I had the opportunity to attend and moderate "Treating the Untreatable: Unraveling Chronic Complex Illness" hosted by The Forum for Integrative Medicine on April 5-7, 2018.  This was the third annual TFIM event, and it certainly did not disappoint.  The speakers, attendees, and exhibitors made this a powerful event full of learning and collaboration.  

The goal of TFIM is to share practical solutions with practitioners such that they in turn can help their patients.  From the TFIM website, "The forum was born by practitioners for practitioners to identify the best integrative tools available in support of detoxification, the treatment of stubborn infections, and overall balance and well-being. The primary focus of the forum is to share practical solutions to enhance the treatment options available to our patients."

Disclaimer: Nothing in this text is intended to serve as medical advice. All medical decisions should be made only with the guidance of your own personal licensed medical authority.

Disclaimer: This information was taken as notes during the conference and may not represent the exact statements of the speakers. Errors and/or omissions may be present.

Note: As this information may be updated as any errors are found, I kindly request that you link to this single source of information rather than copying the content below. If any updates or corrections are made, this will help to ensure that anyone reading this is getting the most current and accurate information available.  

Amy Derksen, ND spoke on "Treatment Approaches to Address Lyme, Viruses, and Molds in the Immune-Confused Patient" and shared:

  • When one is chronically inflamed, they are not excreting/detoxifying properly.
  • Th2 dominance is seen in autoimmunity and allergy and needs to be shifted back to a balanced state.
  • It is abnormal to see a healthy SIgA these days due to all of the factors that impact our gut immunity; diet, food, immune balance, and EMFs.
  • Without exploring the patient holistically, you will make people worse.
  • A significant, persistent Herxheimer reaction is not the goal and not doing the job.
  • We will never kill all the bugs; they outnumber us, we need to live in harmony.
  • She often finds hidden mold issues in those that don't think they have a mold issue; mold doesn't care how expensive your home is.
  • She met an organic dairy farmer and found the farmer to be very aware of how to raise healthy animals: rotating foods, selenium, zinc, IV vitamin C, immune support, probiotics; all for cattle.
  • Skin brushing, castor oil packs, coffee enemas, ozone sauna, and colonics are helpful interventions; coffee enemas or colonics are always in the top three things that benefit her patients.
  • Huge fan of LDA/LDI for immune modulation.
  • When bile is not flowing well, think bile salts, Hydrochloric acid; then loading up with fats to support cell membranes.
  • Large amounts of CoQ10 can help with some of the "buzzy" neurological symptoms.
  • Has had good luck with nosodes of various microbes.
  • Huge fan of LDN and uses with both kids and adults to reset the immune system; can help the patient function and move forward with other treatments.
  • KPU is a zinc, B6, and magnesium spillage/loss that then impacts methylation.
  • Minerals tend to be the most deficient; far more than vitamins.
  • ATP is the gas that runs the car in the cells; the mitochondria. Oxidation reduces mitochondria and can lead to exhaustion, growth issues, muscle mass loss, and Fibromyalgia.
  • If you give vitamin B injections and feel great for an hour or so and then crash, think mitochondria.
  • Rashes around the mouth are often parasites. Skin rashes are often detoxification.
  • Too much protein can lead to ammonia; may benefit with molybdenum, B6, yucca, charcoal, or BH4.
  • If the alanine/lysine ratio is > 2.5, this could be a possible mitochondrial issue; consider trying CoQ10 and carnitine.
  • Has used up to 1200mg of CoQ10 per day in adults. 10-15mg/kg/day. Likes Researched Nutritionals CoQ10 Power.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is a metal mobilizer and may also be helpful with mitochondrial issues.
  • She has not seen a need to dose alpha lipoic acid several times per day like is suggested in some protocols.
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine is one of the most utilized options for mitochondrial support; helps the bowel motility and energy.
  • Mitochondria are greedy; the first cells to absorb nutrients are around the gut. You need to replenish the adrenals and nervous system which can take 2-3 months. You need to use a loading dose with mitochondrial support or it will look like it is not working.
  • Exercise is the only thing that increases the NUMBER of mitochondria.
  • She uses a loading dose for a full three months and then considers reducing the dose.
  • Supportive options: Folinic acid, 5-MTHF, creatine, B12, selenium, succinate, gingko, ribose, glutathione, antioxidants, thiamine, riboflavin.
  • Diet should be milk free.
  • She likes Researched Nutritionals ATP Fuel, Integrative Therapeutics K-Pax, and MitoSpectra at full dose.
  • If you start mitochondrial support, it is all or nothing; do the full loading dose or don't do it.
  • Methylation support: kids on the spectrum require some methylation support. It is more than MTHFR.
  • Zinc, magnesium, B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, serine, cysteine, ATP from mitochondria, molybdenum.
  • Minerals open pathways and support detoxification.
  • Nutrients that support enzyme function help genes to work properly.
  • Homocysteine is a general marker of methylation; ideal is 6-8.
  • Likes subcutaneous methyl B12. It works best and language may start. If too wired and tense, may consider hydroxy B12. Better focus, better language. drneubrander.com
  • Overmethylation: some feel worse, don't sleep, get anxious, hitting, biting. Stop the methyl donors and use niacin, potassium, or hydroxy B12 as rescues. Not binders; as they don't seem to work when this happens.
  • When overmethylating and using niacin, you won't flush. In some cases, 50mg of niacin may be needed every 30 minutes until symptoms resolve.
  • Reactions can be from cytokines, allergy, histamine, inflammation, toxins, microbes, oxidation, adrenals, and neurotransmitter imbalance.
  • Lyme patients are often chronically Th2 dominant; not killing infections and feel terrible. Often haven't been acutely sick in years; as they have been unable to mount a response.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is observed in most patients; some may need up to 20,000 IUs. Mercola suggests 35 IUs per pound with a target D level of 60-80. The average adult may need 8000; children 1-2000. Should take with 1mg of K2, often with vitamin A. Vitamin A can often be helpful in kids as an immune booster for potential school exposures.
  • Transfer factors can help get people off of antimicrobials over time. Can balance Th1 and Th2 response. Researched Nutritionals Transfer Factor L-Plus and PlasMyc. Multi Immune can be good for viral patients.
  • Vitamin A can be helpful if a child reacts to an MMR vaccine; though vitamin A can be toxic with ongoing use.
  • Some need to be careful with mushrooms if they have fungal/mold issues; but some do well even in that case.
  • EBV patients do well with mushroom extracts; Host Defense MyCommunity.
  • Immusist Natural is a surfactant that may be used with antimicrobials to make them work better. Herpes Zoster responds well.
  • BioImmersion LactORN is a probiotic high in ORN groups which direct gut immunity for parasites and bacteria. Generally used 2-4 times per week. Helpful in kids that are always getting viruses.
  • Zinc - may need 90 mg or more per day. Take with a high protein meal if nausea occurs. Liquid zinc should taste metallic if you have enough or taste good or no taste if you need it.
  • Selenium may be helpful for immune support.
  • Biocidin is great for bacterial overgrowths in the throat, sinuses; Staph/Strep. Can be used at high amounts for acute issues; sometimes higher doses are tolerated better.
  • For anti-inflammatory support, curcumin, quercetin, white willow bark, boswellia, high-dose antioxidants, baking soda or Tri-Salts can be helpful. With baking soda or Tri-Salts, these can help to neutralize histamine; 1 teaspoon may be used twice daily in 6-8 ounces of water between meals - 2 tablets of Alka Seltzer Gold is the equivalent.
  • To address inflammation, you have to deal with the gut. The source is often in the gut. May see Strep in the gut with children with PANDAS; OCD and biting behaviors. The OAT may show elevated quinolinic acid.
  • 90% of psychiatric illnesses are from true biological causes.
  • Melatonin is a natural anti-inflammatory; high doses can be neuroprotective such as with liposomal options. It can calm down many neurological symptoms. Has seen doses as high as 60mg each night in some patients; start with 1-3 mg at night. Oncotonin is a brand that may be used.
  • Liposomal DIM may be helpful for ammonia, brain, normalizing estrogen, releasing blocks in Nrf2; when it works, it is almost immediate. When we are in Th2 dominance, we may have low glutathione, parasites, and mold issues.
  • Ketotifen is like Benadryl for the gut. Ketotifen and LDN are often a good combination for reactions to almost everything. Alaway eye drops have Ketotifen and may be used in some cases in the eyes and nasally twice a day and can often be very helpful. Some use Ketotifen at night (can cause drowsiness) and Alaway in the daytime.
  • LDN can be helpful in PANDAS/PANS; 4.5mg or less.
  • It is important that we are absorbing our fats; ask about the stool. If not absorbing fats, cell membranes and nervous system cannot heal. Bile salts, digestive enzymes with lipase, HCl with pepsin, fermented cod liver oil, and Ursodiol may be helpful.  
  • Good fats may include parent essential oils (PEOs) or seed-based oils, Phosphatidylcholine, butter, ghee, avocado oil, coconut oil, cod liver oil, salmon oil.
  • LDA LDI: foods and inhalants mixes have 300 different items in them. Can help to reduce the overall burden on the immune system. Strep LDI has been amazing for PANDAS kids. Chemicals LDA can be helpful for reactions like not tolerating stores and malls. Clostridia LDI can be helpful for aggression and biting behaviors. The parasite LDI mix may help anxiety and hyperactivity.
  • Herxing: Epsom salt baths can be helpful for getting both magnesium and sulfate; 2 cups in a bath. Baking soda baths can be useful; up to 8 cups. Drainage remedies and vitamin C can be helpful.
  • Toxin binders: Chlorella, chia, bentonite, charcoal, IMD, Metal Sweep.  Charcoal can be helpful for ammonia and sulfur.  Can chase binders with magnesium citrate 15-30 minutes after taking if they are constipating.  Pectin, Enterosgel (great for aluminum in the gut), Takesumi (particularly for mycotoxins), DMSA, EDTA, DMPS, acacia fiber, New Sun Fiber Cleanse without psyllium.  Loves ZeoBind - has not seen constipation - seems to starve out the communication among the microbes.  Keep binders away from minerals by one hour.  QuickSilver UltraBinder is a newer option.
  • Has seen amazing results in some using the IonCleanse foot bath; 2 days on, 1 day off.
  • CBD can be a good neural anti-inflammatory. Helps to make glutathione and calms inflammation. Likes Haleigh's Hope or Charlotte's Web.
  • D-HIST can be a helpful antihistamine. Ketotifen, Claritin, Quercetin, C, nettle leaf, Benadryl, baking soda or Tri-Salts.
  • We all need glutathione; 99% of kids in one study were low in glutathione; though not everyone tolerates it. Finds that glutathione can be a helpful tool for provoking mycotoxin testing. Milk thistle is a precursor to glutathione.
  • Have to consider parasites, Lyme, coinfections, yeast, mold, bacteria, Clostridia, Strep, viruses. Don't forget the gut and sinuses.
  • Clostridia may be an issue with aggression, hitting, drooling, biting. Supernatant, Bifidus, LDI, and Culturelle can be helpful with Clostridia.
  • Parasites can present as a rash around the mouth, cyclical behaviors, aggression, risky behaviors.  She generally uses RX medications for parasites in 2 week cycles.  Alinia and Albendazole cross the blood-brain barrier.  When treating parasites, more detoxification, drainage, and Herxherimer support are often needed.

