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The Hidden Link Between Lyme Disease and Alzheimer's The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland Guest: Dr. Richard Horowitz — board-certified internist, medical director of the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, founding member and past president of ILADS, and author of Ending Chronic Illness. EPISODE SUMMARY Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Richard Horowitz, who has treated over 13,000 Lyme and tick-borne disease patients across 41 years of practice. Together, they explore the potential connections between Lyme disease, chronic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, long COVID, and other complex chronic illnesses. Dr. Horowitz discusses his research investigating Alzheimer's biomarkers in a patient undergoing treatment for chronic illness, his Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome (MSIDS) framework, and why identifying multiple contributors to inflammation may be important when addressing persistent symptoms. From tick-borne infections and environmental toxins to immune dysfunction and mitochondrial health, this conversation explores the complexities of chronic illness and the evolving research surrounding personalized approaches to care. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Show intro 0:45 — Welcome & Dr. Horowitz's background 2:09 — Creating the MSIDS Questionnaire: how and why 7:31 — Dr. Horowitz's current Alzheimer's research 8:37 — The 16 MSIDS factors and the six rivers of inflammation 12:52 — Research on changes in Alzheimer's biomarkers in a patient 15:59 — Why it's never just Lyme: the 16-nails analogy 27:07 — Discovering Babesia in the Hudson Valley & evolving treatment protocols 35:19 — What does the healing timeline look like? Peeling the onion 38:57 — "When you get better, what do you want to do with your life?" 45:11 — Key takeaways: infections, toxins, and immune health 49:07 — Where to find Dr. Horowitz KEY TOPICS COVERED • The Horowitz MSIDS Questionnaire (HMQ) and its proposed role in screening for Lyme disease and associated symptoms • Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome (MSIDS): A 16-point framework for evaluating complex chronic illness • The six rivers of inflammation: infections, toxins, microbiome imbalances, intestinal permeability and mast cell activation, nutritional deficiencies, and sleep disorders • Emerging research investigating potential connections between tick-borne infections, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease • Dr. Horowitz's research on Alzheimer's biomarkers, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports • The nine-week dapsone combination therapy protocol and ongoing research into its potential applications • Why chronic illness treatment may become more complicated over time, including concerns about antimicrobial resistance, environmental exposures, and immune dysfunction • Personalized medicine and the importance of comprehensive patient evaluations • The mind-body connection: trauma, vagal retraining, and the role of psychological well-being in recovery • Alzheimer's-related biomarkers discussed in the episode, including amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio, p-tau181, p-tau217, neurofilament light chain (NfL), ApoE, and GFAP LINKS & RESOURCES DR. RICHARD HOROWITZ Website, books, MSIDS Questionnaire, scientific references, and podcast archive: https://www.cangetbetter.com Free Medical Detective Substack: https://www.cangetbetter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RichardHorowitz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrichardhorowitz BOOKS BY DR. RICHARD HOROWITZ • Ending Chronic Illness — Simon & Schuster • Why Can't I Get Better? — New York Times bestseller • How Can I Get Better? KEY RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS • MSIDS model and Alzheimer's disease — Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports (2024) • MSIDS model and long COVID — Microorganisms (2024) • Immune deficiency in chronic Lyme disease — Healthcare (2018) DR. KASEY HOLLAND Website: https://www.drkaseyholland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaseyholland The Toxic Trio — Preorder the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394418892 ABOUT THE MADE TO HEAL SHOW The Made to Heal Show dives deep into the hidden obstacles that keep people sick — from chronic infections and viral reactivations to environmental toxins, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation. Through honest conversations with leading experts in functional and integrative medicine, you'll learn about the science, emerging research, and practical approaches that may help you better understand your health and support your energy, clarity, and vitality. Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal and thrive. MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical advice. Research on Lyme disease and Alzheimer's disease is evolving, and a causal relationship has not been established. Treatments discussed, including dapsone combination therapy, may be experimental or carry significant risks and should not be undertaken without appropriate medical supervision.

Toxic By Design: How Bad Builds Create Toxic Homes—and How to Fight Back On this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with trial attorney Kristina Baehr, founder of Just Well Law, to uncover how construction defects, hidden water damage, and building failures can turn seemingly beautiful—and even brand-new—homes into toxic environments. Kristina shares her family's experience after moving into a relatively new, airtight, spray-foam home where construction defects—including poor flashing, hidden water intrusion, and improper HVAC dehumidification—contributed to serious health problems. She discusses why the problem was initially missed, what ultimately revealed the issues inside their home, and how the experience transformed the direction of her legal career. After winning a $3.8 million trial verdict against an HVAC company and reaching settlements with other parties, Kristina began helping other families affected by toxic exposures. In this conversation, she and Dr. Kasey explore the intersection of mold, modern construction, health, and legal accountability. Kristina explains what homeowners and renters should know when they suspect a building is making them sick, including the importance of independent assessments, documentation, photographs, appropriate testing, and preserving evidence. She also discusses her firm's work involving renters, dormitories, military housing, contaminated water, and other environmental exposures—and why accountability may ultimately help create safer buildings and healthier communities. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 — Healing Hidden Mold: Rights, Resilience & Accountability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY 02:07 — Kristina's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=127s 14:22 — Building Defects & Toxic Homes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=862s 20:19 — Legal Rights & Renters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=1219s 53:32 — Impact Litigation & Dorm Cases https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=3212s 01:00:40 — Where to Find Help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzcBdtoI6bY&t=3640s CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAEHR & JUST WELL LAW 2026 study on indoor mold, cytotoxicity, and immune effects Wolff A, Reinert J, Steinborn S, et al. Establishment of a Human Cell-Based In Vitro Test System for Investigating and Evaluating Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Indoor Mold. Environmental Toxicology. Published online July 22, 2026. doi:10.1002/tox.70164. PMID: 42482603. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42482603/ Website: https://well.law/ Instagram: @justwelllaw Founder: Kristina Baehr, Trial Attorney Just Well Law represents families affected by toxic mold, toxic housing, contaminated soil and water, and gas and chemical exposures. CONNECT WITH DR. KASEY HOLLAND Instagram: @drkaseyholland Podcast Instagram: @madetohealshow Website: https://drkaseyholland.com/ Podcast: The Made to Heal Show ABOUT THE MADE TO HEAL SHOW The Made to Heal Show explores the hidden obstacles that can keep people sick, stuck, and searching for answers—from chronic infections and viral reactivations to environmental toxins, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation. Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal.

