Tick Boot Camp

Latest episode

Episode 476: Optimal Wellness - an interview Angel MacRitchie

Episode 475: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Alexandr Zaitsev - Advancing Lyme Disease Diagnostics

Join us for a special LIVE episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference with Dr. Alexandr Zaitsev, the founder of Universal Diagnostic Laboratories. Dr. Zaitsev shares groundbreaking insights into advanced diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Comprehensive Tick-Borne Disease Testing

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories has developed Tick Plex Plus, a panel test capable of detecting 12 different microorganisms, including Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella, and more.
  • The test leverages ELISA technology to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s tick-borne disease status.

Addressing the Shift to Polymicrobial Infections

  • Dr. Zaitsev discusses the increasing prevalence of poly-microbial infections, where patients present with multiple tick-borne pathogens.
  • He attributes this shift to advancements in diagnostic technology, enabling detection of a broader range of microorganisms.

Monitoring Treatment Progress

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories offers a Long COVID test, which measures cytokine levels to track the body's inflammatory response and monitor treatment progress.
  • Dr. Zaitsev recommends taking a baseline cytokine test and repeating it during or after treatment to assess improvements.

Insurance Coverage and Accessibility

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories collaborates with insurance providers, including Medicare, to make their tests affordable and accessible.
  • The company strives to minimize out-of-pocket expenses while maintaining high-quality diagnostic solutions.

Resources & Links

Episode 474: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Casey Kelley - Insights from a Lyme-Treating Physician

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Casey Kelley's role at the annual ILADS conference, where she connects with fellow Lyme experts and stays up-to-date on the latest research.
  • Her background as both a Lyme patient and physician, shaping her empathetic and nuanced approach to treating chronic Lyme and complex illnesses.
  • The evolving understanding of Lyme disease as a polymicrobial infection, emphasizing the need to address co-infections alongside Borrelia.
  • Parallels between chronic Lyme and long COVID, highlighting the need for better research and testing to differentiate between acute, chronic, and post-treatment Lyme.
  • The role of neuroplasticity and neural retraining in Lyme treatment, addressing the physiological basis of psychiatric symptoms in chronic infections.
  • The importance of avoiding medical gaslighting, ensuring patients receive a comprehensive, integrative approach rather than being dismissed.

Resources & Links:

Episode 473: LIVE from ILADS: Nicole Bell - Transforming Lyme Disease Diagnostics

In This Episode:

  • Nicole Bell, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, shares her journey from personal experience with Lyme disease in her family to leading innovation in diagnostics.
  • The connection between tick-borne pathogens and chronic diseases like early-onset Alzheimer’s.
  • Why traditional Lyme disease tests often fail and the need for direct detection methods.
  • The latest advancements in testing for Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and other stealth pathogens.
  • The impact of Nicole’s "State of Lyme Disease Research" report on the Lyme community.
  • What patients and healthcare providers need to know about cutting-edge diagnostic tools.

Why This Matters: An increasing number of studies link flea- and tick-borne pathogens to chronic illnesses affecting the joints, heart, and central nervous system. These infections mimic conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia, making them hard to diagnose without advanced testing. Galaxy Diagnostics offers specialized tests to detect Lyme Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species—providing a much-needed solution for patients seeking accurate diagnoses.

Resources & Links:

Episode 472: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Steven Harris - Cutting-Edge Approaches to Chronic Lyme Disease Treatment

Join us as we interview Dr. Steven Harris, a leader in chronic Lyme disease treatment, live from the ILADS Conference. Dr. Harris has been treating complex chronic illnesses for over two decades, pioneering integrative and personalized approaches for Lyme disease, tickborne infections, ME/CFS, mold/mycotoxin illness, and more.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Legacy in Lyme Disease: Dr. Harris' deep roots in the Lyme community, with his father being an early pioneer in Lyme diagnostics.
  • Evolution of Treatment: From antibiotic-centric approaches to a more comprehensive, individualized treatment model.
  • Addressing Chronic Lyme's Complexity: Insights into the multi-systemic nature of the illness and the role of regenerative medicine.
  • "Order of Treatment" Approach: A sneak peek into Dr. Harris' upcoming book, which outlines his strategic framework for treating chronic illness.
  • PARM vs. Harris' Approach: How his method compares with the Prehabilitation, Assist, Rehabilitation, Maintenance (PARM) model.

