Can autoimmune disease go into remission?

Yes, autoimmune disease can go into remission. Remission means your symptoms are significantly reduced or absent, though it doesn't always mean the disease is cured. Many people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's, and other autoimmune conditions achieve remission through a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, stress management, and anti-inflammatory nutrition. At Invigorate, we focus on realistic small steps toward remission that work even on flare days.

What is the P.A.R. method for autoimmune disease?

P.A.R. stands for Process, Adapt, and Reclaim — Invigorate's framework for living well with autoimmune disease. Process means finding your footing after diagnosis. Adapt means building routines that work with your body, including flare management strategies. Reclaim means living a meaningful, purposeful life even with an autoimmune condition. This approach was developed by Karin Wagner, a lupus warrior and health coach.

What autoimmune conditions does Invigorate support?

Invigorate supports people with 20+ autoimmune conditions including lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), and many more. The coaching and podcast address the shared experiences across different autoimmune diagnoses.

How do you manage autoimmune disease flares?

Managing autoimmune flares involves several strategies: rest and pacing (avoiding overexertion), anti-inflammatory diet adjustments, stress reduction techniques like breathwork and mindfulness, staying connected with your rheumatologist or specialist, and maintaining realistic routines that can flex on hard days. Invigorate's coaching teaches people to reset without shame or guilt when flares disrupt their plans.

What is the Invisible Strength podcast about?

The Invisible Strength Podcast shares real stories from autoimmune warriors — people living with lupus, RA, Hashimoto's, chronic pain, and other chronic conditions. Hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, each episode covers the emotional weight of diagnosis, real-life strategies for managing symptoms, and stories of people who have reclaimed their energy and quality of life. The podcast has 75+ episodes, is in Season 3, and is always free.

Is autoimmune disease coaching effective?

Autoimmune disease coaching can be highly effective as a complement to medical treatment. Coaching helps people develop personalized strategies for energy management, flare recovery, emotional resilience, and lifestyle adjustments. Invigorate's coaching program has helped 1,000+ people with autoimmune conditions across 20+ diagnoses develop sustainable routines that support their overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Episode 73 · Invisible Strength Podcast

Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials

May 13, 2026 · Hosts: Karin Wagner & Chris Burton

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About This Episode

University of Texas Austin track & field star Logan Popelka shares how he turned a celiac disease diagnosis at age 15 into elite athletic success — including a near-qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Diagnosed with no obvious symptoms, Logan opens up about navigating a strict gluten-free lifestyle while competing at the highest level. From high school social challenges to fueling as a Division I athlete, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real hope.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, a gluten-free athlete, or living with any autoimmune condition, Logan’s story will motivate and equip you to thrive.

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About Logan Popelka

Logan Popelka is a track & field athlete at the University of Texas Austin, diagnosed with celiac disease at age 15. Despite having no obvious digestive symptoms at diagnosis, Logan committed fully to the gluten-free lifestyle — and went on to compete at the Division I level, nearly qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He is known for his discipline, faith, and approach to fueling performance with celiac disease.

Hosts: Karin Wagner & Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain)

Key Takeaways

Going gluten-free is a skill you can master. Logan shares the learning curve and practical tools that made strict GF living sustainable as a competitive athlete.

Social pressure is real — and you can navigate it. From high school parties to college dining halls, Logan learned to handle the social side without compromising his health.

Cross-contamination is the hidden danger. Understanding restaurant risks and developing communication scripts is essential for serious celiac management.

Faith and discipline compound over time. The invisible strength Logan built through managing his diagnosis showed up directly in his athletic performance.

Diagnosis is not a ceiling — it is a foundation. Logan’s near-Olympic-Trials performance proves that celiac disease does not have to limit how high you reach.

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Logan’s unexpected celiac diagnosis
04:54 — Training & recovery as a celiac Division I athlete
08:05 — Advice for beginners feeling left out
10:20 — Eating out safely & restaurant strategies
15:16 — Favorite gluten-free brands & baking
25:25 — Running at the Olympic Trials
29:20 — Faith and mindset shifts
30:56 — Practical tips: labels, dietitians & educating others

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EP. 73: Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star — Logan Popelka’s Journey to the Olympic Trials