How to Have and Still Thrive with Autoimmunity in Menopause

In this episode, we answer the questions you might have about common and lesser-known autoimmune diseases: whether you are more prone during menopause, how hormonal changes may impact autoimmunity, some of the easiest lifestyle changes you can implement starting today, and perhaps most importantly that you are not alone. 

My guest today will share his unique experience with both arthritis and something I’ve dealt with in clients, spondyloarthritis. As a physician and a patient of arthritis, he has a very unique perspective on autoimmunity in menopause.

 

My Guest:

Dr. Micah Yu is an integrative rheumatologist who incorporates complementary medicine with traditional rheumatology. He is triple board-certified in Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He obtained his MD from Chicago Medical School and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and Biomedical sciences. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He is a graduate of the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. In addition, he is certified in functional medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

He is able to understand his patient’s medical problems from a patient perspective. The foundation of his practice is to combine allopathic medicine with complementary medicine. He works with his patients to come up with a treatment plan that not only fights the disease but also is aligned with his patient’s goals.

 

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• [00:05:16] What is rheumatoid arthritis vs other types of arthritis?
• [00:16:00] How can people use integrative medicine to help with their autoimmunity?
• [00:18:21] Do people have to go on medications when they get diagnosed with a rheumatic disease?
• [00:26:01] Is there any connection whatsoever with post -exercise soreness and autoimmune response?
• [00:27:24] How will a plant-based diet sustain muscle?

Don’t Let Autoimmunity in Menopause Hold You Back

What are the different Arthritis Disease?

• Gout
  • NOT an autoimmune arthritis and NOT wear and tear.
  • It’s an arthritis that’s inflammatory that’s caused by uric acid deposition in the joints.
  • Usually comes out as a single joint (e.g. big toe, knee) and get repeated over time.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • IS an autoimmune arthritis.
  • Can attack multiple joints (e.g. fingers, toes, shoulders, elbows, knee)
  • Usually come up with swelling, retinas, stiffness of the joints.
  • Predominant in females

• Spondyloarthritis

  • Overall arching term of different arthritis (e.g. psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • Usually comes out in fingers, TMJ (temporomandibular joints), elbows, shoulders, knees, feet, ankles.

 

What is the medication for autoimmune disease?

• Depends on the background, beliefs, and severity of the disease.
• Some may use medications, others may use alternative medicines, supplements and therapists.

 

What is a Whole Food Plant Based Diet (WFPB)?

• Helped Dr. Micah with pain remission after 2 months
• Whole foods include beans, organic tofu, edamame, fruits and vegetables.
• No highly processed vegan protein, soy protein.
• Soy is included in WFPB
  • Has phytonutrients
  • Decreases breast cancers
  • Use clean unprocessed soy (e.g. organic tofu, edamame)
  • Does not include processed vegan meat
  • Some people may be sensitive to soy.

 

What are Inflammatory Foods?

• Ultra-processed foods (e.g. fast food, chips, cookies, cakes, ham, pepperoni).
• Food with high salt. WHO says that diet must be up to two grams of salt.
• Seed oils can be inflammatory when used for cooking.

 

The 2 times in a woman life with more risk of getting autoimmune disease:

• After giving birth
• When they go into menopause

 

Connect with Dr. Micah for the Summit:

• Join Dr. Micah’s FREE summit on May 12–18, 2025: The Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmunity Symposium
• Facebook - MYAutoimmuneMD
• Instagram - @MYAutoimmuneMD
• Youtube - @MYAutoimmuneMD

 

Other Episodes You Might Like:

• Previous Episode - Is Your Liver Preventing Muscle Growth in Menopause?
• Next Episode - Smart Movement for Aging Better with Lara Heimann
• More Like This - Prevent or Reverse Autoimmune Conditions

 

Resources:

• Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.