The Autoimmune Cure: Healing the Trauma and Other Triggers That Have Turned Your Body Against You

by Sara Gottfried, Sara Szal Gottfried (AKA)

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Sara Gottfried reveals how trauma can rewire your body to trigger autoimmune diseases—and provides a comprehensive plan to reset your immune system and finally heal.

We know that autoimmune disease—a condition when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue and cells—affects about one in ten Americans, or 24 million people, with prevalence increasing worldwide. But as New York Times bestselling author Dr. Sara Gottfried explains in this eye-opening new book, autoimmune disease may be even more pervasive than we realize—and its root cause may surprise you.

Conventional medicine falls short when it comes to both diagnosing and treating autoimmune disease. Many people suffer from mysterious symptoms—like severe fatigue, brain fog, aches and pains, feelings of tingling and numbness, stubborn weight gain, abdominal pain, digestive problems, hair loss, insomnia, and even anxiety—and don’t realize their immune system is at the root of their symptoms. In her precision medicine practice, Dr. Gottfried noticed a seemingly unusual pattern: many of her patients who suffer from autoimmune disease and symptoms have a history of trauma. Emerging research shows that up to 80% of patients with autoimmune disease experienced significant emotional distress before getting sick.

With The Autoimmune Cure, there is hope on the horizon for the tens of millions of people who suffer from autoimmune disease. Dr. Gottfried has created a powerful program designed to break the vicious cycle of autoimmune disease, reset your immune system, and restore your health, with advice on:

▪ diet & supplements
▪ breathwork
▪ microbiome restoration
▪ sleep & somatic therapy
▪ ketamine-assisted treatment
▪ microdosing psilocybin
▪ MDMA-assisted therapy

The Autoimmune Cure offers a roadmap to lasting relief from autoimmune disease by addressing the root cause of the condition and healing the body, mind, and spirit.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Medical, Audiobook, Mental Health

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Sara Gottfried, MD  is the  New York Times  bestselling author of The Hormone Cure  (Simon & Schuster, 2013) and  The Hormone Reset Diet (HarperOne, 2015).  After graduating from Harvard Medical School and MIT, Dr. Gottfried completed her residency at the University of California at San Francisco. She is a board-certified gynecologist who teaches natural hormone balancing in her novel online programs so that women can lose weight, detoxify, and slow down aging. Dr. Gottfried lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Kris Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Autoimmune Cure is a little dramatic for a title but I suppose that sells better than “Random things you might try that might help your autoimmune system stop hating you so much”

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this advanced copy book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Very clinical based language (that means dry) that did not give any new information. The most informative piece was the "elimination" diet which told us to eliminate a number of things in our diet for 3 weeks and then gradually add items back and see what you react to. This was not new news.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meh. Nothing revolutionary in here, but could be helpful to someone looking for avenues to explore due to autoimmune issues.

[Lauren Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book focused on the intersection of trauma and autoimmune disease. I've read a lot on both subjects and while there may not be a lot of new information about trauma or chronic illness (as some other reviewers have complained) what a gift to have it all in one place and discussed within a comprehensive framework. Also this book is new so I don't have to worry about reading outdated information (like a bunch of the books out there on Fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, Lyme, etc). I appreciate that the author shares "case studies" and her personal experience. She also shares technical information on how the heightened stress response from traumatic events and ongoing PTSD affects hormones, can disrupt healthy sleep and digestion, and can trigger autoimmune response. Very technical, but very useful information in the face of doctors who gaslight patients with chronic illnesses, dismissing symptoms as mental health issues and even outright denying the existence of actual diseases like CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia.

For trauma survivors: I am very sensitive lately to triggers and found this book to be pretty decent in terms of talking about trauma without being sensational or graphic. I personally skipped the section on Adverse Childhood Experiences and skimmed the section about trauma since I'm very familiar with the subject and was more interested in her framework and solutions/suggestions. And wanted to avoid my personal potential triggers. Use your best discernment and self-care when approaching the material.