Greg Lee, LAc spoke on "Highly Targeted Natural Remedies and Treatments for Lyme Disease and Coinfections in Hard to Reach Reservoirs: Brain, Joints, Inside Cells, and Under Biofilms" and shared:

  • You have to identify which pathogen is the priority.
  • Infections hide in reservoirs.
  • What is the underlying cause of the condition?
  • Uses ZYTO to look at over 400 microbial stressors to identify the priority.
  • What are the priorities? Neurotransmitters, gut issues, inflammation, infections, blocks to detoxification?
  • Uses ZYTO to identify the best possible remedies to heal faster to tolerate treatment better.
  • One way of looking at Lyme is adult autism - infections and toxins creating dysbiosis in multiple systems of the body.
  • In Heiner Fruehauf's work, treatment for Gu Syndrome is said to take 3-5 years or longer.
  • Uses acupuncture, cupping and blood-letting, cold laser-delivered homeopathics and essential oils, frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM), light, ionic foot baths, and other tools.
  • Wet cupping often leads to the biggest symptomatic improvements - even with systemic enzyme therapy, the blood often comes out congealed.
  • FSM has a frequency intended for a given healing effect such as detox, killing a microbe, or reducing inflammation and then has a second targeting frequency for where in the body the frequency is sent.
  • With cold laser, may shine a laser through a remedy; works well with sensitive patients and in those with mast cell issues.
  • Frequency medicine is the future of diagnosis and treatment. With electrical frequency, you don't have resistance.
  • Intranasal LED - VieLight 810nm - may heal damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, increase ATP, help with sleep. Pulses 10 times per second which is the alpha brainwave which supports sleep.
  • He works with liposomal preparations from over 400 herbs and 60 essential oils customized for each patients. The pathogens see liposomes as food. You can use 1/10 of the amount of a given remedy and have the same effect.
  • Bee venom cannot be encapsulated in a liposome. Liposomes are also not good for specific things like a binder where you want it to get to the GI tract.
  • Liposomal essential oil of clove can create severe neurological Herxheimer reactions in those with Bartonella.
  • Bee venom can lead to severe Herxheimer reactions; he uses it topically. Works with products from Ferris Apiaries.
  • He uses a lot of Deseret Biologicals nosodes with their detox kit. Also uses Physica Energetics.
  • PB 1287 SBO is a probiotic with over 1200 strains that his clients have benefited from.
  • With liver-gallbladder flushes, he uses the products from SuperGoodStuff.com - helps to remove the "bag of rocks" from your liver.
  • Uses a lot of Cordyceps, a jing herb, to support mitochondria, energy replenishment, neurological healing; makes liposomal.
  • Liposomes and microcurrent are game changers.
  • For mitochondrial support, likes MitoSynergy copper, Jarrow PQQ, CoQ10, and liposomal jing herbs.
  • For biofilms, liposomes will penetrate these without ripping them open.
  • Many people have nasal and oral infections that need to be considered.
  • The number one oil for inflammatory conditions is Eucalyptus globulus; has used topically, liposomally, diffused, orally, rectally, vaginally.
  • Top pain relieving oils may include rosemary, spearmint, and peppermint.
  • Ultra Pure Moxa can be like a miracle for those with Bartonella.

Ann Corson, MD spoke on "Approaching the Chronically Ill Pregnant and Pediatric Patient" and shared:

