308: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: The Inflamed Brain – How Mold and Infections Trigger Chronic Illness

In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan explores the growing science behind brain inflammation and its connection to chronic illness with Dr. Eboni Cornish.

Dr. Cornish, Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and Treasurer of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, shares how underlying inflammation in the brain can drive symptoms often labeled as psychiatric, neurological, or behavioral conditions.

Together, they discuss how mold toxicity, chronic infections, gut dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and environmental toxins can disrupt brain health and lead to symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, personality changes, and fatigue.

This powerful conversation highlights the importance of identifying root causes of neuroinflammation and offers hope for individuals struggling with complex chronic conditions through advanced diagnostics, functional medicine strategies, and personalized care.

🔑 5 Key Discussions ① 🧠 The Inflamed Brain and Mental Health ⇨ Many conditions labeled as psychiatric—including anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders—may actually be driven by underlying brain inflammation. ⇨ Neuroinflammation can affect mood, cognition, personality, and overall neurological function.

② 🦠 Infections That Trigger Brain Inflammation ⇨ Tick-borne infections such as Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella can contribute to chronic inflammation affecting the brain and nervous system. ⇨ Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections may also disrupt neurological health.

③ 🧫 Mold Toxicity and Environmental Triggers ⇨ Mold exposure and environmental toxins can activate immune responses that lead to chronic neuroinflammation. ⇨ Patients may experience chemical sensitivities, mast cell activation, and neurological symptoms.

④ 🦠 The Gut–Brain Connection ⇨ Gut microbiome imbalances and intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") can significantly influence brain health. ⇨ Nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities, including gluten sensitivity, may also contribute to brain inflammation.

⑤ 🔬 Advanced Diagnostics for Brain Health ⇨ Tools such as SPECT brain imaging, laboratory testing, and environmental assessments help identify hidden causes of neuroinflammation. ⇨ A comprehensive functional medicine approach allows clinicians to personalize treatment strategies.

⭐ Key Takeaways

🔹 Brain inflammation can contribute to psychiatric, neurological, and behavioral symptoms. 🔹 Chronic infections and environmental toxins are major drivers of neuroinflammation. 🔹 The gut–brain axis plays a significant role in neurological health. 🔹 Advanced diagnostics such as SPECT imaging help identify patterns of brain dysfunction. 🔹 Addressing root causes—including infections, toxins, sleep, hormones, and gut health—is essential for healing.

👩‍⚕️ Guest Biography

Dr. Eboni Cornish is the Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and Treasurer of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, the world's leading organization focused on Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

A nationally recognized expert on neuroinflammation, chronic infections, and environmental toxicity, Dr. Cornish combines advanced brain imaging with precision functional medicine to uncover the hidden drivers of complex illness.

She has helped patients from around the world recover from conditions once considered untreatable—including Lyme disease, mold illness, PANS/PANDAS, long COVID, and autoimmune brain disorders—by identifying root causes and tracking healing through SPECT brain imaging and advanced diagnostics.

Known for her dynamic speaking style and evidence-based approach, Dr. Cornish educates both clinicians and patients about the science of neuroinflammation and the path toward recovery.

🔗 Website: https://www.drebonicornish.com/ 🔗 Amen Clinics: https://www.amenclinics.com/ 🔗 ILADS: https://www.ilads.org/