Autoimmune Simplified

Hair in the drain. A widening part. Thinning at the temples. You've tried the shampoo. The supplements. The serums. But nothing's working. What if the real reason your hair is falling out… has nothing to do with your hair at all? In today's episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood symptoms of autoimmune conditions: hair loss. What's really causing it? Why are traditional solutions missing the mark? And what's the one lab marker that's often labeled “normal” but quietly sabotaging your hair regrowth?  If you've ever been told, “It's just aging,” or “It's cosmetic,” this episode will change the way you see your symptoms. We're covering: What autoimmune inflammation does to your hair cycle The misunderstood lab test that might hold the key to regrowth Why hormone shifts in perimenopause and menopause amplify shedding How your nervous system and stress hormones secretly drive hair loss Plus: What you need to know about that “normal” iron level (hint: it's not so normal). Free Resource Mentioned From Previous Podcast  Grab your Perimenopause & Autoimmune Bloodwork Guide Get a clear list of labs to run (and how to interpret them in this phase). www.AlisonDanby.com/hormonelabs About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com Loved This Episode? Let's keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave a 5 start review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

Perimenopause & Autoimmune — What's Really Going On? Are your autoimmune symptoms flaring as your hormones shift? You're not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Alison Danby dives deep into the powerful intersection between perimenopause and autoimmune disease — what's happening in your body, why things feel harder than they used to, and what you can do to feel like yourself again.  In This Episode, You'll Learn: What perimenopause really is — and how it affects your hormones, mood, sleep, and immune system Why hormone testing may not be as helpful as you think (and what to do instead) How fluctuating estrogen and declining progesterone can trigger autoimmune flares Why blood sugar crashes, histamine overload, and poor sleep make things worse The root causes of increased sensitivity to foods, stress, and medications Practical steps to regulate your nervous system, stabilize hormones, and reduce immune reactivity The role of HRT and when it might be worth exploring This is a must-listen if you're in your late 30s or 40s, feeling off, and wondering: “Is this perimenopause? Or is it my autoimmune condition?” (Spoiler: it's both — and we can work with it.) Free Resource Mentioned: Grab your Perimenopause & Autoimmune Bloodwork Guide Get a clear list of labs to run (and how to interpret them in this phase). www.AlisonDanby.com/hormonelabs About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com Loved This Episode? Let's keep the conversation going! **Share it with a friend **Leave a 5 start review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify **Tag @DrAlisonDanby on Instagram and let us know what landed most for you!

We hear it everywhere: “Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.” But… what does anti-inflammatory really mean? In this episode, Dr. Alison opens up about why she made a major pivot in her approach to autoimmune nutrition — stepping away from restrictive diets she once supported — and the powerful science that changed everything. We explore two fascinating studies that challenge conventional wisdom: A brand-new randomized controlled trial in autoimmune disease A a mindblowing study that reveals how you feel about food can shift your biology You'll discover: Why “anti-inflammatory” isn't as black-and-white as you've been told What we should be asking when it comes to food and inflammation How mindset and stress impact the body's response to food What really creates a healing environment — and how to start building it today If you've ever felt confused by conflicting advice, overwhelmed by wellness trends, or anxious about what's on your plate… this episode will bring you clarity, calm, and science-backed perspective.   -------------------------------------------- LINKS from the Show:  Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

What do childhood cartoons, spontaneous dance breaks, and ancient healing traditions have in common? They're all part of the surprising, science-backed tools I use to support the nervous system—tools that have transformed my own healing and the journey of so many clients navigating autoimmunity. In this soul-soothing episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we're diving into the beautiful intersection of science and self-care—nervous system regulation. I'm sharing three of my most-loved practices for calming the body, shifting out of stress, and creating space for true healing. They're joyful. They're emotional. They're powerful. And I promise—you won't see them coming. Whether you're mid-flare, burned out, or just need a moment of calm—this episode is your permission slip to feel, move, release, and come home to your body. Gentle. Real. Life-changing. Let's regulate—together. ------------------------- LINKS from the Show:  Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in Functional Medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 18 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

This episode dives deep into one of the questions I get asked most often: Should I take Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? If you're wondering whether LDN will work for your autoimmune condition, why it's not working for you, or why so many people online swear by it—this is the episode you need to hear. LDN has gained a lot of traction in the autoimmune community, especially on social media and even among some medical professionals. But is the hype supported by science? In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and getting real about what the research actually says. We'll break down: What LDN is and how it works The evidence (and limitations) in conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's, and scleroderma Why some people feel better—and others don't The difference between symptom relief and disease progression Why we need large, controlled studies before LDN becomes a mainstream autoimmune treatment As a practitioner, it's incredibly important to me that we don't just chase the latest trend. My role is to give you the full picture—the good and the bad—so you can make an informed decision about your health. We're not offering blanket solutions here. We're offering clarity. If you've been curious about LDN, this is the episode that gives you the straight facts—backed by science, explained with heart.

In this episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison Danby ND  explores the powerful connection between gut health and thyroid function, particularly in Hashimoto's. Learn how gut imbalances, nutrient absorption, leaky gut, and dysbiosis can impact your thyroid and autoimmune response. Key Topics Covered: ✔ The Thyroid-Gut Axis – How gut health influences thyroid function ✔ Leaky Gut & Autoimmune Thyroid Disease  ✔ The role of gut bacteria in Hashimoto's and how microbiome imbalances contribute to thyroid dysfunction ✔ Diet and lifestyle shifts to support gut and thyroid health ✔ How testing moves the needle in your care ✔ Do probiotics really help? What the latest research says ✔ Supplements that may support gut and thyroid healing Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your gut could be impacting your thyroid and what steps you can take to improve your health!   Apple: Link to Episode: The Missing Link - Key steps to healing your gut Spotify: Link to Episode The Missing Link: Key steps to Healing Your Gut ---------------------------------------------------------------- LINKS from the Show:  Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Academy, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