  • Pregnancy is an immune-compromised state so that they body does not reject the fetus.
  • If you don't have tolerance, spontaneous abortion or preeclampsia may occur.
  • If a mother has autoimmune disease, this can be dangerous. Antiphospholipid syndrome creates antibodies against cell membranes and can terminate the embryo and result in miscarriages.
  • Thyroid auto-antibodies do cross the placenta; but not as significant.
  • If one is on exogenous thyroid, the dose generally needs to be increased by 25-50%. The baby's thyroid takes over after the first trimester, but may still need 200mcg of iodine daily.
  • Hypercoagulation is a normal state in pregnancy. If one is already hypercoagulated, pregnancy can make that worse.
  • Chronic illness creates a hypercoagulable state. Cytokines drive inflammation and the clotting cascade.
  • Heavy metals can cause significant hypercoagulation.
  • Protein S or C deficiency is more commonly observed than Factor V Leiden.
  • Borrelia can pass the placenta and infect the baby; outcome may range from still birth to normal outcome.
  • Antibiotics help but don't guarantee that the infection won't be passed to the baby.
  • The goal is to keep the bugs locked away in the mother where they are.
  • Breastfeeding poses unclear risks. Newborns don't have a lot of stomach acid, and Borrelia may survive. She encourages breastfeeding, however, if the mother is being actively treated.
  • Babies that are infected don't see Lyme and have a down-regulated immune response to Borrelia.
  • Borrelis survives cryopreservation of semen.
  • Babesia and Bartonella and Relapsing Fever Borrelias may all be gestationally transmitted.
  • One study showed an adverse outcome of 72% (infection transmitted to baby) if there was no treatment and the mother had Borrelia prior to or during the first trimester.
  • The sickest babies are from mold-toxin exposed mothers. They are hypertonic, jerky, jaundiced, heart defects, irritable, difficult to console, poor feeders, poor sleepers, failure to thrive, developmental delays, potential for bad reactions to vaccinations. They are the sickest in her practice.
  • When someone is ill during their pregnancy, can have a toxic matrix, tissues, organs, infections, biofilms, higher inflammation, coagulation issues, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut dysfunction, liver and gallbladder dysfunction. May have toxicity from glyphosate and heavy metals.
  • It is not the hard drive that is important, but the software that runs the hard drive. If the genes are good, but you are highly toxic, enzymes are not going to work. Molybdenum helps with CBS. If you focus on genetics without epigenetic modification, you likely missed the boat.
  • Biotoxin illness results from a genetic predisposition. It is the lifetime accumulation of toxins combined with the HLA type that matters.
  • General treatment principles include: restore vitality, restore health and function of the matrix (clear toxins, coagulation, biofilms, infections, scars, restore communication and fluidity in the matrix), restore metabolic function and regulatory function.
  • Preconception cleanup should be at least six months before pregnancy. Treat infections as aggressively as tolerated prior to pregnancy, cleanup the diet, work on amalgams and metals, remove toxins of all kinds (bile sequestrants/binders, sauna, methylation, limit toxic exposures, reduce EMFs).
  • Without binding of toxins, toxins do not go out of the body; not having binders is one of the common mistakes that many make.
  • Mucor suppositories can be a helpful immunomodulator for circulation and lymph; these can cleanup congestion in the pelvis.
  • Patient's responsibility is clean air, clean water, clean diet, tick avoidance, toxin avoidance in home/school/work/auto. If they won't change their diet, it is very hard to help patients.
  • One tick bite can set you back years in your treatment.
  • Mold avoidance (mold toxins are teratogens) is critical, metal amalgam removal by a biological dentist. Root canals are puss pockets. EMR/EMF reduction. Evaluate removal of root canals, and evaluate cavitations. All of this has to be done before the pregnancy. Once pregnant, you have to let things lie.
  • Nutrition: May need multivitamin with folate, D3, K2, alpha lipoic acid, omega 3, phospholipids, trace minerals (iodine, manganese, magnesium, zinc, selenium), binders (charcoal, clay, MicroChitosan, chlorella, humic acid). MicroChitosan plus charcoal works well for most mycotoxins. Beyond Balance TOX-EASE BIND is great.
  • Need a clean diet, toxin avoidance, no OTC medications or acetaminophen.
  • Need to be compliant with protocols and referrals to other practitioners that may be needed.
  • Nutritional needs during pregnancy: increase protein and folate, essential fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, C, E, prenatal with iron and copper, trace minerals.
  • You cannot fix the gut unless you fix the mouth. No aggressive dental work can be done while pregnant or beast-feeding.
  • Drainage and regulation therapies are often OK, but cannot do anything that provokes the movement of toxins in the body.
  • Stop pulling metals, dealing with infections, or breaking down biofilms when pregnant. You have to let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Do not use transfer factors during pregnancy. Avoid vaccinations while pregnant.
  • Mold toxin treatment: Remove from ongoing mold toxin exposure. Remove biological toxins (glutathione, binders, sweating), reduce cytokines (Flex Now, Xymogen Nrf2 Activator, curcumin; no ibuprofen), repair leaky gut, reduce hypercoagulation (often with lumbrokinase or nattokinase), individualized nutraceuticals.
  • RESTORE helps to heal tight junctions.
  • Hypercoagulation is made worse by infections, mold toxins, heavy metals, Herxheimer reactions, and stress.
  • When having a Herxheimer, may need more enzymes, drainage support, and may need to back off killing agents.
  • She has not been able to prevent the transfer of Protomyxzoa across the placenta.
  • May treat during pregnancy with Azithromycin and either Amoxicillin or Cephalosporin. May use Vital Guard Supreme or Manjistha Supreme.
  • She has had to use some of the Beyond Balance products during pregnancy such as BB-2 or BAB-3 and has not had any problems. However, the company does not endorse the use of any of their products during pregnancy.
  • Supreme Nutrition Vital Guard, Manjistha, LuRong, or Illicium Supreme products may be helpful.
  • She primarily uses Supreme Nutrition, Researched Nutritionals, and Beyond Balance products.
  • During breastfeeing, may continue antimicrobials, limit toxins, treat the mother to protect the baby, and avoid aggressive detox until the baby is weaned.
  • At birth, she tests with cord blood, urine, placenta, and foreskin.
  • The Advanced Lab Borrelia Culture was the gold standard, but is no longer available.
  • She will use IGeneX PCR, Fry Smears, and Galaxy Labs.
  • PCR testing for any other microbe the mother had (EBV, HHV-6, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, etc.) may be performed.
  • Baby's first urine is sent to IGeneX. Placenta and foreskin for Borrelia PCR to IGeneX.
  • Ask about deferring Hep B vaccine at birth.
  • Evaluate baby: Apgar score, temperature and glucose control, jaundice, bottle fed, immunization history, feeding/sleep/voiding/stooling patterns.
  • Physical exam: crying, skin color, temperature, skin infections, muscle tone, red light reflex, sucking, grasping, birth marks, and more.
  • She likes to evaluate every 2 months; testing PCR monthly for first 6-12 months.
  • Serologies are useless in babies until 18 months or older.
  • She may start Beyond Balance products in infants on the nipple or in the mouth. BB-1, BB-2, BAR-2, TOX-EASE GL, COGNEASE DETOX, and BFM-P are ones she has used in some newborns.
  • Glyphosate is a contaminant in gelatin. Collagen is high in glycine which may be replaced by glyphosate.
  • Flu shots may be helpful about 10% of the time but can be harmful to both the mother and baby with Lyme and may lead to more inflammation.
  • Glyphosate and mold toxins may both poke holes in the gut. This leads to shifting, changing food allergies.
  • For vaccinations with Lyme-related scenarios, delay, consider refusing Hep B, do one at a time, wait several months, MMR best after age 3, preservative-free, single-use vials. To reduce and prevent potential reactions, Thuja, Phos Serine (10 days prior and 3 weeks after), reducing metals (binders), drainage.

Bryan Rade, ND spoke on "Beyond Lyme and Co-infections: Low Dose Immunotherapy in General Practice" and shared:

  • Highly recommends practitioners get the updated manual from Dr. Vincent with the booster method which makes LDI a great tool and game changer.
  • LDI started with EPD/LDA; may be TReg mediated.
  • In 2008, Dr. Vincent created LDI which may be treating hypersensitivity to microbes.
  • Yeast can be overgrowth or hypersensitivity or both.
  • Clues for potential use of the Yeast LDI - symptoms come back when stopping antifungals, flare with more yeast exposure (ate some, eating sugar), patient has SIBO/SIFO.
  • 29% of those with SIBO may have SIFO according to one study; 42% in another study.
  • Finding the right LDI dosage/dilution is a time-consuming process.
  • Probiotics flaring someone could be SIBO, reactivity to microbes, histamine intolerance.
  • A list of different mixes from Dr. Vincent are available on his Facebook page.
  • Has had 100% success in six people with oral Herpes simplex.
  • Used HSV LDI for one person with trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Strep LDI may be pivotal in those with PANDAS.
  • Dr. Klinghardt suggested that 90% of Borrelia patients have Strep and that Strep can pave the way for Borrelia.
  • To respond to LDI, need to fit a post-Strep picture clinically.
  • Post-Strep - persistent symptoms after Strep infection, recurring sore throats / Strep throat, fatigue, OCD, anxiety, arthralgias, sensory hypersensitivity. Think adult PANDAS.
  • Hormone LDI has led to 50-100% response in 80+ patients. When patients flare from exogenous hormones, LDI may be helpful.
  • If mid-cycle symptoms, progesterone LDI may be helpful. If at other times, try estrogen LDI first. If neither works, consider Testosterone LDI.
  • Outside the box LDI may include histamine, B12, ATP, vaccinations, melatonin, epinephrine.
  • Other ideas include: LPS, cytokines, lactate, methylfolate.
  • Autologous LDI can be made from saliva, nasal swab, urine, stool, or skin scrapings.
  • Blood, CSF, and synovial fluid have not worked to date.
  • Alpha sympathetic dominance - anxiety, insomnia, physical jitteriness, overthinking, excessive worry, easily stressed. Can lead to hypoadrenalism, hyperestrogenism, hypersensitivity secondary to elevated histamine. Study of Endobiogenic Medicine.
  • Treatment for sympathetic dominance may include equal parts Lemon Balm, Motherwort, and California Poppy up to a teaspoon three times a day. Lavender essential oil, stress reduction, and adaptogens may be helpful.
  • Based on Buhner's writings, Post-Lyme Syndrome can lead to development of anti-neuronal antibodies and elevated INF-alpha whereby Borrelia triggers autoimmunity.
  • LDI doesn't work for everyone, pick candidates wisely, sometimes not curative, labor-intensive for the practitioner.
  • Dr. Rade's YouTube Channel

Sandeep Gupta, MD spoke on "Interaction Between Microbes, Toxicity, Emotional Trauma, and Dysregulation of the Immune/Inflammatory System in Chronic Disease" and shared:

  • He had his own brush with poor health.
  • His first shift in medicine was exploring diet, gut health, and HPA/HPT axis.
  • He became a raw foodist for 2-3 years.
  • His second shift in medicine was exploring Lyme disease, mold illness, and inflammation.
  • His third shift was exploring emotional trauma and the multi-layered nature of illness.
  • The more holistic we can be, the more permanent and satisfactory the results.
  • Patients with CIRS/Lyme often have huge out of proportion emotional trauma.
  • Could emotional trauma have had a causative role in their illness?
  • Research very clearly shows an association between ACEs (adverse childhood events) and mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancers.
  • Physiological effects of early-life trauma may be decreased or increased cortisol levels, elevated IL-6 and CRP, epigenetic changes to BDNF/IGF2/GR genes, decreased adiponectin levels, decrease in epigenetic levels in MTHFR.
  • Early life trauma effects on the body are widespread and lead to different adult outcomes in terms of overall health and disease risks.
  • Cell Danger Response based on the research of Robert Naviaux, MD. Dr. Gupta hypothesizes that psychological and chemical trauma can initiate the cell danger response. Trauma can lead to increased autophagy, stiffening of cell membranes, release of antimicrobial substances, changes in DNA methylation, and mobilization of endogenous retroviruses. The cell is protecting itself from various threats.
  • Emotional trauma can activate CDR and lead to a chronic stress state in the body.
  • There is a sensing of danger that occurs even when there is no danger. On the physical level, the cell mirrors the danger even when it is no longer present. The cell is protecting itself even when the original danger is gone.
  • He shared his flotation tank experience. He had huge anxiety at 50 minutes into the session, right before the music starts at 55 minutes. In a 2-hour session, the anxiety started at the same time; 50 minutes. You have zero distractions and can't even feel your body. You have to be with yourself totally. When he realized he could trust himself to be present and have self-trust, the anxiety had no place to stand.
  • Explore Emotional Freedom Technique with patients.
  • He did the tapping while asking "What is this anxiety all about? and "You've managed your life until now perfectly fine. Is there anything to suggest that won't happen going forward? What if you could just trust yourself and relax into this moment?"
  • Emotional defenses show up as muscular armoring or typical changes in posture which can be read from simply observing a patient. The release of Muscular Armoring leads to a reestablishment of biopsychic motility. 
  • Probable physical consequences of blocked emotional trauma: persistent inflammation, impairment to detoxification and to eradication of microbes.
  • Probably sequence of events: Emotional trauma leads to KPU and methylation changes which leads to chronic infections and toxicity which leads to lowering of MSH and CIRS.
  • Low zinc and B6 impact detoxification and metal retention.
  • When someone has KPU, parasites are almost always present.
  • Emotional trauma sets the scene of the crime and weakens the body.
  • KPU itself may be a cell protection mechanism.
  • The inflammation itself becomes a blocking factor to improvement.
  • The ultimate CIRS condition is then a feedback loop to emotional trauma which re-starts the cycle.
  • Mold patients often feel they would rather die than deal with a house that is making them unwell.
  • The universe is saying to you "stop and deal with yourself".
  • CIRS due to mold - there is no other option other than to look at your personal emotional landscape.
  • He guided us through an Inner Child Meditation of going back to see yourself as a child at a time when you needed support. Have your current self go to your inner child and provide that support.
  • With the emotional work, it is important to raise an awareness of the importance of dealing with the emotional world. How willing is the patient?
  • Likes Core Energetics for releasing emotional blocks.
  • Some people are not ready; illness is an opportunity to show up on all levels.
  • If you do not address any part of your being, that part of your being will ultimately address you.
  • Serum protein / albumin can be a useful indicator for malabsorption.
  • A 4-3-53 HLA type may have a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes.
  • It is important to look at the dental history; particularly root canals. Look at the related organs.
  • With the VCS testing, the test card needs to be corrected for 20/20 vision which often means further than 18 inches away; or you may get more false negatives.
  • Gut dysbiosis can increase levels of TGFb1.
  • Lyme pushes up C4a but not generally TGFb1.
  • He stopped using C3a as it did not seem to be clinically helpful.
  • May use bentonite clay and chlorella; as well as Cholestyramine.
  • There is a great deal of evidence that points to emotional trauma associated to chronic illness development; it may open the door.
  • Cell-danger response provides a theoretical basis for this.
  • Doing emotional work with clients often leads to a need for fewer physical interventions.
  • By releasing emotional trauma, the door is opened for deep detoxification and healing to occur.

David Jernigan, DC spoke on "Cure vs. Remission: Unraveling the World’s Toughest Cases at the Hansa Center for Optimum Health" and shared:

  • Everything in the universe is vibration and frequency.
  • 88% of conventional medicine treats symptoms.
  • Drug-induced illusions of health are like magic; you take the pill away and the reality is obvious.
  • Correcting an illness means that people should not have to keep taking supplements.
  • Artificial intelligence in medicine is coming.
  • Fitbit devices will do a better job than doctors in the near future; unless you have some good techniques under your belt.
  • 90% of Hansa patients come from other states and countries.
  • 826 companies are working on medical AI devices.
  • Devices will scan the body like Google, process symptoms, lab work, and every aspect you can interact with in the body.
  • Remission is the moment when you can't feel the pain from the knife in your leg after you are given morphine; but the knife is still present.
  • You will need to learn bioenergetic testing that will be synergistic with, yet from a treatment perspective, superior to AI-medicine.
  • Bioresonance Scanning accesses the body's bio-information system.
  • Doctors are facilitators; not doers.
  • AI will be good for diagnostics, but bad for selection of medicines that will lead to cure of a condition.
  • Bioenergetic testing must determine: is the remedy or correction a priority, what synergysts are needed, is the person allergic to it, how does it affect the rest of the body, is anything thrown off by a medication, is the person allergic, what is the optimal dose, how many times do they need to take it and for how long?
  • Humans are dynamic, progressive, learning, biophotonic holograms that are constantly shifting and adapting to every challenge in their internal and external environment.
  • If he had to pick one category of treatment option that is effective, it would be homeopathy.
  • The solution needed is beyond diet.
  • In the chronically ill, it is too late to just go chasing after the microbes.
  • Health is not the absence of microbes.
  • It is more effective to create integrity in the functionality of the organism. When doing this, the microbes may no longer be detectable.
  • He suggests taking one day a week off all remedies with his patients.
  • The body is controlled biophotonically. It is not just a bag of biochemicals.
  • Borrelogen changes the frequency of the body but its effect is not from biochemistry.
  • Bioresonance Scanning enables the doctor to test and treat specific frequencies of incoherence and prioritize and identify the cause and corrective remedy or modality that will ultimately restore global coherence in the body.
  • Blood tests will be obsolete; diagnosis will be by microchip devices that access biological data via the electromagnetic and biophotonic information in the body.
  • Prescriptions will be determined by microchips that read the bioinformation of the patients and find the corrective frequency pattern of a medication.
  • Cure is restoration of health, recovery from disease. Remission is subsiding of symptoms.
  • With energetic testing, you are only as good as the best question you know to ask. Those are the only answers you will get.
  • Health is not created by annihilating microbes.
  • A system called Biofield Diagnostic System was found to be 96% correct in women compared to biopsy results.

