Hard Case? Start Here. Functional Immunology for Complex Cases with Dr. Sam Yanuck

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with functional immunology expert and educator Dr. Samuel Yanuck to explore one of the most overlooked systems in chronic illness: the immune system. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Yanuck breaks down how immune dysregulation can contribute to complex conditions like depression, neuropathy, migraines, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular disease. From brain inflammation and mast cell activation to Epstein-Barr virus and mold, Dr. Yanuck offers a new way of thinking about biology—where inflammation isn’t just a symptom, but a system that can be measured, understood, and treated. You’ll here them discuss: Why immunology could be at the root of nearly every chronic illness The immune pathways that connect depression, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue What PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis really are—and why they’re often misdiagnosed How gut, brain, and immune health form a feedback loop The labs you should run if you suspect chronic immune dysfunction A framework for evaluating chronic viral infections like EBV and CMV Natural immune modulators: Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, sulforaphane, and more Why personalized immune workups—not protocols—create results Guest Bio: Dr. Samuel Yanuck is a functional medicine clinician and expert educator in functional immunology. He is the creator of Cogence Immunology , a comprehensive online training program that has educated over 9,000 clinicians in over 60 countries. His approach blends immunology, clinical experience, and systems thinking to help providers and patients uncover the true drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Yanuck is also the co-founder of the Yanuck Center for Life and Health in North Carolina, where he sees patients and helps clinicians find root-cause solutions to immune dysfunction through mentorship and collaboration. His work is helping reshape how the next generation of practitioners understand inflammation, autoimmunity, and healing. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide Guest Details: Dr. Samuel Yanuck Clinic Website: www.yanuckcenter.com Academy: www.cogenceimmunology.com Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Clinician Training Program: Cogence Immunology (Free with sponsorship) Specialties: Functional immunology, complex chronic illness, autoimmune encephalitis, PANS/PANDAS, neuroimmune interactions Rupa Health Details: Rupa Health's Website , LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine Labs Mentioned CBC with differential Ferritin Myeloperoxidase EBV panel (VCA IgG, EBNA, Early Antigen) Thyroid panel with antibodies Food sensitivity testing Mold antibodies VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) Genetic testing for IL-6 Sleep tracking (e.g., Oura Ring) Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Dr. Sam Yanuck and how functional immunology became his life’s work 01:52 – Case studies: reversing sarcoidosis and managing cancer with immune modulation 04:16 – Immunology in every case: from neuropathy to chronic fatigue 07:33 – What’s missing in traditional medical education 11:08 – How to catch immune dysfunction before it's too late 20:18 – What functional immunology reveals when the "right thing" didn’t work 21:13 – Understanding PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis 27:37 – How depression, anxiety, and inflammation feed each other 34:16 – Why casting a wide net with labs matters for root cause medicine 36:00 – The labs you’re probably not running (but should) 41:16 – The role of genetics, IL-6, IL-4, histamine, and acetylcholine 47:21 – How to begin testing for inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune loops 55:36 – Chronic viral infections (EBV, CMV, HSV) and how to screen for them 59:15 – Understanding IgG patterns and EBV early antigen 01:06:12 – What to do about viral burden: nutrition, herbs, and TH1 support 01:09:39 – Histamine intolerance, aldehydes, and mast cell overwhelm 01:11:49 – How to think like a clinician: iterate, evaluate, evolve 01:12:46 – Where to find Dr. Yanuck and how to access Cogence Immunology