In this episode, we welcome back Laura Valvasori, she shares her remarkable journey of transforming her life and health by eliminating alcohol. This conversation tackles a critical yet often overlooked aspect of autoimmune care – the significant impact of alcohol on health. Laura's story is not just inspiring; it's a wake-up call to many who are diligently following their health routines but might be ignoring the 'big elephant in the room' – alcohol. We delve into how Laura made the pivotal decision to quit drinking and the profound health benefits she experienced as a result. This episode is packed with eye-opening statistics, particularly regarding the risks alcohol poses for cancer, and offers a wealth of practical tips for those considering a similar path. Laura provides invaluable insights on how to transition away from alcohol seamlessly, focusing on not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind this life-changing decision. Join us as Laura opens up about her challenges and triumphs, providing listeners with motivation and strategies to make a health-forward change. Whether you're dealing with autoimmune issues or simply seeking to improve your overall well-being, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the role of alcohol in health and how its removal can lead to a more vibrant, healthier life without feeling like you're missing out. Listen to Laura's Previous Episode  Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laura Valvasori Bio:  Laura Valvasori is a Business & Well-Being Mentor, the Author of Good to Grow: Cultivate Your Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur, a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, and the creator of the Still Me, But Alcohol-Free program. Like many women, in her early forties, Laura started feeling like alcohol was no longer agreeing with her body and drinking was starting to feel out of alignment with her otherwise healthy lifestyle. After hitting a breaking point, she decided to "try on" going alcohol-free in a quest to feel better. Today, over 3 years later, she lives happily alcohol-free. She is now passionate about sharing what she's learned to guide other women through the journey of shifting to an alcohol-free life. Listen to Laura's Previous Episode  Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:   Launching February 1st, 2024, Still Me, But Alcohol-Free is a 6-week program, designed for women, to guide you through "trying on" going alcohol-free with the right mindset, tools, and support to help you be successful. Find out more at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/still-me-alcohol-free   For those in the Oakville, Ontario area, you can join Laura for the Dry January Tasting Experience on January 18th from 6:30 – 8:30 at The Clover Collective. You will have an opportunity to taste a variety of non-alcoholic drinks while having a fun, social experience with like-minded women.   Buy your tickets at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/dry-january-tasting-experience   FREE RESOURCES: Grab a FREE copy of Laura's 12 Days of Alcohol-Free Holiday Mocktails that Don't Require Non-Alcoholic Spirits. Download at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/12-days-mocktails Grab a FREE copy of Your Guide to Non-Alcoholic Drinks that Don't Suck. Download at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/non-alcoholic-drinks-that-dont-suck Sign up for Laura's FREE 40-minute on-demand MentorClass “Five Hacks to a Happier Happy Hour Alcohol-Free” you'll learn strategies to help you "try on" socializing alcohol-free, while still having fun! Sign-up to watch: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/five-hacks-mentorclass-on-demand PREVIOUS EPISODE:   Laura is also the author of Good to Grow: Cultivate the Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur. She previously joined us as a guest on Episode 85: Taking the Fear out of Career Transition.   CONNECT WITH LAURA: Instagram and TikTok at @laura_valvasori   Email: me@lauravalvasori.com   www.lauravalvasori.com

In this episode, we explore the fascinating gut-brain axis, focusing on the complex interaction between gut health and mental well-being. Discover the role of the vagus nerve in this bidirectional relationship and how stress affects both the gut and the brain. We discuss the impact of the microbiome on autoimmune and mental health, emphasizing the importance of a balanced microbial environment. Learn about the systemic effects of gut inflammation, especially in autoimmune disorders, and the influence of diet and stress management on maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection. Join us for an insightful episode that offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the latest findings in gut health, brain signals, and their implications for overall wellness. Perfect for those looking to understand the intricate link between our digestive system and the nervous system.    ---------------------------------------------------------------- LINKS from the Show:  Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup Join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/between-visits-membership-7442 About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com    

Autoimmune Nutrition Essentials: Uncovering the Overlooked Trio In this episode, we explore the critical dietary components often overlooked in the management of autoimmune. We dive deep into the world of nutrition with us as we dissect the role and importance of protein, calcium, and fibre for those navigating the complexities of autoimmune conditions. In this enlightening series, we'll explore why diets catering to autoimmune health frequently miss out on these vital nutrients and how this can impact overall wellness. From the muscle-building power of protein to the multifaceted role of calcium beyond just bone health, and the gut-balancing benefits of fibre, we will cover it all. Each segment will not only shed light on the significance of these nutrients but will also provide actionable tips on how to seamlessly integrate them into your daily meals. Whether you're looking to revamp your diet or fine-tune it, this podcast is your go-to guide for enhancing your health journey with the power of protein, calcium, and fiber. Tune in to 'Filling the Gaps' and transform the way you eat, live, and thrive with autoimmune disease. Don't forget to join the conversation and share your food adventures with us on social media  LINKS from the Show:  Join the Autoimmune Academy - Free Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoimmuneAcademyGroup Trackers:  MyFittnesspal.com Are you getting enough Calcium in your diet? Click Here for the tracker  Do you have nutritional Questions? We get it - Nutrition is not easy! Don't worry We've got you covered. Join the Between the Visits Autoimmune Membership and get access to our weekly coaching call with Dr. Danby, ND and our nutritionist Paula  Join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/between-visits-membership-7442   ---------------------------------------- About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/between-visits-membership-7442 Sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Course hhttps://www.autoimmuneacademy.com/fatigue-course Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

Unveiling the Tiredness: Chronic Inflammation, Anemia, and the Unique Exhaustion of Autoimmunity Do you often ask yourself, "Why am I so unbelievably tired?" If you're grappling with an autoimmune condition, you're likely no stranger to fatigue that feels more like a permanent shadow than a passing cloud. In this insightful episode of "Fatigue Insights," we're peeling back the layers of one of the most perplexing symptoms of autoimmune diseases: deep-seated exhaustion. Fatigue in autoimmune disease isn't just your run-of-the-mill tiredness—it's a pervasive weariness that can derail your entire day. We delve into the under-discussed connection between chronic inflammation, anemia, and autoimmune fatigue to uncover why this type of tiredness is fundamentally different. Discover how inflammation's silent spread within your body can lead to a specific kind of anemia, aptly termed 'anemia of chronic disease,' and why it contributes to your relentless fatigue. Join us as we explore the science behind the fatigue that so many with autoimmune conditions endure. Learn about the biological processes that fuel this exhaustion and gain insights into potential strategies to reclaim your energy. It's not just fatigue; it's a battle within, and we're here to arm you with knowledge and support. Tune in and begin to understand the depths of autoimmune fatigue and what you can do to manage it. This episode might just be the key to unlocking the mystery of your tiredness and stepping towards a more energetic life, despite your autoimmune challenges. ------------------------------------------------------------------- About your Host Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Sign up for the 5-Day Autoimmune Fatigue Course and over come your autoimmune fatigue by the Holidays. https://autoimmuneacademy.com/autoimmune-fatigue--course Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com  

What's the key ingredient in the recipe for health success? Dive into today's episode as we unravel the layers of accountability—a vital yet often overlooked ingredient in our quest for health. We'll approach this subject differently, spotlighting its significance in autoimmune management. Ever wondered why some people see stellar results, or why we often drop essential habits when life throws us a curveball? At the heart of these questions lies the concept of accountability.

