Psoriasis, Stress and the Mind–Body Connection with Dr Anik St. Martin

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Can changing the way we think influence what happens within the body?

In this episode of The Autoimmune RESET Podcast, I speak with Dr Anik St. Martin about her personal experience of psoriasis and the profound shift in mindset that she believes changed the course of her health.

After living with psoriasis for 20 years, Anik had become consumed by trying to find the next treatment, dietary change or intervention that might finally help. She describes the emotional toll of constantly trying to “fix” herself—and what happened when she began changing the way she thought and spoke about her body.

Within five days of focusing intently on a different internal narrative, Anik noticed a striking change in her skin. Although her wider journey had included dietary and lifestyle changes, this experience led her to explore the science of the mind–body connection more deeply.

We discuss how thoughts, beliefs and emotional stress may influence the nervous, endocrine and immune systems; what the placebo effect can teach us about the body’s response to expectation; and how neuroplasticity allows patterns of thought and behaviour to change.

This is not a conversation suggesting that psoriasis is “all in the mind”, that positive thinking can cure autoimmune disease or that someone is responsible for their illness. Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated condition, and mindset is one part of a much wider picture. Instead, this episode explores why our internal environment may deserve consideration alongside nutrition, gut health, medical care and other aspects of physical health.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Anik’s experience of developing psoriasis and its emotional impact
• The circumstances she personally associates with the onset of her symptoms
• Why the search for healing can sometimes become another source of stress
• The moment she stopped fighting her body and changed her internal narrative
• What happened during her five-day mindset practice
• The relationship between the brain, nervous system and immune system
• What the placebo effect can—and cannot—tell us about healing
• How neuroplasticity may help us establish new patterns of thought
• Why mindset work should support rather than replace appropriate medical care
• The possible relationship between emotional stress, gut health and immune regulation
• Simple affirmations and daily practices that may help create a greater sense of safety
• Anik’s advice for somebody newly diagnosed with psoriasis

Connect with Dr Anik St. Martin
Website: https://www.anikstmartin.com/skin-on-fire
Instagram: @psoriasis_healing_hub

Connect with VJ
Instagram: @theautoimmunitynutritionist
Website: http://www.autoimmunehealthclinic.com
Listen and subscribe: The Autoimmune RESET Podcast

If this conversation helped you look at the relationship between your emotional and physical health differently, please follow the podcast and share the episode with someone who may find it helpful.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Do not stop prescribed treatment or make significant changes to your healthcare without discussing them with an appropriately qualified professional.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.