Healing Autoimmunity from the Inside Out, What Most Doctors Miss

Mark Hyman

Jun 9, 2025

Episode description

Autoimmune disease is explored as a complex and rising health challenge driven largely by lifestyle and environmental factors rather than genetics alone. Conventional treatments often rely on immune-suppressing medications that manage symptoms but fail to address underlying causes like gut dysfunction, chronic infections, toxins, and stress. A functional medicine approach instead emphasizes identifying and treating these root causes—such as gluten sensitivity, dysbiosis, and nutrient deficiencies—through personalized diagnostics and anti-inflammatory diets. Case studies illustrate dramatic improvements in patients' symptoms and lab results when switching from conventional to root-cause-based care. Ultimately, this integrative model empowers individuals to reclaim health by addressing what triggers immune system dysfunction in the first place.

In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Sunjya Schweig, Dr. Cindy Geyer, and Dr. Todd LePine the root cause approach to healing autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Sunjya K. Schweig is dedicated to advancing data-driven approaches to prevent and reverse chronic illness. He is the Founder and President of the California Center for Functional Medicine (CCFM), where he and his team deliver personalized, precision care using innovative technology and a comprehensive team-based model. Since 2016, CCFM has also supported first responders through specialized wellness programs. In 2021, Dr. Schweig launched the Functional Medicine Research and Technology Center to further research, education, and innovation in chronic disease prevention. A graduate of UC Berkeley, he earned his MD from UC Irvine and completed his residency at UCSF Santa Rosa. He is board-certified in family practice and integrative and holistic medicine.

Dr. Cindy Geyer received her bachelor of science and her doctor of medicine degrees, with honors, from the Ohio State University. She completed residency in internal medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. and is triple board certified in internal medicine, integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine.

Dr. Todd LePine graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, specializing in Integrative Functional Medicine. He is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. Prior to joining The UltraWellness Center, he worked as a physician at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, for 10 years. Dr. LePine’s focus at The UltraWellness Center is to help his patients achieve optimal health and vitality by restoring the natural balance to both the mind and the body. His areas of interest include optimal aging, bio-detoxification, functional gastrointestinal health, systemic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and the neurobiology of mood and cognitive disorders. Dr. LePine enjoys skiing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and golfing in the beautiful Berkshires, and is a fitness enthusiast.

This episode is brought to you by BIOptimize

Episode description

In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Sunjya Schweig, Dr. Cindy Geyer, and Dr. Todd LePine the root cause approach to healing autoimmune conditions.

This episode is brought to you by BIOptimize

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Take control of autoimmune risk by focusing on diet and lifestyle

Genetics may only contribute about a third to the risk of developing an autoimmune disease, with the majority of factors being diet, lifestyle, and environmental triggers.

#autoimmunity

#genetics

Think like a detective to uncover root causes after diagnosis

In functional medicine, receiving a diagnosis is not the end of the investigation but the beginning of thinking like a detective to find the individual's root cause.

#diagnosis

#functional-medicine

Avoid food emulsifiers to prevent leaky gut and inflammation

Common food additives like carrageenan and other gums used as emulsifiers can cause leaky gut, which drives systemic inflammation.

#leaky-gut

#processed-food

Understand lupus photosensitivity linked to interferon-gamma

The photosensitivity seen in lupus may be caused by high levels of interferon-gamma, a substance the body produces to fight viruses like Epstein-Barr, which sensitizes skin to sunlight.

#cancer

#sunlight

Understand Epstein-Barr virus link to autoimmune conditions

The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mono, is associated with seven different autoimmune conditions including lupus and MS, and can reactivate under stress.

#autoimmunity

#cancer

Meditate and practice yoga to enhance artery elasticity

Studies show that a consistent practice of meditation and yoga for just six weeks can improve artery elasticity and symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome.

#artery

#meditation

Address H. Pylori to combat thyroid autoimmunity

The common stomach bacteria H. Pylori is linked in research literature to autoimmune thyroid disease, making it a treatable root cause for some individuals.