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Cycle of Illness: Immune System (Part 1 & 2)
- Donna Kay Franklin
- Aug 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Final Installment: The Cycle of Illness Comes Full Circle
Welcome to the final installment of this series. Here, we bring everything together and explore how the Cycle of Illness connects every system, every symptom, and every part of what makes us whole. This cycle isn’t just a medical theory. It’s the root metabolic foundation of your physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. It influences your mind, your body, your mood, and yes — even those little quirks that make you you.
Throughout this series, we’ve been building piece by piece. Each video adds another layer. My hope is that by now, you’re beginning to see the intricate design: Your body is not compartmentalized. It is a symphony — and every system is part of the music. But when just one instrument is off — whether it’s your mitochondria, your hormones, your immune system, or even chronic stress — it throws off the entire rhythm. And that, dear one, is the Cycle of Illness.
🦠 The Gut as the Conductor of Your Immune System
In this final section, I’ll walk you through how the immune system works. The gut microbiome, which houses much of the immune system, is the central hub that connects to every organ, every system, and every root metabolic process in the body. If the gut isn’t happy — nothing in the body can truly thrive. And neither can you.
💡 Let’s Take the Driver’s Seat
Because I want to honor your time and your healing, I’m posting the slides from this series to give you a clear map. A starting point. A guide to help you take the driver’s seat of your health and your destiny. And this isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning.
Tomorrow, we begin "Diaries of a Masto-Warrior" — a series of bite-sized videos that break down this Cycle of Illness into manageable, empowering pieces. If the full-length videos have felt overwhelming, take heart. I’ve got your back.
🌱 You’re Not Broken — You’re Brilliantly Wired
Let me say this loud and clear: broken. You are brilliantly wired — just on a different frequency. When you understand how these cycles operate, you’ll finally have the tools to realign, restore, and reclaim your health. Together, we’ll walk this healing journey — not with fear, but with understanding. Not with blame, but with grace. And not alone — but side by side.
Change is possible. Healing is real. Your story is far from over. 💛 This is the last installment where I teach how the Cycle of Illness all ties together and talks to each section, or system, that governs all our physical and mental health.
Understanding the Cycle of Illness
The Cycle of Illness is a complex interplay of various systems in our bodies. Each system affects the others, creating a web of connections that can either support or hinder our health.
The Role of the Immune System
The immune system is our body’s defense mechanism. It protects us from pathogens and helps maintain homeostasis. However, when the immune system is out of balance, it can lead to chronic inflammation and illness. Understanding how to support your immune system is crucial for healing.
The Importance of Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in our overall health. It influences digestion, immune function, and even mental health. A healthy gut microbiome can enhance nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation.
Hormonal Balance
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions. An imbalance can lead to a range of health issues, including fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Understanding the connection between hormones and the immune system is essential for holistic healing.
The Interconnectedness of Systems
Each system in our body communicates with the others. For example, the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, influencing its response to pathogens. Similarly, hormonal changes can affect gut health, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.
Stress and Its Impact
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of these systems. It can lead to hormonal imbalances, affect gut health, and weaken the immune system. Learning stress management techniques is vital for maintaining overall health.
Nutrition as Medicine
What we eat plays a significant role in our health. A nutrient-dense diet can support the immune system, promote gut health, and balance hormones. Understanding the metabolic causes of your illness can empower you to make informed dietary choices.
Moving Forward with Hope
As we conclude this series, remember that you are not alone. There is a community of support available. Embrace the journey of healing with an open heart and mind. Change is possible, and your health can improve.
Together, we can navigate the complexities of chronic illness. We can learn to listen to our bodies and respond with compassion. Healing is not just about managing symptoms; it’s about understanding the underlying causes and addressing them holistically.
Love and Light,
~ the Mastoqueen
Below is the Videos Part 1 and Part II.
Below is the Slides
(This is the table of Contents for the Slides - it's over 400 slides long - The longest presentation I've made to date.)
The table of contents also lets you know the order we discuss the slides in detail in the videos.
