Welcome to The Autoimmune Simplified Podcast - Hosted by Dr. Alison Danby, Naturopathic Doctor, Functional Medicine Practitioner and the founder of the Autoimmune Institute. Each week we will be exploring new concepts dealing with autoimmune, talking with amazing experts and hearing inspiring stories about other’s autoimmune journeys. We will be diving deep into all things autoimmune healing - digestion, hormones, nutrition, mindset, and so much more. I’m here to guide and empower you, and S ...
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Dr Alison Danby Podcasts

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The Truth About Autoimmune Hair Loss (Spoiler: It’s Not Biotin)
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42:00Hair in the drain. A widening part. Thinning at the temples. You’ve tried the shampoo. The supplements. The serums. But nothing’s working. What if the real reason your hair is falling out… has nothing to do with your hair at all? In today’s episode of Autoimmune Simplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood symptoms of…
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When Hormones Fuel the Fire: Autoimmunity in Perimenopause
36:47
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36:47Perimenopause & Autoimmune — What’s Really Going On? Are your autoimmune symptoms flaring as your hormones shift? You're not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Alison Danby dives deep into the powerful intersection between perimenopause and autoimmune disease — what’s happening in your body, why things feel harder than they used to, and what you ca…
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Beyond the Label: What ‘Anti-Inflammatory Foods’ Really Means
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24:11We hear it everywhere: “Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.” But… what does anti-inflammatory really mean? In this episode, Dr. Alison opens up about why she made a major pivot in her approach to autoimmune nutrition — stepping away from restrictive diets she once supported — and the powerful science that changed everything. We explore two fascinating s…
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Autoimmunity, Nervous System &... Carebears? Let’s Talk.
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17:01What do childhood cartoons, spontaneous dance breaks, and ancient healing traditions have in common? They’re all part of the surprising, science-backed tools I use to support the nervous system—tools that have transformed my own healing and the journey of so many clients navigating autoimmunity. In this soul-soothing episode of Autoimmune Simplifie…
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LDN: Hope or Hype for Autoimmune Disease?
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31:01This episode dives deep into one of the questions I get asked most often: Should I take Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? If you're wondering whether LDN will work for your autoimmune condition, why it’s not working for you, or why so many people online swear by it—this is the episode you need to hear. LDN has gained a lot of traction in the autoimmune co…
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Gut Health & Hashimoto’s: The Hidden Connection You Need to Know with Dr. Alison Danby, ND
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35:57In this episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison Danby ND explores the powerful connection between gut health and thyroid function, particularly in Hashimoto’s. Learn how gut imbalances, nutrient absorption, leaky gut, and dysbiosis can impact your thyroid and autoimmune response. Key Topics Covered: ✔ The Thyroid-Gut Axis – How gut health infl…
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Episode 109: Unpacking Hard Truths: Laura's Insight on Alcohol's Impact to Health
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34:34In this episode, we welcome back Laura Valvasori, she shares her remarkable journey of transforming her life and health by eliminating alcohol. This conversation tackles a critical yet often overlooked aspect of autoimmune care – the significant impact of alcohol on health. Laura's story is not just inspiring; it's a wake-up call to many who are di…
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Episode 108: The Missing Link: Key Steps to Healing Your Gut
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24:10In this episode, we explore the fascinating gut-brain axis, focusing on the complex interaction between gut health and mental well-being. Discover the role of the vagus nerve in this bidirectional relationship and how stress affects both the gut and the brain. We discuss the impact of the microbiome on autoimmune and mental health, emphasizing the …
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Episode 107: Autoimmune Nutrition Essentials: Uncovering the Overlooked Trio
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29:44Autoimmune Nutrition Essentials: Uncovering the Overlooked Trio In this episode, we explore the critical dietary components often overlooked in the management of autoimmune. We dive deep into the world of nutrition with us as we dissect the role and importance of protein, calcium, and fibre for those navigating the complexities of autoimmune condit…
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Episode 106: Unveiling the Tiredness: Chronic Inflammation, Anemia, and the Unique Exhaustion of Autoimmunity
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22:41Unveiling the Tiredness: Chronic Inflammation, Anemia, and the Unique Exhaustion of Autoimmunity Do you often ask yourself, "Why am I so unbelievably tired?" If you're grappling with an autoimmune condition, you're likely no stranger to fatigue that feels more like a permanent shadow than a passing cloud. In this insightful episode of "Fatigue Insi…
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Episode 105: The Key to Success: Accountability in the Digital Age
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29:50What's the key ingredient in the recipe for health success? Dive into today's episode as we unravel the layers of accountability—a vital yet often overlooked ingredient in our quest for health. We'll approach this subject differently, spotlighting its significance in autoimmune management. Ever wondered why some people see stellar results, or why w…
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Building Your Wellness Tower: The Science and Art of Habit Stacking
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21:08Every wonder why some people look like they have it all together? The perfect morning routine and bedtime routine... checking all the health habits every day! The secret is in this episode. Habit stacking is more than just a buzzword or a trendy tip from TikTok. It's a powerful tool, especially for those navigating the complexities of autoimmune co…
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Episode 103: The Butterfly Effect: The Power of Accountability and Small Changes.