I appreciate the discussion of cutting edge modalities and treatment such as breathwork, the use of psychedelics, mindfulness and somatic therapeutic approaches (Somatic experiencing, EMDR, MBSR, Hakomi, etc). There's no woo-woo stuff here (reiki, crystals, aromatherapy, sound healing, chakras etc.). I personally enjoy alternative healing practices but I understand it can be off-putting for some - so be assured, all of the treatments she shares (even hallucinogens) have some kind of basis in contemporary medical and clinical mental health practice and research.

Overall would highly recommend to anyone living with PTSD/C-PTSD *and* chronic autoimmune illnesses such as CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic Lyme, long COVID, Psoriasis/Psioratic Arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto's, Sorjen's, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune muscle disease, etc, etc, etc. If you are living with chronic illness and not PTSD or other trauma related issues, this book probably won't land for you.

Her protocol addresses body awareness/somatic healing, nutrition, sleep and stress, immune system health, mind-body therapy, and the potential of psychedelics for healing in a professional, clinical setting. Maybe that's not new, but this author's approach to it is current, comprehensive, and cutting edge - and you can't beat that. Highly recommend.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books can help you feel seen. Some books can help you see a new perspective. Some books can arm you with information and some books can give you hope. This book does all those things, especially if you are someone living with autoimmune disease or simply don't feel well and cannot figure out why. It takes both a wide and deep dive into the field of autoimmunity and the many factors that are involved in creating and healing from it...most of which is never mentioned inside a doctor's office. This book could literally save your life and/or the quality of it.

[Erin Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, trauma is connected to autoimmunity. Yes, this is written by a medical doctor and backed by MUCH research. In a world where many women are experiencing medical gaslighting, like “you’re fine, you’re just getting older,” Dr. Gottfried brings validation and tools. I love the length of this and the simple explanations, so that even someone not in the world of caring for those autoimmunity can have a clear roadmap.

[Hollis · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Have you considered psychedelics ?"

Aka another worthless book.

[Madeline Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay - This is a must have for my sick girlies. My 4 star rating is because it serves a specific purpose super well, for which I am the exact target demographic. So please keep that in mind.

I am a woman in her mid 30s who has been exhausted by a medical system that focuses purely on treating the symptoms vs the root cause of an ongoing illness, which I believe has come about due to personal experiences / unresolved trauma. Also one who is entirely onboard with looking at medicine from a holistic mind/body perspective. If you cannot get down with that then this book may not be for you, but if you’re remotely open I think it’s certainly worth the investment.

Here is my take/experience - Dr. Szal Gottfried has blessed us with a super accessible resource that outlines a variety of different approaches to understanding and healing a wide scope of illnesses which are proven to be closely linked to trauma and/or stress. Reading this book after researching and finding several of these tools on my own through various different types of independent research and copious amounts of money spent on alternative practitioners (with ZERO help or guidance from my medical team :( ), it was so reassuring and helpful to have these approaches to healing autoimmune et al from a licensed medical practitioner. It felt like she confirmed so much that I instinctively felt related to my illness that most doctors refused to validate. Reading this felt as if my entire healing journey was confirmed and presented in a super clear and educational approach, including case studies and medical research, designed to make navigating the healing journey much more approachable and much less overwhelming.

I don’t think this is necessarily a book you need to read front to back, but more a resource you can pick and choose to expand your options or follow your curiosities. This book would have saved me sooo much time and effort if I received it when I was first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I have read all the Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Klok, Joe Dispenza ETC and the ways in which she is able to link the ACE score so directly to disease and give practical modalities for helping your body manage these experiences and process them was so clear and helpful. I would recommend this as a strong starting point for anyone with mind-body illnesses.

I’m not rating this as something that was perfectly written or even that I would do all the things she outlines as possible treatments, but the way in which she lays it out for you to make educated decisions on what sounds right for you is perfection and I think is really what is missing in the world of healing books. I have recommended it to so many people who simply suffer from nervous system deregulation, eating disorders or complex hormonal issues and it has been an extremely helpful way to get them thinking of their body more holistically.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great starter book for someone who may have a recent diagnosis of autoimmune disease. It addresses multiple aspects of healing and basically states that healing is not linear or one dimensional. It wasn’t mind blowing or super in depth but it did cover various modalities of healing/trauma work. I’d definitely recommend this book to folks who have autoimmune symptoms and don’t know where to turn or what to do next. It was a quick and easy read and generally I liked it.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough exploration of autoimmune disease. Sara Gottfried is well known for her previous work on hormones, and this did not disappoint. It should be noted that this book does promote Dr. Gottfried’s own autoimmune “plan.” Hopefully that won’t result in anyone discounting the wealth of information presented within. I learned quite a bit, and have already recommended it to several people.

