Tell us a little about your background. How did you get involved in rheumatology?

I have spondylarthritis and gout prior to going to medical school. Because of my diseases, I became interested in rheumatology during medical school. I related to it the most. I did my three year internal medicine residency and then matched into a two year rheumatology fellowship.

A lot of people with autoimmune diseases struggle with getting diagnosed and often have to go through several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. What is your advice for someone who may have an autoimmune disorder, but is having trouble getting a diagnosis?

Please get a second opinion. Please do your own research. You have to be your own health advocate as there are so many autoimmune diseases and most doctors are not aware of most of them. You have to see specialists.

What commonly leads to autoimmune disorders and what can we do to prevent them?

Autoimmune disorders are from genetics and the environment. We can’t control our genetics but the environment can be from trauma, environmental toxins, poor diet, stress. Being overweight is also a risk factor.

What are lifestyle changes that people with autoimmune disorders need to make in order to lead healthier lifestyles?

Eat more plants and less processed food, especially meats. Avoid refined sugars. Exercise at least 150 minutes per week if possible. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Tell us about your thoughts on medications that are commonly used to treat autoimmune disorders.

Medications are important for autoimmune disorders. Supplements and anti inflammatory lifestyle can work but they are best used in conjunction with medications when needed. Medications for autoimmune disease can put patients to remission.

What does treating a patient holistically look like to you?

It means giving patients the option to use medications along with using supplements and anti inflammatory lifestyle.

Can you explain how autoimmune disorders lead to pain?

Every autoimmune condition is different but for rheumatology diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the joints as a place to cause inflammation along with other organs. Every autoimmune condition has a different mechainsm and it all depends on patients genes on which autoimmune condition comes out.

What do you think are reasonable goals for the pain management of someone with an autoimmune disorder?

A reasonable goal is to be completely pain free which is possible with medications and eating healthier.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about.

I am a big advocate for integrative care for autoimmune conditions. If you want to make an appointment with me, I am licensed in 15 states. My website is www.drlifestyle.org for my clinic.

You can find me on social media @myautoimmunemd and my personal website is myautoimmunemd.com

Takeaways:

• When searching for a diagnosis, make sure to see a specialist and get second opinions.

• Eat healthier, exercise consistently, and get 7-9 of quality sleep each night.

• Medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes can improve your health and quality of life.

• Being pain free is possible.

Huge thank you to Dr. Micah Yu for doing this interview. Don’t forget to check out his website and social media because there is so much to learn from him. Hang onto hope guys!