This insightful conversation sheds light on the latest advancements and challenges in Lyme disease treatment, offering valuable takeaways for both patients and healthcare providers.

Resources & Links:

Episode 471: LIVE from ILADS: Sarah Keating - Advocating for Lyme Awareness in Canada

In this special live episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, Tick Boot Camp sits down with Sarah Keating, a retired pathologist and board member of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme). Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of advocating for Lyme disease awareness in Canada following her daughter's tragic battle with Lyme and Babesiosis.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Sarah Keating’s personal story and how it shaped her Lyme disease advocacy
  • Challenges of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment within the Canadian healthcare system
  • The misconceptions of Canada's socialized medical system when it comes to Lyme disease
  • CanLyme’s mission and initiatives, including tick removal kits, tick testing, and telemedicine
  • The systemic barriers preventing proper Lyme disease recognition and treatment in Canada
  • Why grassroots advocacy and public awareness are key to change

About the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme):

  • CanLyme is a volunteer-run charitable organization dedicated to research, education, and advocacy for Lyme disease and associated conditions.
  • Their mission includes:
    • Promoting awareness through community presentations and online outreach
    • Funding research to improve diagnostics and treatments
    • Engaging with the scientific and medical community to ensure accurate, up-to-date information
    • Advocating for policy changes to improve Lyme disease recognition and patient care in Canada

Resources & Links:

Episode 470: LIVE from ILADS: Braden & Bill Rawls - Building a Mission-Driven Herbal Supplement Business

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Braden and Bill Rawls, co-founders of Vital Plan, at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference. They share insights on how Vital Plan is creating high-quality herbal supplements and support services for individuals battling chronic Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Learn how a sustainable business model can empower the Lyme community and improve health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Customer Feedback Drives Innovation – How listening to customers has shaped Vital Plan’s product development and support services.
  • For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Models – Why Vital Plan chose a for-profit approach to better serve the Lyme community.
  • The Healing Journey Requires More Than Just Supplements – The role of emotional and physical support in recovery.
  • Gut Health & Herbal Therapy – The impact of antibiotics on gut health and why herbs can be a gentler, long-term solution.
  • Affordability & Value – How Vital Plan offers cost-effective and high-quality herbal solutions compared to other treatments.
  • Building a Toolbox for Health – The importance of proactively managing health with a variety of tools.
  • The Power of Community – How fostering a supportive and positive community is crucial for healing.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in holistic health, the Lyme disease community, and mission-driven businesses that put people first.

Resources & Links:

Episode 469: LIVE from ILADS: Jennifer Barrett – Lyme Disease Advocacy & Legal Reform

Jennifer Barrett, a Lyme disease patient-turned-advocate and Doctor of Law (JD), joins us live from the ILADS Conference to share her powerful journey. Diagnosed at just 10 years old, Jennifer faced significant challenges in accessing proper treatment and navigating financial and insurance hurdles. Now, she’s using her legal expertise to push for policy changes and improved insurance coverage for Lyme patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jennifer’s early Lyme disease diagnosis and struggles navigating the healthcare system in Connecticut, the birthplace of Lyme disease.
  • The financial and insurance-related barriers that make long-term treatment difficult for Lyme patients.
  • How her personal experience inspired her to earn a law degree and advocate for legislative change.
  • Insights from her published law review article, Lyme: Why Congress Must Enact Medical Insurance Coverage for Lyme Disease Patients Now.
  • Her ongoing efforts to work with state and federal representatives to push for meaningful policy changes.

This episode sheds light on the patient experience and the urgent need for legal and insurance reforms in Lyme disease care. Jennifer’s advocacy is a testament to the power of patient-driven change in the fight for better treatment and coverage.

Resources & Links:

Episode 468: Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Lyme - an interview with Doctor Chris Turnpaugh

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Chris Turnpaugh of Turnpaugh Health shares his holistic approach to treating chronic Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. He discusses the importance of addressing the whole body, not just killing the pathogen, and the role of neuroplasticity in recovery. Key topics include:

  • Overview of Turnpaugh Health's multidisciplinary practice
  • Dr. Turnpaugh's educational journey from chiropractic to functional medicine
  • The inside-out approach of chiropractic and its impact on the nervous system
  • Neuroplasticity and its influence on immune function and mood disorders
  • Natural antimicrobials like Crypto Lepus and Cat's Claw
  • Biofilm disruptors such as medical-grade stevia and NAC
  • Supplements for sleep, mood, and mitochondrial support

