What happens when autoimmune disease meets real life?

Food Is Not the Enemy: Autoimmune Nutrition, Anti-Inflammatory Foods, and Better Health with Chronic Illness

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520158/fan_mail/new] Can food improve your quality of life when you're living with a chronic illness? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, you're not alone. One expert tells you to cut carbs. Another says avoid fat. Someone recommends the Mediterranean diet. Someone else says eliminate entire food groups. For people already managing autoimmune disease, chronic illness, medications, appointments, fatigue, and daily symptoms, trying to figure out the "perfect diet" can feel exhausting. In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston shares an evidence-informed and empowering perspective on nutrition, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and sustainable wellness. Drawing on her experience as a health and wellness coach, patient advocate, and someone who has lived with multiple sclerosis and maintained a 130-pound weight loss following bariatric surgery, Michele explores a simple but powerful truth: Food is not the enemy. Food is one of the most powerful health tools available to us. And while food may not cure autoimmune disease, it can influence many aspects of our health and quality of life. In This Episode, Michele Discusses: * Why food should be viewed as nourishment instead of restriction * The difference between dieting and sustainable wellness * Anti-inflammatory nutrition principles * Nutrition and autoimmune disease * How food affects energy, digestion, sleep, and overall health * Why protein becomes increasingly important as we age * The truth about carbohydrates and why they're not the enemy * Why fiber may be one of the most overlooked nutrition tools * The connection between gut health and immune health * Healthy fats and brain health * Practical nutrition strategies for chronic illness * Small lifestyle changes that create long-term results Food Is a Tool, Not a Cure One of Michele's most important messages is that food should never be viewed as a miracle cure. Instead, food is a powerful tool that supports: * Energy levels * Blood sugar balance * Digestive health * Weight management * Cardiovascular health * Immune function * Healthy aging "Food isn't a cure. It's a tool." And for many people living with chronic illness, nutrition is one of the few areas where we can actively make choices that support our well-being. Michele's Key Nutrition Priorities Prioritize Protein Michele explains that many people unintentionally under-eat protein. Protein helps support: * Muscle maintenance * Recovery * Immune health * Strength * Healthy aging Especially when fatigue is already part of daily life, maintaining strength becomes increasingly important. Stop Blaming Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy. Instead of fearing carbs, Michele encourages listeners to focus on nutrient-dense options such as: * Oats * Beans * Lentils * Sweet potatoes * Whole grains * Fruit These foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and sustainable energy. Increase Fiber If Michele could recommend one nutrition habit, it would be increasing fiber intake. Fiber supports: * Gut health * Blood sugar balance * Cholesterol management * Digestive health * Immune health "Your gut is your second brain." Don't Fear Healthy Fats Healthy fats support: * Brain health * Nervous system function * Cell health * Cardiovascular health Examples include: * Salmon * Sardines * Walnuts * Chia seeds * Olive oil * Avocados Michele's Most Important Message This episode delivers a simple but empowering reminder: While many of us cannot control our diagnosis, we can influence many aspects of our health through the choices we make every day. "Nutrition is not about being perfect. It's about nourishing the body you have today." Living well with chronic illness isn't built on one perfect meal. It's built on thousands of small choices that support your well-being over time. 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov [https://www.cdc.gov] National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://www.nih.gov [https://www.nih.gov] MyPlate Nutrition Resources https://www.myplate.gov [https://www.myplate.gov]