Every wonder why some people look like they have it all together? The perfect morning routine and bedtime routine... checking all the health habits every day! The secret is in this episode. Habit stacking is more than just a buzzword or a trendy tip from TikTok. It's a powerful tool, especially for those navigating the complexities of autoimmune conditions. On today's podcast we'll be diving into the art & science of Habit Stacking and how building your own wellness tower can be a game-changer. And I share some of my favourite habits that I stacked to build my favourite morning and bedtime routine. Plus I share a few secrets about me... This epsiode is all about taking action!  Dive right in... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/between-visits-membership-7442 Sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Workshop  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/masterclass-fatigue www.AlisonDanby.com/Fatigue-Workshop Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

Episode 103: The Butterfly Effect: The Power of Accountability and Small Changes. What really moves the needle on your health? Is it that one supplement? One lab test test? One diet intervention? We love to boil health down into "one thing", but the truth is, health resides in the minutia. The culmination of habits we do over time. We call this the butterfly effect. The "butterfly effect" is a fascinating concept suggesting that minute changes can lead to vast differences in outcome. In the context of autoimmune health, it underscores the idea that seemingly minor habit alterations can culminate in significant health transformations over extended periods. This is where the integration of dietary shifts, movement, mental well being, support systems and a concrete integrated plan really starts to move the needle on your health. They can interact, magnify and compound. For instance, improved hydration can bolster exercise performance, which then positively impacts mental health, creating a virtuous cycle of well-being!

It's in our nature, isn't it? To seek simplicity in the complex world around us. We yearn for straightforward answers, for that one thing we can point to and say, "Aha! That's the culprit!" Unfortunately, when it comes to autoimmune conditions, this approach might be doing us more harm than good. Human tendency for simplicity can lead us astray. We often hear about the "root cause" of a condition. That one thing, that one trigger, that sets off the chain reaction. But when it comes to autoimmune conditions, pinning it down to a single "root cause" is not just an oversimplification; it's misleading. Think of it like a puzzle. Each piece represents a factor – genetics, environment, diet, stress, infections, and so on. Alone, each piece might not mean much. But together, they form the bigger picture, the complex interplay that leads to the onset of an autoimmune condition.

Episode 101 - GUT- Brain Connection Check out our latest podcast episode where we sit down with Dr. Kim to discuss all things gut health! This episode was so much fun and such a wealth of information We dive into the gut-brain connection, the microbiome, and so much more all related to gut health. Dr. Kim simplifies the complexities of gut health and shares valuable insights that you won't want to miss.  At the end, Dr. Kim answers the infamous question we're all trying to figure it out… does autoimmune start in the gut.  Tune in now to learn more about how you can improve your gut health and overall well-being. #GutHealth #Autoimmune #Microbiome #HealthTips #Podcast —-------------------------------------------------------- About Dr. Kim Dr. Kim Bretz is a naturopath & passionate speaker, consultant and adjunct faculty at the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001 after finishing an Honours Biology Degree. Her area of focus is the microbiota & gut health due to a potentially unhealthy love of our bacteria & discussing the Bristol stool chart. She has also run continuing education for healthcare professionals for over a decade. She has spoken or consulted for numerous companies including Thorne, Designs for Health, New Roots Herbal (UK division), Cytomatrix, Restorative Formulations, Health Masters Live Australia and Rocky Mountain Analytical (LifeLabs). She was on the advisory board for Ferring Pharmaceuticals' natural health care products and has also spoken for numerous naturopathic associations including Ontario, BC, Alberta, England & California. She has done the Monash Low FODMAP certification program and is a member of the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. For 6 years, Kim was part of Human Nature Network, a nationally syndicated radio program, speaking about women's health. She is a storyteller & ardent fan of teaching through the combination of clinical experience and evidence-based research. Connect with Dr. Kim: Website: https://www.drkimbretznd.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkimbretznd ---------------------------------------------- About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.    Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/between-visits-membership-7442 Sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Workshop  https://membership.theautoimmuneinstitute.ca/masterclass-fatigue www.AlisonDanby.com/Fatigue-Workshop Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

Trends in Autoimmune Healing  Welcome to the 100th episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison will be taking a deep dive into the latest trends and tricks that have helped our clients achieve amazing results! We're here to support you, our fellow autoimmune warriors, we talk about finding the root cause of your issues, whether is that really the best approach, optimizing your systems and redefining what remission means to you. Dr. Alison will be sharing tips on how to approach your journey with the right mindset and how to collaborate with the best healthcare professionals to help you become the best advocate for your health. And let's not forget the importance of support between visits - because who doesn't love some love and encouragement, especially from your fellow autoimmune warriors? And last but not least, we've got a juicy, controversial topic that will have you on the edge of your seat! Trust us, you don't want to miss out on this one. So tune in, sit back, and let's simplify the autoimmune journey together! --------------------------------------------------- About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.   Sign up for: Join Between the visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  Click Here to Learn More Masterclasses & Workshops:  Click here to sign up for the Understanding Leaky GUT & Autoimmune Masterclass Click here to sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Workshop      Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com   

In this podcast, we explore what triggers a leaky gut and the role of zonulin in regulating the permeability of the intestinal barrier. We explore the top 5 triggers for a leaky gut. Elevated levels of the hormone, zonulin can lead to increased intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," which has been associated with various health conditions including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Factors that influence zonulin levels Understanding these factors that influence zonulin levels can help individuals make lifestyle and dietary changes to support a healthy intestinal barrier and overall health. —-------------------------------------------------------- About your host:   Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Join Between the visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  www.AlisonDanby.com/membership   Sign up for: Learn more about The Gut Health Masterclass www.alisondanby.com/masterclass-leakygut Sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Workshop  www.AlisonDanby.com/Fatigue-Workshop Connect with Dr. Danby, ND IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com

In this podcast, we will be discussing how to become your own medical advocate.  Becoming your own medical advocate is vital because it allows you to take control of your health and ensure you receive the best care possible.  By being informed, asking the right questions, and keeping accurate records, you can make the most informed decisions and advocate for yourself during medical procedures and treatments. That was what made the biggest difference in my journey, why I was able to get quicker answers and advance my own healing. Now I'm going to share this with you…  We will cover the essential points, such as:  What is informed consent,  Understanding your medical history and effectively tracking it to help you get a more personalized healthcare plan How to ask questions and communicate effectively to ensure you have the best possible outcomes  And the importance of keeping accurate records Tune in to learn more about becoming your own medical advocate. —-------------------------------------------------------- Links from the show Join Between the visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune  Doors open March 6th  www.AlisonDanby.com/membership  Sign up for: Autoimmune Essentials: A Free 5-Day Challenge/mini program to Build the Foundations of Health. Plus amazing prizes!! www.AlisonDanby.com/autoimmunefoundatations Sign up for the Autoimmune Fatigue Workshop  www.AlisonDanby.com/Fatigue-Workshop —-------------------------------------------------------- About your host: Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. Connect with Dr. Danby IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor  website: www.AlisonDanby.com   