Guest: Dr. Eboni Cornish, MD — Physician, educator, and thought leader in brain health and longevity. Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics (Washington, DC), creator of the NeuroLongevity Framework, and President of the Board of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). Episode Summary Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Eboni Cornish to explore the brain-first approach to chronic illness, longevity, and mental health. Dr. Cornish shares her journey from traditional family medicine to functional medicine and brain imaging, explaining how SPECT scans reveal root causes that standard MRIs miss. Key Topics Discussed The NeuroLongevity Framework — addressing neuroinflammation, chronic infections, hormones, environmental toxicity, gut health, and nervous system regulation SPECT scan imaging vs. MRI — how functional brain imaging shows blood flow and activity (not just structure), revealing inflammation, trauma patterns, and limbic system dysfunction The limbic system & trauma — why a "locked" limbic system can prevent healing even when other treatments are correct, and tools like biofeedback, neurofeedback, and vagus nerve stimulation Hormones and brain health — the critical role of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol in protecting the brain, especially for women as they age Chronic infections (Lyme, mold, EBV) — why treating the infection alone isn't enough; the brain damage and inflammatory cascade left behind must also be addressed Gut-brain-thyroid connection — how gluten sensitivity and gut inflammation can trigger autoimmune thyroid issues The power of gratitude and faith — Dr. Cornish's daily practice and final takeaway message for listeners Memorable Quote "Dementia is reversible. Diabetes is reversible. Brain inflammation is reversible." — Dr. Eboni Cornish Connect with Dr. Eboni Cornish Website: dreboniecornish.com Instagram: @dr.ebonicornish Amen Clinics, Washington, DC (accepting new patients, telehealth available) Connect with ILADS International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society — find Lyme-literate physicians in your area

The Made to Heal Show Episode: The Hidden Toxin Crisis — with Dr. Paul Savage Episode Summary Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Paul Savage, founder and Chief Medical Officer of MD Lifespan, to discuss the growing toxin crisis facing modern society and how Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is offering a breakthrough solution for chronically ill patients and those seeking to optimize long-term health.   In This Episode: Dr. Savage's journey from ER physician to pioneer in functional medicine and toxin reduction Why the U.S. is one of the most toxic countries in the world (80–200,000 environmental toxins identified by the Environmental Working Group) How 100 million tons of toxins are added to the environment every year — and why today's toxin burden is unlike anything seen in previous decades The five pillars of health — and why detox is the most neglected What Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is and how it works (the "oil change" for the human body) Why albumin from Grifols is used instead of donor plasma — and why it's safe Who benefits most from TPE: chronically ill patients, those with high toxic burden, and those with family history of cancer or Alzheimer's How toxin levels in healthy adults have risen from ~4 to ~13+ detectable toxins over the past 20 years The connection between toxins, cancer, autoimmune disease, mast cell activation, and neurodegeneration How patients who completed the TPE protocol five years ago continue to show lower toxin levels today   Resources Mentioned: 📖 "Avoiding Toxins" — Free download at mdlifespan.com (written by five toxicologists and Dr. Savage) 🧪 Toxin Testing — Available to purchase at mdlifespan.com, includes a clinician review of your results 📅 Schedule a Consultation — Visit mdlifespan.com to schedule a call and learn if TPE is right for you   Connect with Dr. Paul Savage: 🌐 mdlifespan.com Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland & The Made to Heal Show: 🌐 The Made to Heal Show — your resource for functional and integrative medicine   Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal and thrive.

