72. What If Autoimmune Disease Is Actually Your Body Protecting You? With Dr. Jeffrey Bland

What if your immune system isn’t attacking you… but protecting you in ways we’ve only just begun to understand? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Bland , the father of functional medicine, to explore why autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation are on the rise, and how shifting the story we tell about our health can transform the way we heal. Dr. Bland shares why 70% of our immune system begins in the gut, how our immune age may be a more powerful marker of vitality than our actual years, how some colorful foods can help rejuvenate our cells and more! Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD is widely celebrated as the “father of functional medicine.” He’s authored best-selling books and over 120 peer-reviewed studies and launched Big Bold Health . For more than four decades, Dr. Bland has been pioneering a systems-based, personalized approach to healing, what we now call functional medicine. What's Discussed: (04:33) What if disease labels are holding us back from true healing? (14:48) Why your immune system may actually be protecting you, not attacking you. (24:19) How colorful plants can literally rejuvenate your immune system. (33:49) Discover why your immune age matters more than birthdays. (40:02) When high achievement pushes the immune system into overdrive. (47:16) Simple choices that help your body return to balance. (01:04:25) What soil, farming, and human health teach us about resilience. Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body—head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order. iFit: Movement is medicine—iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com . 12 tips : Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you .Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips . Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma . Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Bland: Website: https://bigboldhealth.com Instagram Big Bold: https://www.instagram.com/bigboldhealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreybland/