Tick Boot Camp

Episode 514: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Kelly McCann - Environmental Toxins, Mold, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

1 year ago

Renowned expert in environmental medicine, mold, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Dr. Kelly McCann, joins Tick Boot Camp live from the ILADS Conference to discuss the growing problem of environmental toxicant exposures and their role in chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. She also sheds light on the impact of mold exposure, challenges in diagnosing and treating MCAS, and practical strategies for improving health. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone affected by chronic illness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toxicant Overload: Individuals are exposed to up to 85,000 chemicals in the environment, which can disrupt immune function and contribute to chronic disease.
  • Total Load Concept: Many people struggle with illness due to a limited detoxification capacity, making them more vulnerable to environmental exposures.
  • Mold and Lyme Disease: Poorly constructed buildings often harbor mold, which can worsen chronic infections like Lyme and contribute to severe health issues.
  • Understanding MCAS: Mast cell activation syndrome presents with varied and individualized symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
  • Personal Experience: Dr. McCann shares her journey of developing chronic illness after exposure to a mold-contaminated clinic, emphasizing the need to address environmental and infectious triggers together.
  • Healing Strategies: Practical steps to reduce toxicant exposure, improve detox pathways, and manage immune dysfunction.

Resources & Links:

Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease and tick-borne illness podcast featuring interviews with leading doctors, researchers, scientists, patients, advocates, and experts. Explore Lyme disease symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, chronic Lyme disease, coinfections, PANS/PANDAS, MCAS, neurological symptoms, emerging research, and the latest advances in tick-borne disease care. Through expert education and powerful patient stories, Tick Boot Camp provides hope, validation, practical information, and a community for people navigating Lyme disease and complex chronic illness.