In this episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Nicole Bell — CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, MIT-trained engineer, and author of the bestselling memoir What Lurks in the Woods — to discuss why current Lyme disease testing is failing patients, what direct detection testing means for the future of diagnosis, and how Nicole turned her family's devastating experience into a mission to change the standard of care for tick-borne illness. About Nicole Bell Nicole Bell is the CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and author of What Lurks in the Woods, a raw and powerful memoir detailing her family's journey with undiagnosed tick-borne illness. She holds degrees from MIT and Duke University and has an extensive background in medical diagnostics and device development. After losing her husband Russ to complications from undiagnosed Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia, Nicole dedicated her career to ensuring no family has to go through what hers did. What We Cover Nicole's personal story: how her husband went from misdiagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's to finally receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis — 15 months too late Why standard antibody testing (Western blot) fails so many patients — and the science behind why The critical window: waiting just 30 days after a tick bite more than doubles your risk of developing chronic symptoms What "direct detection" testing means and why it's a game-changer for Lyme diagnosis Galaxy Diagnostics' urine antigen test for Borrelia and high-sensitivity blood-based tests for Bartonella and Babesia Why Lyme isn't just one infection — co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia require completely different treatments Digital PCR: how Galaxy's technology finds the "needle in a haystack" of low-abundance pathogens Provocation methods (sauna, exercise, herbal protocols) — do they improve test sensitivity? Why patients with brain fog shouldn't have to navigate complex testing decisions alone The future: Galaxy's path toward FDA clearance and making direct detection the new standard of care Key Takeaways Don't trust a negative Western blot alone. Antibody tests miss early infection, immune-suppressed patients, and chronic cases. Demand better. Time matters. The sooner tick-borne illness is detected and treated, the better the outcome. You know your body. If something feels wrong, keep digging — even when doctors dismiss you. Think beyond ticks. Bartonella can be transmitted by fleas and lice — pets can be a vector. These pathogens are thieves. They steal identities and lives. But with better tools, we can stop them. Resources & Links 🌐 Galaxy Diagnostics: galaxydx.com 📖 What Lurks in the Woods by Nicole Bell — available on Amazon 📲 Follow Nicole: @GalaxyDx on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn 🧪 ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society): ilads.org 🧪 ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness): iseai.org Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland 🌐 Website: [madetohealpodcast.com] 📲 Instagram: @drkaseyholland 🎙️ Subscribe to The Made to Heal Show wherever you listen to podcasts The Made to Heal Show dives deep into the hidden obstacles that keep people sick, stuck, and searching for answers — from chronic infections and viral reactivations to environmental toxins, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation. Because you weren't made to just struggle. You were made to heal and thrive.

What does a pharmacist's heart attack at 33 have to do with mold, childhood trauma, and nervous system dysregulation? Everything. In this episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with functional medicine pharmacist Dr. John Kim to explore the hidden layers beneath chronic illness — and why treating the symptom is never enough. In this episode: How Dr. Kim's near-fatal heart attack at 33 — caused by an 85% LAD blockage — led him to uncover a root-cause web of Bartonella, mold toxicity, heavy metals, and parasitic infections Why your nervous system's "familiarity bias" can block healing before it even starts — and the visualization technique Dr. Kim uses in the first 5 minutes of every patient call The cell danger response explained: what it is, how it gets triggered by infections, mold, EMF, and childhood trauma, and why it keeps patients stuck How phosphatidylcholine (IVPC) and lipid membrane replacement therapy helped Dr. Kim reclaim his brain, energy, and health The ENCORE Method — Dr. Kim's sequenced clinical framework: Environmental factors, Nervous system regulation, Cellular optimization, Organ support & detox, Rebalancing the microbiome, Enhancing resiliency Why childhood trauma, narcissistic parenting, and emotional neglect can trigger neuroinflammation as severe as growing up in a war zone The role of circadian biology, morning sunlight, and HeartMath breathing in resetting the body's danger response state Why "killing the thing" (mold, parasites, Lyme) is not where you start — and the hierarchical sequencing Dr. Kim uses in complex cases The "Humpty Dumpty Effect": why cellular instability builds silently until one trigger cracks everything open Key concepts mentioned: MCAS · Cell Danger Response (Dr. Robert Naviaux) · Lipid membrane replacement therapy · IVPC / phosphatidylcholine · Sodium phenylbutyrate · BodyBio · HeartMath · Bartonella · PTSD & childhood trauma · Circadian biology · Microglial priming · Biofilm protocol · ENCORE Method Find Dr. John Kim: 🌐 drjohnkim.com — free assessment tool, ENCORE Method details, and upcoming community mentorship Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction 2:46 — Dr. Kim's heart attack, mold & Bartonella recovery story 15:42 — Nervous system, cell danger response & patient protocol 27:01 — The ENCORE Method framework 38:47 — Closing takeaways: healing is never linear

Episode 8: Cellular Membrane Therapy in Chronic Illness with Dr. Melanie Stein The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Melanie Stein, Medical Director of Restorative Health Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Stein shares her deeply personal journey with neurological Lyme disease — from waking up paralyzed during naturopathic school to being dismissed by the medical community, to ultimately finding healing through a cellular medicine approach. Now she's using that same approach to help patients with complex chronic illness recover when nothing else has worked. What You'll Learn Why Dr. Stein specializes in complex chronic illness and Lyme disease The concept of cell membrane therapy and why it works when antibiotics alone don't What oxidative stress does to your cells — and how infections like Lyme, mold, and COVID make it worse The cell danger response: what it is, why your body gets stuck in it, and how to exit it Why IV phosphatidylcholine and IV butyrate are the core of Dr. Stein's treatment protocol — and why oral versions often aren't enough How mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) connects to cellular membrane damage The role of red light therapy, low-level laser, and vagus nerve modalities in supporting healing Why treating the infection alone isn't enough — and what happens when you skip cellular restoration Dr. Stein's top two pieces of advice for anyone living with Lyme or complex chronic illness Key Concepts Germ vs. Terrain Theory — why both the pathogen and the cellular environment must be addressed Lipidomic Testing — measuring phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and malondialdehyde (toxic fat) levels Bulk Flow Concept — how high-dose IV therapy floods cells with healthy fat to displace toxic fat Sodium Phenyl Butyrate — the IV form of butyrate that crosses into the brain, joints, and muscles to scrub toxic fats About Dr. Melanie Stein Dr. Melanie Stein is the Medical Director of Restorative Health Clinic, where she leads a multidisciplinary team specializing in complex chronic illness. She is the bestselling author of Breaking Through Chronic Illness and a frequent national speaker on chronic disease management. Her mission is to advance understanding of chronic illness and replace stigma with science.  Instagram: @DrMelanieStein  Website: Restorative Health Clinic (Portland, OR)  Book: Breaking Through Chronic Illness Resources Mentioned ILADS — International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society ISEAI — International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness Breaking Through Chronic Illness by Dr. Melanie Stein Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland & The Made to Heal Show If you're struggling with chronic illness and looking for answers, you are not alone. Keep advocating for yourself, keep asking questions, and remember — you were made to heal.

