Thriving with Arthritis -with Dr. Diana Girnita
Thriving with Arthritis is an evidence-based podcast dedicated to helping people understand, manage, and live well with arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Hosted by Dr. Diana M. Girnita, MD, PhD, a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology with a PhD in Immunology, the podcast bridges modern rheumatology with lifestyle and integrative medicine.
The show covers a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjögren’s disease, gout, and other inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. Each episode provides clear explanations of diagnosis, lab testing, imaging, medications, biologics, and emerging therapies—alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress regulation, and chronic pain management.
Listeners hear conversations with experts in rheumatology, immunology, nutrition, physical therapy, and mind-body medicine, as well as real patient stories that highlight the challenges of diagnosis, flares, remission, and long-term disease management.
Dr. Girnita brings over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, including advanced postdoctoral training at Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh. She is widely recognized for combining rigorous scientific medicine with a whole-person approach that treats not just disease activity, but the person living with the disease.
An educator with a global reach, Dr. Girnita has accumulated over 30 million views across YouTube and social media, where she delivers clear, science-based education on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Medscape, and other major medical publications.
Thriving with Arthritis empowers patients to make informed decisions, navigate the healthcare system with confidence, reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and reclaim quality of life.
Thriving with Arthritis -with Dr. Diana Girnita
Sleep, Stress, and Diet: A Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Diseases
In this episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist with over two decades of experience, features an enlightening conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz. Dr. Ortiz, a fellow rheumatologist, digital health CMO, entrepreneur, and advocate for integrating lifestyle into autoimmune disease management, shares invaluable insights on the following topics:
Key Discussion Points:
- Importance of Sleep: The significant impact of inadequate sleep on patients' pain levels, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Dr. Ortiz delves into the science, explaining the fascinating connection between sleep and the immune system, and how disrupted sleep can lead to the dysregulation of the immune response, exacerbating autoimmune conditions.
- Stress Management: Dr. Ortiz shares her approach to supporting patients through the stress accompanying an autoimmune disease diagnosis. She emphasizes the value of frequent consultations early on, fostering a better physician-patient relationship and a deeper understanding of the disease management plan.
- Personalized Diet in Autoimmune Conditions: Both specialists agree on the absence of a one-size-fits-all diet for autoimmune patients but stress the significance of a personalized eating plan. Dr. Ortiz shares practical tips for starting patients on this journey, highlighting the necessity of eliminating certain foods and gradually introducing healthier options.
This podcast not only provides valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of autoimmune diseases but also serves as a reminder of the power of informed, compassionate care. It is a compelling call to action for patients and healthcare providers alike to embrace a more integrated and personalized approach to health and well-being.
More about Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ortiz-md-5494b476/
Website: www.connectedrheumatology.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectedRheumatology/videos
More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD
- Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
- Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200