Forever Chemicals & Autoimmunity: What Your Fat Cells Are Hiding

Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Stanford rheumatologist who also runs a rare Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, treating patients whose cancer drugs trigger autoimmune flares. We break down why fiber is her #1 prescription, how forever chemicals hide in your fat for decades, and the simple gut hacks she uses with her own patients. Chapters & Time-Stamps00:40 Meet Dr Katsumoto01:58 Why Lifestyle Medicine03:24 Cancer Immunotherapy Basics06:07 Fiber Microbiome Link07:23 Diet Counseling in Clinic08:59 Whole Food Plant Predominant10:54 Practical Patient Resources14:17 Lifestyle Trials for Arthritis18:39 Leaky Gut Explained20:07 ZOE Microbiome Mega Studies23:30 Keto Carnivore Debate25:46 Microbial Diversity Tips27:19 Tracking 30 Plants Weekly28:24 Food Scanning Apps29:18 Yuka For Products30:17 Microbiome Testing Debate31:36 Fiber And Crucifers32:23 Broccoli Sprouts Hack34:15 Toxins And Plastics35:54 Forever Chemicals PFAS37:17 Legacy POPs Explained43:59 Pesticides And EWG47:12 Lowering Toxic Load48:28 When Fiber Hurts51:19 Wrap Up And Where To Find Key TakeawaysCancer immunotherapy can trigger autoimmune arthritis as a side effectHigh-fiber, plant-forward eating improves both cancer and autoimmune outcomesForever chemicals (PFAS, dioxins) accumulate in fat — especially animal fatBroccoli sprouts pack more detoxifying power than broccoli itselfApps like ZOE and Yuka make tracking food quality effortless Guest Details & LinksTamiko Katsumoto, MD, DipABLM is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University, board-certified in lifestyle medicine. She directs Stanford's Rheumatology Oncology Clinic, co-chairs the ACR Climate Change Task Force, and co-leads the Food Systems, Health and Environment Working Group at Stanford's Center for Human and Planetary Health.Stanford: profiles.stanford.edu/tamiko-katsumotoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamiko-katsumoto-md-dipablm-62b29915Instagram: @tamiko_katsumotoAbout Your HostsMicah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCPDr. 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, DipABLMDr. 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 PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune 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 AlchemyWebsite:MyAutoimmuneMD.comDr. Lifestyle Clinic:www.drlifestyle.orgInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand environmental toxins and autoimmune disease, please leave a 5-star review!