In this episode of Autoimmune Alchemy, host Dr. Micah Yu speaks with Dr. Kelly McCann, an expert in internal medicine, functional medicine, and environmental medicine, about chronic illnesses and their root causes.

Dr. McCann discusses the concept of total toxic load and how various factors such as mold exposure, chronic infections like Lyme disease, and environmental toxins contribute to complex chronic conditions. She explains the various symptoms and diagnostic challenges of these illnesses, particularly emphasizing the importance of early identification and personalized treatment.

Dr. McCann also emphasizes the role of mind-body-spirit connection in the healing process and how trauma and emotional well-being can impact physical health. Additionally, the discussion covers hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), providing insights into their management and treatment. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of chronic illnesses and how to navigate their complexity.

Here are some time stamps to support you.

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 01:25 Understanding Chronic Illnesses and Root Causes
• 02:08 The Concept of Total Load and Environmental Medicine
• 03:27 Mold and Mycotoxins: A Major Player
• 04:15 Chronic Infections and Their Impact
• 06:19 Environmental Toxins and Genetic Susceptibilities
• 07:36 Diagnosing and Treating Mold Toxicity
• 21:07 Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in Healing
• 23:27 Exploring Trauma and Emotional Healing
• 32:11 Energy Medicine and Self-Discovery
• 38:02 Lyme Disease and Co-Infections
• 39:48 A Family’s Lyme Disease Journey
• 40:13 Understanding Lyme Disease Transmission
• 41:08 Divergent Views on Lyme Disease
• 44:08 Chronic Lyme and Functional Medicine
• 47:06 The Importance of Asking ‘Why’ in Medicine
• 54:03 Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• 01:07:29 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Explained
• 01:15:48 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Uncover the truth behind chronic illnesses with Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Kelly McCann.

From Lyme disease to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, this episode explores the root causes and innovative treatments for complex conditions. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on Autoimmune Alchemy! #IntegrativeMedicine #PodcastLife

About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP
Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM
Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women’s wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.