Bob Miller, CTN spoke on "Epigenetic Factors Combined with Genetic Variants that Accelerate mTOR and Inhibit Autophagy in Chronic Illness" and shared:

  • He sees similar patterns in those with Lyme, mold, EBV, chronic fatigue, and related conditions.
  • Chronic Lyme involves dysregulation of iron, glutamate, and GABA. It involves issues with KEAP1 and Nrf2. It involves creating more free radicals with iron and not enough antioxidant capacity.
  • mTOR is a growth of new cells, and autophagy is the cleaning process of the cells.
  • Genetic variants increase mTOR and slow autophagy.
  • With histamine intolerance and mast cell issues, he looks at acetylation which is used to clear histamine. If you cannot make Acetyl-CoA, you will not clear histamine.
  • Iron leads to hydroxyl radicals.
  • Glutamate leads to peroxynitrite.
  • All of these make the mast cells fire which gives off histamine.
  • If you have HNMT or DAO issues, you then cannot efficiently clear histamine.
  • This creates tissue inflammation, stimulates mast cells, and leads to more histamine. If you cannot clear it, it feeds upon itself. Mast cells are like the guerrilla in the room.
  • Kids with PANDAS/PANS, autism, people with mold, Lyme - all of the same issues are commonly seen.
  • When mTOR is activated, autophagy is reduced.
  • Rapamycin slows down mTOR, and some view it as anti-aging.
  • Excess mTOR activation leads to numerous health challenges.
  • Autophagy is a pro-survival, catabloic process in response to a stress stimuli.
  • Lipofuscin or brown spots in the skin are a sign of autophagy weakness. If you get spots on the hands, chest, and face in your early 40's, this could be autophagy weakness.
  • Autophagy prevents many issues and can be induced by caloric restriction and several nutrients.
  • To balance autophagy, nutrients like berberine, trans-tiliroside, lithium, resveratrol, gynostemma, curcumin, quercetin, and pterostilbene may be used.
  • The theory is that mTOR stimulates histamine, and histamine stimulates mTOR.
  • Chronic stimulation of mTOR means that autophagy does not work.
  • Xenoestrogens from plastics in our water, growth factors in foods, sugar drives insulin; all stimulate mTOR.
  • EMFs cause low-level inflammation and stimulation of mast cells.
  • Calcium voltage channel genes are related to ones sensitivity to EMFs.
  • Ashkenazi Jews absorb even higher levels of iron.
  • Taking glutatmine to heal the gut can turn into glutamate; combined with MSG and bone broth, can overstimulate mTOR.
  • We have gotten carried away with MTHFR and folate. Folate stimulates mTOR; too much folate can mess things up. Taking folate too soon can make you worse.
  • Variants in PON1 can lead to not clearing glyphosate and pesticides which impacts the gut and increases glutamate.
  • Glutamine issues are common in "brainiacs" that are inflamed and anxious.
  • Those that can't take anything are often better when addressing hydroxyl radical issues and glutamate. If you have more iron than is needed, it is a nasty free radical.
  • You can absorb extra iron and still show as anemic and be highly inflamed.
  • Hydrogen water turns hydroxyl radicals into water; it is the closest thing to the fountain of youth.
  • ABP1 genes are responsible for making DAO.
  • Can explore DAO, HNMT, and acetylation to see why someone may have histamine issues.
  • When there are 5 or 6 variants in G6PD, these are some of the sickest of the sick in his client population.
  • Reducing hydrogen peroxide in the body may be done with catalase, rhodiola, tocotrienols, selenium, and riboflavin.
  • NAC is a precursor to glutathione; this is helpful if the body is able to use it properly, but cysteine can combine with iron to create more hydroxyl radicals.
  • Anything that creates tissue damage would likely activate mast cells.
  • Nrf2 is an antioxidant response element and reduces inflammation.
  • When one has homozygous KEAP1 genes, these are also among the sickest of the sick in his client population.
  • 80% of the people he sees need support for glutatmate issues. Normally should be converted to GABA. In some when you give GABA, glutamate goes up. It is involved in anxiety and excitotoxicity.
  • "It is best to give what you need to make it rather than to take it."
  • Honokiol is "one cool nutrient". It supports the glutamate to GABA conversion. It is an incredible nutrient. He takes it every night before he goes to bed. It can help sleep and staying calm.
  • Mast cells may be supported with DAO, quercetin, bromelain, and nettle leaf.
  • He is finding pantethine to be an incredible nutrient support.
  • He predicts that PANK genes will be as significant as MTHFR. These take pantothenic acid to pantethine and are involved in DHEA, pregnenolone, cortisol, and Acetyl-CoA. People sensitive to smoke, exhaust fumes, etc. may need pantethine.
  • Intermitted fasting for 16 hours per day gives the body an opportunity to balance mTOR and autophagy.
  • With ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and caloric mimetics, he has seen amazing results.

Elena Frid, MD spoke on "Causes of Neuropsychiatric Illnesses" and shared:

  • She had a patient that was treated for infections and incorporated IVIG but the condition did not resolve. With the addition of plasmapheresis, has improved notably.
  • There is often guilt involved; parents ask if they passed the infections to their children.
  • Congenital presentations usually have symptoms before the age of 2. If age 4 or later when symptoms present, it is unlikely that the infections were acquired in-utero.
  • When a child is potty-trained and then later regresses, this is a red flag.
  • A particular case she mentioned had strep; PANS/PANDAS is a boxed in set of symptoms and a label. Autoimmune encephalitis is a better term. It does not have to be just tics and have a quick onset.
  • The Cunningham Panel can be useful in adults as well as in children.
  • She uses local labs as well as IGeneX and Galaxy Labs.
  • People can have infections and the immune system can then attack multiple organs. You need to treat the infections and address the autoimmunity at the same time.
  • When MRIs show UBOs (unidentified bright objects) this could represent scarring on the brain and could mean something if there is clinical correlation.
  • Autoimmune encephalitis panel from Mayo Clinic may be used, and may run double testing through ARUP.
  • She orders the Cunningham Panel for adults as well; does not have to be just Strep; could be Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma, Candida, viruses and more that create anomalies observed in the Cunningham Panel. She certainly sees this in adults as well as children.
  • You cannot absolutely rule out autoimmunity as 50% of patients may have autoimmune encephalitis that is not detectable with current tools.
  • Treating the underlying infections can lead to a resolution of autoimmune encephalitis.
  • Probably over 1 million new cases of Lyme per year in the United States.
  • 100% of her patients have > 1 infection.
  • Babesia and Bartonella are higher prevalence than otherwise suggested.
  • The microbiota is the happy; the microbiome is the helpful; micropathogens are the harmful.
  • It is not persistence of biofilms that is the problem.
  • Most of the improvements with monthly IVIG are seen at months 7-9.
  • Infection, inflammation, and autoimmunity can result in psychiatric presentations.
  • When treating infections is not leading to improvement, she may add IVIG.
  • Plasmapheresis cleans the body of the antineuronal antibodies.
  • She may do plasmapheresis on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with IVIG on Saturday and Sunday.
  • At higher doses, IVIG is immune modulatory. At lower doses, it may stimulate more antineuronal antibodies.
  • Subcutaneous IVIG does not appear to be effective for immune modulation in her patient population; for immune support in conditions such as CVID, it may be helpful.
  • Plasmapheresis lowers the immune system. You need to do both plasmapheresis and IVIG, never just plasmapheresis. If you do just plasmapheresis, infections can create more problems given lowered immunity.
  • Most patients require 2 years or longer of treatment when dealing with autoimmune issues.

Stephanie Seneff, PhD spoke on "Is Glyphosate the Main Cause of the Epidemic in Food Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases in America?" and shared:

  • Glyphosate became cheaper after 2000 when it went off patent.
  • It originally came into our food chain in 1974.
  • It kills all plants except those modified to prevent it from harming them.
  • It was said not to harm humans.
  • However, it does affect the Shikimate Pathway which is used by the bacteria in our gut and can impact core amino acids. Serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, thyroid, and others can become deficient due to the impact on gut microbes.
  • More and more glyphosate is needed each year to combat resistance.
  • It is found at the highest levels in wheat germ.
  • Glyphosate is an analog of glycine; has an extra attachment in terms of how it operates, but can still hook into our protein assembly machinery; the evidence of overwhelming.
  • Anthony Samsel has researched glyphosate and finds it in biological samples.
  • There is a huge increase in autoimmune and neurological diseases connected with the rise in glyphosate.
  • Glyphosate is accumulating in many places in the body.
  • 23.5 million Americans have one or more autoimmune diseases; among the top 10 causes of death in females under age 64.
  • Gluten intolerance has become epidemic. Foods are becoming more and more allergenic.
  • Peanuts, eggs, milk, bread, corn are all sources of glyphosate.
  • Foreign proteins like wheat and gluten can lead to antibody production that creates autoimmunity.
  • Glyphosate exposure sets up a weakened innate immunity and leaky brain barrier.
  • Glyphosate has been found as a contaminant in digestive enzyme products.
  • Trypsin, pepsin, and lipase are all contaminated with glyphosate.
  • Mast cells are a big part of the dysfunction with respect to glyphosate exposure.
  • Glyphosate is a metal chelator and makes manganese unavailable.
  • Glyphosate kills Bifidobacteria; patented as an antimicrobial agent; preferentially kills beneficial bacteria.
  • Glyphosate exposure leads to antibiotic resistance.
  • Clostridia is linked to autism. Per Dr. Shaw from Great Plains Lab, high glyphosate is correlated with Clostridia due to disruption of gut flora.
  • Myosin is involved in bile production and bowel motility issues in SIBO; myosin has a glycine.
  • Glyphosate has been shown in fish studies to suppress myosin expression.
  • She raised concerns about glyphosate in collagen; including collagen products.
  • Why are people in so much pain that they need opiods; glyphosate may be a contributor to chronic pain.
  • Calcium uptake triggers myelin breakdown. Molecular mimicry impacts myelin basic protein.
  • Some have suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The measles virus synthesizes hemagglutinin and looks like myelin basic protein; potential for autoimmunity.
  • MMR has found to be contaminated with glyphosate; highest of the vaccines measured.
  • The virus is grown on gelatin from cows fed grains with glyphosate.
  • To stay healthy, eat organically; consider bentonite clay, activated charcoal, humic and fulvic acid, sauerkraut juice.
  • Sauerkraut juice and Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar have Acetobacter which fully metabolizes glyphosate.

Marie Matheson, ND spoke on "Non-Antibiotic Solutions to Treating Chronic Infections" and shared:

  • A combination of natural and antibiotic options can be helpful.
  • As long as you are on this planet, continue to detoxify daily.
  • Endometriosis may be associated with toxicity; toxic toilet dump of the reproductive system. Can also be related to Candida.
  • Chronic conditions are a genetic predisposition plus infections plus toxins.
  • If we treat the terrain, there is no place for the bugs to thrive.
  • Yeast, parasites, and molds are the key destabilizers of the immune system. You have to address these first; destabilizing these soldiers first has led to far more success.
  • Burning pain on the skin can be a sign of yeast overgrowth. Commonly sees tinnitus with yeast.
  • It is best to pulse yeast killers using different products.
  • She likes BioPure NEXUS and IDALIA suppositories used around the full moon; can be helpful with prostate issues as well.
  • Mold can lead to significant amounts of brain fog.
  • Old plastic dishwashers can be a problem for molds; not a problem with stainless steel.
  • Dr. Jones always said that Bartonella should be considered in any child with a seizure disorder.
  • Beyond Balance IMN-GI used with Bartonella treatment has been helpful for gut issues; can be helpful in those with Klebsiella.
  • Likes essential oils with Bartonella to act like a beacon for other oral treatments. Thieves, Supreme Nutrition BFB-1 and BFB-2, Basil, Rosemary, and Frankincense.
  • Effervescent C, magnesium citrate, probiotics, colonics, or coffee enemas for constipation.
  • Coffee enemas and colonics cause a huge bile dump.
  • Sauna, foot baths, skin brushing, oil pulling, castor oil packs, hydrotherapy, clay baths, Epsom salts, colonics, and coffee enemas can all be helpful in supporting detoxification.
  • PEMF opens cell membranes, support detoxification, reduces headaches, supports waste elimination. Uses the MAS PEMF in her practice.
  • ANDI Energy Corrector and Laser CAMS device have been helpful.
  • Uses DNRS. Within 3-4 weeks, sees 50% improvement in many cases. It is great for universal reactors and those with MCAS.

Neil Nathan, MD spoke on "More Elephants in the Room: Mast Cell Activation and Porphyria as Unrecognized Components of CIRS" and shared:

  • He sees the most sensitive and toxic patients; generally referrals from other doctors.
  • If you can treat really sensitive people, everything else gets easier.
  • MCAS was unknown 5 years ago and is today a hot topic; deservedly so.
  • Mast cell mediators include histamine, serotonin, serine proteases (tryptase), and proteoglycans (heparin).
  • There are over 200 mast cell mediators, including TGFb1.
  • Mast cells coordinate immune response to infections and toxins.
  • In genetically-susceptible people, mast cells become overstimulated. This is likely 10% of the population, and 40-50% of his patient population.
  • Mast cell activation is often associated with mold or Bartonella.
  • In the most sensitive patients, there is likely a mast cell component; it must be addressed early in treatment. 
  • Mast cell activation syndrome will make taking anything difficult.
  • A wide variety of stimuli can trigger mast cells.
  • This mechanism evolved as a defense system against parasites and bacteria.
  • The #1 symptom is getting symptoms within minutes of putting something into the intestinal tract; can even be water. It is very quick. Not an allergy; though can have an allergic component.
  • Mast cells release histamine and other mediators out of proportion to the trigger.
  • Sweating, flushing, itching, swelling, wheezing, bloating, gas, pain, nausea, palpitations, malaise, fatigue, temperature dysregulation, weight loss, and many other symptoms can be associated.
  • Chemicals, food, touch, smell, light, sound, EMFs can aggravate the condition; often triggered by mold or Bartonella.
  • Shortness of breath or air hunger can be MCAS; it is not always Babesia.
  • Vertigo and POTS can be MCAS. Almost every POTS is mold and/or Bartonella patient. Can usually cure POTS by treating the underlying cause.
  • MCAS has the same symptoms as mold or Bartonella; so similar. Must tease it apart.
  • Testing may include total serum tryptase, plasma heparin or histamine, chromogranin A, urinary n-methyl-histamine, urinary PG D2, leukotriene E4, bioposy with CD 117 staining.
  • In the blood, it is in and out; very transient; testing is tricky. He does not do much testing; as the tests don't help. Make the diagnosis clinically.
  • Negative tests do not rule out MCAS.
  • Have to reduce the production of mediators with mast cell stabilizers and interfere with the released mediators using histamine blockers.
  • Find the trigger and cure it. MCAS is curable if you fix it. Often fixing mold or Bartonella resolves MCAS; otherwise, it can be a lifelong illness that requires medication on an ongoing basis; long-term MCAS treatment is contrary to his thought process.
  • Quercetin, Loratadine (Claritin, H1), and Famotidine (Pepcid, H2) may be initial options.
  • People may respond to natural options, allergy medications, or RX options.
  • Start one substance at a time.
  • Mast cell stabilizers are best taken 30 minutes before eating.
  • Try a low histamine diet for 2 weeks; 50% respond well. If you do not respond, you do not need to continue.
  • Exercise can be a trigger for mast cells.
  • Diet: avoid ripe or fermented foods, leftovers, canned foods, ready-cooked meals, alcohol, pickled foods, smoked meats, chocolate, vinegar, nuts, and green/black teas (block DAO).
  • Quercetin or NeuroProtek LP, DAO, AllQlear; 30 minutes before meals.
  • Some get worse with quercetin; they may need a lower amount or may not tolerate.
  • Allegra and Claritin are often best; Zyrtec in some.
  • May need to use double or triple that normal dose for many patients (do not do this on your own).
  • Integrative Therapeutics AllQlear can be a good option.
  • For H2 blockers, Zantac or Pepcid. If they don't respond clearly, he may remove these if there are concerns about stomach acid.
  • Ketotifen is a favorite MCAS treatment; H1 blocker, mast cell stabilizer, and leukotriene inhibitor.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum and infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve and lactis may be good options; others may increase histamine.
  • "If some is good, more is not necessarily better."
  • To stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, in sensitive people, DNRS is best. He may start DNRS 4-6 weeks before other treatments.
  • Polyvagal Theory by Stanley Rosenberg is a great book on accessing the healing power of the vagal nerves. There are exercises that can quiet down these systems.
  • Include treatment for mast cell activation early on in order to tolerate other treatment options for mold and Lyme.
  • Porphyria is wildly under-diagnosed and much more common than we appreciate.
  • He has never seen a genetic porphyria, but this is a secondary porphyria and may be an issue in 8-10% of patients.
  • Heme metabolism is not functioning and there is a buildup of unstable heme precursors.
  • Should be heme precursors -> porphyrinogens -> transformation to heme.
  • Altered leads to heme precursors -> porphyrinogens -> interference with transformation to heme -> build-up of unstable heme precursors and porphyrins inside and outside of cells.
  • Symptoms can look like Bartonella, mold, and mast cell activation.
  • Treating Chlamydia pneuomoniae leads to porphyrin release as the CPn is killed.
  • Same antibiotics that work for Bartonella also work on Chlamyidia and can lead to what looks like a Herxheimer reaction but is a porphyria.
  • A herx is 2-3 days. When it lasts 1-2 weeks or longer, it may be a porphyria.
  • Can see anxiety, panic, OCD, irritability, restlessness, paranoia off the charts, severe nausea, and vomiting.
  • CPnHelp.org talks about how to treat secondary porphyria. Porphyrins are released when killing CPn.
  • One life form of CPn is killed by NAC; taking NAC could be a reaction from the killing of the CPn leading to a porphyria.
  • To diagnose, substances in the blood are transitory; need to catch it when feeling worse - collect urine, wrap in foil, put in fridge. LabCorp does a good test for this.
  • Treatment is 10% dextrose (which can be magical for an acute episode), high carbs, high fluid, avoid red meat/milk products/alcohol, take glucose/dextrose tablets (but avoid fructose and sucrose), folic acid, hydroxy B12. Activated charcoal can absorb porphyrins.
  • GABA or benzodiazepines may be needed for severe anxiety and panic.
  • Plaquenil may be helpful.
  • The world dislikes complexity, but biological systems don't; they are complex.
  • Buteyko Breathing can be helpful. Recommends the book The Oxygen Advantage.
  • With urine mycotoxin testing, there are RealTime, Biotrek, and Great Plains.
  • RealTime is ELISA. Great Plains is liquid chromatography and mass spect.
  • Great Plains is proving to be a fabulous addition.
  • RealTime is covered by Medicare.
  • The crossover is Ochratoxin A and there is very good reproducibility.
  • Compromised detoxification will impact urinary excretion and best to provoke the system before collecting the urine to optimize results.
  • The first urine mycotoxin test is the tip of the iceberg; the second test is often much higher.

