Show Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amir Esparza, double board-certified colorectal surgeon at City of Hope, to discuss the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in patients under 45—becoming the #1 cause of cancer death in young adults.

Dr. Esparza reveals warning signs often dismissed as hemorrhoids, explains why 30% of rectal cancer patients can avoid surgery through chemo/radiation alone, and shares robotic surgery breakthroughs reducing hospital stays from 7-10 days to 1-2 days.

We discuss fiber’s power (30g daily), why 90% of Americans are constipated, gut microbiome’s impact on mood and immunity, and City of Hope’s integrative approach combining surgery with acupuncture and multi-faith spiritual care.

Key Takeaways

• Colorectal cancer becoming #1 young adult cancer death by 2030 (20% under 45)
• Start screening at 45 (or 10 years before family member’s diagnosis)
• Warning signs: rectal bleeding, weight loss, stool changes, pain
• <20% diagnosed during screening—most symptomatic when found
• 30% rectal cancer patients avoid surgery with chemo/radiation
• Robotic surgery: 7-10 days → 1-2 days hospital stay
• Fiber: 30g daily prevents constipation, diverticulitis, cancer
• 90% Americans constipated—fiber changes microbiome in 3-4 weeks
• Gut microbiome (3-4 lbs) impacts mood, sleep, immunity, blood sugar
• Core activation during weightlifting prevents hemorrhoids

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 Early Warning Signs Often Dismissed
04:00 Less Than 20% Diagnosed During Screening
05:00 30% Avoid Surgery with Chemo/Radiation
07:00 Robotic Surgery: 1-2 Day Hospital Stays
09:00 When to Get Screened: Age 45 & Family History
14:00 Diverticulitis Prevention Through Fiber
16:00 Why 30 Grams Daily Fiber Changes Everything
20:00 Seeds & Nuts Don’t Cause Diverticulitis (Myth)
24:00 Gut Microbiome Controls Mood, Sleep & Immunity
26:00 90% of Americans Are Constipated
34:00 Best Fiber Sources: Avocados, Chia, Berries
42:00 Bloating & Food Intolerances
45:00 Hemorrhoid Treatment: Office vs Surgery
52:00 Core Activation Prevents Hemorrhoids
56:00 City of Hope’s Integrative Medicine

Guest Details
Amir Esparza, MD, FACS — Colorectal & General Surgeon
Credentials: Double board-certified. Administrative Chief Resident, University of Illinois Chicago. Outstanding Resident Leadership Award. City of Hope Orange County.
Specializations: Robotic & minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery, perianal disease, fecal incontinence, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids. Research: remote surgical techniques.
Philosophy: Compassionate care transforms lives. Combines precision surgery with integrative medicine (acupuncture, yoga, meditation, multi-faith spiritual care).

Connect:
Instagram: @dr.amiresparza
YouTube: @dramiresparza
LinkedIn: dramiresparza

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.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast
Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy
AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:
Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

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This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.