Dr. Eboni Cornish – Secretary of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), Brain Specialist at Amen Clinics, and a practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, co-infections, mold toxicity, heavy metal detoxification, nervous system health, autoimmune disorders, the limbic system, and other complex chronic health conditions. Dr. Cornish is known for her expertise in neurological Lyme disease, SPECT scan imaging, and developing practical, integrative treatment protocols for addressing root causes and supporting overall wellness.

Jenny Buttaccio joined Tick Boot Camp co-founder Matt Sabatello as the special guest co-host for this Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode.

In this compelling episode, we explore the complexities of neurological Lyme disease and chronic illness with integrative medicine expert, Dr. Eboni Cornish. From her unconventional journey into functional medicine to groundbreaking insights on SPECT brain imaging and the effects of environmental toxins, Dr. Cornish shares her extensive knowledge on treating some of the most challenging health conditions facing patients today.

Join us as Dr. Cornish explains the importance of identifying root causes, supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and addressing co-infections and autoimmune complications. You’ll also learn about innovative treatments, including the use of methylene blue, brain detox strategies, and techniques to calm the nervous system for individuals dealing with limbic system impairment and emotional health challenges.

• Journey into Functional Medicine: Dr. Cornish shares her unexpected entry into chronic Lyme and integrative medicine after a job opportunity from Craigslist led her to a life-changing experience.
• Neurological Lyme Disease: Learn how SPECT scan imaging is used to detect patterns of decreased blood flow and brain activity, which helps in understanding neurological manifestations of Lyme and co-infections.
• Environmental Toxins and Detox Protocols: The role of toxins like mold and heavy metals in chronic illness, and a practical approach to detoxification through diet, gut support, and supplements.
• Molecular Mimicry: Explanation of molecular mimicry, where the Lyme bacteria can integrate into the body's cells and tissues, causing the immune system to attack the body’s own cells and potentially leading to autoimmune conditions.
• Morgellons Disease: Understanding the dermatological and neurological impacts of this often misunderstood condition and its connection to Lyme disease.
• Advanced Treatments for Bartonella and Borrelia: The use of methylene blue as a treatment option, along with important cautions and safety considerations.
• Link Between Lyme Disease and Neurodegenerative Conditions: Exploring how Lyme can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, and the role of brain imaging in early intervention.
• Personalized, Holistic Treatment Strategies: Insights on the cell danger response, methylation, and the importance of an individualized treatment plan for complex chronic illnesses.
• Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate detoxifying foods like cruciferous vegetables, lemon water, and beets to support liver function and toxin elimination.
• Calming the Nervous System: Implement strategies to calm the nervous system, such as using GABA, L-theanine, neurofeedback, and techniques to challenge negative thought patterns.

• "Lyme disease is the great imitator. It’s not just a physical illness—it impacts your brain, emotions, and entire body." — Dr. Eboni Cornish
• "Healing requires looking at the whole person. You have to address toxins, infections, and emotional health." — Dr. Eboni Cornish
• "We need to view the brain as part of the entire system—not in isolation." — Dr. Eboni Cornish

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Leona Gilbert, the CEO of Tezted, a medical device company revolutionizing diagnostics for tick-borne diseases. Dr. Gilbert shares her journey as a Canadian-born scientist, her groundbreaking work, and the limitations of current diagnostic methods for Lyme disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Gilbert's Background: Dr. Gilbert moved from Canada to Finland and later to the US to pursue research. Her personal experiences with tick-borne diseases fueled her passion for improving diagnostics.
• Challenges with Traditional Testing: Current Lyme disease tests often look for a single strain of Borrelia, missing co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia. The "one germ, one disease" approach is outdated.
• Comprehensive Testing for Tick-Borne Illnesses: Dr. Gilbert’s research emphasizes the importance of screening for multiple pathogens simultaneously. Her work led to the development of TickPlex Plus, a test that screens for various Borrelia strains, Bartonella, Babesia, and other microbes.
• Immune System Function: Rather than just testing for pathogens, it’s essential to assess the patient’s immune system function for a fuller understanding of their health status.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Understanding Lyme Disease: A deep dive into Lyme disease's complex pathogenesis and why it's often misdiagnosed.
2. Polymicrobial Nature of Tick-Borne Diseases: Co-infections are common, and a broader testing panel is needed to accurately diagnose patients.
3. Limitations of Western Medicine: Western medicine’s traditional approaches often fail to account for the complexities of Lyme disease and co-infections.
4. Comprehensive Testing: Dr. Gilbert discusses the importance of her work in providing more accurate diagnostics through Tezted's TickPlex Plus test, which evaluates a wide range of tick-borne illnesses.
5. The Role of the Immune System: Highlighting the need for immune function assessment alongside pathogen testing to truly understand and treat tick-borne diseases.

