Living Well, Not Perfectly with Autoimmune and Chronic Illness | Featuring Simla Somturk

What does it really mean to live well when your body doesn’t always cooperate?

In this episode of the Lupus in Community Podcast, Dr. Fatimah Ali speaks with holistic nutrition and health coach Simla Somturk about redefining wellness while living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness.

Together, they explore why wellness is not a fixed destination, but an evolving relationship with your body. They share personal experiences with lupus, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, food sensitivities, and recovery, along with practical ways to support healing without chasing perfection.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

• Why “living well” looks different in every season of chronic illness
• How to recognize progress beyond symptom-free days
• The role of nutrition, elimination diets, and bio-individuality
• The difference between nourishing your body and pursuing food perfection
• Orthorexia and the pressure to “do everything right”
• Managing stress, protecting sleep, and building sustainable habits
• Why comparison can undermine healing—and how listening to your body can restore confidence

Whether you’re living with lupus, another autoimmune disease, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement grounded in lived experience and science. Healing is rarely linear, but meaningful wellness is still possible.

Guest: Simla Somturk, Holistic Health & Nutrition Coach

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