Dr. Turnpaugh provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for chronic Lyme patients seeking a comprehensive path to healing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, emotional, and mental aspects of chronic illness
  • Importance of supporting the body's physiology, not just killing pathogens
  • Role of neuroplasticity in chronic Lyme and strategies for retraining the nervous system
  • Natural antimicrobials and biofilm disruptors as part of a holistic treatment plan
  • Supplements for sleep, mood, and mitochondrial health

About Dr. Chris Turnpaugh: Dr. Chris Turnpaugh is the founder and President of Turnpaugh Health & Wellness Center, leading a team dedicated to patient-focused, integrative care. With post-doctorate certification in functional neurology and training from the Carrick Institute, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and A4M, he specializes in autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, neurological conditions, and anti-aging medicine.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Turnpaugh is an educator, teaching healthcare providers nationwide about functional medicine principles. He is an active member of the International Lyme Disease Association, PCA, A4M, IFM, and the International Association for Functional Neurology.

When he’s not treating patients or educating practitioners, Dr. Turnpaugh enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and cheering on his favorite college football team.

Products & Resources Mentioned Available on Dr. Turnpaugh's Website:

  • Liposomal Cryptolepis: Broad-spectrum natural antimicrobial effective against Lyme, Bartonella, and other tick-borne infections
  • Cats Claw Elite: Natural antimicrobial with anti-parasitic properties
  • As Soon As you are Bit (ASAB - ASAB 2): ASAB is a potent herbal formulation meticulously crafted to combat tick-borne infections and ASAB 2 coverage extends to address persister cells that may emerge due to antibiotic usage and is effective against parasites.
  • Mellow (Serenity DHH-B Complex): Sleep aid containing Dihydrohonokiol-B from Magnolia Bark to calm the nervous system
  • Extinguisher: Anti-inflammatory blend with Turmeric, Resveratrol, Perilla Seed Extract, and Quercetin
  • MitoSpark: Supports mitochondrial health and function
  • Bitter X: Herbal bitters to support detoxification and bile flow for things like microplastics
  • NAC+: Glutathione precursor to support detoxification and antioxidant status
  • Turmero XL: Highly bioavailable turmeric extract for reducing inflammation
  • Rejuvenate: Supports mast cell function and dampens inflammatory responses
  • immunoREBOOT: Helps retrain the immune system and reduce inappropriate reactions

Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Connect with us on social media for more expert interviews and insights into functional medicine and chronic illness recovery.

Episode 467: LIVE from ILADS: Megan Bradshaw - Advocating for Tick-Borne Disease Patients

Key Points:

  • Megan Bradshaw shares her personal recovery journey and how it led her to pursue a master's in public health at UNC Chapel Hill.
  • She discusses her new role as Government Relations Manager for the Center for Lyme Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to increasing federal funding for tick-borne disease research and policy.
  • The Center for Lyme Action organizes "fly-in" events, where patients and advocates virtually meet with members of Congress to share their stories and push for increased Lyme disease funding.
  • Megan highlights the power of grassroots advocacy, explaining how patient voices influence legislative change despite bureaucratic hurdles.
  • She explores opportunities within the current administration's focus on chronic illnesses and the potential role of federal agencies in tackling Lyme disease.
  • Megan encourages patients and caregivers to participate in the upcoming virtual "fly-in" event, offering training and support to help them make a difference.
  • Advocacy is not just about policy—it can be an empowering part of the healing journey, providing patients with purpose, connection, and a platform for change.

Resources & Links:

Episode 466: LIVE from ILADS: Tanja Mijatovic - Advancing Lyme Disease Testing with Red Laboratories

Key Takeaways:

  • Red Laboratories' Holistic Approach: A comprehensive testing strategy that examines not only pathogens but also immune function and gut health.
  • Phage-Based Borrelia Testing: A groundbreaking method utilizing bacteriophages to directly detect active Borrelia infections, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
  • Gut Microbiome and Leaky Gut: The vital connection between gut health and Lyme disease, with in-house microbiome testing revealing dysbiosis in most patients.
  • Immune Function Testing: Advanced biomarkers and immune messengers provide insights into the immune system's response to tick-borne infections.
  • Personalized Testing and Treatment: Red Laboratories collaborates with healthcare providers to create tailored testing and treatment plans for each patient.

Resources & Links:

The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"