Doctors Reveal How They Healed Their Autoimmune Disease

Oct 22, 2021

Dr. Cynthia Li, an internist and author of "Brave New Medicine," shares her inspiring journey of healing from autoimmune disease through functional medicine. Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor and author of "The Wahls Protocol," discusses her success in reversing multiple sclerosis via dietary and lifestyle changes. Together, they delve into the underlying triggers of inflammation, the transformative power of nutrition, and the importance of gut health. Their personal stories highlight the potential for holistic healing and the impact of community support.

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ANECDOTE

Dr. Li's Health Journey

Dr. Cynthia Li's health declined after a sudden illness in China, leading to chronic fatigue and other issues.
She initially tried conventional medicine but found no answers, prompting her to explore alternative approaches.

INSIGHT

Chronic Disease Development

Chronic diseases develop over time due to complex interactions between our environment and bodies.
Dr. Li realized that addressing underlying inflammation, rather than just symptoms, was key.

ADVICE

Prioritize Sleep and Routine

Prioritize sleep by understanding your circadian rhythm and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
Sync your routine with other family members and prioritize self-care.

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This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health and Athletic Greens.

As a whole, autoimmune disease affects over 80 million Americans and five percent of the population in Western countries. They include type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and dozens of others. While your body is designed to fight off harmful things like infections, toxins, allergens, or a stress response, with autoimmune issues the body directs a hostile attack on its own joints, brain, skin, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Hyman speaks with Dr. Cynthia Li and Dr. Terry Wahls about their personal stories of working through autoimmunity and how it led them to help others using Functional Medicine. They also dive into the underlying triggers of inflammation such as stress, hidden infections, food allergies or sensitivities, toxic exposure, genetic predisposition, nutrient deficiencies, and leaky gut.

Dr. Cynthia Li received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She’s practiced as an internist in many settings, including Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, and St. Anthony Medical Clinic serving the homeless. She currently has a private practice in Berkeley, CA and is the author of, Brave New Medicine: A Doctor’s Unconventional Path to Healing Her Autoimmune Illness.

Dr. Terry Wahls is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials. In 2018, she was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care, and patient advocacy. Dr. Wahls was confined to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. She restored her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically for her brain and now pedals her bike to work each day. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, and the cookbook The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life.

This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health and Athletic Greens.

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