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28:51Episode 103: The Butterfly Effect: The Power of Accountability and Small Changes. What really moves the needle on your health? Is it that one supplement? One lab test test? One diet intervention? We love to boil health down into "one thing", but the truth is, health resides in the minutia. The culmination of habits we do over time. We call this the…
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Episode 102: The Myth of the Single Root Cause
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32:59It's in our nature, isn't it? To seek simplicity in the complex world around us. We yearn for straightforward answers, for that one thing we can point to and say, "Aha! That's the culprit!" Unfortunately, when it comes to autoimmune conditions, this approach might be doing us more harm than good. Human tendency for simplicity can lead us astray. We…
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Episode 101 - GUT- Brain Connection Check out our latest podcast episode where we sit down with Dr. Kim to discuss all things gut health! This episode was so much fun and such a wealth of information We dive into the gut-brain connection, the microbiome, and so much more all related to gut health. Dr. Kim simplifies the complexities of gut health a…
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Trends in Autoimmune Healing Welcome to the 100th episode of Autoimmune Simplified, Dr. Alison will be taking a deep dive into the latest trends and tricks that have helped our clients achieve amazing results! We're here to support you, our fellow autoimmune warriors, we talk about finding the root cause of your issues, whether is that really the b…
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In this podcast, we explore what triggers a leaky gut and the role of zonulin in regulating the permeability of the intestinal barrier. We explore the top 5 triggers for a leaky gut. Elevated levels of the hormone, zonulin can lead to increased intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," which has been associated with various health conditions includi…
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Episode 98 Becoming Your own Medical Advocate
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29:59In this podcast, we will be discussing how to become your own medical advocate. Becoming your own medical advocate is vital because it allows you to take control of your health and ensure you receive the best care possible. By being informed, asking the right questions, and keeping accurate records, you can make the most informed decisions and advo…
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Episode 97 Healing Trauma with Allen Kanerva
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56:44Episode 97 Healing Trauma with Allen Kanerva This episode is interesting and powerful. In today's episode, we have Alan Kanerva, from Inspired Outcomes today, he’s joining us to shed light on how he works with individuals to heal trauma. In this captivating episode, Allen shares his personal trauma story and sheds light on how it led him to assist …
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Welcoming the New Year with joy, compassion and time efficacy!
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46:24Episode 96 Welcoming the New Year with Chana Ross This episode is the perfect episode to help reflect on 2022 and welcome in an exciting 2023. I sat down with the incredible Chana Ross and we talked about so many amazing strategies to make 2023 your best year! How to improve your time efficacy without causing exhaustion Self-compassion and intererg…
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Episode 95 Healthy Holiday Strategies... Are you planning to have a Happy and Healthy Holiday this year? In this episode, I dive into the strategies I use with my clients to ensure they stay healthy and avoid flares. What does this episode cover… just about everything! Strategies to avoid falling off your plan How to enjoy foods and alcohol that yo…
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Mind-body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries
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52:31Episode 94 Mind-body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries with Eileen Laird In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure to interview Eileen Laird - AKA Phoenix Helix. (I was like a kid in the candy shop… I struggled to contain my excitement) Eileen has just released her newest book Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connec…
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Mind Body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries
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52:31Episode 94 Mind-body Connection for Autoimmune & Setting Holiday Boundaries with Eileen Laird In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure to interview Eileen Laird - AKA Phoenix Helix. Eileen has just released her newest book Healing Mindset: A Guide to the Mind-Body Connection for People with Autoimmune Disease and we dove into it. For those of y…
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In this episode, we dive into the research on Melatonin and whether should we be taking it if we have underlying inflammation. There is research showing that melatonin can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in autoimmune, however a recent study done on animals has put that into question...…
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Is counselling something you should consider?