What happens when autoimmune disease meets real life?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520158/fan_mail/new] A diagnosis is one thing. Living with it every day is something entirely different. In this deeply personal solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston shares what she's learned after more than 25 years of living with multiple sclerosis and decades of working as a patient advocate and healthcare navigator. From navigating healthcare barriers and managing symptoms to finding purpose, meaningful work, and personal fulfillment, Michele explores what happens after the diagnosis—when chronic illness becomes part of everyday life. This conversation is for anyone living with: * Multiple sclerosis (MS) * Lupus * Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) * Psoriatic arthritis * Graves' disease * Fibromyalgia * Other autoimmune or chronic health conditions 💡 In This Episode, Michele Discusses: * How to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for yourself * Common barriers to care for people with chronic illness * Why patient advocacy matters * How autoimmune disease impacts work and career choices * Finding purpose after a life-changing diagnosis * Managing fatigue, brain fog, and fluctuating energy * Redefining success after chronic illness * Building resilience and emotional well-being * Why asking for help is not failure * How to pace yourself and protect your energy * Rebuilding confidence and self-sufficiency * Turning lived experience into advocacy and support for others 🧠 One of the Biggest Questions Michele Explores How do you rebuild your identity after diagnosis? Michele shares that many people living with chronic illness struggle with redefining who they are when life no longer looks the way they expected. She discusses: * Redefining achievement * Adjusting expectations * Finding meaningful goals * Pursuing purpose while honoring your body's limits * Creating a life that works with your condition instead of against it "You need to encourage yourself to think about how can I be independent." ⚡ Managing Energy and Avoiding Burnout One of the most practical sections of the episode focuses on recognizing when you're pushing too hard. Michele discusses warning signs such as: * Persistent fatigue * Worsening autoimmune symptoms * Disrupted sleep * Increased anxiety * Depression * Frequent flare-ups She encourages listeners to build routines, use tools like calendars and reminders, pace themselves, and learn how to say "no" when necessary. "No is not a dirty word." ❤️ Purpose Matters Research continues to show that people living with chronic illness often experience greater psychological well-being when they find meaning and purpose despite adversity. For Michele, purpose came through: * Patient advocacy * Coaching * Education * Mentoring * Sharing stories through Beyond My Diagnosis And she encourages listeners to explore their own path toward fulfillment, whether through work, volunteering, creativity, family, or community involvement. 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Immune Confident Institute Founded by Kara Wada Immune Confident Institute International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) IMSMP Program [https://www.imsmp.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Positive Psychology Resources Martin Seligman Positive Psychology Center at University of Pennsylvania [https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn Center for Mindfulness and MBSR Resources [https://www.umassmed.edu/cfm/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Narrative Medicine Created by Rita Charon Columbia Narrative Medicine Program [https://www.narrativemedicine.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Can Summer Heat Trigger Autoimmune Flare-Ups? Living with MS, Lupus, and Autoimmune Disease in Hot Weather

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520158/fan_mail/new] If you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome, psoriasis, Graves' disease, or another autoimmune condition, you've probably wondered why your symptoms sometimes feel worse during the summer months. In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores the connection between autoimmune disease, heat sensitivity, humidity, dehydration, UV exposure, and fatigue. Drawing from more than 25 years of living with multiple sclerosis, Michele shares practical strategies she's learned to help manage symptoms and enjoy summer without living in fear of a flare-up. This episode is packed with actionable tips, personal experiences, and resources to help you navigate hot weather with greater confidence and comfort. In This Episode, Michele Discusses: * Why heat sensitivity affects many people with autoimmune diseases * Uthoff's Phenomenon and its impact on MS symptoms * How heat can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms * The connection between humidity, barometric pressure, and joint pain * UV photosensitivity and lupus flare-ups * Why dehydration increases inflammation and fatigue * Summer fatigue versus neurological fatigue * Cooling strategies for people with MS * The benefits of cooling vests and cooling accessories * How to plan outdoor activities around heat and humidity * Hydration, electrolytes, and summer wellness * Sunscreen, clothing, and skin protection tips * How autoimmune diseases respond differently to weather changes * The impact of climate and rising temperatures on autoimmune conditions What Is Uthoff's Phenomenon? One of the most important topics Michele discusses is Uthoff's Phenomenon, a temporary worsening of neurological symptoms caused by increases in body temperature. For many people living with multiple sclerosis, even small increases in core body temperature can trigger: * Extreme fatigue * Brain fog * Blurred vision * Weakness * Numbness * Tingling * Difficulty processing information * Balance and mobility challenges The good news? These symptoms are often temporary and improve once the body cools down. Resources Mentioned in This Episode * American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)  https://autoimmune.org/ [https://autoimmune.org/] * National Multiple Sclerosis Society  https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ [https://www.nationalmssociety.org/] * Lupus Foundation of America  https://www.lupus.org/ [https://www.lupus.org/] * Lupus Photosensitivity & Sun Safety  https://www.lupus.org/resources/photosensitivity-and-lupus * Arthritis Foundation  https://www.arthritis.org/ [https://www.arthritis.org/] * American Academy of Dermatology (Sun Protection & Skin Health)  https://www.aad.org/ [https://www.aad.org/] ☀️ Michele's Summer Heat Survival Tips Stay hydrated • Replace electrolytes • Limit exposure during peak heat hours • Wear lightweight clothing • Use cooling products such as cooling vests, scarves, or wraps • Protect your skin with sunscreen and UV-protective clothing • Listen to your body and rest when symptoms increase. The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