Episode 7: Using Light, Water, and Sound to Optimize Health with Dr. Catherine Clinton Episode S Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Catherine Clinton — licensed naturopathic physician, educator, and founder of the Quantum Biology Health Institute — to explore the emerging science of quantum biology and how our relationship with light, water, and sound can profoundly impact healing and long-term health. Drawing from her own experience being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease during medical school, Dr. Clinton shares how her healing journey led her to a deeper understanding of biology that goes far beyond the conventional chemical-mechanical model. What You'll Learn What quantum biology is and why it matters for health and healing How light — specifically morning sunlight — regulates cortisol, hormones, neurotransmitters, and the immune system Why LED and artificial light disrupts your body's circadian clock and blocks melatonin production Simple, free ways to use light as medicine every day The science of structured water and how the body creates negatively charged "liquid crystal" water at the cellular level Why hydration is about more than how much water you drink — and what makes water more bioavailable How sound, music, humming, and chanting regulate the nervous system and increase serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and nitric oxide Why these foundational inputs are often overlooked in chronic illness treatment plans — and why they should come first. Guest: Dr. Catherine Clinton Website: drcatherineclinton.com New Book: Optimize: A Groundbreaking Seven-Step Plan to Better Health and Longevity Through Quantum Biology Free workbook: drcatherineclinton.com/optimize Resources Mentioned EWG Tap Water Database (check your local water quality): ewg.org/tapwater Gerald Pollack's research on structured water — University of Washington 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine — chronobiology research Gram Fleming & Greg Ingle — quantum mechanics in living systems (UC Berkeley) Key Takeaways Get outside within 30 minutes of waking for morning light exposure Dim lights and avoid LED/blue light in the evening Stay hydrated with clean, mineralized water Sing, hum, or listen to music you love — daily These habits are free, accessible, and foundational to healing — regardless of what else you're treating

Beyond EBV: Why Adrenal Support Is Key to Overcoming Chronic Fatigue The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland In this solo episode, Dr. Kasey Holland breaks down one of the most overlooked pieces of chronic fatigue recovery — adrenal support. Whether you're bedbound, battling brain fog, or just pushing through the week, your adrenals may be the missing link in your healing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why testing positive for Epstein-Barr Virus doesn't tell the whole story — and what most practitioners are missing How the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis impacts your energy, immune function, and ability to fight chronic infections Why a "normal" cortisol test doesn't mean your adrenals are fine The connection between stress, EBV reactivation, and adrenal fatigue (80% of Dr. Holland's patients report stress as a trigger) How to check your nervous system regulation right now with a simple breathing exercise The naturopathic therapeutic order for adrenal support — from B vitamins and adaptogenic herbs to glandulars and low-dose hydrocortisone Key supplements & herbs mentioned: B vitamins (mitochondrial + adrenal support) Rhodiola Astragalus (also supports natural killer cell function for EBV) Bovine glandulars Low-dose hydrocortisone (short-term support) Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland: Website: www.drkaseyholland.com

When Sudden Behavior Changes Signal Infection: The PANS/PANDAS Connection with Dr. Lindsey Wells Podcast: The Made to Heal Show with Dr. Kasey Holland Guest: Lindsey Wells, ND Episode Topic: PANS & PANDAS, infection-triggered neuropsychiatric illness in children Episode 4: Understanding PANS/PANDAS in Children with Dr. Lindsey Wells Episode Description In this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Lindsey Wells, a naturopathic physician specializing in pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, and vector-borne diseases. Dr. Wells shares her expertise on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating these often-misunderstood conditions that affect 1 in 150-200 children. Guest Bio Dr. Lindsey Wells, ND is a naturopathic physician located in Trumble, Connecticut, focusing her practice on pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, vector-borne disease, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is the immediate past president of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physician Association and a fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. Dr. Wells frequently lectures on PANS, PANDAS, and ASD to both professional and parent organizations. Key Topics Covered What Are PANS & PANDAS? PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome): Triggered by various infections including mycoplasma, viruses, and bacteria PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus): Specifically triggered by strep infections Affects approximately 1 in 150-200 children—more common than most people think Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For Sudden, acute onset of OCD Abrupt anxiety and separation anxiety Tics Restrictive eating patterns Urinary urgency, frequency, or bedwetting Speech disfluency (stuttering, regression to baby talk) Changes in handwriting Diagnosis Approach Clinical diagnosis based on medical history and symptom presentation No single lab test confirms or rules out PANS/PANDAS Comprehensive testing includes: Strep antibodies Mycoplasma testing Vector-borne disease screening (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia) Nutritional markers Inflammatory markers Cerebral folate deficiency antibodies The Three-Pronged Treatment Approach Symptom Support: Providing immediate relief for the child and family Antimicrobial Support: Addressing underlying infections with appropriate treatment Immunomodulatory Support: Reducing inflammation and supporting immune function Vector-Borne Disease Connection Bartonella: Primary indicator is rage and aggression Babesia: Presents with dysautonomia symptoms, air hunger, sound sensitivities Not currently included in PANS diagnostic criteria but critically important to test Strong overlap between vector-borne disease