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40:20Episode 92, Is counselling something you should consider? This answer might surprise you... This episode is so valuable. We talk about collaborative care and who is on your support team. My guest today is Stephanie Dinsmore EdD (c) MSW RSW, social worker and owner of Mindful Path Counselling. I’ve wanted to have this conversation for a long time. M…
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Episode 91: Medical Gaslighting & Autoimmune Have you ever felt like your doctor isn’t listening? Or that they just don’t care? Have you been told it’s all in your head or maybe you’re depressed? If you answered yes, you might have encountered Medical Gaslighting, which is very common in the autoimmune world. So common that the medical community ha…
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Which is better for Autoimmune... Exercise/Diet or Both?
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11:45Episode 90 In today’s episode, we talk about a research study that I found so interesting. It’s a short one but so fascinating. We dive into a study done by Garcia-Morales, et al in 2019 published in the Journal of Rheumatology – Effect of a Dynamic Exercise Program in Combination With Mediterranean Diet on Quality of Life in Women With Rheumatoi…
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Episode 89 Heart Health & Autoimmune Today’s episode is heart-stopping…(LOL). Seriously, heart health is one of the top comorbidities associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammation. I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Alexandrea Verge, ND who is a genius when it comes to heart health. Dr. Verge makes this complicated topic so bit size and …
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Episode 88 Anxiety & Creating Calm Another amazing episode! My guest Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken, ND has this incredible ability to explain anxiety leaving you feeling so empowered. Dr.Katie is a best-selling author in the mental health industry, with her book Create Calm and just released her workbook to walk you through it. Dr. Kaite, walk us throug…
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Managing MS & other Autoimmune with Lifestyle
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34:49Episode 87. Managing MS and other Autoimmune with Lifestyle My guest today is Alissa Frazier, who founded LissMs. Alissa shares her incrediable journey with MS, and how it gave her the wake-up call, leading her to where she is today. We talk all about managing autoimmune with lifestyle changes, diet, neuro-centred movement and stress management. Sh…
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Episode 86 Thyroid Health for Fertility & Pregnancy This is a good episode!! Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND, a thyroid genius joins me to talk all about how your thyroid can impact pregnancy and fertility. Even if you’re not considering having a baby it was so interesting and amazing tips for general thyroid/Hashimoto. Plus… Dr. Katie gives up an update on…
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Taking the Fear out of a Career Transition
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29:18Episode 85 was inspired after several conversations with my 1-1 autoimmune clients, for many with autoimmune, the fatigue and physical demands of their current job may not be sustainable...but what do you do? You pivot... My guest Laura Valvasori did just that, she made the transition from her corporate job to pursue self-employment and now she is …
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Episode 82 - Hormones, Perimenopause & Autoimmune Today is hormone day with my guest, Dr. Rachel Vandenberg, Naturopathic Doctor. This episode was so much fun… as you’ll hear I get very excited talking hormones with Dr. Rachel. Hormone changes can impact us on so many levels from day-to-day challenges to full-on autoimmune flares. Dr. Rachel walked…
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Episode 82 - Financial stress and your health Research shows that more than 80% of autoimmune flares and diagnoses are caused by stress, and what is one of the leading chronic stressors… Money, financial stress! We know this not only impacts our health but our relationships and for many our self-worth. This is a stressor that goes deep, with so muc…
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Episode 81 - Medical Cannabis, CBC & Autoimmune for Pain, Inflammation, Sleep and Anxiety I’m so excited to release this episode, it was an amazing conversation with Dr. Shawn Meirovici, ND. Dr. Shawn has been working with clients that have disabling neurological conditions and autoimmune for the last several years and has become the authority in t…
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Join me, Dr. Alison Danby, ND as we continue on two concepts linked to flares with our health; Lottery syndrome and mindset with flares. Lottery syndrome is something I see often in clinical practice with not just autoimmune but any health conditions,, you’ll have to listen to find out more. The other half of the podcast is where we dive into some …
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Top 3 things I do when in an Autoimmune Flare
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27:35Episode 79 - Top 3 things I do when in an Autoimmune Flare Autoimmune Flares happen to EVERYONE! Recently I was asked, “what do you do when you have an autoimmune flare?” In today’s episode, I dive into the top 3 things I do when I have a flare or I can feel the start of one coming on.By Dr. Alison Danby ND
