Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle: Lab Testing & Lifestyle Foundations with Dr. Sam Shay

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend, Dr. Sam Shay, a Functional Medicine practitioner known as “your friendly lab nerd.” Dr. Sam holds four advanced degrees: he’s a Doctor of Chiropractic, has postgraduate training in acupuncture and functional neurology, and is certified in Functional Medicine. He also trained for years under renowned clinician, Dr. Dan Kalish.

Today, Dr. Sam helps busy, health-conscious people solve their unique health puzzles using a personalized, data-driven approach—combining genetics and functional lab testing to improve resilience, energy, and brain health.

In our discussion today Dr. Sam shares: 

• His journey recovering from chronic illness and being on the autism spectrum - an experience that deeply informs his clinical perspective and adds unique insight to his work. 
• How functional lab testing and foundational lifestyle shifts can help uncover the hidden root causes of autoimmune conditions
• His 10 Pillars of Health framework - from gut health and detox pathways to sleep, hydration, and mitochondrial support
• The growing importance of genetic testing to identify optimal food plans and potential SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that may affect detoxification, methylation, and other key processes often disrupted in people with autoimmunity.

Also, be sure to check out his recent stand-up comedy special, NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum, that brings levity and awareness to life as a neurodivergent clinician and human being.

Whether you're just starting your recovery or ready to dig deeper, this episode offers practical, personalized insights for healing autoimmunity at the root level.

Quote: “I do have agency over my mind and my body.”

What’s Inside:

05:40: Dr. Sam’s story and how he got into the work that he does today

14:18: Defining gaslighting and moral injury in the context of medicine

17:18: Connecting Dr. Sam’s childhood experience to his decision to take the natural functional medicine route professionally 

22:40: Dr. Sam’s 10 pillars of health 

31:50: What are VDR’s (vitamin D receptors), the role they play in predicting vulnerability to chronic illness, and what you can do about it

41:45: Dr. Sam’s perspective on why genetic testing is so valuable 

Resources mentioned:

Dr. Sam Shay’s Website: https://www.drsamshay.com/

Free 3-Day Lifestyle & Nutrition Guide: http://go.drsamshay.com/freebie

YouTube interviews: https://www.youtube.com/tenpointwellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.shay.792/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsamshay/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sam-shay-dc-ifmcp-922133128/

Genetics+ Program: https://www.drsamshay.com/genetics-program

Dr. Sam’s Comedy Special – NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum: 🎥 Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzjc7nXvNV8

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to achieve your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrive