Tick Boot Camp

Introduction: In this special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, recorded live at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, we welcome Wilberto Castillo, a representative of ArminLabs. ArminLabs, based in Augsburg, Germany, is a leading laboratory specializing in the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. ArminLabs' Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach: Innovative Testing Methods: EliSpot Assay: Measures cellular immunity to detect active infections with an estimated sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 94%. iSpot Assay: Assesses the immune system’s response to infections for deeper insights into immune activity. Wide Range of Pathogen Detection: Tests for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, as well as Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and various viruses. Offers T-cell and NK-cell testing to assess immune system suppression and infection activity. Patient-Centric Services: Remote Testing Options: Provides an at-home blood collection kit to make testing more accessible. Personalized Test Recommendations: Uses patient questionnaires and analytical algorithms to recommend the most relevant tests for each individual. Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about ArminLabs at ArminLabs.com Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Join us for a special LIVE Tick Boot Camp Podcast interview from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, featuring Dr. Tania Dempsey—a world-renowned expert in chronic disease, autoimmune disorders, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Dempsey, founder of the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, shares critical insights into the future of Lyme disease treatment, medical education, and the systemic barriers preventing effective patient care. Key Takeaways: Dr. Dempsey’s role at ILADS: Moderating a Fundamentals course and delivering talks on Bartonella, mast cell activation syndrome, and SOT therapy Challenges in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease: How insurance limitations, time constraints, and lack of awareness impact patient care The need to train more clinicians: Shifting the mindset of medical students and young doctors toward chronic illness treatment Systemic barriers in medicine: Legal risks and lack of incentives discourage physicians from treating chronically ill patients ILADS' initiatives: Publishing research, updating guidelines, and using data/machine learning to improve treatment protocols How to support ILADS: The importance of donations and funding to drive change in Lyme disease care Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org Dr. Dempsey's Website: DrTaniaDDempsey.com Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Join us for a powerful live interview from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference with Ali White, founder of Tick Chicks. Ali shares her personal battle with Lyme disease, the journey to finding a diagnosis, and her mission to support and empower the Lyme community through education, advocacy, and retreats. Key Takeaways Ali’s Lyme Journey: Ali recounts her seven-year struggle with undiagnosed Lyme disease, experiencing debilitating neurological symptoms, pain, and fatigue. Despite multiple misdiagnoses, she persisted in finding answers, eventually receiving a Lyme diagnosis. Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment: Ali highlights the difficulties in receiving an accurate Lyme diagnosis and how chronic infections like Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV) and Chronic Cytomegalovirus (CCMV) complicated her health. Importance of ILADS-Trained Doctors: She stresses the critical role ILADS-trained doctors play in understanding and treating Lyme disease effectively. The Tick Chicks Platform: Ali explains the mission behind Tick Chicks—creating an inviting, informative space for Lyme patients to access expert insights and personal stories. The Losing Lyme Retreat: Ali discusses her initiative to bring top Lyme doctors and specialists to the Midwest, making high-quality care and education more accessible to patients who may not otherwise have access to Lyme-literate practitioners. Holistic and Conventional Approaches: From IV infusions to antibiotics and lifestyle adjustments, Ali shares her treatment experiences and how she has reached a functional state of wellness. Encouragement for Lyme Warriors: Ali offers hope and validation to those still searching for answers, emphasizing that healing is possible with persistence and the right support. Resources & Links Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Ali White’s journey: Ali’s Story Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Fred Diamond, author of Love Hope Lyme and host of the Love Hope Lyme podcast, joins us live from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference. In this powerful conversation, Fred shares his journey with Lyme disease and his mission to provide support, hope, and resources for Lyme survivors and their loved ones. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Fred highlights the emotional and social challenges Lyme patients face, including the impact on relationships due to the isolating nature of the disease. He discusses strategies for healing fractured relationships, emphasizing communication, education, and empathy. 📌 Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org Learn more about the guest: Love, Hope, Lyme Book Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Join us for a special LIVE interview from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference with Dr. Cory Tichauer, ND, a leading naturopathic doctor specializing in tick-borne illnesses. Dr. Tichauer shares his journey from a traditional Ivy League education to naturopathic medicine and explains why he chose a holistic, patient-centered approach over conventional allopathic treatment. Dr. Tichauer discusses the growing complexity of Lyme disease, the impact of environmental factors, and the challenges chronic Lyme patients face within the current medical system. If you or a loved one is navigating chronic illness, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways: A Unique Path to Healing: Dr. Tichauer’s journey from Cornell University to naturopathic medicine was influenced by his experiences studying traditional healing in Nepal. Why Naturopathic Medicine? The importance of treating the root cause of illness through an integrative, whole-body approach. Challenges in Chronic Illness Care: The limitations of the managed care system and the need for more time and personalized treatment for patients. The Complexity of Lyme Disease: How Lyme and other tick-borne infections have evolved, requiring innovative and individualized treatment approaches. Environmental Impact on Chronic Illness: The role of mold, toxins, and other environmental factors in immune dysfunction. Commitment to the Lyme Community: Dr. Tichauer’s involvement with ILADS and his mission to support chronic illness patients with cutting-edge therapies. Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Cory Tichauer and Bear Creek Naturopathic Clinic: Bear Creek Clinic Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Dr. Medeya Tsnobiladze's Background A naturopathic doctor specializing in neurodegenerative conditions and chronic infections. Extensive experience treating Lyme disease in her Connecticut-based practice. Rising Lyme Disease Cases in Connecticut Observations of increasing prevalence in patients. Impact of delayed diagnosis on long-term health outcomes. Neurodegenerative Links to Lyme Disease Connection between Lyme disease and conditions like Alzheimer’s. Emerging research on Borrelia’s role in amyloid plaque formation in the brain. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Lyme & Co-infections Differences in brain and nervous system symptoms between Borrelia and Bartonella infections. The need for individualized treatment approaches based on symptom presentation. Comprehensive Testing for Lyme & Co-infections Importance of using specialty labs for accurate diagnosis. The role of advanced testing in identifying persistent infections. Cardiovascular Complications of Lyme Disease Manifestations such as arrhythmias, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Reversibility of some Lyme-related heart conditions with appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Integrative & Collaborative Treatment Approaches How Dr. Tsnobiladze’s naturopathic clinic works alongside conventional medicine. Holistic therapies to support neurological and cardiovascular recovery. Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Medeya Tsnobiladze and Fairfield Family Health: FairfieldFamilyHealth.com Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen interview Angela MacRitchie of the Napiers Claid Clinic, a naturopath and herbalist who transformed her battle with Lyme disease and co-infections into a holistic healing mission. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Angela’s personal Lyme disease recovery story and how she reclaimed her health The best herbal medicine strategies for chronic illness How cold water therapy supports detoxification and healing Emotional and physical techniques for stress management and pain relief Female hormone balance solutions for Lyme-related reproductive challenges The power of belief and mindset in healing Lyme disease Key Highlights & Takeaways Angela’s Personal Lyme Recovery Story Overcoming Lyme disease using a holistic, natural approach Transitioning from patient to holistic health practitioner The importance of personalized treatment plans Best Herbal Remedies for Lyme Disease Female Hormone Balance: Chaste Tree Berry Tincture (Vitex agnus castus) Pain Management: Sublyme AHA Herbal Supplement Emotional Support Herbs: Ashwagandha, Passionflower, Motherwort Antimicrobial Protocols: Cryptolepis, Japanese Knotweed Managing Lyme-Related Reproductive Health Challenges Endometriosis support Ovarian cyst management Heavy menstrual bleeding relief Severe menstrual cramp solutions Uterine fibroid considerations About Angela MacRitchie & Essence of the Soul Located in Glasgow, Scotland, Angela provides natural, solution-focused therapies for individuals battling chronic illness through her Essence of the Soul Optimal Wellness Services. With 15+ years of experience, her expertise in naturopathy, herbal medicine, and energy healing has transformed lives worldwide.

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 Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Alexandr Zaitsev and Universal Diagnostic Laboratories: Universal Diagnostics Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

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: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Casey Kelley and her work at Case Integrative Health Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

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: 🔗 Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org 🔬 Learn more about Nicole Bell and Galaxy Diagnostics: www.galaxydx.com 📲 Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)