Todd Watts, DC spoke on "Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis and How to Treat" and shared:

  • His wife and children had issues with eczema; as did he.
  • CellCore BioSciences philosophy - a healthy microbiome is a healthy individual.
  • Disruptions in the microbiome may include pathogens (parasites, Lyme, viruses, retroviruses), toxins, and heavy metals.
  • Typical labs: low BUN, low alk phos, low LDH, low GGT, low D.
  • He looks at oxygen perfusion with a pulse oximeter and finds it is often low.
  • As people improve, perfusion index improves.
  • Low alk phos, low zinc, low GGT, low B6 seen in KPU.
  • Symptoms of parasites may include: chronic fatigue, depression, mood disorders, eczema, sleep issues, teeth grinding, anemia, food allergies, persistent acne, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, allergies, breathing problems, nose/mouth/anal itching, GI problems, sore joints, puffy eyes, dark circles under eyes.
  • Strongyloides is more common than we think. It can make food allergies a significant issue. It is a major cause of headaches. Can acquire through skin penetration, walking barefoot in warm, humid climates, horses, cattle, dogs, and cats. It is transmitted in utero in dogs. Can impact the biliary system.
  • It is best to measure oxygen perfusion on the middle finger of both hands.
  • There is a connection between Strongyloides and HTLV (retrovirus).
  • The whole life cycle happens in the body; it will not be resolved in a 60-day protocol.
  • Shingles may pop up when treating parasites. Viruses can be released when treating parasites and thus, both need to be treated at the same time.
  • Alan MacDonald identified a connection between nematodes and Lyme. Borrelia has been found inside nematodes, and nematodes have been found in ticks.
  • Toxoplasmosis is an issue for more than 60 million people in the US.
  • It influences GABA; men can become aggressive, and women cheat on their husbands.
  • Schistosomiasis impacts 240 million people worldwide; in fresh water where larvae are mobile.
  • Can cause fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysuria, urinary frequency, hematuria (intestinal or urinary). Can impact the nervous system, cause headaches, myeloradiculopathy, transverse myelitis, dizziness, nausea, intracranial pressure.
  • Some refer to "rope worms"; others "mucoid plaque".
  • Toxic environments allow parasites.
  • Chronic sinus issues may be related to mold, bacteria, and parasites.
  • Para 1 - mimosa pudica seed. Fat soluble. Binds onto things.
  • Para 2 - neem, vidanga, clove, triphala. Has helped with Crohns and ulcerations in the intestines, SIBO, H. Pylori. Also has BioActive Carbon.
  • BioActive Carbon helps to take herbs to areas that you want them to get to.
  • Bowel Mover - study of a lady that was not going to the bathroom for 10-14 days. After a coffee enema, she went 34 days without going to the bathroom. With Bowel Mover, she started going daily. It helped to reestablish peristalsis in the muscles; not an overnight effect. May start higher and reduce the dose over time.
  • Ammonia toxicity may be seen in Lyme and parasites. It is common in Lyme and autism.
  • Low BUN and not on a vegetarian diet could be a urea cycle issue when 10 or below.
  • High BUN when kidney markers are normal could be considered as a clue for ammonia. May be on a high protein diet. If kidney markers are good, it is clearing out. If not, it could be backed up.
  • Ammonia toxicity downregulates methylation and downregulates BH4 leading to more ammonia.
  • Low BH4 can lead to low serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, and nitric oxide.
  • If we don't make nitric oxide, there is less blood flow and less oxygen -> more peroxynitrite and increase in mast cell degranulation. Heavy metals play a major role in NOS.
  • Low urea cycle function leads to ammonia.
  • Ammonia toxicity may be addressed by moving the bowels, decreasing protein, using a biotoxin binder, clearing infections, clearing the toxins driving dysbiosis, increasing oxygen to use or recycle BH4 (Biomolecular Oxygen and BioToxin Binder).
  • Niacin, C, and oxygen recycle BH4.
  • BioActive Carbons can be taken with food and nutrients. They are high energy carbon chains (short, medium, and long), bind and restore, phospholipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.
  • They upregulate electrolytes, building blocks of cells in tissues, balance bioavailable minerals in cells. They do not deplete minerals.
  • They increase mitochondrial function, provide food for microbes in the gut, and are made at different pH levels to optimize effectiveness.
  • VirRadChem Binder may provide support for viruses, retroviruses, radiation, chemicals, and metals, mitochondrial respiration, cellular energy. Has been a game changer.
  • The way to heal the body is to improve mitochondrial function.
  • Pyrrole disorder is a depletion of zinc and B6. Oxidative stress from microbes contribute.
  • They are bringing products to market which address core issues. They test pH, energy; how many millivolts the products have.

Armin Schwarzbach, MD spoke on "Modern Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-Infections" and shared:

  • There is no evidence of a "post-Lyme syndrome".
  • Borrelia is a chameleon; a 15 million year old pathogen.
  • The oldest tick is 100 million years old.
  • The ice man treated himself and was killed by an arrow 5300 years ago.
  • Keep ticks; you can test them with PCR years later.
  • All Lyme patients have chronic fatigue / ME.
  • Sleeplessness between 2am-4am is common in Lyme; may have night sweats.
  • Most Fibromyalgia, CFS, MS, autism have Lyme as well as Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and viruses.
  • Azheimer's has been associated with Lyme.
  • Lyme patients have short-term memory loss; not long-term.
  • IgM presents first and then IgG. IgA is a key for local infection and inflammation. No IgA test for Borrelia exists but is being worked on.
  • If you believe in the ELISA for Borrelia, you got lost. 40% are positive on ELISA; 6 of 10 are misdiagnosed.
  • With Leona Gilbert, round bodies are better termed pleomorphic forms. Pathogens produce biofilms.
  • Biofilm is involved in quorum sensing and communication between organisms. Therapies have to consider biofilms. Serrapeptase, nattokinase, lumbrokinase are almost a must.
  • Round bodies can be intracellular. Rocephin does not go into cells.
  • All co-infections, viruses, and Borrelia are intracellular; must bring the pathogens out.
  • A Herxheimer reaction is a good sign.
  • Leona Gilbert has an antibody test against round bodies and cyst forms which is included in the TickPlex.
  • T Cells; CD57 < 100 is an indication of Lyme. >=100 is healthy. This is not specific for Lyme, however. It is a marker for bacterial infections. Cytokine storm with pain and sick > 1 year. Viruses can make CD57 high. CD3+ being low is a sign of viral infection. Autistic children have a low CD57; could be Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma, Borrelia, etc.
  • T cell response is first; before antibodies (B cells). T cells can be used to track progress of treatment; antibodies last much longer.
  • DNA Connexions is a good option for urine PCR testing.
  • Lymphocytes last only 6-8 weeks. If EliSpot is positive, it is a sign that the infection is not defeated. 84% sensitivity; 94% specificity.
  • Borrelia LFA-1 looks at Lymphocyte Antigten 1 which is the body's protein with Borrelia and associated with autoimmune disease. May also use ANCA for vasculitis or ANA and CCP (new ANA) for exploring autoimmunity.
  • Western Blot is also somewhat a lost direction; need to check T cells.
  • Can do the EliSpot now for many different organisms including Borrelias, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Bartonellas, Babesias, Chlamydias, Mycoplasma, Yersinia, EBV, CMV, HSV, VZV, Candida, and Aspergillus.
  • Modern diagnostics will depend on looking at T cells.
  • Culture by Advanced Labs is no longer available.
  • PCR testing makes sense in biopsies.
  • A favorite is the Bartonella EliSpot. Elevated VEGF can be a sign for Bartonella.
  • Babesia is transmitted via blood transfusions.
  • Favors the EliSpot when available.
  • For Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, likes to do both IgA and EliSpot. IgA half-life is 2 weeks.
  • Many patients think they have Lyme, but they really have EBV.
  • EBV makes cancers, breast cancer, and brain tumors.
  • Bartonella has been found to play a role in those diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • EBV and CMV play a role in Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Early antigen is the key; either re-activated or chronic persistent. EBV lytic antigen is a sign of replication.
  • If you treat an MS patient for HSV-1, you must also treat their partners.
  • Coxsackie is his favorite virus; all of his Lyme patients worldwide show Coxsackie. It can cause heart issues. Number 1 of the viruses to explore.
  • There is no Lyme patient without another infection.
  • Lyme is always Lyme + and + is viruses. Antibiotics produce more complications with viruses.
  • Lyme is a challenge, but we have bigger problems with Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma, and viruses.
  • You have to peel the onion; genetics, epigenetics, personal history, allergies, intolerances, dental issues, EMFs, geopathic stress, pesticides, environment, heavy metals, and more. The core is always the infections.

