Becoming Immune Confident - podcast cover

Becoming Immune Confident

Kara Wada, MDwww.drkarawada.com
Welcome to the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, a show that delves deep into the science of immunity and explores the confidence that comes with developing the skills and traits to tackle any obstacle that comes our way.The podcast gets its name from the idea that we are always evolving and growing, which is encompassed by the word "becoming." We are in constant motion, and the work of self-improvement is never truly done.The term "immune" has a dual meaning on this show. On one hand, it refers to our bodies' immune system, which includes allergies, asthma, autoimmunity, and inflammatory conditions. But it also refers to the resilience that comes with encountering and overcoming challenges. When we've been through tough times before, we can draw on that experience to face whatever comes next.This resilience and sense of overcoming challenges fits nicely into the idea of "confidence," which is the feeling we get when we trust in our own abilities. It's the feeling of standing tall, with our feet firmly on the ground, and speaking with conviction. Even though the future is always uncertain, we can still work to develop the skills and traits that will help us succeed.In this podcast, we explore the science of immunity and the confidence that comes with developing the traits and skills that will help us navigate life's challenges. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and character development as we strive to become immune confident. In upcoming episodes, we'll be sharing stories and insights that will inspire and empower you to become the best version of yourself.
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Episodes

Episode 67: The T.I.G.E.R. Protocol: A conversation with Akil Palanisamy, MD

Are you ready to learn about a new groundbreaking and timely approach to becoming immune confident? Join Dr. Kara Wada in this week's episode with guest Dr. Akil Palanisamy. In this episode, Dr. Akil Palanisamy discusses The TIGER Protocol, an integrative treatment approach that combines functional medicine with Ayurvedic medicine, to treat autoimmunity. The protocol involves a two-phase elimination and reintroduction diet that addresses the root cause of autoimmunity by focusing on addressing T...

Apr 19, 202325 min

Episode 66: Integrative Approaches to Pediatric Rheumatology : A Conversation with Saimun Singla, DO

Are you looking for an innovative approach to pediatric rheumatology? Are you interested in learning how integrative medicine can complement traditional treatments for chronic illnesses? In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada interviews Dr. Saimun Singla, a board-certified pediatric rheumatologist with a passion for integrative medicine. Dr. Singla discusses her approach to pediatric rheumatology, which focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. She explains how she incorporates...

Apr 12, 202328 min

Episode 65: Piecing Together the Puzzle of Sjogren's: Dr. Kara Wada's Journey to Becoming Immune Confident

Are you ready to become immune confident and learn about the systemic nature of Sjogren's? Join us in this week's episode of the Sjogren's and Spoonie Support Podcast, as we take you back to the 2nd Annual Virtual Sjogren's Summit with Dr. Kara Wada. In this episode, Dr. Wada shares her personal experience of being a Sjogren's patient, from the early symptoms she experienced during college to her final diagnosis, and how she has learned to become immune confident through her journey. She discuss...

Apr 05, 202324 min

Episode 64: The Countdown is ON!

Are you looking to boost your immune system health and healing? In this episode, Dr. Wada shares the top 10 reasons to attend the 2nd Annual Virtual Sjogren's Summit, including action, inspiration, community, education, and innovation. She also announces the rebranding of the podcast from the Success with Sjogren's podcast to the Becoming Immune Confident podcast, reflecting her focus on developing the skills, traits, and mindset needed to support immune system health. Dr. Wada also discusses th...

Mar 28, 202332 min

Episode 63: The Sjogren's Sisterhood: A Discussion with Susan Masterson, PhD

Join Dr. Kara Wada in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Susan Masterson, as they discuss Sjogren's Syndrome, a misunderstood autoimmune disease, and share tips for managing its symptoms. In this episode, Dr. Masterson shares her personal journey with Sjogren's Syndrome, shedding light on the lack of awareness and understanding within the medical community. From psychosomatic symptoms to brain fog and inflammation, this conversation aims to provide helpful information for those living with the di...

