In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amir Esparza, double board-certified colorectal surgeon at City of Hope, to discuss the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in patients under 45—becoming the #1 cause of cancer death in young adults.

Dr. Esparza reveals warning signs often dismissed as hemorrhoids, explains why 30% of rectal cancer patients can avoid surgery through chemo/radiation alone, and shares robotic surgery breakthroughs reducing hospital stays from 7-10 days to 1-2 days.

We discuss fiber’s power (30g daily), why 90% of Americans are constipated, gut microbiome’s impact on mood and immunity, and City of Hope’s integrative approach combining surgery with acupuncture and multi-faith spiritual care.

Key Takeaways

1. Colorectal cancer becoming #1 young adult cancer death by 2030 (20% under 45)
2. Start screening at 45 (or 10 years before family member’s diagnosis)
3. Warning signs: rectal bleeding, weight loss, stool changes, pain
4. <20% diagnosed during screening—most symptomatic when found
5. 30% rectal cancer patients avoid surgery with chemo/radiation
6. Robotic surgery: 7-10 days → 1-2 days hospital stay
7. Fiber: 30g daily prevents constipation, diverticulitis, cancer
8. 90% Americans constipated—fiber changes microbiome in 3-4 weeks
9. Gut microbiome (3-4 lbs) impacts mood, sleep, immunity, blood sugar
10. Core activation during weightlifting prevents hemorrhoids

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 Early Warning Signs Often Dismissed

04:00 Less Than 20% Diagnosed During Screening

05:00 30% Avoid Surgery with Chemo/Radiation

07:00 Robotic Surgery: 1-2 Day Hospital Stays

09:00 When to Get Screened: Age 45 & Family History

14:00 Diverticulitis Prevention Through Fiber

16:00 Why 30 Grams Daily Fiber Changes Everything

20:00 Seeds & Nuts Don’t Cause Diverticulitis (Myth)

24:00 Gut Microbiome Controls Mood, Sleep & Immunity

26:00 90% of Americans Are Constipated

34:00 Best Fiber Sources: Avocados, Chia, Berries

42:00 Bloating & Food Intolerances

45:00 Hemorrhoid Treatment: Office vs Surgery

52:00 Core Activation Prevents Hemorrhoids

56:00 City of Hope’s Integrative Medicine

Guest Details

Amir Esparza, MD, FACS — Colorectal & General Surgeon

Credentials: Double board-certified. Administrative Chief Resident, University of Illinois Chicago. Outstanding Resident Leadership Award. City of Hope Orange County.

Specializations: Robotic & minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery, perianal disease, fecal incontinence, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids. Research: remote surgical techniques.

Philosophy: Compassionate care transforms lives. Combines precision surgery with integrative medicine (acupuncture, yoga, meditation, multi-faith spiritual care).

Connect:

Instagram: @dr.amiresparza

YouTube: @dramiresparza

LinkedIn: dramiresparza

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women’s wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.

Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the “why” behind their illness and find pathways to healing.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold’s role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.