Beat Autoimmune & Thrive! with Palmer Kippola

Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple-board-certified physician who specializes in integrative medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone therapy. She’s affectionately known as “The Girlfriend Doctor,” she’s the bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause, and she’s the creator of the highly acclaimed Magic Menopause program.Dr. Anna helps women balance hormones, boost energy, and reignite intimacy with humor, heart, and practical solutions. She’s also developed natural products like MightyMaca® Plus and Julva® cream to support women through every stage of life. She lives in Dallas with her daughters, horses, and dogs.Today she joins me for a deep dive into the top hormone imbalances linked to autoimmune disorders—and how we can bring them back into balance naturally, effectively, and for optimal health and wellbeing. Quote: “It takes more than hormones to fix our hormones.”What’s Inside:01:08 Dr. Anna’s personal story of trauma, profound grief, PTSD, infertility, early menopause; and then, complete healing, reversing menopause, and naturally conceiving a child at age 41 11:24 Dr. Anna’s hormone hierarchy and university metaphor 14:50 The Queen Mother and most powerful hormone in our body and how it balances out our stress hormones18:46 Dr. Anna’s personal experience of high cortisol, low oxytocin and what she did to lose weight, fix depression, and burnout22:10 Why urine pH is the most important and inexpensive marker to help give you insights on your cortisol and oxytocin levels30:07 What Dr. Anna does to determine cortisol levels over the course of a day32:57 Why circadian rhythm is crucial for health and wellbeing34:45 How aging and stress cause estrogen dominance and what signs you can look for 38:04 The cacophony and cascade of hormone imbalances: high Insulin, low vitamin D, low thyroid, low testosterone, high cortisol and the connection to autoimmunity 40:37 What Dr. Anna recommends as starting points to balance your hormones42:19 Dr. Anna’s thoughts about progesterone and how to replace it naturally and safely46:44 The last word: hopeful and empoweringResources mentioned:Books that address trauma:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD: https://amzn.to/4lm9bYdBeat Autoimmune by Palmer Kippola: https://amzn.to/41EanPyDr. Anna’s hormone balancing products: urine strips, Balance cream, Julva, Mighty Maca Plus:https://drannacabeca.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=8101982Where you can find Dr. Anna:● https://drannacabeca.com● https://www.facebook.com/DrAnnaCabeca● https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctorHow I can help:Beat Autoimmune Amazon #1 best-selling book with a powerful foreword by Mark Hyman, MD addresses the 6 key factors to reverse and prevent autoimmune disorders. Available in paperback, kindle and audio formats: https://amzn.to/4169Y8uBeat Autoimmune Academy a self-paced online course with live monthly group coaching sessions to help you heal efficiently and effectively: http://beatautoimmuneacademy.com/#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a seasoned Naturopathic Physician with over 20 years of experience, shares her insights on recovery from long COVID and chronic fatigue. She discusses how to differentiate between these conditions and emphasizes the importance of early symptom management. Jenny reveals her five root causes of chronic fatigue and offers practical strategies to restore energy and vitality. Listeners are inspired by her personal healing journeys and the transformative power of addressing both the body and mind in the recovery process.

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Julie Schiffman, MSW, a world-renowned expert in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping. With over 25 years in mind-body medicine, Julie has guided thousands of people around the world to release emotional blocks, reduce stress, and heal physical symptoms—especially those linked to chronic conditions like autoimmune disorders.Julie spent over 15 years working alongside Dr. Joseph Mercola and has been featured in numerous wellness summits, documentaries, and programs. Her compassionate, down-to-earth style has made her a trusted voice in the field of energy medicine, and her popular YouTube channel has reached millions seeking natural relief through EFT.Whether you’re facing an autoimmune condition, chronic stress, or simply want to feel more grounded and empowered, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.And here’s a bonus: At the end of our chat, Julie leads a guided tapping session you can follow along with — so if possible, watch this episode on YouTube to experience the full effect.Quote: “The healing that happens is just incredible, beautiful, and life-changing for so many people.”What’s Inside:03:00: What is EFT (emotional freedom technique) aka “tapping”?07:20: Julie’s story and how she discovered tapping 12:40: A powerful and important moment in Palmer’s life that was significantly impacted by tapping15:20: Julie shares a client story of transformation due to tapping22:56: How tapping can address deep seeded foundational beliefs that are dictating your thoughts, behaviors, and biology30:18: Where to start if you’re newly diagnosed with an autoimmune condition or something else35:50: A guided tapping round with Julie 48:00: The power of small shifts and how they add up overtime 51:00: About Julie’s free anxiety relief challengeResources mentioned:Julie Schiffman’s website: http://julieschiffman.com/5-Day Free Anxiety Relief Challenge with Julie Schiffman - https://bit.ly/AnxietyReliefChallengeJulie’s YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@Julieschiffman/videosWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to achieve your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Sam Shay, a Functional Medicine practitioner and "friendly lab nerd," shares his inspiring journey from chronic illness to health expert. He discusses how functional lab testing can reveal hidden autoimmune triggers and emphasizes his 10 Pillars of Health framework for improving resilience and brain health. Dr. Shay also highlights the vital role of genetic testing in crafting personalized health plans, linking genetics with lifestyle choices for optimal wellness. Plus, don’t miss his comedic take on neurodivergence in his stand-up special!

Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician and trauma healing expert, delves into the profound connection between unresolved trauma and autoimmune conditions. She explains how trauma manifests in the body and emphasizes the importance of processing these experiences for holistic healing. Aimie shares her transformative journey from conventional medicine to trauma therapy, offering insights from her upcoming book, 'The Biology of Trauma.' Tune in for a candid exploration of symptoms as invitations to heal and the necessity of completing trauma responses.

I’m doing something a little different today—and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. I recently had the privilege of being interviewed on the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, hosted by the insightful and generous Mike Capuzzi.Mike Capuzzi is a seasoned marketing strategist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and host of the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, where he features standout health and wellness books and the authors behind them. With over 30 years of experience, Mike is passionate about spotlighting powerful, practical books that help people live healthier lives.Mike invited me to share my personal healing journey from multiple sclerosis, what inspired me to write Beat Autoimmune, and some of the key strategies from my F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework that have helped so many others on their healing path. In this conversation, we dive into root causes like stress, food, and toxins—and I share practical tips you can start using right away to support your immune system and take back your health.Whether you're just starting to explore functional medicine or you're deep into your healing journey, there’s something in here for you. I’m so grateful to Mike for the opportunity—and for his permission to share this episode with you here. I hope this inspires you, and I encourage you to check out Mike’s Better Health Bookshelf podcast for more great conversations about health-transforming books.Quote: “Hope is real. Healing is possible.”00:00 – Introduction by Mike Capuzzi Mike introduces Palmer Kippola and her book, Beat Autoimmune, setting the stage for a discussion on reversing autoimmune diseases naturally.01:30 – Palmer's Personal Healing Journey Palmer shares her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 19 and her 26-year journey to recovery, emphasizing the power of addressing root causes.07:45 – The F.I.G.H.T.S.™ Framework Explained An overview of Palmer's F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework: Food, Infections, Gut health, Hormone balance, Toxins, and Stress, as key areas to address in healing.12:20 – The Impact of Diet on Autoimmune Conditions Discussion on how certain foods can trigger or alleviate autoimmune symptoms, and the importance of the elimination diet to determine your optimal foods.18:00 – Environmental Toxins and Their Role Exploring how everyday toxins contribute to autoimmune issues and strategies to reduce exposure.23:15 – Stress Management Techniques Palmer discusses the profound effect of stress on the immune system and shares practical methods to reduce it.28:40 – Encouragement and Resources for Listeners Palmer offers hope and actionable steps for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, including resources for further support.Resources mentioned:Book: Beat Autoimmune - https://a.co/d/99MHeVwWebsite: https://palmerkippola.comBetter Health Bookshelf podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-health-bookshelf-discover-new-health-and/id1487836914Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Roberta Tachi, an Embodiment Coach and Spiritual Guide, shares her inspiring journey of reversing Myasthenia Gravis and her commitment to helping others heal. She discusses the profound link between trauma and autoimmune disorders, offering techniques for trauma release and emotional well-being. Personal stories reveal the challenges of healing in foreign lands, and Roberta emphasizes the importance of intuitive healing and body connection. Listeners are invited to rediscover authenticity and engage in mindful practices that foster true healing.