Mar 22, 202337 min

Episode 62: Mind Body Medicine: Reframing how we think of Illness with Kim D'Eramo, DO

Are you tired of feeling powerless when it comes to your health? What if we told you that you have the power to shift your body's energy and improve your well-being? In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with Dr. Kim D'Eramo to discuss the power of mind-body medicine and how we can reframe our thinking about illness. Dr. D'Eramo offers tools for shifting energy and observing the body, including the use of EFT Meridian Tapping, and emphasizes the importance of integrating both Western and East...

Mar 15, 202332 min

Episode 61: Daily Habits & Decolonization: An Interview with Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa

These conversations are challenging and require us to lean into our curiosity and compassion as we navigate the nuances that are not easily unearthed in our typical short surface level conversations. In this episode of The Crunchy Allergist, Dr. Kara Wada interviews Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa, a board-certified physician and expert in integrative, lifestyle, and palliative medicine. Tune in as they discuss the link between daily habits and long-term vitality, and explore the role of decolonization in...

Mar 08, 202343 min

Episode 60: Parenting with Chronic Illness: An Interview with Mariah Leach

Parenting is a challenging and rewarding experience, but for those living with chronic illness, it can be even more complex. In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada talks with Mariah Leach, a mom of three who has been living with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 25 and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis since age 5. Being both moms with chronic illness, they share their personal experienced of parenting with chronic illness, discussing the unique challenges and strategies they have developed to manage their he...

Mar 01, 202325 min

Episode 59: Taking the Shame out of Sexual Health: An Interview with Dr. Lyndsey Harper

Don't let discomfort or embarrassment prevent you from taking control of your sexual health. In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Lyndsey Harper discuss the importance of addressing sexual health without shame. Dr. Harper shares her journey to becoming a women's health advocate and the importance of empowering women to take control of their sexual health. They also discuss common misconceptions about female sexual health and the role of communication in building healthy relationships. With a f...

Feb 22, 202327 min

Episode 58: A Deeper Understanding of Pain: An Interview with Dr. Sarah Meritt

Are you ready to dive deep into the complex world of pain management? Join Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Sarah Meritt, two experts in their fields, as they discuss breakthroughs in symptom management and the intersection between chronic pain, itch, and autoimmune disorders. Gain a deeper understanding of pain, learn what you can do to live a better life, and get better at navigating the healthcare system. EPISODE AT A GLANCE Who is Sarah Meritt? Acute and Chronic Pain Different Types of Chronic Pain Pro...

Feb 15, 202328 min

Episode 57: Immune Deficiencies and Cancer

Enhance your understanding of the complex immune system and learn about immunodeficiency and cancer in this episode of Immunology 101. Sometimes our immune system misbehaves and fails to recognize and fight off infections. We'll delve into the topic of Immune deficiency disorders. We'll cover the genetics of immune system disorders, the challenges in diagnosis, and available treatments. We'll explore the role of the immune system in cancer and how to identify deficient immune systems through scr...

Feb 08, 202332 min

Episode 56: Embracing Uncertainty: A Discussion on Arthritis Life Extravaganza with Cheryl Crow

Tune in to this episode as Cheryl and Dr. Wada discuss navigating life with arthritis, including getting diagnosed, understanding the healthcare system, and managing expectations for health appointments. They also explore the importance of embracing uncertainty and finding support through the Arthritis Life Extravaganza. Get practical tips and inspiration for living well with arthritis. TIMESTAMP 00:00 Welcome 00:59 Get to know Cheryl 04:08 Getting Diagnosed with Arthritis 07:17 Understanding th...

Feb 01, 202331 min

Episode 55: Misbehaving Immune Systems

Take control of your health with the latest episode of the podcast - Misbehaving Immune Systems. Learn about the similarities and differences between allergies and autoimmunity. Join Dr. Kara as she delves into the underlying mechanisms and factors that lead to these conditions and how they are interconnected. TIMESTAMP 00:00 Misbehaving Immune Systems Allergy 02:00 What is Allergy? 02:50 Evolution of Allergy 04:14 Symptoms of Allergic Reactions 06:59 Immediate Hypersensitivity Autoimmunity 13:0...