and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism When PANS/PANDAS Resolves Puberty: Hormonal changes can help with immune regulation Blood-brain barrier closure: Age 21 for females, age 24 for males Goal is to manage and decrease severity, frequency, and duration of flares until resolution Simple At-Home Test Ibuprofen trial: If symptoms improve with ibuprofen (10mg/kg, up to 600mg per dose), it indicates immune-mediated condition rather than primary behavioral issue Dietary & Lifestyle Interventions Focus on adding antimicrobial foods: garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, onions Increase healthy oils: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil Consider eliminating gluten and dairy if possible Watch for food cravings (may indicate sensitivity) Increase fiber and protein intake Ensure adequate vitamin D, A, zinc, iron, and ferritin levels Key Takeaways for Parents Trust your instincts—you know your child best Sudden behavioral changes warrant investigation Anxiety medication alone won't address underlying immune/infection issues Work with a provider who truly understands PANS/PANDAS Maintain the three-pronged approach even during maintenance phase Take care of yourself—when you're regulated, your child does better Resources Connect with Dr. Lindsay Wells: Website: lindseywellsnd.com Instagram: @lindseywellsnd Practice: Wells Natural Medicine (Trumble, Connecticut)

The Made to Heal Show: The Hidden Path to Healing - Brain Health, Infections, and Recovery Episode Overview Join Dr. Kasey Holland as she sits down with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist (DACNB), to explore the intricate world of brain health, traumatic brain injuries, and the often-overlooked connections between infections, toxins, and neurological recovery. This conversation dives deep into functional neurology, dysautonomia, and practical strategies anyone can implement to support their brain health. Guest: Dr. Michelle Eisenmann, DC, DACNB Host: Dr. Kasey Holland Episode Length: 50 minutes About Dr. Michelle Eisenmann Dr. Michelle Eisenmann is a functional neurologist with a unique perspective shaped by personal experience. She holds a doctorate in chiropractic from Parker University, a master's degree in clinical neurology, and is board certified by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB). She also has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of North Texas. Her clinical focus includes: Neuroplasticity Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Post-stroke rehabilitation Vestibular dysfunction Dysautonomia Movement disorders Dr. Eisenmann practices at Resiliency Brain Health in Hoppel, Texas (near DFW Airport) and offers online coaching through her Brain Charge program. She provides services in both English and Spanish. Key Topics Covered 1. Dr. Eisenmann's Journey into Functional Neurology (0:45 - 9:45) Dr. Eisenmann's path to functional neurology began with her family history. Her mother was a four-time cancer survivor who also lived with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a peripheral neuropathy that affected three of her four aunts. Growing up as both daughter and caretaker, Dr. Eisenmann witnessed firsthand the limitations of conventional medicine's "see you in six months" approach. The turning point came when she discovered functional neurology through an online case study of a hemiplegic boy (meaning half his body wasn't working) who returned to playing soccer after receiving non-invasive neurological therapies. This stood in stark contrast to the invasive treatments her mother had endured. Her personal connection to brain injuries deepened when she learned about her grandfather's traumatic brain injury from explosives during the Korean War, and when she realized she had suffered an undiagnosed concussion during her cheerleading years. Her bar for healthcare had been set so low—"if I don't have cancer, I'm good"—that she didn't recognize her own injury. 2. Redefining Traumatic Brain Injuries (10:37 - 16:50) One of Dr. Eisenmann's most important messages is removing the word "trauma" from traumatic brain injury. The word psychologically creates a barrier—we assume only dramatic accidents count as brain injuries. The reality is far different. Who can get a brain injury? Anyone. Examples include: Sports injuries Motor vehicle accidents Slipping in the shower Falls Blast exposures (veterans) Even seemingly minor impacts The critical question isn't "Did I have an injury?" but rather "How did my brain recover?" Brain recovery depends on multiple factors: Nutrition at time of injury Gender Stress levels during injury Overall brain resilience Pre-existing conditions A concussion is simply another term for mild traumatic brain injury. The spectrum includes mild, moderate, and severe TBIs. Just because an MRI or CT scan comes back clear doesn't mean someone is healed. These imaging tools show structural damage but miss functional impairments. Dr. Eisenmann advocates for treating brain health like dental health—regular check-ups and maintenance rather than waiting for a crisis. The brain is our operating system, one of the first things to develop and the last to go. It deserves consistent, proactive care. 3. Beyond Structural Damage: The Functional Impact (16:10 - 19:50) Traditional medicine focuses on ruling out life-threatening structural issues: bleeds, swelling, skull fractures. Once those are cleared, patients are often told they're "fine." But functional impairments can persist for years. We don't treat our brains the way we treat other injuries. If you had a knee injury, you wouldn't expect to run a marathon a month later. Yet we expect our brains to perform at high levels immediately after injury—even during menstruation, postpartum periods, or times of high stress. The hidden dimension Dr. Holland emphasizes is that brain injuries aren't just physical. They affect: Blood-brain barrier integrity Immune system function Susceptibility to infections Processing of toxins Stress responses She shares examples of patients who developed Lyme disease seemingly "out of nowhere," only to reveal during conversation that they'd been in a car accident months earlier. The injury compromised their immune systems and blood-brain barriers, making them vulnerable to opportunistic infections. 