Introduction

Dr. Cory Rice is an internal medicine physician who now practices functional medicine and serves as Chief Clinical Advisor for Biote. He started his career in forensic science, working with cold cases and putting together puzzles from bones, and now brings that same detective-like approach to living patients. In this episode he joins me to bust some of the most persistent autoimmune myths that keep people stuck and suffering.

Episode Highlights

The Myth of the Single Root Cause

Dr. Rice explains why searching for one root cause is misguided and how functional medicine takes a multi-factorial approach to autoimmune conditions.

• Autoimmune diseases develop from a perfect storm of factors: genetics, hormones, toxins, stress, and gut dysfunction
• Pattern recognition and comprehensive data collection are key to understanding individual cases
• Only 8% of health trajectory is determined by genetics, while 92% is controlled by lifestyle choices
• Early detection and intervention are crucial before reaching the tipping point

Why 70% of Your Immune System Lives in Your Gut

The central role of gut health in immune function and autoimmune development cannot be overstated.

• 70-80% of the immune system is located within the intestinal wall lining
• Leaky gut (intestinal permeability) allows toxins to translocate and trigger immune responses
• Dysbiosis creates an inflammatory environment that promotes autoimmune reactions
• Gut healing must come before other interventions will be effective
• Comprehensive stool analysis is now mandatory for all new patients in Dr. Rice's practice

Why Women Are Disproportionately Affected

Dr. Rice shares his theory on why 80% of autoimmune patients are women, based on clinical observation and biological realities.

• Women are designed for incredible resilience but face unique challenges with childbearing
• Pregnancy literally requires giving your life force to the growing baby, depleting maternal resources
• Hormonal fluctuations throughout life (pregnancy, menopause) affect immune regulation
• Women are more self-aware and seek help earlier when something feels wrong
• The toxic burden from environment and stress compounds hormonal challenges

Hormones as Immune Modulators

Understanding the connection between hormone decline and autoimmune development is crucial for prevention and treatment.

• Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone directly modulate immune function
• Hormone decline begins in the early twenties and accelerates in late thirties/early forties
• Bioidentical (iso-molecular) hormone replacement can be beneficial at any age with proper evaluation
• Even young women with cycle issues may benefit from hormone optimization without replacement therapy

Autoimmunity Isn't Rare Anymore

The statistics on autoimmune prevalence reveal these conditions are far more common than most people realize.

• 5-10% of the population has an autoimmune condition - that's 1 in 10 people
• In functional medicine practices, at least a third of patients have some autoimmune component
• Many people have early signs (psoriasis, eczema, severe allergies) before formal diagnosis
• Standard medicine doesn't screen appropriately for early autoimmune markers

Conventional vs. Functional Approaches

Dr. Rice contrasts the conventional immune suppression model with functional medicine's immune restoration approach.

• Conventional treatment suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation and symptoms
• Functional medicine aims to heal the immune system and address root causes
• Both approaches can be used together when needed
• The goal is to give people hope and improve quality of life, not just manage disease

The Importance of Patient Participation

Healing requires active commitment from patients, not passive receipt of treatment.

• Patients must bring their A-game commitment for the therapeutic relationship to work
• Behavioral changes and lifestyle modifications are non-negotiable for success
• The therapeutic bond between provider and patient is crucial for healing
• Hope is often the biggest deficiency in people with chronic illness

Data-Driven but Person-Centered Care

Dr. Rice emphasizes the balance between comprehensive testing and treating the individual, not just lab values.

• "We treat people, not paper" - labs are just snapshots in time
• Comprehensive testing reveals patterns that guide personalized treatment
• Longitudinal data tracking shows progress over time
• Clinical observation and patient input are as important as lab results

Notable Quotes from this Episode

Women are literally giving your life to that baby that's growing inside of you. And if you have more of them, you're giving more of your life.
Dr. Cory Rice

The one deficiency I feel like is so pervasive in this human race. The deficiency is not any organic or biologic. It is hope.
Dr. Cory Rice

Eight percent of our health trajectory is determined by mother and father. Ninety-two percent is literally determined by you.
Dr. Cory Rice

It's not the food's fault when the gut is off. It doesn't matter what you eat, these people are gonna be sick. When you fix the gut, heal the gut, seal the gut, then it becomes the food's fault.
Dr. Cory Rice