[Cici · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.


I was not impressed with this book in any way. It was very repetitive and mostly kept talking about how much stress factors into how bad disease is, which is a long-established fact already. The single part I did appreciate was the part on diet and supplements, and I learned that vitamin D is way more important for intestinal health than I ever realized!


The author also tells a lot of stories of patients who seemed to improve through lifestyle changes, but I didn't see the evidence of anyone being fully "cured," despite the title of the book. This made me have a large lack of trust in anything the author wrote. It's about maintenance at best, not a cure.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Autoimmune Cure by Sara Szal Gottfried M.D. is a treasure of a book for anyone struggling with autoimmune problems. Dr. Gottfried provides protocols to reset your immune system and restore your health. I voluntarily read this complimentary copy of this research-based book. I highly recommend it for anyone who cares about health and balance in life. I know I will refer to it often on my own health journey.

[Erinn McDowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted this book to help me but it was kind of a let down. The author is really hung up on psychedelic medicine that isn’t accessible to most people and also her editors did her dirty, noticeable amounts of typos and she repeats herself at a level that gets irritating. Saying she’ll dive deeper about things (wearable health trackers) and then doesn’t. I will however use the info about elimination diets and blood testing. Otherwise I’d say y’all can skip this one.

[Yazeed Mujahed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this one. Despite it went too academic at some sections. However, this is a semi- science book which is to be expected honestly.
It's an eye opener what Dr. Sara talks about Gut health and its link to the immunity system.
The book material is good for podcasts or articles but not a book. However, i am really glad she wrote it.

[Meilech · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy through the Goodreads giveaway.

This is a fascinating book about the relation of trauma, especially early on in life, and autoimmune issues.

This book is easy to read with a wealth of knowledge and information for anyone with autoimmune issues.

Some of the stuff will be repetitive for somebody that has delved into this topic before, but a still worth a read.

[Nataliya Binkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is misleading—this book should be called Trauma and Autoimmune Diseases. It focuses far more on trauma than on any real “cure” protocols. The structure was weak, repetitive, and not backed by solid facts. The audio version was also poorly executed. Disappointing overall.

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource based on the latest research.

[Michelle Herzing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have long admired Dr. Gottfried's work, and have read other books she has written, so when The Autoimmune Cure became available, I jumped at the chance to read it even though I am not an individual who suffers from an autoimmune disease. I was fascinated by the concept of trauma triggering autoimmune disorders, which Dr. Gottfried makes an excellent case for, and thought the book was very informative, albeit somewhat dry and clinical. I struggle with the recommendation for using psychedelics for treatment, but will leave that decision to the professionals. The rest of the treatment ideology is fairly standard, and would be a jumping off point for discussions with medical professionals. I would recommend this book for anyone who has or suspects an autoimmune disorder, as the treatment options included are broad and the concept behind the book is unique.

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harvestbooks for the gifted copy of The Autoimmune Cure by Sara Szal Gottfried, MD. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Shanereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Autoimmune Cure is obviously written by a doctor. However, the book was incredibly repetitive, and there did not seem to be any real significant new information presented in the book.

After developing autoimmune issues myself, I was looking forward to reading this one. However, after having read it I did not draw any new conclusions that I felt like could be applicable to anyone who had done a mediocre amount of research on autoimmune disorders.

This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Huge thanks to Harvest for my review copy!

[Yuvasri Raghavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book compiles already available information into an evidence-based, clinical format, making it a useful resource for understanding autoimmune health.

I found the PINE system particularly helpful, though the sections on psychedelics and alternative therapies weren’t for me.

Best suited for those newly diagnosed or dealing with unexplained symptoms and would like to make sense of things.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting findings I’ve heard before about the link of trauma and autoimmune conditions. Definitely a denser book given the clinical nature of the topic.