4. Functional Neurology Treatment Approaches (20:24 - 26:15) Functional neurology uses a rehabilitation model rather than a pharmaceutical one. It's about relearning, reconnecting, and retraining the brain through targeted stimulation and feedback. Assessment areas include: Motor movement and coordination Reaction time Eye movements Balance and vestibular function Cognition Gait patterns Treatment modalities range from high-tech to remarkably simple: High-tech options: Gyro stem (vestibular rehabilitation device that looks like an astronaut ride) TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) VR headsets for virtual reality therapy Whole body vibration platforms Various electrical modalities (TENS units) Red light therapy Simple but effective tools: Popsicle sticks with targets for eye tracking Gait training (learning to walk properly) Chiropractic adjustments The beauty of functional neurology isn't always what you're doing, but how you're doing it. Frequency, intensity, quality of movement, and feedback all matter tremendously. Dr. Eisenmann emphasizes that treatment is personalized, not protocol-based. "What do you need at this point?" is the guiding question. No profession is an end-all-be-all. Patients may work with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and functional neurologists at different stages of recovery. If stranded on an island with only one therapy? Dr. Eisenmann chooses chiropractic hands down. Spinal mobility is the foundation of independence. If you can't move your spine, you're dependent on others, which means you're not moving, exercising, or feeding yourself properly. 5. The Infection-Brain Injury Connection (26:03 - 30:00) This is where Dr. Eisenmann's and Dr. Holland's worlds beautifully intersect. When therapy isn't producing expected improvements—when you're "flipping the light switch but the lights don't come on"—it's time to investigate metabolics and look for chronic infections. The two-way street: A traumatic brain injury makes you much more susceptible to acquiring infections like Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, or cytomegalovirus Conversely, a dormant infection can reactivate after a TBI when the immune system plummets and the blood-brain barrier opens "They're called opportunistic infections for a reason. They're like, 'Ooh, opportunity, let's go.'" Dr. Eisenmann shares a case of a gentleman with cerebellar autoimmunity directly correlated to infections following his traumatic brain injury. While he sees improvement with therapy, the goal is long-lasting improvement, not riding a wave of good periods followed by crashes. Warning signs you need to dig deeper: Working really hard to get better but feeling like you're walking a tightrope Stepping off the improvement path and unable to get back Cyclical patterns of good and bad Check for infections in: teeth, lungs, bladder, and systemic viral/bacterial infections. 6. COVID's Long-Term Impact on Brain Health (26:36 - 28:00) Six years post-pandemic, we're starting to understand how COVID truly impacts brain health long-term. Dr. Eisenmann sees the TBI-infection connection frequently in her practice. COVID can present as an acquired brain injury (ABI), much like hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Viruses don't just cause temporary illness—they can affect neurology, trigger autoimmunity, and create lasting dysregulation. The silver lining? COVID has brought increased awareness and collaboration. Patients are being taken more seriously. Post-COVID programs are implementing physical therapy and occupational therapy more routinely. Functional neurology needs to be added to that list. 7. Daily Brain Health Practices: The Top Two Priorities (30:52 - 38:00) When asked about practical daily strategies for brain health, Dr. Eisenmann gives two answers that might seem anticlimactic—but they're the foundation everything else builds on. Priority #1: Blood Sugar Regulation This is the one thing you have control over daily that sets you up for success. Dr. Eisenmann's hot take: She does not believe in intermittent fasting or fasting for people with traumatic brain injuries who have uncontrolled blood sugar. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Neural circuits, immune health, and other systems need to be in line first for fasting to be beneficial. Blood sugar regulation matters more than: Cold plunging Brushing teeth with your non-dominant hand Single-leg stands Exercise regimens Taking creatine "None of that matters if your blood sugar is unregulated." Warning signs of unregulated blood sugar: Getting hangry (hungry + angry) Getting sleepy after eating Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate What to do: Look at your plate composition—is it too carb-heavy? Include fiber and protein Consider ketogenic or Mediterranean diets for seasons (not necessarily forever) Eat regularly rather than skipping meals Dr. Holland adds critical context: When blood sugar crashes, your brain and adrenals think you're starving. They activate the same fight-or-

Show Notes: Long Covid, Immune Dysregulation, and Spike Protein with Dr. Paul Anderson Episode Overview Dr. Kasey Holland interviews Dr. Paul Anderson, a recognized expert in integrative and naturopathic medicine, about his research on long COVID, spike protein pathology, and treatment approaches. Timestamps & Topics [0:45] - Introduction & Dr. Anderson's Background Dr. Anderson's credentials and experience Focus on complex infectious, chronic, and oncologic illness Background in IV therapies and cancer research [2:54] - How Dr. Anderson Got Into COVID Research Early observations of post-COVID syndrome Similarities to other chronic infectious illnesses Pattern recognition from previous infections [6:39] - Comparing COVID to Other Infections Similarities to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus Lyme disease and immune shifting patterns Furin cleavage sites and immune disruption [11:15] - Understanding Immune Dysregulation Why COVID creates prolonged inflammation The missing "resolution phase" in immune response How this differs from typical influenza recovery [11:44] - Spike Protein Explained Spike protein from infection vs. vaccination How spike protein affects the immune system Duration of spike protein presence in the body [18:19] - Defining Long COVID Symptoms Wide variety of individual presentations Importance of testing for spike protein levels [19:30] - Testing for Long COVID SARS-CoV-2 [S - protein] semi-quantitative total antibody spike test Understanding test results (hundreds vs. thousands) Available through LabCorp [25:17] - Baseline Health Markers Importance of comprehensive testing Hormonal, liver, kidney function assessment Looking at overall health beyond spike protein [27:15] - Treatment Approaches for Spike Protein Two main pathways: blocking/binding and degradation