Today I’m joined by Dr. Fred Luskin, one of the world’s leading researchers and teachers on forgiveness. He’s the founder of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, a longtime lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine, and bestselling author of Forgive for Good, Forgive for Love, and the newly released Forgive for Good Recovery Workbook.Fred has spent decades studying the link between forgiveness and well-being. His research shows that forgiveness can reduce chronic stress, depression, and even physical pain — while boosting resilience, emotional balance, and inner peace.If you’re healing from an autoimmune disorder or any chronic condition, this conversation is especially for you. Emotional stress, resentment, and unresolved pain can keep the body stuck in survival mode, which fuels inflammation and autoimmunity. Forgiveness is a powerful balm and way of living that soothes the nervous system and supports deep healing.I had the privilege of taking Fred’s Forgive for Good workshop through Stanford Health Care, and I can say firsthand: his approach is both practical and profoundly transformative.Tune in as we explore why forgiveness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a vital practice for a healthy, thriving life.Quote: “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.”What’s inside this episode?02:20 What it is that makes unforgiveness so diminishing 04:00 Fred’s personal story that led him down the path of understanding and researching “unforgiveness” as his work07:25 What is forgiveness and what is it not?10:20 What he found from his study of forgiveness in the most extremely traumatic life circumstances, and the most important aspects of forgiveness17:25 Forgiveness strategies for someone who has experienced adverse childhood experience(s) (ACEs) and is facing an autoimmune response25:55 Steps someone can take to forgive and look forward in their life34:38 The integration of spirituality and history into Fred’s secular studies on forgiveness38:00 Forgiveness is a choice and a learned skillResources mentioned:Forgive For Good by Dr. Fred Luskin: https://a.co/d/7MzvjrEThe Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook: https://a.co/d/gSPBEXdWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician who helps people recover from complex, chronic illness using a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge biological, natural, and energy medicine. She leads her own clinic, Immanence Health in Washington State, and works with clients virtually as well.Dr. Schaffner is also the host of The Spectrum of Health podcast, where she interviews top experts on a wide range of holistic health topics. I had the honor of being a guest on her show to share my journey of reversing autoimmune disease naturally.You may remember Dr. Schaffner from episode #5 of Beat Autoimmune & Thrive, where we explored How to Love Your Lymph. What I appreciate most about her is her compassion, curiosity, and deep commitment to educating both patients and practitioners about the often-overlooked root causes of chronic illness—and the many mind-body-spirit tools available for true healing.Full disclosure: Dr. Schaffner is my personal doctor and dear friend. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to the show.In this conversation, we explore her own profound healing journey, what she’s seeing in her practice today, and how she brings together a vast array of healing modalities to support those navigating complex health challenges like autoimmunity.Quote: “I believe anyone can overcome anything.” What’s Inside: 02:25 Dr. Schaffner’s story and most recent life threatening health journey 20:50 What is Terrain Medicine and how can people access it?33:15 The invitation to receive and be a collaborator with your body on the quest to healing and full health36:09 The masculine and feminine components of healing and systems of regulation40:30 Tools, modalities, and practices Dr. Schaffner has found to be transformational for herself and her patients47:38 EMDR for healing from acute and chronic traumaResources Mentioned:Dr. Christine Schaffner website: https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/Dr. Christine Schaffner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drschaffnerDr. Joe Dispenza website: https://drjoedispenza.com/Veda Austin, The Living Language of Water: https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-bookHealing Modalities and Practices:EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/Somatic Healing: https://traumahealing.org/Mei-lan - Angelic Frequency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0oHeartmath science, blog, and tools: https://www.heartmath.com/Resonance devices: AO Scan: https://aoscanglobal.com/Energy for Life (formerly NES Health) https://www.e4l.com/Neural therapy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapyOzone therapy: A clinical review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/Dr. Bradley Nelson’s books: Emotion Code and Body Code https://drbradleynelson.com/Biofield Tuning: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/Non-profit psychedelic science, research, education, and policy: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org Ancient Medicines: Kambô - traditional Amazonian frog medicine ritual; and Rapé - sacred snuffLimbic Retraining:The Gupta Program: https://guptaprogram.com/DNRS: https://retrainingthebrain.com/Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Shani Robins is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Wisdom Therapy™, a therapeutic approach he pioneered in 1998. He teaches psychology and wellness courses at a number of schools including Stanford University, Foothill College, and College of San Mateo.Dr. Robins holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from UCLA, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, and a second Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He has been a California Board Licensed Psychologist for over 20 years.Blending the best of Western psychology—including Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—with Eastern practices like mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, and humility, Dr. Robins helps people reduce suffering and live with greater wisdom.He specializes in psychotherapy for anxiety, anger management, and career counseling, working with individuals, couples, and groups. His integrative approach combines CBT, Mindfulness Meditation, and Wisdom Therapy to help clients lower stress and enhance well-being.In this inspiring episode, Dr. Robins shares practical strategies and timeless wisdom to help you break free from anxiety, pain, and emotional struggles—whether you’re healing from an autoimmune condition or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life. Learn how to reframe challenges, overcome cognitive distortions, practice mindfulness, and cultivate self-compassion, gratitude, optimism, and humility. Dr. Robins shows us how to be wiser and freer, starting with your very next thought.Quote: “How we think significantly influences how we feel.”What’s inside this episode?02:26 How wisdom and well-being can be defined when it comes to dealing with and healing chronic illness 13:54 Wise vs. unwise thought patterns, and the understanding that how we think directly correlates with how we feel  20:05 How we can approach and respond to new health challenges in a wiser and more skillful way25:26 Understanding mindfulness as a practiced skill that allows us to consciously observe our thoughts and create the opportunity to shift them35:35 How shifting our perspective through actively changing our biological default for survival and practicing gratitude frees us from suffering 43:50 How we can practice more humility, self-compassion, and optimism59:00 Final words from Shani on the practice of living a wise lifeResources mentioned:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) workbooks:Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think - https://amzn.to/4i8pW7SFeeling Good: The New Mood Therapy - https://a.co/d/6jUl00SShani’s website: Wisdomtherapy.comWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/