches. CONNECT WITH AUTOIMMUNE ALCHEMY * Website:MyAutoimmuneMD.com [http://myautoimmunemd.com/] * Dr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.org [http://www.drlifestyle.org/] * Instagram: @myautoimmunemd * Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD * YouTube: @myautoimmunemd * Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com [contact@myautoimmunemd.com] Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!