Combination of drug and natural therapies [31:36] - Blocking and Binding Therapies Ivermectin as immunomodulatory agent Natural options: quercetin, curcumin, flavonoids Milk thistle for liver protection and anti-inflammatory effects [33:30] - Degrading Spike Protein Enzyme therapy with nattokinase Dual benefit: reducing clotting and breaking down spike protein Addressing micro-clot formation [35:38] - Advanced Treatment: Plasmapheresis Total plasma exchange (TPE) explained How the procedure works When to consider this intensive therapy [39:29] - Plasmapheresis Process Details Cell separation and plasma removal Albumin replacement Treatment intervals (4-8 weeks between sessions) Growing availability of outpatient centers [41:01] - Alternative: Plasma Donation Less intensive option than full plasmapheresis Repeated donations can lower toxin/protein levels Study in firefighters showing effectiveness [44:12] - Treatment Experience and Recovery First two treatments are most intense Importance of supportive therapies between sessions Antioxidant support and nutrition [44:32] - Final Thoughts and Resources Importance of baseline testing Escalating treatment approach Hope for recovery with proper treatment Dr. Anderson's YouTube channel and webinar series [48:43] - Closing Remarks Key Takeaways Long COVID involves immune dysregulation and spike protein persistence Testing is crucial: SARS-CoV-2 S- Protein semi-quantitative antibody test Treatment requires addressing both spike protein AND comorbidities Multiple treatment options available from natural therapies to advanced plasmapheresis Recovery is possible but requires comprehensive, escalating approach Resources Mentioned Dr. Anderson's research paper (139 references) YouTube channel for patient education Monthly webinar series for healthcare providers Plasmapheresis centers (search: "TPE plasma") Dr. Paul Anderson's paper on Long Covid  A comprehensive review of definitions, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches for managing Long-COVID and post-vaccination syndromes in clinical practice. SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quantitative Total Antibody, Spike [S-Protein, Semi-quant] LabCorp Testing Quest DIagnostics Testing Boston Heart Diagnostics Testing Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) Locations Dr. Paul Anderson Educational YouTube Channel Dr. Kasy Holland Website

In this episode of The Made to Heal Show, Dr. Kasey Holland sits down with Dr. Jill Crista, one of the leading experts in mold-related illness, to unpack what really happens when mold impacts the body—and what it takes to truly recover. Dr. Crista breaks down: • Why mold illness is so often overlooked or misdiagnosed • The key symptoms that signal biotoxin exposure • How mold disrupts the immune system, hormones, and brain • Practical steps patients can take early on to support healing • What a comprehensive, root-cause recovery plan should include Whether you're navigating mold toxicity yourself or supporting patients through recovery, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and actionable guidance from one of the best in the field. Listen in to learn how you can reclaim your health, reduce overwhelm, and move forward with confidence on your healing journey.

📍 Welcome to the Made to Heal Show. I'm Dr.  Kasey  Holland, the host of Made To Heal. On this show, we discuss complex chronic illness, complex medical conditions, mystery symptoms, and their root causes. And ultimately your body's innate ability to overcome them. In this episode, we are going to be talking about opportunistic infections and diving into what exactly that means. In my medical background, I also spent a lot of time in research, and so one thing that I do a lot with patients is talk about their labs and understanding their. Blood work, and I still constantly get a lot of questions in this area. So in this episode, I wanna talk about immunology and what it means when we have opportunistic infections. If you know me at all, you know that a lot of my work has had to do with Epstein Barr virus and Epstein Barr virus reactivation, and that is considered an opportunistic infection. So I wanna unpack this, help you understand what's going on in your immune system, what it means when there's an opportunistic infection, what the labs are actually saying, what we have to decide based on your symptoms and presentation and what it looks like to overcome opportunistic infections. Okay? Opportunistic infection. What does that mean? An opportunistic infection means that. If your immune system is operating properly and all things are good that you really should not have a problem with that infection. Common opportunistic infections that we see are herpes family viruses, so think HSV one where you get the sore HSV two in the genital area. Epstein bar virus is also an opportunistic infection. The thing about opportunistic infections is that they are very common. So greater than 95% of people will have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus by the time they are an adult. And I can say the same thing with HSV one and HSV two. Most everybody comes into contact with these viruses and then what happens when some people still have problems with them now? I just talked a lot about viruses. There's also opportunistic infections that are fungal, like candida and bacteria like mycoplasma, pneumonia, and this family of infections. A lot of times if you have an opportunistic viral infection, you might also be carrying a fungal or a bacterial, and it makes sense, right? Because. If you're susceptible to an opportunistic viral infection, whatever is going on in your body means that you might also be more susceptible to a bacterial or fungal. So let's talk about the labs and the testing for these opportunistic infections and what that looks like, because I think that labs. Are so easy to understand when it's the first time that you've had an infection and it's a, yes, it's positive. No it's not. But when we get into this realm of opportunistic infections and you have chronic fatigue for years, or these symptoms that just aren't going away, or maybe you have a herpes flare up multiple times per month, and it's, it's like, how do standard labs help with that? Here's the problem, so. In a conventional setting and that acute setting where it's the first time that you've been exposed to that virus, it's pretty simple. You're going to have a blood draw and the labs come back. And typically what you'll see if it's in that acute setting and the first time that you have had that infection, is your