[Jennifer Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This serves as a decent outline of the science of the connection between trauma and autoimmune disease and various protocols to address trauma as a means to achieve better physical, mental, and spiritual health. It does not dive too deeply into any one subject which may be frustrating for someone looking for more substance. It's good to hear a medical doctor speaking from a human space and discussing their own personal experiences rather than just prescribing impersonal. There are great books listed in the resource section that delve more into the why's of trauma and the what's of using specific protocols to treat and heal trauma. I would have liked to have seen a little more in-depth information than a cursory exploration.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters of The Autoimmune Cure were quite heavy with a lot a medical and noteworthy information. I listened to the audiobook and found I was compelled to take a lot of notes. Sara Gottfried is a medical doctor who not only shares the medical aspects of autoimmunity, but also how trauma affects the physical body, often causing it to develop autoimmune disorders. She shares ways in which those with autoimmune disorders can do a variety of things to heal th3ir bodies by addressing the trauma and regulating the body to a healthy state, thus reducing and even eliminating symptoms of autoimmunity. Gottfried gives readers examples of how individuals can go about addressing their trauma and making a plan to implement techniques to alleviate pain. Additionally, specific patient case studies are given that support her claims. As someone who suffers from autoimmunity, I am inspired to take specific actions and create a plan for working to alleviate and hopefully, eliminate pain and symptoms. If you or someone you love suffers from autoimmunity, you will want to read The Autoimmune Cure.

[Audrey Lynx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more information on the physical and biological side of things rather than trauma and emotional side, as that’s an area I already understand deeply. The majority of this book was spent on trauma and mental health education, presenting a shallow overview which would only be helpful if someone had never considered it and didn’t have access to numerous other specialized books and resources that do a much better and nuanced job of delivering that information. The few chapters that addressed physical health were not entirely new or novel approaches but it did help me understand how autoimmune disease was connected to the nervous system and diet.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agreed with many of the other reviewers here. Nothing very ground-breaking was presented. Lots of repetition. Many promises of delving into things more, which never really happened. Same with the promise of sharing personal experience, which didn't get that deep either. I appreciated the concept of how trauma can have a root cause in developing autoimmune, along with the triad of factors. Those were the key nuggets that one would use as a starting point to find more answers to their health conditions/concerns.

[Robin Perkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

I do have a few of the illnesses talked about in this book, though I do not find it particularly helpful. The author is suggesting very specialized therapies, ranging from trauma therapy to magic mushrooms. I don't think suggesting they only way to cure you is something you probably won't have access to is very helpful. Mostly the book just frustrated me more.

[Connie Collins Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would better be titled autoimmune disease and trauma as trauma is what it is about. I feel like there’s more to autoimmune than saying it’s 90% trauma

[Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Si sufres de estrés y traumas (estrés postraumático), enfermedades autoinmunes o simplemente quieres infórmate este es el mejor libro que he leído en esta área.
Pase por situaciones muy estresantes que me hacen batallar con enfermedades autoinmunes. Realmente me impacta, aun lo sigue haciendo, la conexión entre el estrés y las enfermedades.
Los primeros capítulos nos da información medica para entender, explicando como el trauma afecta el cuerpo, generando ocasionalmente enfermedades autoinmunes.
Gottfried abarca la salud metabólica, cerebral, la conciencia y el equilibrio hormonal.
Nos comparte distintos métodos para sanar el cuerpo, tratando el trauma y regulando el cuerpo hasta un estado saludable, hasta desaparecer en algunos casos la enfermedad autoinmune. También para aliviar el dolor.
El sistema PINE me resultó especialmente útil
Las secciones sobre psicodélicos y terapias alternativas es un adicional.
En resumen su protocolo aborda la conciencia corporal, curación somática, la nutrición, el sueño y el estrés, la salud del sistema inmunológico, la terapia mente-cuerpo y el potencial de los psicodélicos para la curación en un entorno clínico profesional. Tal vez eso no sea nuevo, pero el enfoque de esta autora es actual, integral y de vanguardia, y eso es insuperable.
Mas que recomendado, me dio esperanza e inspiración para hacer algo con mi salud.