Jan 25, 202331 min

Episode 54: Your Adaptive Immune System

Don't miss out on the action happening inside your body! Let’s Become Immune Confident together!! Dive deeper into the immune system and discover how it specifically fights off bacterial and viral infections with Dr. Kara Wada. TIMESTAMP 00:50 My Introduction to Immunology - Story Time! 05:14 Timeline of a typical Infection 06:47 How we fight off a typical bacterial infection like a staph or strep infection (extracellular bacteria) 20:35 How bacteria try to fight back 21:11 Our bodies' response ...

Jan 18, 202338 min

Episode 53: Your Innate Immune System

The Innate Immune System is the body’s first line of defense against infection. Discover its essential role in protecting our bodies! Tune in to hear Dr. Kara Wada discuss the intricacies of the Innate Immune System. Get a deeper understanding of how it recognizes pathogens, fights infections, and triggers the adaptive immune response. TIMESTAMP 04:44 Our basic defense against infection 07:08 How does the innate immune system recognize microbes and damaged cells? 08:44 PAMPS: Pathogen associated...

Jan 11, 202338 min

Episode 52: Intro to Your Immune System

The Crunchy Allergists Podcast is back for its third season, and in this episode, Dr. Kara Wada sets the stage by introducing the immune system. The immune system is responsible for preventing and eradicating infections, as well as defending against tumors and cancers. However, it can also damage cells and induce harmful inflammation in cases of allergy or autoimmunity. There are two main types of immunity: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity is our first line of defense against infections, and...

Jan 04, 202322 min

Episode 51: First Anniversary Celebration: Reflections, Resolutions, and Appreciation

For me, 2022 has been about reflecting, reimagining, and realigning my life to live my values. To foster curiosity, a love of learning, gratitude, and an appreciation of beauty and excellence. Working to bring together the old and the new when it comes to habits and traditions. Join me in this very special episode of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast as we celebrate our first anniversary! ✨🎉 ABOUT ME Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician...

Dec 28, 202223 min

Episode 50: Solving the Pain Puzzle with Rick Olderman

Are you struggling with chronic pain? Join Dr. Kara Wada and Rick Olderman as they talk about how to understand and fix recurring injuries and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Get the help you need to live your best life, pain-free. About Rick Olderman He is a sports and orthopedic physical therapist with more than 25 years’ experience that specializes in helping people with chronic pain experience a pain-free life. Rick has written the popular Fixing You® series of books -- found on Amazon.com -- ...

Dec 21, 202246 min

Episode 49: Did Disney Just Save Healthcare with Dr. Erkeda DeRouen

In this week's podcast episode, we speak to healthcare professionals about their experiences with burnout and the importance of bringing back human connection and empathy in medicine. Join Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Erkeda DeRouen as they explore the landscape of Health Equity and dive into how Telemedicine and Lifestyle Medicine are transforming our healthcare system. ======================================================== ABOUT DR. Erkeda DeRouen A triple board-certified Family, Diversity, and Lif...

Dec 13, 202227 min

Episode 48: Belong: The Nourished Anti-Inflammatory Community

This week, I am so excited to feature this bonus episode of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast in it. I will be sharing a bit more about my story and evolution over the last several years that has resulted in the launch of Belong, the nourished anti-inflammatory community. I can't wait to invite you to this awesome community jen and I have formed. About BELONG Belong: The Nourished Anti-Inflammatory Community So about 2 years ago, @autoimmunity.nutritionist and I started dreaming up a community space...

Dec 09, 202224 min

Episode 47: Reclaiming Life with Maureen Michele, MD

Do you feel lost in a world that revolves around navigating the health concerns of your child? Join Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Maureen Michele as they talk about how parents of chronically ill children can regain control of their lives and thrive at fulfillment. ======================================================== ABOUT DR. MAUREEN MICHELE Maureen Michele, MD is an award-winning leader, life coach, author, and physician. As a general pediatrician and allergist/immunologist, she has spent her care...

Dec 07, 202226 min

Episode 46: A Holistic Approach to Foot Health with Tea Nguyen, DPM

The feet are one of the most crucial parts of your body. They're there to help you walk, run, jump, climb and dance. But they often go unnoticed. Join Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Tea Nguyen as they talk about how to prevent, treat, and manage foot problems in a holistic way. ======================================================== ABOUT DR. TEA NGUYEN A board-certified podiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA. After 3 years of surgical residency and successfully completing a 1-year fellowship in wound surgery, sh...

Nov 30, 202237 min

Episode 45: Trauma, Therapy, and Ted Talks with Kiva Harper

You don't have to live with trauma forever. It may hurt you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Healing is possible. Listen as Dr. Kara Wada, thought leader, social worker, and professor, Kiva Harper, talk more about trauma, how it affects our brains and bodies, and how you can heal. ======================================================== ABOUT KIVA HARPER A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma-focused psychotherapy for more than two decades, Kiva Harper has emerged as ...

Nov 23, 202234 min

Episode 44: More than Mountains with Whitney Lane Ward

Join Dr. Kara Wada and Author Whitney Lane Ward on this episode of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast. Listen as they talk more about the role of the physician and patient communication and about hope for people with illnesses to persevere and scale the mountains they face. ======================================================== About Whitney Whitney Lane Ward is a public speaker and author who seeks to encourage her audience to overcome their circumstances. As someone who has a disability, she wish...

Nov 16, 202246 min

Episode 43: Bringing Visibility to Invisible Illnesses & Medical Gaslighting

This talk was presented by Dr. Kara Wada at the Annual Physician's Coaching Summit and was re-recorded to share this empowering message with the Crunchy Allergist community. Listen as Dr. Kara Wada talks about invisible illness, medical gaslighting, and the role that coaching plays in the lives of patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals. About Dr. Kara Wada Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life c...

Nov 09, 202237 min

Episode 42: Book Club Event: Girls on the Brink with Donna Jackson-Nakazawa

Join Dr. Kara Wada and Author Donna Jackson-Nakazawa on this special episode of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast. This episode was recorded from the 1st Every Crunchy Allergist Book Club Event that took place last October 6th, 2022. Listen as they dig into the topic of raising emotionally healthy girls, based on cutting-edge science that explains the modern pressures that make it so difficult for adolescent girls to thrive. ================================================================ About Donn...

Nov 02, 202252 min

Episode 41: Eye Health with Diane Hilal-Campo

Join Dr. Kara and Dr. Diane as they talk about the role of being more conscientious about what we put in and on our bodies, especially around our eyes. This is especially important if you deal with eye allergies or dry eye!! This episode is jam-packed with pearls of wisdom from Dr. Diane. If you find it helpful, please take 2 minutes to leave a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Your reviews help increase the visibility and share these important messages with others. Thank you! About Dr. Diane Hil...

Oct 26, 202242 min

Episode 40: Sleep Well and Live Well with Nishi Bhopal, MD

One of the real big pillars of anti-inflammatory living is making sure that our bodies have ample time and space and energy to recharge our batteries. The main way we do that is through the gift of sleep. Dr. Kara met Dr. Bhopal through Aila Health‘s Autoimmune Warrior Conference where she delivered an AWESOME talk on sleep. Join me and Dr. Nishi Bhopal as we talk about the importance of sleep to our overall well-being and then hop over to the FREE Aila Health App to watch her talk from the conf...

Oct 19, 202231 min

Episode 39: Integrative Rheumatology with Isabelle Amigues, MD

Isabelle Amigues, MD, is a physician scientist with a speciality in rheumatology. She has trained both in Paris, France as well as Columbia University, in New York City. She is based in Denver, CO. She is the author of multiple book chapters and scientific articles in rheumatology. At age 40, in the midst of an existential crisis, she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. A timely meeting with a non-traditionally trained practitioner taught her a different approach to disease. Sh...

Oct 12, 202234 min

Episode 38: Babies and Backpain with Lena Shahbandar, MD

The changes our bodies go through as mama’s and an awesome solution ========== Lena Shahbandar is a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry–pronounced: fiz-eye-a-tree). A graduate of Northwestern University for undergraduate and medical school, she practices outpatient musculoskeletal medicine with a particular area of interest in women’s musculoskeletal health and pain in pregnancy. In treating these patients and through the experiences she had herself as a mot...

Oct 05, 202222 min
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