Episode 97 Healing Trauma with Allen Kanerva This episode is interesting and powerful.   In today's episode, we have Alan Kanerva, from Inspired Outcomes today, he's joining us to shed light on how he works with individuals to heal trauma.   In this captivating episode, Allen shares his personal trauma story and sheds light on how it led him to assist others in overcoming their trauma. With the belief that trauma can be healed, Allen shares his unique process, employing Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which delves into various aspects of trauma, including its physical manifestations that are often overlooked in the pursuit of good health.  Allen shares his perspective on Chronic pain, how we create beliefs that might be holding us back, and how they can be altered. Allen dives into his techniques for helping individuals navigate their trauma and overcome their limiting beliefs, making this a stimulating conversation. Please don't hesitate to share this episode with anyone who may be struggling with trauma. About Allen: Allen Kanerva, MA, NLP Trainer & Master Coach Allen is a former military officer and humanitarian worker who has been witness to significant emotional events domestically and abroad. He has dealt with his own experiences of post-traumatic stress (PTS) through the application of NLP. He is an International Trauma Focused NLP Trainer and leads The Trauma Team, a collaboration of Life Coaches and licensed mental healthcare workers who are dedicated to helping people heal from post-traumatic stress. Allen uses the NLP intervention for PTS as part of a comprehensive protocol that addresses the pre-cursors for trauma such as adverse childhood events. The NLP intervention is based on the psychology and neuroscience of the reconsolidation of memories. Connect with Allen: TIK TOK @allenkanerva  INSTA @allenkanerva  LINKED IN Allen Kanerva  Facebook The Trauma Team --------------------------------------------------- About the Host: Dr. Alison Danby, ND  Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts.  Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison's passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs. To join Between the Visits Membership, A Functional Approach to Autoimmune www.AlisonDanby.com/membership Use CODE PODCAST to get the founders price of $39 per month 

Episode 96 Welcoming the New Year with Chana Ross This episode is the perfect episode to help reflect on 2022 and welcome in an exciting 2023. I sat down with the incredible Chana Ross and we talked about so many amazing strategies to make 2023 your best year! How to improve your time efficacy without causing exhaustion Self-compassion and interergty  How to set boundaries that make you a better mother, wife, sister, friend, and person…while putting you first. What are your priorities  PLUS SO MUCH MORE…  Chana had so much insight into how to change your perception, and habits while helping you achieve balance and calmness, with so much more to your life. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2023.    About Chana Ross:  Chana Ross is a passionate performance coach, women's health advocate and host of the “She Has the Audacity” Podcast and mother of 4.  She is the clinic director and pelvic health physiotherapist at Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, a women's health and pelvic health physiotherapy clinic in midtown Toronto. Chana lives to empower her team, colleagues and clients by coaching them, mentoring and educating them. Chana is a sought-after educator and teacher and regularly speaks about pelvic health, prenatal preparation and the realities of parenthood and loves to empower clients to take the lead in their health and lifestyle. Chana is a champion for high achieving women to move past their perfectionist tendencies in order to bend their rules and connect to their “why” and achieve the life and health of their dreams. Connect with Chana Ross: Email:   chana@vitalphysiotherapy.com Facebook:  Vitalphysiotherapytoronto Twitter:  @ChanaHRoss Instagram:  @ Chanarosspt @vitalphysiotherapyan

Episode 95 Healthy Holiday Strategies... Are you planning to have a Happy and Healthy Holiday this year? In this episode, I dive into the strategies I use with my clients to ensure they stay healthy and avoid flares.  What does this episode cover… just about everything! Strategies to avoid falling off your plan How to enjoy foods and alcohol that you normally don't while minimizing a flare  What does a food reaction mean? Can that give us useful information  How does HRV help predict if a flare is on the way  Strategies for a better sleep  Reducing the busy factor and how that impacts your health  Treatment plans over the holiday - stay on or come off? Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday time.  PS - make uncle Bill do the dishes (LOL…inside joke… you need to listen to get it)      About Dr. Alison Danby, ND Naturopathic Doctor & Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner for the last 17 years  Certified Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner Ceterified Autoimmune Paleo Coach (AIP) Founder of: The Autoimmune Integrative Clinic,  The Autoimmune Institute Educational Center  The Autoimmune Simplified Podcast Connect with Dr. Danby, ND website: www.AlisonDanby.com IG: @dr.AlisonDanby Facebook: Dr. Alison Danby

Episode 94 Mind-body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries with Eileen Laird  In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure to interview Eileen Laird - AKA Phoenix Helix. (I was like a kid in the candy shop… I struggled to contain my excitement)  Eileen has just released her newest book Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connection for People with Autoimmune Disease and we dove into it.  For those of you that don't know Eileen, she is a pillar in the autoimmune community, she inspires and empowers millions with her podcast, books and website.  In this episode, Eileen walks us through her journey and how incorporating the mind-body technique changed things for her personal autoimmune condition. We talk about ways to incorporate boundaries this holiday season, which if we're being honest most of us need strategies around this. And how to get started incorporating mind-body techniques - she has 96 to choose from! Eileen shared so many gems in this interview, you might want to listen to it twice!  Plus listen to the end to learn how you can win a free copy of Elieen's newest book: Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connection for People with Autoimmune Disease. It is an absolute must-read autoimmune or not! Her book is available on Amazon worldwide in paperback and kindle formats. And the PDF version is available on her website: https://www.phoenixhelix.com Connect with Eileen  https://www.phoenixhelix.com/  https://www.facebook.com/phoenixhelix/  https://instagram.com/phoenix.helix   To listen to this episode click here [https://apple.co/3RGEoH3]. Or link in the BIO

Episode 94 Mind-body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries with Eileen Laird  In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure to interview Eileen Laird - AKA Phoenix Helix.  Eileen has just released her newest book Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connection for People with Autoimmune Disease and we dove into it.  For those of you that don't know Eileen, she is a pillar in the autoimmune community, she inspires and empowers millions with her podcast, books and website.  In this episode, Eileen walks us through her journey and how incorporating the mind-body technique changed things for her personal autoimmune condition. We talk about ways to incorporate boundaries this holiday season, which if we're being honest most of us need strategies around this. And how to get started incorporating mind-body techniques - she has 96 to choose from! Eileen shared so many gems in this interview, you might want to listen to it twice!  Plus listen to the end to learn how you can win a free copy of Elieen's newest book: Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connection for People with Autoimmune Disease. It is an absolute must-read autoimmune or not! My book is available on Amazon worldwide in paperback and kindle formats. And the PDF version is available on her website: https://www.phoenixhelix.com Connect with Eileen  https://www.phoenixhelix.com/  https://www.facebook.com/phoenixhelix/  https://instagram.com/phoenix.helix

In this episode, we dive into the research on Melatonin and whether should we be taking it if we have underlying inflammation.  There is research showing that melatonin can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in autoimmune, however a recent study done on animals has put that into question...