Citas
■ “«Hay dos formas de difundir luz: ser la vela o el espejo que la refleja» - Edith Whartom, Vesalius en Zante”. [Pág 6]
■ “No es normal prosperar o tener éxito en el caos, mantenerse tan ocupado la mayor parte del tiempo, tener problemas de confianza, sentirse culpable por descansar o ser tan autosuficiente que no pido ayuda incluso cuando estoy completamente fuera de mi capacidad. Es agotador y acelera el envejecimiento”. [Pág 16]
■ “«El trauma no es lo que te sucede, es lo que sucede dentro de ti como resultado de lo que te sucedió. El trauma es esa cicatrización que te hace menos flexible, más rígido, menos sentimiento y más defendido» - Gabor Maté”. [Pág 34]
■ “«La historia de algo que sucedió en ese entonces, sino la impronta actual de ese dolor, horror y miedo viviendo dentro» - Bessel Van der Kolk”. [Pág 46]
■ “Tu psicología
Pelea: cuando te enfrentas a una amenaza percibida agresivamente.
Vuelo: cuando huyes del peligro.
Freeze: cuando no puedes moverte o actuar contra una amenaza, como un ciervo atrapado en los faros delanteros.
Fawn: cuando te comportas agradablemente en un esfuerzo por evitar conflictos”. [Pág 57]
■ “La experiencia somática (SE) es un modelo de terapia orientado al cuerpo para ayudar a sanar el trauma y otros trastornos del estrés. Fue desarrollado por el psicólogo Peter Levine”. [Pág 122]
■ “El sueño y el estrés también tienen un gran impacto en la salud mental. El cortisol desregulado, la principal hormona del estrés, es un factor de riesgo para el suicidio, junto con el sueño interrumpido y otros factores, como el trauma infantil, la función ejecutiva deteriorada, la impulsividad, la historia familiar y las experiencias epigenéticas y perinatales.”. [Pág 190]
■ “
-MEDITACIÓN. Si bien veinte minutos al día pueden ser ideales, la mayoría de nosotros podemos realmente beneficiarnos y relajar nuestro sistema nervioso comenzando con solo cinco minutos una vez al día. Marque la frecuencia diaria primero con la dosis efectiva mínima, luego una vez establecida, aumente lentamente la duración.
-CONSCIENCIA. En su forma más simple, la atención plena es la práctica de atraer la atención de la experiencia actual de momento sin juzgar. Es una aceptación de lo que es. Puede probar una clase local, ver un video de YouTube o ver el curso en línea gratuito mencionado en los recursos.
-NATURALEZA. Obtenga una dosis diaria durante al menos veinte minutos para activar el sistema nervioso parasimpático de "descansar y digerir".
-YOGA. Las posturas físicas, el control de la respiración y la concentración del yoga ayudan a crear resiliencia. Puede comenzar con solo una o dos poses simples.
-Lea un libro o un texto antiguo inspirador.
-Suspiro. Más específicamente, el suspiro fisiológico de Huberman Lab: discutimos cómo hacerlo cuando estaba en el podcast de Andrew Huberman recientemente. Brevemente, tomas una inhalación máxima a través de la nariz, luego otra inhalación nasal corta, luego exhale completa a los pulmones vacíos a través de la boca. Repita por cinco minutos. En un en-sayo clínico que el Dr. Huberman realizó en Stanford, el suspiro fisiológico se comparó con la respiración de la caja e hiperventilación.
-Caminar a un perro o estar con una mascota.
-Pasar tiempo con amigos, familiares y personas que disfruta, ya sea en persona o por teléfono.
.”. [Pág 202]
■ “¿Qué son los psicodélicos?
La palabra "psicodélico" significa "alma, mente o espíritu manifestando", que uno se puede pensar como usar pensamientos, sentimientos y creencias para traer algo a una realidad física actual. Los psicodélicos son medicamentos basados en plantas y sintéticos que desencadenan estados de conciencia no ordenados (o, como algunos, extraordinarios) caracterizados por alteraciones profundas en la percepción, emoción, disponibilidad espiritual y cognición. Los psicodélicos clásicos incluyen LSD, psilocibina ("hongos mágicos") y mezcalina”. [Pág 240]