IGM antibodies will be positive. So M think of them as the mama antibodies. They're the first antibodies that respond to an infection. They typically stay positive acutely, and then they go negative. And your IgG antibodies are gonna pop up. And these antibodies can be confusing for labs because they can stay positive for a really long time. But that is part of how your. Immune system creates memory of what it's seen so that when it gets exposed to a virus, it can respond very quickly. You don't get sick, right? Um, or maybe you have, you know, a very, very short illness, but this memory is what makes our immune system strong. And so when. We look at this on the labs, it becomes really difficult when we have these opportunistic infections because typically when you test for opportunistic infections, you look at IGM and IgG. Now, a lot of times that IgG will stay elevated a little bit throughout life because again, it's that memory response. So what happens when. You have, let's use a herpes flare for an example. What happens when you are getting acute herpes flares once a month, twice a month, and you go to test the IGM is negative because, okay, you know, you've had this infection before, but the IgG is positive. But then what does that tell you? Because, well. Obviously it's positive because you've had it before, but you know that your body is still responding to this infection because you have the lesions and the symptoms to prove it. Typically, and a lot of times in these instances, the IGG will be really, really high normal, not just a mild elevation for memory, but a very, very, very high normal. Sometimes it really depends on what lab company you're using, but it can be 10 times to a hundred times the upper limit of normal. And then you also have the symptoms, and that means, okay, your body is having difficulty handling this opportunistic infection and needs. Support, and that's in my clinical practice when we treat it. I think that the herpes example is a good example because it's a really obvious symptom that yes, you, you have the herpes lesions, one common infection, the Epstein bar virus. It's not, it's, it's not that straightforward because fatigue is more of a vague. Symptom that could be caused by a lot of things. And so oftentimes doctors will say, well, that doesn't mean that you have a reactivation. Uh, there's other labs as well, like the early antigen that can be helpful. But again, that only stays positive typically for a certain amount of time. So that can be negative. And in my clinical practice, you can still be dealing with that reactivation. So that's where it gets all gray and where it can be really helpful to work with somebody that specializes in opportunistic infections and looking at really what's important to look at is your symptoms and, and your history and what's working treatment wise and what's not and what's going on. But what I wanna talk about, now that we understand that. Foundation of op opportunistic infections and, and what's going on with the immunology there and why that is confusing in that IGM versus IgG. I wanna talk about what do you do about opportunistic infections, because I oftentimes have patients that have the fungal load, the viral load, and bacterial load opportunistic infections. Oftentimes the. When patients have fatigue, especially since COVID-19, the Epstein Bar virus is tested more regularly now, and that's positive. And then doctors will kind of just stop and be like, okay, that's the problem. It's the Epstein Bar virus. But for me, when I find one opportunistic infection positive, I think there's probably more because that is a sign that your body's immune system and your body's state. Is not, is not handling an opportunistic infection, which the definition literally is typically there in immunocompromised or a weakened immune system. So if you just take the medication, whether it's a pharmaceutical or a natural antiviral, whatever, it's if you just take that and don't do anything else. The state of your immune function in biochemistry isn't necessarily going to change, and you're probably still gonna be dealing with that infection. Now. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't take the, maybe it's an antiviral or an antimicrobial or antifungal. It doesn't mean you don't need that, and you probably do need that to, uh, to help your body overcome that, but. You need to do more. We need to ask why this opportunistic infection is there. And the other thing is that we need to set you up for success. So these herpes family viruses that are really common with opportunistic infections, once they're in the body, the way that they integrate with the body cellularly, they're going to be there. So as you go throughout your life, there might be times where that viral load goes up and down and up and down, and people will say, I have a flare up. I don't feel good. Things like that. And that's because that opportunistic infection is still there and your symptoms are telling us that, oh, now it's not handling it well again, so we need. To address that we need to not just look at this infection, we need to look at what's around it so that your body can overcome it. And this is what is oftentimes missing in patient care and treatment plans that leaves you sick for a long time. And in upcoming episodes, we're going to talk about all sorts of things that can impact. Your immune response, your oxidative stress levels. Oxidative stress levels are a sign of how your body is processing reactive oxygenation species. We come into toxins, stress all, all throughout our environment and our body has to be able to respond and clear out that any damage that happens, and it uses antioxidants to do that when there's more. Reactive oxygenation species activity, more toxicity, more stress than there is antioxidants in the body to be able to handle it. We see elevated oxidative stress levels in the body. It's also what causes aging. So think of, you know, rest on a nail aging, things like that. But when we reach that point and those oxidative stress levels are really high, that can also set you up for opportunistic infections. A lot of times in conventional medicine it's like, oh, only in the elderly or immunocompromised people that have had, uh, maybe cancer treatment, things like that. That's kind of what is thought of with immunocompromised, but there's such a spectrum of how well immune systems are functioning today, and in order to really hone in and prevent these opportunistic infections. Which we are learning is becoming increasingly important as we see more and more resea