Episode 92,  Is counselling something you should consider? This answer might surprise you... This episode is so valuable. We talk about collaborative care and who is on your support team. My guest today is Stephanie Dinsmore EdD (c) MSW RSW, social worker and owner of Mindful Path Counselling. I've wanted to have this conversation for a long time. Mental health is a significant component of autoimmune for many reasons which we've addressed in previous podcasts. In this episode, Stephanie walks us through why and when you should consider counselling and everything else you need to know if you're considering working with a therapist.  Stephanie also walks us through many free tips and where you can find other resources.  This was such a meaningful conversation. Remember you can not have too many on your support team. We're all here to help. More about Stephanie Dinsmore: https://mindfulpathcounselling.ca/stephanie-dinsmore-rsw-msw/ Learning is of utmost importance to me to effectively provide concurrent knowledge to my clients. Currently, I'm working towards my Doctorate in Higher Education and Leadership EdD (c) with Capella University. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and I am a member in good standing (RSW) of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). In addition to my formal education have continued in my pursuit of expanding my professional development folder. Most recently Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as other therapeutic modalities that will help guide my work with clients. My counselling style is inclusive of the whole-person, strengths-focused, and client-centred. We will work to address your present life challenges while integrating your past experiences. My services are suitable for individuals, youth, post-secondary students, couples, and families that are feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and life experiences. I specialize in the treatment of Depression, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Negative Thought Patterns, Hoarding, and Trauma-related disorders. Most importantly, I am a genuine, authentic, knowledgeable, and compassionate person. I believe that people are the experts in their own lives and through the therapeutic process I will help, you work through life's challenges in hopes of living a more fulfilling life. In my personal time, I love spending time with and connecting with family/friends and my two dogs. I love to stay active through Cross, health, and wellness, and spending time in nature. Connect with Stephanie and her team: IG: www.instagram.com/mindfulpathcounselling

Episode 91:  Medical Gaslighting & Autoimmune Have you ever felt like your doctor isn't listening? Or that they just don't care? Have you been told it's all in your head or maybe you're depressed?  If you answered yes, you might have encountered Medical Gaslighting, which is very common in the autoimmune world. So common that the medical community has identified it as n issue especially linked to autoimmune fatigue.  In this episode, we talk about  What is medical gaslighting,  How can it present itself  Most importantly what can we do about it? Want to learn more about the 1-Day workshop on Overcoming Autoimmune Fatigue https://theautoimmuneclinic.com/fatigue-workshop Follow Dr. Danby, ND on Instagram  @Dr.AlisonDanby

Episode 90  In today's episode, we talk about a research study that I found so interesting. It's a short one but so fascinating.   We dive into a study done by ​​Garcia-Morales, et al in  2019 published in the Journal of Rheumatology –  Effect of a Dynamic Exercise Program in Combination With Mediterranean Diet on Quality of Life in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis.  What happens when you combine Diet and Exercise? How has better results the Diet group? The diet and exercise group?  Or the exercise group? This really surprised me… you have to tune in to find out.

Episode 89 Heart Health & Autoimmune  Today's episode is heart-stopping…(LOL). Seriously, heart health is one of the top comorbidities associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammation. I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Alexandrea Verge, ND who is a genius when it comes to heart health.  Dr. Verge makes this complicated topic so bit size and understandable. She walks us through the risk factors associated with Cardiovascular health, how we can mitigate risk, understand blood tests and the best ways to monitor your health.  I really enjoyed talking to Dr. Alex, she is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to talk to. Her passion for heart health is contagious… Enjoy the show! Links for validated blood pressure devices: Canada: https://hypertension.ca/bpdevices US: https://www.validatebp.org/ About Dr. Alexandrea Verge, ND Dr. Alexandra Verge is a naturopathic doctor who loves talking about heart health. In her 20 years of clinical work, her focus has shifted from general practice to issues more commonly experienced by people as they age; arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and, in particular, cardiovascular disease. In fact, in recent years, Alex would say that the subject has, well, captured her heart. She especially loves helping people better understand how high blood pressure and cholesterol can affect their current and future cardiovascular risk while developing workable yet effective management strategies. Connect with Dr. Verge, ND Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @alexvergend and check out her diet and blood pressure resource via https://linktr.ee/alexvergend

Episode 88  Anxiety & Creating Calm  Another amazing episode! My guest Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken, ND has this incredible ability to explain anxiety leaving you feeling so empowered. Dr.Katie is a best-selling author in the mental health industry, with her book Create Calm and just released her workbook to walk you through it.  Dr. Kaite, walk us through the 3 different tranquil types of anxiety and the personality type that match them. And explains The Pillars of Performance - The 5 Areas You can step into the driver's seat in to create calm, looking at the factors that you have control over to shift your anxiety.  Dr. Katie shared so much, there are so many gems in this episode. PLUS there is a special surprise that the end… you have to tune in to get it. About Dr. Kaite Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken ND is the Founder of Tranquil Minds, a series of educational and clinical programming for professionals with anxiety. Katie's first book Create Calm: the Professionals Guide to Overcoming Anxiety is a best selling mental health book. With 7 years of clinical experience in treating anxiety and mental health, Katie's passion is helping anxious professionals step back into the driver's seat of their life, reconnect with their inner peace and move their decision-driver from fear to love. She lives in Guelph, Ontario with her family. Connect with Dr. Katie:  drkatiethomsonaitken@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/tranquilmindnaturopath/ https://www.facebook.com/tranquilmindnaturopath

Episode 87. Managing MS and other Autoimmune with Lifestyle  My guest today is Alissa Frazier, who founded LissMs. Alissa shares her incrediable journey with MS, and how it gave her the wake-up call, leading her to where she is today.  We talk all about managing autoimmune with lifestyle changes, diet, neuro-centred movement and stress management. She has a unique background in mental health as a licensed Counselor so we dove into how she uses that to enhance her client's journey with trauma and the nervous system.  This was such a nice down-to-earth conversation with Alissa, she is not only inspiring but shares several tips and tricks she uses with her coaching. About Alissa Frazier: Alissa is the founder of LissMS which offers a unique three-pronged approach to healing Multiple Sclerosis which includes a nutrient-dense whole foods diet, stressreduction, and neuro-centered movement. She went from being labeled as having aggressive MS and “giant” lesions on her brain to having very few symptoms today. She used her diagnosis as a wake up call and refused to accept medication as the final answer. Now she combines her experience as both a patient and a practitioner to create individual holistic protocols that help her clients improve their symptoms, feel better in their body, and create a healthy lifestyle that they love. Connect with Alissa: alissa.l.frazier@gmail.com www-Liss-MS.com IG: Liss.MS