[Jan Peregrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Autoimmune Cure~~~~

Cure of the hundred plus autoimmune diseases does occasionally happen for the patients of Sara Szal Gottfried, MD, in her Precision Medicine clinic attached to Thomas Jefferson University in California, but she has greatly helped hundred of people with many kinds of autoimmune diseases with their out-of-control physical, mental, and spiritual symptoms. Her 2024 book The Autoimmune Cure: Healing the Trauma and Other Triggers That Have Turned Your Body Against You is an eye-opening exploration of autoimmune disease from her perspective as a healing doctor and survivor.

Gottfried was trying to conventionally help her patients for decades and it gradually dawned on her that they followed a pattern of developing autoimmunity after, decades before, suffering childhood trauma especially or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from chronic exposure to violence, such as in war or in the home. Hormonal shifts for women can also be a trigger.

Gottfried explains that people with autoimmune diseases need a genetic vulnerability, a leaky gut, and an environmental trigger like toxic stress induced by continuous little or big traumas. Because of the unmanaged, high levels of stress flooding our bodies with stress hormones, because of diets that inflame our guts and cause leaking guts, and because our gut microbiota then changes for the worse, we develop autoimmune diseases. We don't really know how prevalent they are as many can go unrecognized or untreated.

Tne great news is that we can heal our leaky guts through a 21—day at least elimination diet, followed by reintroducing one eliminated food at a time for three days, through taking natural immunomodulators like black cumin and curcumin, getting fiber and restful sleep, doing yoga instead of strenuous exercise, and using psychedelics with trained physicians.

You may be used to dismissing your body for many reasons taught to you in childhood. Your body is not, however, a machine to abuse with your thoughts, words, feelings, and actions. Gottfried makes the excellent point that our brains and bodies/immune systems are intimately connected and so when we treat our bodies as machines or tell them we hate them and such, that abuse is internalized so that our bodies may learn to turn against themselves too.

I do not have an autoimmune disease, but know many people who do. I hope they will realize there is hope for them and they'll read this very helpful book.

Though I've had traumatic events in my life and continuous stress from living with an incomplete spinal cord injury, I don't abuse my amazing body. I also live in the present with a focus on my breath. Lastly, I approach stressful experiences by talking about them instead of letting them simmer and go unresolved. I don't need to please everyone, but be true to myself.

Think positively and be well, okay?

[Dexter · Rating 1 out of 5]

The short list of why I distrusted and ultimately hated this book:

The author repeatedly uses before and after BMI measurements as an indicator of health. I know many doctors still use this despite science proving it as unhelpful, but a female doctor who is constantly saying that traditional medicine is failing patients should really know better.

The author things asexuality and pansexuality are intersex identities. Ma'am. You do not have to be an expert in gender OR sexuality to do a simple google search. Those are sexual orientations and having nothing to do with biological sex.

Lists often include the same thing twice. Did she not have an editor?

"We'll go into more detail in chapter whatever," and then chapter whatever has very little, if any, more details. Most chapters felt like an introduction to what should've been the chapter.

The author spends a while talking about traditional medicine can't treat trauma, and thus can't treat autoimmune issues. Clinicians won't even acknowledge trauma, and when they do they prescribe you unhelpful treatments. So she spends a lot of time talking about nontraditional treatments... and then says to work with a "wise" or "trusted" clinician to help guide you through it all, even as she's saying a lot of these treatments are not available to the public yet.

The author also fails to even mention the other very real barriers between many patients and these treatments. Even assuming we have insurance, even assuming we have a "wise" clinician who recommends we go try psychedelics, insurance won't cover these things. Insurance will not cover psychedelics, or somatic therapy, or organic food. But the author doesn't even acknowledge that price is a huge issue, or offer ideas on how to make it more affordable.

I was ultimately confused about who this book is supposed to be for. Like I said, a lot of these treatments aren't available or won't be recommended or prescribed by your average doctor. Almost everything she talks about is still in the research stages. It seems like it'd do a heck of a lot more good to just do more research, write more research for other medical professionals, so that more of THEM will be willing to help more of US access these "cures."