Immune System (Part ONE) 1-173
Innate Immune System:
Neutrophils 16-20
Eosinophils 21-25
Basophils 26-28
Mast Cells 29-62
What's the difference between Histamine Intolerance, MCAS & Mastocytosis. 32, 61
Three types of Mast cells 31
Degranulation of Mast Cells (3 Stages) 34-60
Tryptase, chymase, Histamine, TNF-a 34
Piscidines 35
Amines and Leukotrines 36
Cytokines / Cytokine Network 38-40, 60
Interleukins 46-48, 145-146
CD Charts 49-50, 86-88, 147
Antigens/Antibodies
Growth Factors 51-54
Interferons 55-56
How is it all Connected- 62
(how it talks to the entire cycle of illness).
Monocytes 63-64
Macrophages 65-72
How is it all connected 68-72
Dendritic Cells 73-79
How is it all connected 79
-------------------Part II of First Video-------------------
Lymphocytes 83-173
Major Histocompatibility Complex 83-101
Class I, Class II, Class III
Cell Danger Zone 98-99
Antigens 49-50, 147, 86-88
Complement System 102-114
Adaptive Immune System 115-17
B Cells 116-133
How is it all connected 130-131
Lymph Node Pain 132-133
T Cells 134-151
Helper T Cells (CD4+) 138-144
Interleukin 46-48, 145-146
CD Charts 49-50, 147, 49-50
Killer T Cells (CD8+) 148-149
How is it all Connected 150-151
Natural Killer Cells 152-161
How is it all connected 157-161
Hypersensitivity Reactions 162-173
Types of Antibodies 164-165
How is it all Connected 166-173
Methylome 172-173
Immune System (Part Two) 175-220
Microbiome/Gut Health 175-181
What does it Do? 182-190, 186, 189-190
Good VS Bad Biome 201-203
Conditions of Poor Microbiome 204-212
Dysbiosis
Heal Microbiome 213-220
Immune System (Part Three) 221-422
(how everything it all connected & how it talks to each other within the Cycle of Illness)
Microbiome and Digestion 221-227
Salicylates and Oxalates 228-230
Microbiome & Mitochondria 231-236
Immune Axis 236-250
Microbiome and Nervous System 251-263
Microbiome and Gut/Brain Axis 265-282
Neurotransmitters 254-255
Gut/Brain Axis 256-258, 264-282
Autonomic Nervous System 260-261
Gut Brain Connections 264-282
Communication via HPA path 267-268
Neuronal / Nervous System 269
Immune Pathways 270
Hormones and Transmitters 271
Microbiome Metabolites 272
Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) 192, 273, 183-186, 190, 222-227, 233, 245, 267
Conditions 279
Healing Gut Brain 280
HPA Axis 283-289
Cortisol 288, 338-339
Communication via HPA Axis 289
Dysregulation 290-298
Healing 294-298
Microbiome and Endocrine System 299-366
Functions of the Endocrine System 306-325
Metabolism (Fat) 307-310
Metabolism (Energy) 311
Blood Sugar Control 312, 380, 395-397
Growth and Development 313
Sex Hormones 314-317
Fertility 316-317
Sleep Cycles 318
Mood Regulation 319
Bone Health/Hydration/Blood Pressure 320-321
Immune Neuro-Endocrine 322-325
Adrenal Hormones 326-346, 353-355
Catecholamines 330-333
Aldosterone 336-337
Cortisol 288, 338-339
DHEA 340-342
NOR- EPI 343-345
The 3 AXIS of the Endocrine System 346-355
HPT Axis (Thyroid) 347-349
HPG Axis (Gonads) 350-352
HPA Axis (Adrenals) 322-346, 353-355
Dysbiosis and Dysfunction of Endocrine System 356-366
Microbiome and Hormones 367-384
Constipation 373
Inflammation 374, 406-408
Nutrient Deficiency 375
Estroblome 376-378, 385-390
Thyroid 347-349, 379, 391-394
Blood Sugar 312, 380, 395-397
Healing 382-383
Microbiome and Estrogen 376-378, 385-390
Microbiome and Thyroid 347-349, 379, 391-394
Microbiome and Blood Sugar 312, 380, 395-397
Microbiome and Methylation 398-405
BH4 402-403
Folate 404-405
Microbiome and Inflammation 374, 406-408
Microbiome and Cardiac Health 409-415
Microbiome and Food Allergies 416-419
Microbiome and Mast Cells 420-422
(Note: if for some reason there is a problem with opening the slides let me know, and I'll fix them and I'll email them.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: PART 1
IMMUNE SYSTEM: PART ONE (PART II)