The The Weight-Loss Dance: GLP-1 Medications, Obesity, and the Truth About Long-Term Weight Loss

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520158/fan_mail/new] Are GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and the newest experimental obesity drugs changing the future of weight loss? Or are they simply another tool in a much bigger journey? In this honest, educational, and deeply personal episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with licensed social worker Tammy St. Clair to talk about what they call “The Weight-Loss Dance”—the lifelong reality of managing obesity, maintaining weight loss, and learning how to create sustainable lifestyle change. Both Michele and Tammy bring lived experience to this conversation. Tammy worked in a bariatric surgery office for 10 years, has maintained over 100 pounds of weight loss for two decades, and now supports clients navigating obesity, emotional eating, behavior change, and long-term weight management. Michele shares her own 16-year journey after bariatric surgery and the ongoing realities of maintaining weight loss while living with chronic illness. Together, they unpack the growing conversation around: * GLP-1 medications * Obesity as a chronic medical condition * Bariatric surgery * Weight stigma and shame * Lifestyle change versus “diet mentality” * Why maintaining weight loss is often harder than losing it “Losing the weight is so much easier than maintaining your weight loss.” This episode explores the science, the emotions, and the mindset behind long-term obesity treatment in a way that is compassionate, realistic, and empowering.  Inside this episode, Michele and Tammy discuss: * What new obesity medications like GLP-1s and GIPs actually do * The newest experimental weight loss drug and why researchers are excited * Why obesity is not about laziness or lack of willpower * How hormones affect hunger, appetite, insulin, and metabolism * Why long-term maintenance is harder than rapid weight loss * The difference between “diet mentality” and lifestyle change * How bariatric surgery and medications are tools—not magic fixes * Why emotional eating and behavior patterns still matter * The emotional impact of weight stigma and shame * Why obesity should be treated as a chronic medical condition * The importance of realistic expectations and long-term support * Why mindset, self-awareness, and daily choices matter 🧠 One of the most powerful themes in this episode This isn’t about finding a “magic pill.” It’s about learning how to live differently. “It becomes lifestyle and it’s learning that.” Tammy explains that many people can lose weight temporarily through diets, restriction, or short-term programs—but maintaining weight loss requires ongoing behavioral change, emotional work, and support systems. Michele and Tammy also discuss the shame many people experience around obesity and weight loss medications. “This is a medical diagnosis and it takes a village to work this through.” They emphasize that obesity is not simply a matter of discipline or pushing away from the table. Research continues to show that genetics, hormones, metabolism, emotional health, and brain chemistry all play a role. GLP-1 medications, Ozempic, Wegovy, and obesity treatment Michele and Tammy explain how medications like: * Ozempic * Wegovy * Zepbound * GLP-1s * GIP medications …work by helping regulate appetite, insulin response, metabolism, and other hormonal systems connected to obesity and weight management. The conversation also explores: * Why some people lose more weight than others * Why medications can improve cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and A1C levels even without dramatic weight loss * Why side effects and medical supervision matter * The future of obesity medicine and genetic research The reality of “The Weight-Loss Dance” One of the most relatable moments in the episode comes when Michele explains that every day still involves conscious choices. Not perfection. Choices. “Every day, every meal, I get to make a decision.” This episode is not about quick fixes. It’s about sustainability, compassion, education, and understanding that managing obesity is often a lifelong journey—not a temporary one. 🔗 About Tammy St. Clair Tammy St. Clair is a licensed social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating obesity, bariatric surgery, behavior change, emotional eating, and long-term weight management. She worked in a bariatric surgery office for 10 years and has personally maintained over 100 pounds of weight loss for more than 20 years. Tammy combines professional expertise with lived experience to help clients better understand the emotional, behavioral, and medical realities of obesity treatment. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

How Your Story, Stress, and Breath Impact Chronic Illness, Brain Health, and Emotional Wellness

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520158/fan_mail/new] What if healing starts by listening to your story? In this deeply powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with transformational speaker, brain-body business alignment strategist, and wellness coach Lisa Charles to explore the connection between chronic illness, stress, nervous system regulation, storytelling, emotional healing, and self-awareness. This conversation goes far beyond traditional wellness advice. Together, Michele and Lisa unpack how unresolved stress, emotional pain, trauma, and disconnection from self can impact the body, relationships, mindset, and overall well-being. “Wellness is not simply checking the boxes on what I eat or how I move. It’s all degrees of the ways that I show up in the world.” Lisa shares how brain-body connectivity, intentional breathing, storytelling, and deep listening can help people reconnect to themselves, regulate stress, and better navigate life with chronic conditions. This episode is especially meaningful for anyone living with: * Autoimmune disease * Chronic stress or burnout * Emotional overwhelm * Anxiety or nervous system dysregulation * Identity shifts after diagnosis * Feelings of isolation or emotional exhaustion  Inside this episode, Michele and Lisa discuss: * Why storytelling is deeply connected to healing and wellness * How chronic illness changes your identity and perspective * The connection between stress, emotions, and physical health * Why women often minimize their own stories and experiences * How unresolved pain can continue affecting the nervous system * Why listening is more healing than “fixing” * The role of compassion, empathy, and vulnerability in growth * How emotional responses shape communication and relationships * The connection between breathwork and nervous system regulation * Simple breathing techniques to calm stress quickly * Why self-awareness is critical for healing and transformation One of the biggest takeaways Lisa explains that true wellness is “inside-out wellness”—the connection between brain, body, emotions, relationships, stress, and how we show up in life. “You are united as one being within those components.” Michele also shares deeply personal reflections on chronic illness, identity, emotional healing, and learning to ask not just “Why me?” but also “Why not me?” after diagnosis. “It wasn’t done to you. It was done.” This conversation is thoughtful, vulnerable, healing, and incredibly human. Breathwork and nervous system healing One of the most practical parts of this episode is Lisa’s discussion around breathing and stress regulation. She shares: * The “sigh breath” technique for calming stress quickly * The “hum breath” to help regulate the nervous system * Why intentional breathing helps shift the body out of survival mode * How just a few conscious breaths can change your emotional state “Breathing is life. You don’t breathe, you don’t live.”  Connect with Lisa Charles https://www.yescoachlisa.com/ [https://www.yescoachlisa.com/] Lisa Charles is a former federal prosecutor turned transformational speaker and Brain-Body Business Alignment Strategist. As the creator of Make Your Mission Your Money Source™, she helps purpose-driven leaders align their brain, body, and business to unlock clarity, confidence, and cash flow—without burnout. Through her work, Lisa empowers CEOs, creatives, and changemakers to lead with purpose, live in alignment, and build meaningful, profitable brands rooted in authenticity and wellness.