Episode 86 Thyroid Health for Fertility & Pregnancy This is a good episode!! Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND, a thyroid genius joins me to talk all about how your thyroid can impact pregnancy and fertility. Even if you're not considering having a baby it was so interesting and amazing tips for general thyroid/Hashimoto. Plus… Dr. Katie gives up an update on Hashimoto/Thyroiditis diet guidelines and answers the #1 question we all want to know… should we cut out gluten? Tune in to find out. More about Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND Dr. Katie Rothwell is a Naturopathic Doctor and clinic owner in Barrie, Ontario Canada. She is a speaker, educator and recognized thyroid authority among her peers. As a clinician, Dr. Rothwell uses her signature framework and a practical down to earth approach to help her patients navigate the confusing world of thyroid health. As an educator, she is fiercely passionate about providing accurate, evidenced based thyroid education to health professionals. She is the founder and CEO of The Thyroid Academy, a revolutionary educational platform for both practitioners and patients. She is also a medical advisor, lectures regularly to her ND colleagues and provides consulting services across North America.  Connect with Dr. Katie @your.thyroid.nd @thethyroidacademy   www.thethyroidacademy.com

Episode 85 was inspired after several conversations with my 1-1 autoimmune clients, for many with autoimmune, the fatigue and physical demands of their current job may not be sustainable...but what do you do? You pivot... My guest Laura Valvasori did just that, she made the transition from her corporate job to pursue self-employment and now she is helping others make this leap without all the bumps along the way. We all know change is hard a scary but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Laura shares her experiences and strategies found in her book that help other entrepreneurs accelerate their learning, and hopefully save them some time, money, and a few tears with their transitions. Whether you have a passion project you want to develop or transition into your dream job this episode will provide you with so much insight to help get you started.   About Laura : Laura Valvasori is a Marketing Foundations Strategist & Mentor for Entrepreneurs and the Owner of Good to Grow Marketing. Through her experience of leaving her corporate job to pursue self-employment, Laura has learned that you need to change and grow as a person when shifting from employee to entrepreneur. Laura's debut book Good to Grow (launching September 20) empowers both new and seasoned entrepreneurs to cultivate the right mindset and habits to thrive and build a successful business, and life they love. Laura runs her business from her “she-shed” in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her husband and two teenagers. Connect with Laura:  www.goodtogrowmarketing.ca IG: @goodtogrowmarketing www.facebook.com/goodtogrowmarketing http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauravalvasori More about Laura: Using her natural ability to distill, simplify and organize, Laura's spent over 20 years helping businesses reach their goals and grow to new levels through practical, strategic marketing. She's been called the Marie Kondo of Marketing because she brings the same systematic and orderly approach to marketing to spark results for businesses as the famed professional organizer does for households. Laura works with businesses varying from solo entrepreneurs and small businesses, to established private companies, across a variety of industries. By providing a combination of foundational marketing strategy consulting and business mentorship, she helps them get clear, organized and into action so that they have the foundations to grow thriving businesses. Laura's desire to keep growing led her to write her debut book, Good to Grow. Part memoir, part pocket mentor, the book is inspiring and empowering readers by guiding them through key areas to explore that are helping them grow into confident and thriving entrepreneurs.

Episode 84 hit all the points. My guest and good friend Dr. Debbie Smrz, ND joined me today and we covered so many topics. It was a blast! Dr. Debbie shared her inspiring story of what led her down the path to truly understanding the connection between inflammation and brain health.  She has always had a passion for helping people live their best healthy lives as we age and she shares with us the connection between, inflammation, brain health, hormones, weight loss and how technology can help you achieve these goals. I told you we covered a lot!  This episode spans so many topics, they just flow and connect seamlessly, helping you connect the dots to your health.  Enjoy! About Dr. Debbie Smrz, ND Dr. Debbie Smrz is the Chief Medical Director or Naturopathic Living, a multidisciplinary clinic in Markham Ontario where she has a private practice with a focus on brain health. Dr. Smrz has travelled the globe to gain insight on best practice and has brought this learning and unique modalities into her clinic. She regularly educates the community and other practitioners through CEC credited presentations, has appeared on radio, lectured for numerous medical associations and is active in the Naturopathic and Markham community where she lives with her husband, children and dog. Connect with Dr. Debbie Email:  drdebbie@natliving.ca; Website: www.natliving.ca Instagram @drdebbiesmrz

Episode 82  - Hormones, Perimenopause & Autoimmune  Today is hormone day with my guest, Dr. Rachel Vandenberg, Naturopathic Doctor. This episode was so much fun… as you'll hear I get very excited talking hormones with Dr. Rachel.  Hormone changes can impact us on so many levels from day-to-day challenges to full-on autoimmune flares. Dr. Rachel walked us through what peri-menopause is, who it impacts, and what changes can occur.  The good news is that there is a lot we can do to help it, you don't need to suffer through this stage of your life! She also shared with us her top 3 myths that she hears all the time about hormones.  If you feel like your hormones are impacting your autoimmune, weight, mood and sleep… then you want to join us for this episode.  It's time to take control! About Dr. Rachel  Dr. Rachel VandenBerg, ND is a naturopathic doctor, educator, and the founder of Women's Health Online. Her passion is helping women achieve health through hormone balance, so that they can feel good in their body and live a life they love. Dr. Rachel has nearly 20 years of clinical experience. Over these years she has observed that when women understand what's going on their body, they become more empowered to make the changes that help them feel better. She learns through research and by working with patients. She sees what works, and what doesn't. She offers individual patient care as well as group programs so that she can share this wisdom with others. Connect with Dr. Rachel: Email: dr_rachel@womenshealthonline.ca Website: womenshealthonline.ca.  Instagram: @rachelvandenberg.nd  Facebook at: Women's Health Online Programs To join Dr. Rachel's 5-day hormone rebook - follow her on Instagram or facebook. 