In this video, we continue the Cycle of Illness: Immune System, Part 1. We look at the Adaptive Immunity (B cells, T cells, NK cells), Hypersensitivity Reactions, Interleukins, Growth Factors, CDs, the Histocompatibility Complex, The Complements system, Cell danger response, antigens (APC's), and Antibodies like IgG, IgE, IgA, IgM, IgD, estroblome, methylome, and how it all interconnects to the Cycle of Illness and determines how your immune system works. This video teaches how your body and immune system can get stuck in a vicious cycle, what causes it, and I also go over how to stop the aberrant processes taking place that's making your immune system freelance. I teach how it all interconnects to every system, your methylation cycles, your mitochondria, inflammation, and histamine issues. Part II of the Immune System will be the Microbiome and breaking it down, and Part III will teach how everything I've taught in the Cycle of Illness and how it's all interconnected. Everything talks to each other. If one part of the cycle of illness or immune system specifically isn't working, it's a massive domino effect. Our bodies aren't compartmentalized like modern medicine is, and medicine needs a major overhaul if it's going to help people actually heal. (AND WE CAN DO IT!!) We're not broken, we're wired differently, and we have to live within the blueprint that governs our body.
Having trouble finding the other videos? I've posted them in order based on how I organized the information.
Cycle of Illness series: Immune System Part II - The Microbiome
In this episode, I cover:
What the microbiome does — how trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes regulate immunity, digestion, hormones, and even brain chemistry.
Good vs. bad biome — the difference between a thriving, balanced gut and one that fuels inflammation and disease.
Conditions of poor microbiome health — including dysbiosis, leaky gut, autoimmune flares, and mast cell activation.
How to heal the microbiome — practical steps to repair and restore balance so your immune system can finally reset.
The gut microbiome is the lynchpin of the Cycle of Illness. When it’s strong, it holds everything together and supports healing. When it breaks down, the entire system unravels. This video is part of Cycle of Illness Series, created to bring clarity, hope, and tools for those living with mast cell disorders, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness. ✨ If you’re ready to understand why the gut is the gateway to health — and how to start healing from the inside out — this video is for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE for the rest of the Cycle of Illness series.
Cycle of Illness Video Series/Checklists
Part 1: Cycle of Illness Intro
Part 2: Cycle of Illness
Part 3: Cycle of Illness: Histamine
DAO (Diamine Oxidase)
Part 4: Cycle of Illness: Inflammation
Part 5: Cycle of Illness: Mitochondria
Part 6: Cycle of Illness: Methylation
Methylation: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets Behind Chronic Illness Through Metabolic Mastery (Methylation Slides)
Part 7: Cycle of Illness: Immune System
Part one: Organs, Cells, Innate Immunity
Part One (Section II): Adaptive Immunity, Hypersensitivity, Interleukins, Growth Factors, CDs/Antigens, Antibodies, How it's all connected to the Cycle of Illness and how it all talks together
Part Two : Microbiome
Genes & SNPs Slides
https://www.mastoqueen.com/single-post/genes-n-snps-of- methylation-power-point
Combined Healing Protocol:
HI, MCAS/MCAD, or Mastocytosis? What’s the Difference?
My Mast Cell Story:
You can find more at www.mastoqueen.com, and there is a search function to help find what you’re looking for. There’s also the Facebook page Living Better with Mast Cells, Autoimmune, and Chronic Illness.
LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE!!!
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