Where to Find the TickPlex Plus Test:

• The TickPlex Plus test can be ordered through ArminLabs.
• It will soon be available directly in the US, with updates expected on Tezted.com within the next four weeks.

🎙 About This Episode Join Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Nicoleta Forbes as they interviews Dr. Jennifer Platt, an influential advocate in the fight against tick-borne diseases and the founder of Tick-Borne Conditions United and Tick Warriors. Dr. Platt shares her personal journey with ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and multiple chronic conditions, offering insight into how these diseases impact lives and the broader healthcare landscape in the southern United States. Her mission is not only to raise awareness but also to educate people on prevention and eco-friendly protection options.

In this episode, Dr. Platt opens up about her diagnosis, treatments, and the many challenges she faced on her path to healing. She also shares essential information about the differences in tick-borne diseases prevalent in the southern U.S., where the Lone Star tick has become a major public health issue, spreading diseases such as Alpha-Gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and rickettsiosis. Dr. Platt’s background in environmental health and public policy makes her a powerful advocate for tick disease awareness, prevention, and community resilience.

🦠 Key Topics:

• Dr. Jennifer Platt's personal battle with ehrlichiosis and chronic illness
• Her diagnosis journey and the challenges of dealing with multiple conditions, including Lyme, Babesia, Alpha-Gal syndrome, and autoimmune diseases
• The importance of addressing diseases caused by the Lone Star tick in the southern United States
• Why prevention is the best weapon against tick-borne diseases and her eco-friendly approach with Tick Warriors
• The role of public health leadership in fighting the spread of tick-borne illnesses
• The importance of being persistent, creative, and patient in chronic illness management

Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Platt holds a doctorate in public health leadership from UNC Chapel Hill and has dedicated her career to addressing public health issues, with a focus on tick-borne diseases. After being diagnosed with ehrlichiosis in 2011, she founded Tick-Borne Conditions United, a nonprofit focused on spreading awareness about tick-borne illnesses and the impact they have on communities. In addition, she created Tick Warriors, an eco-friendly solution for tick prevention. Dr. Platt is a leading advocate in the fight for safer, healthier environments for those affected by tick-borne diseases.

🔑 Quotes:

• “Every person has a unique healing journey. Giving yourself grace, being patient, creative, and persistent will help you get through – there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
• “We’re not just dealing with Lyme disease in the south; we have to address the growing prevalence of Alpha-Gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and spotted fevers.”

🔍 Resources:

• Visit Tick-Borne Conditions United
• Learn about Tick Warriors
• Follow Dr. Jennifer Platt on Facebook

💡 Call to Action: If you or someone you know is battling a tick-borne illness, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about how you can protect your family and community, and gain valuable insight from Dr. Platt’s advocacy work. Be sure to subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert interviews.

In this insightful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Liza Blas sit down with Shawn Mastria, a former cybersecurity expert turned autism researcher. Shawn shares his personal journey from working in government and Fortune 500 companies to becoming deeply involved in regressive autism research due to his and his daughter’s health challenges. This episode explores the intersections of Lyme disease, mold exposure, and regressive autism, providing valuable insights for those navigating similar health landscapes.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Shawn Mastria: Shawn introduces himself and discusses his extensive background in cybersecurity, including work with the government and Fortune 100 and 500 companies. He also shares the pivotal moment that shifted his focus from technology to autism research.
• Life Changes and New Directions: Shawn describes the health issues he and his daughter experienced that led him to dive deep into regressive autism research, leaving behind his cybersecurity career.
• Guest Introduction - Liza: Liza, a former podcast host of "Very Happy Stories," joins the conversation, bringing her own experience and perspective on community support and her new venture with Dr. Bill Rawls and the Vital Plan team.
• The Role of Community in Healing: Rich and Matt discuss the importance of community in the healing journey and introduce their new YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for careful selection of supportive communities.
• Shawn's Early Life and Lyme Exposure: Shawn shares his childhood experiences growing up in Maryland, where tick bites were a common occurrence. He recalls his initial ignorance about Lyme disease and the symptoms he developed after a bite that went unnoticed.
• From Cybersecurity to Autism Research: Detailing his early career, Shawn talks about his achievements in cybersecurity before a significant health event redirected his focus towards autism research and advocacy.
• The Onset of Symptoms and Initial Misdiagnoses: Shawn discusses the early symptoms he and his daughter experienced, including fatigue and hand issues, and the challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis from conventional doctors.
• The Connection Between Lyme Disease and Autism: Shawn provides insights into how Lyme disease and mold exposure may contribute to regressive autism, differentiating between autism and regressive autism.
• Understanding Mold and Its Impact on Health: Shawn delves into the effects of mold toxins on the human body, particularly in relation to Lyme disease and regressive autism, and shares his personal experience with mold remediation in his home.
• The Journey to Healing: Discussing various treatments and interventions, Shawn shares what has worked for his family and emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach to health recovery.
• Advice for Parents and Caregivers: Shawn offers advice for parents, especially fathers, on how to be more engaged and supportive in the health journeys of their children with autism and Lyme disease.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. Your support helps us reach more people with valuable information and stories about Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Justin Lindorf sit down with Dr. Andrew Petersen, a Lyme-literate medical doctor with over 24 years of experience in treating chronic Lyme disease and other complex chronic illnesses. Dr. Petersen shares his unique journey into medicine, driven by a desire to "stick up for the little guy," and how he transitioned from family medicine to becoming a leading figure in Lyme disease treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating a Healing Environment: Dr. Petersen emphasizes that the key to overcoming chronic Lyme disease is creating an environment where the body can make more new cells than are being broken down, which promotes overall health and healing.
• Promoting Cell Growth and Repair:
  • Ingredients for New Cell Formation: Ensuring the body has the necessary fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, oxygen, and water.
  • Proper Signaling Molecules: Maintaining the presence of hormones, peptides, cytokines, interleukins, enzymes, growth factors, and neurotransmitters.
  • Optimizing Cell Production: Addressing hormone and thyroid imbalances to enhance the body’s ability to make new cells.
• Reducing Cell Death:
  • Managing Microbes: Implementing strategies to reduce the microbial load, including Lyme-specific treatments and immune support.
  • Detoxification: Actively managing and reducing environmental and internal toxins that contribute to cellular breakdown.
  • Addressing Stress and Trauma: Implementing therapies to reduce the impact of psychological and physical trauma, which can trigger immune dysfunction.
  • Mitigating Electromagnetic Frequencies: Reducing exposure to EMFs, which can disrupt cellular function and contribute to chronic illness.
• Fecal Implants and Microbiome Health: Dr. Petersen discusses the use of ThaenaBiotic, a processed and sterilized form of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), to help restore a healthy microbiome. This approach aims to reintroduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, which can be crucial for patients with Lyme disease and other chronic conditions.
• Dr. Petersen’s Journey: Learn about Dr. Petersen's unconventional path to becoming a DO, inspired by personal experiences and a dynamic biology professor.
• Understanding DO vs. MD: Dr. Petersen explains the differences between DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) and MDs, and why he chose the osteopathic path.
• Challenges in Lyme Diagnosis: Dr. Petersen discusses the difficulties he faced in diagnosing Lyme disease during his early career, especially while working in tick-endemic areas without proper awareness or training.
• Integrative Approach to Healing: Dr. Petersen shares his holistic approach to treating Lyme disease, which includes addressing the key factors that contribute to chronic illness alongside Lyme-specific treatments.
• Justin Lindorf’s Perspective: As a Lyme patient himself, Justin offers valuable insights into Dr. Petersen’s compassionate and open-minded approach to patient care.

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In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Luke Abroms, a firefighter from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss his battle with Lyme disease. Luke shares his story, starting with his life before Lyme, the sudden onset of symptoms at the age of 32, and the difficult journey toward a correct diagnosis. Despite numerous visits to doctors, Luke's symptoms were often dismissed as anxiety or psychiatric issues, until he finally found a naturopathic MD who identified Lyme disease and multiple co-infections.

Throughout the episode, Luke opens up about the challenges of living with Lyme in a region where the disease is not widely recognized and the emotional and physical toll it took on him and his family. He also details the treatment regimen that ultimately led to his recovery, including pulsed antibiotics and herbal therapies, and how he was able to return to a normal life.

Luke's story is one of perseverance, hope, and the importance of being your own advocate in the face of a complex and often misunderstood illness. Whether you're a Lyme warrior yourself or looking to understand more about the disease, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Luke’s career and life before Lyme disease, including his work in the fire service.
• The sudden onset of debilitating symptoms and the initial misdiagnosis by medical professionals.
• The long and difficult journey to finding a doctor who understood Lyme disease and provided a proper diagnosis.
• The treatment plan that led to Luke’s recovery, including pulsed antibiotics and herbal supplements.
• Luke’s reflection on his recovery and advice for others dealing with Lyme disease.
• Special guest co-host: Ryan Courneya

Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more people and share more inspiring stories like Luke's.