Perimenopause, PCOS & Progesterone: Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

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!

Stop Dieting in Perimenopause: Why Calorie Restriction Worsens Cortisol & Autoimmune

Today I'm honored to have Dr. Salome Masghati, OB-GYN and pelvic surgeon who transitioned from operating rooms to preventative medicine. Dr. Salome reveals why autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's, lupus, and RA spike during perimenopause—estrogen is anti-inflammatory, and when it declines, cortisol dysregulates, inflammation rises, and autoimmune flares. She explains why calorie restriction backfires in midlife, worsening cortisol and weight gain, and shares practical steps: morning sunlight, protein breakfasts, resistance training, gut testing, and hormone optimization. Hormones alone aren't enough—you need proper liver detox, gut health, and anti-inflammatory diet to truly heal. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Autoimmune diseases spike in perimenopause when estrogen (anti-inflammatory) declines 2. Cortisol dysregulates when estrogen drops—overactive to compensate 3. Calorie restriction worsens cortisol dysregulation—don't undereat in midlife 4. Start simple: morning sunlight, protein breakfasts, resistance training (not just cardio) 5. Estrogen & testosterone are immune modulators—decline = autoimmune flares 6. Hashimoto's, lupus, RA improve in pregnancy, worsen in menopause 7. Hormones need gut health, liver detox, anti-inflammatory diet to work 8. Heavy/painful periods, cyclical migraines = hormone-related symptoms 9. COVID disrupted gut microbiome—long COVID worsened autoimmune 10. Individualized testing: gut, heavy metals, micronutrients Chapters & Timestamps 02:00 Cortisol Clues: Exhausted Mornings, Wired Nights 03:00 Why Cortisol Goes Haywire in Perimenopause 05:00 Metabolic Changes: Weight Gain, Insulin Resistance 07:00 Simple Starts: Sunlight, Protein, Resistance Training 10:00 Autoimmune Diseases Spike When Estrogen Declines 12:00 Hormones Need Gut Health & Liver Detox 14:00 When Is Surgery Needed vs Lifestyle? 16:00 Environmental Toxins & COVID Impact 17:00 Beyond Basic Bloodwork GUEST DETAILS Salome Masghati, MD — OB-GYN, Pelvic Surgeon & Hormone Specialist Training: OB-GYN, pelvic surgery, regenerative medicine, advanced hormone therapy, preventative wellness Current Focus: Preventative medicine—balancing hormones to prevent surgeries, addressing root causes (gut health, environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction) Philosophy: Individualized care. Hormones must be balanced with proper liver detox, gut microbiome, anti-inflammatory diet. Connect: * Instagram: @drsalomemasghatimd * Website: DrsalomemasghatiIndividualized Hormone Therapy for Women | Dr. Salome Masghati [https://www.drsalomemasghati.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 [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!

Environmental Toxins and Forever Chemicals: What's Really Destroying Your Health?

Today I sit down with Lara Adler, environmental health educator with 14+ years experience helping health professionals understand how environmental chemicals impact chronic health conditions. Lara explains how environmental toxins—from air pollution to endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates—contribute to autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic illness over decades of exposure. She reveals air pollution has the strongest research linking it to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions, why PFAS "forever chemicals" can't be detoxed from the body, and practical free strategies anyone can implement today: open windows daily ("house burping"), remove shoes indoors, decline receipts, ditch scented products, vacuum/wet dust regularly, and swap kitchen plastics for glass/stainless steel. Lara emphasizes this is a long game—not perfection—and shares how to protect yourself without fear-mongering or breaking the bank. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air pollution has strongest research linking to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions 2. Endocrine disruptors (BPA, phthalates, PFAS) found in plastics, receipts, scented products 3. Free swaps: open windows daily, remove shoes, decline receipts, ditch scented candles 4. Vacuum/wet dust regularly—chemicals accumulate in house dust 5. Kitchen plastics: swap for glass, stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel 6. Detox supplements don't work for BPA/phthalates (body metabolizes in 6-12 hours) 7. PFAS forever chemicals: no proven detox exists yet 8. Flame retardants mostly removed from furniture post-2014 (California law change) 9. Water filters: reverse osmosis removes most but wasteful; carbon filters often sufficient 10. Air filters: HEPA + carbon (8-15 lbs carbon ideal); avoid ionizing CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 01:00 How Lara Got Into Environmental Health 05:00 What Are Environmental Toxins? 09:00 Why Long-Term Studies Are Rare 14:00 Biggest Misconceptions About Toxins Online 18:00 Top 3 Toxin Exposures: Air Pollution & Endocrine Disruptors 26:00 BPA Disrupts Immune System Too 29:00 Free & Easy Swaps: Open Windows, Remove Shoes 32:00 Scented Products = Phthalates in House Dust 35:00 Ditch Kitchen Plastics: Glass, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron 37:00 Why Detox Supplements Don't Work for Most Toxins 39:00 PFAS Forever Chemicals: No Detox Solution Exists 41:00 Flame Retardants in Furniture: The California Story 49:00 Best Cookware: Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel 52:00 Water Filters: Reverse Osmosis vs Carbon Filters 56:00 Air Filters: HEPA + Carbon (Not Ionizing) GUEST DETAILS Lara Adler — Environmental Health Educator & Consultant Expertise: 14+ years helping health professionals understand environmental chemical impacts on chronic health. Currently pursuing Master's in Public Health, University of Massachusetts. Work: Bridges emerging research with practical evidence-based strategies to minimize toxic exposures and strengthen resilience. Advises health-focused organizations and practitioners. Mission: Balanced, evidence-based education without fear-mongering. Helping people make practical changes within their means. Connect: * Instagram: @EnvironmentalToxinsNerd * Substack: Talking Toxins * Website:LaraAdler.com [http://laraadler.com/] * LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/laraadler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraadler/] 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!