Episode 82  - Financial stress and your health Research shows that more than 80% of autoimmune flares and diagnoses are caused by stress, and what is one of the leading chronic stressors… Money, financial stress!   We know this not only impacts our health but our relationships and for many our self-worth. This is a stressor that goes deep, with so much emotion tied to it, shame, fear, and judgment.  I'm here to tell you first-hand it doesn't have to be like this...  My guest today, April Stroink, is a money coach and financial advisor who specializes in helping people create and enjoy financial wellbeing in their businesses and personal lives. She's the creator of the Money Fix - a suite of programs to increase financial literacy for millennials, families and entrepreneurs.  This conversation was so powerful, April shared with us:  How does financial well-being affect overall health?  What is the impact of money stress on the body and mind?  How can we improve our financial well-being? If you are someone who lies awake at night worrying about your financial situation, then this is the perfect podcast for you. It's time to take control!  About April Stroink, BComm, PFP April is a money coach and financial advisor who specializes in helping people create and enjoy financial well-being in their businesses and personal lives. She's the creator of the Money Fix - a suite of programs to increase financial literacy for millennials, families and entrepreneurs. A certified Profit First Professional, April has hands-on experience increasing the profits for multiple businesses (including her own) through a proven, globally recognized system that makes businesses more profitable. April is a gifted teacher and speaker who leads numerous workshops annually at local colleges, business associations and masterminds. She's helped hundreds of people and small businesses level up their finances through her workshops, group programs and her astute one-on-one coaching. In her previous life, April managed multiple investment teams throughout Atlantic Canada for a national insurance company. She was also the owner and operator of a successful Halifax retail operation. Today, April is a money coach - a supportive guide who helps you understand and feel confident about your finances and future goals. She's known for her empathy and judgement-free coaching as she combines her expertise with her own experience of running her family business. April volunteers on several community boards, hosts a YouTube Channel with her daughter talking to teens about money, and helps out with her family's 3rd generation blueberry farm. Most days you'll find April in Halifax with her husband, their two kids and Mango the golden retriever. On other days, you'll find her enjoying the slopes, the climbing crags and the seascapes around the world living her best life. Where to find April:  Website: aprilstroink.ca Book a free consult: aprilstroink.ca/book, Email: april@aprilstroink.ca, , Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/aprilstroink/,  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Ap

Episode 81  - Medical Cannabis, CBC & Autoimmune for Pain, Inflammation, Sleep and Anxiety  I'm so excited to release this episode, it was an amazing conversation with Dr. Shawn Meirovici, ND. Dr. Shawn has been working with clients that have disabling neurological conditions and autoimmune for the last several years and has become the authority in the use of medical cannabis. Dr. Shawn held nothing back in this episode, he walked us through the research and education on how these cannabinoids (THC and CBD) oil can be used effectively with almost no side effects for pain and inflammation reduction and improving sleep and anxiety. Giving his clients overall improved quality of life.  We also talked about the stigma associated with medical cannabis and how it's becoming a more welcomed addition to many health protocols. If you ever wondered about the research, the pros and cons of medical Cannabis or CBC oil this is a conversation you need to tune into. ______________________ Dr. Shawn Meirovici N.D. has been a pioneering force behind the naturopathic treatment of disabling neurological conditions such as: Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke. His primary practice operates out of “Physio-Logic”, Toronto's premiere neurological rehabilitation clinic. Dr. Shawn is one of the first Naturopathic Doctors to educate patients on using Medical Cannabis and acquiring access to cannabis for medical purposes license through a referral program with Apollo Cannabis Clinics. Shawn continues to be an authority on the subject of medical cannabis and is frequently asked to lecture on the topic for various groups. Find Dr. Shawn on:  Email: Shawn.naturopath@gmail.com Website: www.drshawn.ca Instagram @doctorshawn.ca Bonus for you- Mention this podcast to receive 20% off a consultation with Dr. Shawn. 

Join me, Dr. Alison Danby, ND as we continue on two concepts linked to flares with our health; Lottery syndrome and mindset with flares.  Lottery syndrome is something I see often in clinical practice with not just autoimmune but any health conditions,, you'll have to listen to find out more. The other half of the podcast is where we dive into some of the things we say to ourselves when we aren't feeling well,  the thought patterns I hear in clinical practice and how we are  “should'en” all over ourselves. I hear so many of us beating ourselves up over things that might not be in our control. 

Episode 79  - Top 3 things I do when in an Autoimmune Flare Autoimmune Flares happen to EVERYONE!  Recently I was asked, “what do you do when you have an autoimmune flare?”  In today's episode, I dive into the top 3 things I do when I have a flare or I can feel the start of one coming on.

Episode 78  - Autoimmune & Mental Health  In today's episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Chrsitine Bkorndal, ND, who has written four books on mental health and created 2 programs for clients and practitioners. Dr. Chris shares her mental health story and her inspiring journey.  People who have autoimmune disorders are at an increased risk of having psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. While experts have yet to agree on a single explanation, with an autoimmune disorder you should be aware of the potential impact their condition can have on their mental health. Dr. Chris walks us through the 4 aspects of health that you think are important to address in clients' overall health. How do you support the physical level of health when addressing mental health? And what are the steps to address the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health This was an interesting and great episode… Enjoy! Dr. Chris is amazing!   About Dr. Chris Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND is an authority in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders and eating disorders. Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and best-selling author who loves to share her philosophy of wellness in interviews with icons like Jenny McCarthy and many more. She is recognized as one of the top NDs to follow by two independent organizations. Dr. Chris has helped many patients achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. She has written four books on mental health as well as created two courses – 1) a 10-week course for individuals and 2) a Clinician's Integrative Mental Health 10-week course.   Follow Dr. Chris: Website: drchristinabjorndal.com, Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal Twitter: @drbjorndal YouTube: Christina Bjorndal Instagram: drchrisbjorndal  

Today I have April Harris, the founder of Virtually April Michelle.  April is a High-Level Virtual Assistant, IBD Advocate, and Biz Coach for Autoimmune & Chronic Illness Warriors.  Every week I have clients telling me that the stress from their jobs caused a flare, that their jobs are too physically demanding or they can't work this many hours but they still want a career… Que April… April is supporting people with an autoimmune or chronic health condition to pivot to a career that allows balance, less stress, flexible hours and become financially independent as a virtual assistant.  Today we dive into April's story of her autoimmune journey but also about being your own boss, what would that look like? What is a virtual assistant, who is right for this and how long does it take to start your business.  About April:  April Harris, Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified AIP Coach, High-Level VA and Business Coach April Harris, known online as Virtually April Michelle, is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and autoimmune advocate. After being diagnosed with Severe Ulcerative Colitis at 20 years old, she has since learned how to successfully navigate the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with chronic illness. She has developed her career as an Author, High-Level Virtual Assistant, and Coach for those with autoimmune diseases. April teaches Autoimmune Warriors how to build a profitable and flexible home-based business as a highly sought-after VA while using gifts and skills they already have in a way that lights them up without burning them out. Connect with April  Email: april@virtuallyaprilmichelle.com Website portal.virtuallyaprilmichelle.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/virtuallyaprilmichelle  FREE for all the listeners... How to make your first 1K as a new VA! Are you interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant but worried about what you have to offer, where to find clients, and how to actually make money? Download this free guide to learn how to make your first 1K as a new VA in just 30 days! Click here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61983052b4f6fb9d86fe6eb8  