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Episode 78 - Autoimmune & Mental Health In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND, who has written four books on mental health and created 2 programs for clients and practitioners. Dr. Chris shares her mental health story and her inspiring journey. People who have autoimmune disorders are at an increased risk of having…
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Pivoting Careers With Autoimmune - April Harris
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44:42Today I have April Harris, the founder of Virtually April Michelle. April is a High-Level Virtual Assistant, IBD Advocate, and Biz Coach for Autoimmune & Chronic Illness Warriors. Every week I have clients telling me that the stress from their jobs caused a flare, that their jobs are too physically demanding or they can’t work this many hours but t…
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Thriving with Autoimmune with Jamie Hartman, M.Ed., FNTP, RYT
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42:18From surviving to ultimately thriving with Autoimmune with Jamie Hartman, M.Ed., FNTP, RYT In today’s episode, I’m joined by a very special guest in the autoimmune world - Jamie Hartland. Most of us know Jamie is the founder of the AIP Summit, and the host of many amazing, inspiring AIP events that help people navigate their autoimmune conditions. …
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This episode is a heavy one, but it may shed some much-needed light on how trauma impacts our immune system and plays a rolling in the development of Autoimmune. It’s hard to imagine that something that happened to you as a child could have that much impact on how your body functions as an adult, but the research is there to support it. The researc…
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This week's episode is part 2 of last week where we looked at how an autoimmune condition develops over time and the health consequence the body faces. This week is a spin-off of that. We are looking at thyroid and thyroid medication when the body is in a danger-response state. And exercise intolerance We also explore ways to improve overall body f…
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Today we dive into the development of chronic illness, with a focus on Autoimmune. For a majority of us it wasn’t something that developed overnight, it was brewing for years and years. What was the first symptom you noticed? Was it fatigue? There is a perfectly good reason for that. We are going to look at how these changes happen over time? I’m e…
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This episode was so much fun. I sat down with two of my best friends Dr. Toni Reid, ND and Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND at a conference I was speaking at. We discuss our top 5 tips, tricks and suggestions to help you improve your overall health. Tune in to find out our top recommendations and strategies that we use in clinical practice. I hope you enjo…
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Are you stuck on a restrictive diet? Are you wanting to introduce foods back in but are nervous you’ll react? Elimination diets are a short-term way to reduce inflammation and immune response but they are only meant for 30-90 days. Our ultimate goal is to get food back in without reactions. Today’s episode is all about my tips and tricks to success…
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2500 years ago Greek Physician Hippocrates stated “All disease begins in the gut”. Turns out he was bang on. This winter I did a talk for 400 doctors on the new research on the gut-immune connection and it was so well received that I thought I would share it with you. Today we dive into the research that has come out in the last 5 years on how your…
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In this episode, I answer 3 questions from YOU, the listeners about health, Autoimmune and well anything! Questions we dive into today: What is the perfect poop? (warning there might be a few cheese poop jokes! I’m sure your 2-year-old will love this one!) Are all the plant-based “fake meats” good for us? I’ve heard plant-based is healthier? Additi…
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Episode 68: Goal Setting - Reprogramming the Brain! Research has shown that the subconscious can’t tell the difference between reality and a daydream… this is how athletes and successful business leaders use their brains to achieve success. In this episode, I walk you through one of the most powerful tools you can use to program your brain to help …
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Lab Testing - Part 2 - Functional Testing
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33:42Today is an exciting one… we are diving into the different Functional tests that can be used to help figure out the WHY you might have autoimmune. These tests look at many of the triggers that could give us a hint at what your immune system is working so hard to clean up! They might be useful for looking at the ROOT CAUSE! A few of the tests we are…
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In today’s episode, we are talking all about Lab testing. We’re diving into the basic lab testing that we all have run every year by our MD from an autoimmune perspective. I call these the fundamentals. The fancy functional tests are useful but these fundamental tests can give us a lot of information too. They can tell us a lot about what the body …
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