89: Autoimmune Disease Is Rising Faster Than Ever – The Root Causes Conventional Medicine Still Misses with Dr. Amy Myers

What if autoimmune disease isn't something you're destined to live with forever, but a signal that your body needs help addressing deeper root causes?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes longtime mentor, friend, and functional medicine pioneer Amy Myers. A two-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized functional medicine physician, Dr. Myers shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with Graves' disease during medical school to becoming one of the leading voices in autoimmune and thyroid health.Together, they explore why autoimmune diseases continue to rise, why women are disproportionately affected, and why many patients spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. Dr. Myers explains the role of gut health, environmental toxins, infections, stress, trauma, and nutrition in autoimmune disease while sharing practical strategies for supporting immune health and addressing root causes. She also introduces the newly revised edition of The Autoimmune Solution, featuring updated research and expanded guidance for today's changing health landscape.Whether you're living with Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, or another autoimmune condition, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that healing begins by understanding the "why" behind your symptoms.🔑 Key Topics CoveredDr. Amy Myers' personal journey with Graves' diseaseWhy autoimmune diseases continue to rise worldwideThe connection between environmental toxins and autoimmune diseaseWhy women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditionsCommon reasons autoimmune diseases are missed for yearsThe impact of medical gaslighting on thyroid and autoimmune patientsHow long autoimmune disease can develop before diagnosisWhy antibodies should be checked even before symptoms become severeThe autoimmune spectrum and recognizing early warning signsGenetics versus environment: what really drives autoimmune diseaseThe four pillars of autoimmune healingWhy gut health is foundational for immune regulationThe role of leaky gut in autoimmune diseaseCandida, SIBO, parasites, and hidden gut infectionsFood triggers including gluten and processed foodsEnvironmental toxins, plastics, mold, and chemical exposureSupporting the body's natural detoxification pathwaysThe relationship between chronic infections, stress, trauma, and autoimmunityWhy Hashimoto's remission looks different than stopping thyroid hormoneMonitoring thyroid antibodies over timeHope for reversing autoimmune disease through root-cause medicine🌿 From Graves' Disease to Functional MedicineDr. Myers' journey into functional medicine began with her own health crisis.While attending medical school, she developed severe anxiety, tremors, insomnia, weight loss, and other symptoms that were initially dismissed as stress.After insisting on additional testing, she was diagnosed with Graves' disease.Although conventional treatment successfully managed her thyroid, she realized no one had addressed why her immune system attacked her thyroid in the first place.That experience ultimately led her to discover functional medicine and dedicate her career to helping patients identify and address the root causes of autoimmune disease.🧬 Why Autoimmune Disease Is Becoming More CommonAccording to Dr. Myers, autoimmune disease isn't simply being diagnosed more often.She believes multiple environmental factors are contributing to a true increase in autoimmune conditions.Among the biggest contributors discussed are:Environmental toxinsChronic infectionsProcessed foodsPlastic exposureChronic stressGut dysfunctionModern lifestyle changesShe explains that while genetics influence susceptibility, environmental exposures often determine whether those genes become active.👩 Why Women Are More Commonly AffectedWomen account for the majority of autoimmune diagnoses.Dr. Myers explains that significant hormonal transitions often coincide with the development or worsening of autoimmune disease.Common life stages include:PregnancyPostpartumPerimenopauseMenopauseThese hormonal shifts can influence immune regulation and may contribute to the onset of autoimmune symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals.⏳ Autoimmunity Often Begins Years Before DiagnosisOne of the most important messages in this episode is that autoimmune disease develops long before many people receive a di