<p>In this episode of the School of Doza podcast, we go behind the scenes of autoimmunity to explore what’s really triggering your symptoms. From past infections to gut dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, adrenal overload, and genetics—this episode unpacks the root causes that conventional medicine often overlooks.</p> 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS <ul> <li>Most autoimmune disorders are connected to previous infections, including viruses and bacteria. </li> <li>A damaged gut barrier can trigger immune dysregulation—leaky gut is real. </li> <li>Vitamin D isn’t optional: low levels suppress the immune system’s ability to respond. </li> <li>Chronic stress and overactive adrenals can drive autoimmune flare-ups. </li> <li>Genetic variants like MTHFR may increase susceptibility to autoimmune conditions. </li> </ul> FEATURED PRODUCT <p>The Good Poops Challenge is an 8-week reset designed to support your gut, liver, and gallbladder—key systems often disrupted in autoimmune conditions. As discussed in this episode, improving digestion is foundational for reducing inflammation and supporting immune resilience.</p> <p><a href="http://goodpoops.org/">Join the Good Poops Challenge →</a></p> TIMESTAMPS <p>00:00 START 01:25 — What autoimmune conditions have in common 04:30 — Infections as a root cause: viral, bacterial, and parasitic 09:40 — PANDAS and strep-related autoimmune patterns 13:15 — How childhood antibiotics disrupt the microbiome 15:22 — The gut barrier: your body’s frontline defense 19:10 — Why fast food (like Chick-fil-A) wrecks your gut 24:33 — Leaky gut and its link to chronic inflammation 27:48 — The liver’s overlooked role in storing toxicity 31:10 — Why Good Poops supports your gut–liver–gallbladder axis 33:42 — Vitamin D deficiency and its role in immune regulation 38:50 — How to interpret your vitamin D labs 42:05 — Adrenal overactivation and chronic cortisol 45:15 — Flight-or-fight mode and immune suppression 48:20 — The hidden genetic component: MTHFR and autoimmune risk</p> RESOURCES MENTIONED <ol> <li>“How Infections May Trigger Autoimmune Disease” –<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459437/"> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459437/ </a></li> <li>“Autoimmune and Inflammatory Mechanisms” –<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10920276/"> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10920276/ </a></li> <li>“Autoimmunity, Microbiota, and Gut Barrier” –<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28919485/"> https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28919485/ </a></li> <li>“Vitamin D and Autoimmune Disease” –<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9010814/"> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9010814/ </a></li> <li>“Stress, Cortisol, and Immunity” –<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207529/"> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207529/ </a></li> <li>“MTHFR Gene and Autoimmune Disorders” –<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4499570/"> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4499570/ </a></li> </ol> <p>🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for $5:<a href="https://community.schoolofdoza.com/signup"> community.schoolofdoza.com/signup</a></p> <ul> <li>YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA"> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA </a></li> <li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/"> https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ </a></li> <li>Website:<a href="http://www.nursedoza.com/"> http://www.nursedoza.com/ </a></li> <li>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ </a></li> <li>TikTok:<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza"> https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza </a></li> </ul> <p>Twitter:<a href="https://twitter.com/nursedoza"> https://twitter.com/nursedoza </a></p>