From surviving to ultimately thriving with Autoimmune with Jamie Hartman, M.Ed., FNTP, RYT In today's episode, I'm joined by a very special guest in the autoimmune world - Jamie Hartland.  Most of us know Jamie is the founder of the AIP Summit, and the host of many amazing, inspiring AIP events that help people navigate their autoimmune conditions. However, in today's episode, Jamie shares with us the inspiring journey of her autoimmune condition. She shares her personal experience of surviving and ultimately thriving after experiencing the worst possible scenarios for autoimmune disease complications with life-threatening surgical complications and then later chronic pain that was close to disabling. Jamie dives into what worked, where she had to dig deeper and the mindset that was required for healing.  This was such an incredible interview with Jamie, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  About Jamie: Jaime Hartman is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, a Health & Wellbeing Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and an AIP Certified Coach. She has a master's degree in educational psychology and more than two decades of experience as an educator. In her nutrition-focused health coaching practice, Jaime helps clients with autoimmune diseases and digestive dysfunction of all types identify, plan, implement, and maintain the changes that support optimum wellbeing. Jaime believes that nurturing both the body and the mind is essential for living well and knows that living well is possible, no matter your diagnosis or how long you have been unwell.   Follow Jamie @: Instagram: @gutsybynature  Email: jaime@gustybynature.com, https://gutsybynature.com Websites:  https://gutsybynature.com https://aipsummit.com Bonus from Jamie... Special 25% discount on the AIP summit recordings - Click here to register and purchase the summit. https://bit.ly/3odvuVP    for the discount code it is in the last part of the interview.  The AIP summit is an incredible week-long event full of speakers, cook demonstrations and so many more tools, educational and inspiring talks to help you along your autoimmune healing journey. 

This episode is a heavy one, but it may shed some much-needed light on how trauma impacts our immune system and plays a rolling in the development of Autoimmune.  It's hard to imagine that something that happened to you as a child could have that much impact on how your body functions as an adult, but the research is there to support it. The research shows that trauma (and you'll be surprised what fits into the category of trauma) changes how our body responds to stress and that directly impacts how we manage inflammation and the immune response.  We are talking about big T trauma and little t -trauma, it all impacts us.  If you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition this episode might be life-changing for you. You can make all the amazing lifestyle changes, and diet restrictions but if you haven't dealt with this then you are missing a big piece of the autoimmune puzzle and are limiting your healing. 

This week's episode is part 2 of last week where we looked at how an autoimmune condition develops over time and the health consequence the body faces.  This week is a spin-off of that.  We are looking at thyroid and thyroid medication when the body is in a danger-response state. And exercise intolerance  We also explore ways to improve overall body function with health strategies and certain supplements. With Dr. Alison Danby, ND

Today we dive into the development of chronic illness, with a focus on Autoimmune. For a majority of us it wasn't something that developed overnight, it was brewing for years and years.  What was the first symptom you noticed? Was it fatigue? There is a perfectly good reason for that. We are going to look at how these changes happen over time?  I'm excited to share with you the research that Robert Naviaux and his team, have been doing for the past decade on how the body responds to danger and threats which is a key point to the development of chronic illness, and the consequences of this process.  I hope this episode sheds some light and understanding on why your body is reacting the way it is.

This episode was so much fun. I sat down with two of my best friends Dr. Toni Reid, ND and Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND at a conference I was speaking at. We discuss our top 5 tips, tricks and suggestions to help you improve your overall health.   Tune in to find out our top recommendations and strategies that we use in clinical practice.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. ------ Dr. Toni Reid, ND  Podcast: https://perimenopausalmamas.com/author/drtonireid-nd/ Instagram: @drtonireid ----- Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND https://www.drtoniawinchester.com/ Book: https://coach.toniawinchester.com/book-5120

Are you stuck on a restrictive diet? Are you wanting to introduce foods back in but are nervous you'll react?  Elimination diets are a short-term way to reduce inflammation and immune response but they are only meant for 30-90 days. Our ultimate goal is to get food back in without reactions.  Today's episode is all about my tips and tricks to successful food re-introductions. We dive into The order I use for re-introductions  Strategies to help make the transition easy  Immune response vs Intolerance  what to look that might indicate a problem.

2500 years ago Greek Physician Hippocrates stated “All disease begins in the gut”. Turns out he was bang on.  This winter I did a talk for 400 doctors on the new research on the gut-immune connection and it was so well received that I thought I would share it with you.  Today we dive into the research that has come out in the last 5 years on how your digestive health impacts your immune system. We also talk about some of the things you might be doing that could be negatively impacting your gut health.     

In this episode, I answer 3 questions from YOU, the listeners about health, Autoimmune and well anything!  Questions we dive into today: What is the perfect poop?  (warning there might be a few cheese poop jokes! I'm sure your 2-year-old will love this one!) Are all the plant-based “fake meats” good for us? I've heard plant-based is healthier? Additional signs you might have inflammation, beyond blood work.

Episode 68: Goal Setting - Reprogramming the Brain! Research has shown that the subconscious can't tell the difference between reality and a daydream… this is how athletes and successful business leaders use their brains to achieve success.  In this episode, I walk you through one of the most powerful tools you can use to program your brain to help you achieve goals quicker. If you can't see yourself at the endpoint how do you ever expect to get there? This is a technique I've used with so many clients that feel stuck or find they self sabotage before they reach their goal. It helps you get clear on what you want and visualize the possibilities.

Today is an exciting one… we are diving into the different Functional tests that can be used to help figure out the WHY you might have autoimmune. These tests look at many of the triggers that could give us a hint at what your immune system is working so hard to clean up! They might be useful for looking at the ROOT CAUSE! A few of the tests we are going to look at are: Stool testing  Pathogen testing  Inflammatory markers  Mold testing  Food sensitivities Plus more… This is the episode so many of you have been asking for. 

In today's episode, we are talking all about Lab testing.  We're diving into the basic lab testing that we all have run every year by our MD from an autoimmune perspective. I call these the fundamentals. The fancy functional tests are useful but these fundamental tests can give us a lot of information too. They can tell us a lot about what the body is telling us and where we might need to dive deeper. Next week we dive into the different functional tests... exciting!