Ep. 343 The Autoimmune Cure: Trauma's Connection to Autoimmunity with Dr. Sara Gottfried

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a board-certified physician practicing evidence-based integrative precision and functional medicine. (She last joined me for Episode 211.)

Dr. Gottfried graduated from Harvard and MIT. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She is also the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including her recent publication, The Autoimmune Cure. 

In our discussion today, we discuss the interrelationship between trauma and autoimmunity, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women. We dive into the impact of trauma, explaining its correlation with autoimmune conditions and demystifying the role of the PINE network (the Psycho Immune Neuro Endocrine system). We explore triggers for perimenopause and menopause, gender differences specific to the changes in immunity and vulnerability in women, the consequences of burnout in various professions, the shortcomings of conventional allopathic methods in addressing mental health and trauma, and immunomodulation, including vitamins, polyphenols, low-dose Naltrexone, and somatic-based therapies. 

With Dr. Gottfried’s invaluable insights into crucial health topics, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How the traumas we experience as children could make us more susceptible to autoimmune conditions later in life
• How trauma impacts our immune, neurological, and endocrine systems
• Addressing trauma through gut health, heart rate variability, and hormone balance
• How the metabolic and immune system changes triggered during perimenopause and menopause can make women more susceptible to autoimmune issues 
• How men in combat and women with sexual assault show similar trauma responses 
• How childhood trauma can shape our direction in life
• The potential benefits of alternative therapies like LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca
• How measuring gut health can provide valuable insights for treatment options
• Using low-dose Naltrexone for sleep and immune system modulation
• The potential of somatic therapies and breathwork for stilling the autonomic nervous system and promoting body awareness

Bio: Dr. Sara Gottfried:

Sara Szal Gottfried, MD, is a physician, researcher, author, and educator. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and MIT and completed a residency at UCSF, but is more likely to prescribe a CGM and personalized nutrition plan than the latest pharmaceutical. Dr. Gottfried is a global keynote speaker and the author of four New York Times bestselling books about hormones, nutrition, and health. Her latest book is called THE AUTOIMMUNE CURE (March 2024). She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She takes care of executives and professional athletes. Her focus is on the interface of mental and physical health, N-of-1 trial design, personalized molecular profiling, use of wearables, and how to leverage these tools to improve health outcomes. 

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Connect with Dr. Sara Gottfried

• On her website   
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• Dr. Gottfried’s new book, The Autoimmune Cure, is available from most bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Previous Episode Mentioned

Ep. 211 – Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried