Autoimmune Disease in Midlife: Beyond Diet Culture Myths with Dr. Alison Danby ND
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What if managing autoimmune disease during perimenopause and menopause didn’t have to feel confusing, stressful, or overwhelming? In this episode of The Midlife Feast, I sit down with Dr. Alison Danby, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in autoimmune conditions, to cut through the noise of wellness culture and diet fads.
We explore how hormone changes, stress, and lifestyle all play a role in autoimmune flare-ups, and why restrictive diets often do more harm than good. Allison shares practical strategies to support your body, including stress management, sleep, movement, and a sustainable, nourishing approach to food that actually works for real life.
You'll Learn:
- Why perimenopause and menopause can make autoimmune conditions more likely to appear
- How stress, sleep, and daily life impact your immune system and gut health
- Why Mediterranean-style eating supports your body better than highly restrictive diets
- How to enjoy food again without fear or guilt
- Simple lifestyle foundations that really move the needle for autoimmune health
Key Quotes:
“Stress is the number one trigger for so many people, every single autoimmune condition.”
“If we don't learn to lower the bar, we will never recharge.”
“It's not a food issue, it's a digestion issue. You're either not breaking your food down well or you're feeding the microbiome that is a little bit out of balance.”
“Exercise actually outperforms dietary changes in disease activity and in mental health and fatigue.”
📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause will be out on October 21st, 2025. Pre-order your copy today and help get the word out!
Connect with Dr. Alison Danby
Listen to the Podcast Autoimmune Simplified
Instagram: @dr.alisondanby
Website: www.alisondanby.com
Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!
- What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cholesterol, Heart Health, & Menopause with Dr. Alex Verge ND
- Is it Hunger, Food Noise, or Hormones?
- Gut Health & Hormones in Midlife: What You Need to Know with Dr. Kim Bretz, ND
- Intuitive Eating in Menopause: A Conversation with Evelyn Tribole
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