Philip Memoli, DMD spoke on "Dental Foci-Osteomyelitis (OMJ) And Osteonecrosis (ONJ) Of The Jaw" and shared:

  • He uses both science and muscle testing in his work.
  • The traditional model is "drill, fill, and bill". The same model can be applied to holistic dentistry as well.
  • He incorporates treatment of predisposing factors with homeopathics.
  • Voll (creator of EAV) once said that 70% of problems are located in the head.
  • Not flossing teeth increases overall risk of dying.
  • Bacteria that cause decay are primary colonizers; they can get into the heart valves and other parts of the body.
  • Cavitations could be a factor in non-response to treatment.
  • Taking out a root canal and putting in a zirconium implant may be done, but the removed tooth can then later become a cavitation.
  • Zirconium is better than titanium, but there is still an incidence of autoimmunity.
  • It is worse when an implant is placed in a cavitation. He is adding space to his office to remove implants.
  • Amalgams contain five inorganic metals which interfere with organic metals. Metals create a galvanic cell in our saliva. It is known not to place a mercury filling next to a gold crown, but now implants are placed between two gold crowns.
  • Mercury can be placed in 1/3 the time of a composite.
  • There are three things you do not want in the same mouth; mercury fillings, gold crowns, and implants.
  • Implants in the mouth react with implants elsewhere in the body.
  • The standard of care is that if everyone is doing it, you can't be held accountable.
  • Why are wisdom teeth extracted? Kids don't get enough calcium which leads to under-development of the jaw. Recent studies have shown that only a small percentage of wisdom tooth extractions had indications for removal.
  • OMJ/ONJ is very hard to see on an X-ray. 3D Cone Beam gives off a lot of radiation.
  • It seems to be accepted that cavitations may need to be done 3-4 times per site per patient if they are not healing. He feels you should only need to do it once.
  • 90% of dentists do not remove the ligament; adjacent bone cells can bounce off of the ligament and lead to a cavitation.
  • After dental extractions, some use steroid injections to avoid weekend interruptions.
  • Post-op complications may include pain, swelling, bad taste, dry socket, excessive bleeding, lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis, sinusitis, fever, chills, fatigue, or brain fog.
  • Flossing breaks up biofilm by disturbing them.
  • Biofilm organisms: Actinobacillus, Capnocytophaga, Campylobacter, Eikenella, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Selenomonas, and others.
  • Rinses are helpful for exposed flora but these are often good flora, dysbiotic flora are in the gum pockets.
  • With OMJ/ONJ, Strep, Actinomyces, and then Lyme and other spirochetes may be present and make gums bleed. The mouth becomes a survival place for Lyme.
  • Cavitations contain layers: bacterial, viral, fungal, chemical, heavy metals, fluoride, halogens, radiation.
  • Everyone is so stressed out that they grind their teeth.
  • Heavy metals make the bugs go craziest.
  • His detox focuses on removing mercury (which shuts down detoxification), cadmium, and fluoride.
  • A cavitation is a bullet hole in the jaw.
  • Predisposition may include medical factors, bisphosphonates, Avastin, EBV. 80% of his patients have EBV.
  • Osteomyelitis is infected but alive tissue; osteonecrosis is infected but dead tissue.
  • He does oral acupuncture, neural therapy, homeopathic remedies.
  • Ozone and lasers are not the solution; there is no silver bullet.

Kristine Gedroic, MD spoke on "Parasites and Immune Regulation: Alternatively Activated Macrophages, Th2 Dominance and Immunosuppressive Effects" and shared:

  • Parasites tend to lead to more psychosis; fungal issues to more anxiety.
  • Symptoms of parasites are worse with the full moon.
  • Bruxism is a dead ringer for parasites.
  • Feeling of movement in the belly, liver pain, fecal urgency, loose stools, anal itching, rashes, and histamine reactions can be parasites.
  • Protozoan parasites are single-celled. Helminth parasites are larger worms.
  • Nematodes, cestodes, trematodes are part of the helminths.
  • For parasites, she finds the medications really do work better.
  • Albendazole and Ivermectin for nematodes. Biltricide for cestodes and trematodes. They do a rotation for everyone being treated for parasites.
  • Inflammation is more of a success in response to eradicating micropathogens. With macropathogens, you don't want to respond with inflammation as it would be overwhelming for the host.
  • Parasitic presence is why you cannot get rid of viruses and intracellular pathogens.
  • The body produces chitinase to degrade chitin in larger organisms.
  • When going into certain biofilms, allergic reactions with rashes and histamine may present; something exposed to the immune system that is causing the reaction.
  • You eventually hit a fungal and parasitic layer and exposure to chitin stimulates IL-4 production.
  • Longstanding parasitic burden may be an explanation for low immunoglobulin subclasses.
  • Treating a patient herbally increased CD57 by 30 points in a very short period of time.
  • Helminth burden in people with longstanding mold exposure and autoimmune presentations.
  • Treating chronic Babesia with anti-helminthic strategies to resuscitate the immune system often leads to elimination of the need to treat the Babesia.
  • Excreting little rice noodles that appear jelly like can be Fasciola in the liver.
  • Microbes can stimulate TGFbeta production.
  • Treating parasites often leads to the smell of ammonia.
  • How many things out there are related to parasitic disease that people should not be suffering with?
  • We have let go of a lot of the concoctions of the past that got rid of parasites.

Darin Ingels, ND spoke on "The Lyme Solution: A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Lyme Disease Naturally" and shared:

  • 8-12 Borrelia strains that may be involved in disease.
  • Borrelia replicates every 1-16 days.
  • Doxycycline is not bactericidal; only stops replication during the replication phase.
  • MS is Lyme until proven otherwise. Treat Lyme, "MS" gets better.
  • MDL Lab sends him a copy of the test strip to review the Western Blot results.
  • Global Lyme Diagnostics developed a test that looks at a sequence on OspA unique to all Borrelia. He runs with IGeneX or MDL.
  • Support the intestinal tract: rotating probiotics, glutamine, digestive enzymes, fish oil, resveratrol, colon hydrotherapy (increases vagal tone).
  • Alkaline Diet: most tissues function best at an alkaline pH; except for stomach, bladder, and vagina.
  • Byproduct of acid is inflammation. It is not the pH of the food that matters, but what happens to it in the body.
  • Herbs cover the organisms more broadly than antibiotics.
  • Cowden: Banderol, Burbur, Cumanda, Samento.
  • Zhang: Allicin, Artemisiae, Coptis, Cordyceps (for fatigue), R5081 (spirochetes, detox, reduce inflammation, improve tissue repair), Circulation P (hypercoagulation), AI #3 (anti-inflammatory, can suppress immune system so not for long-term use), Puerarin (muscle spasms, headaches, memory, inflammation).
  • Uses Buhner, Byron White Formulas, Beyond Balance.
  • For herxes, may use AI#3, Burbur, Curcumin, Boswellia, White Willow Bark.
  • To alkalinize, Alka Seltzer Gold, Tri-Salts, Baking Soda.
  • Biofilms - serrapeptase, lumbrokinase, coconut oil, NAC.
  • To boost immunity, beta glucans (mushrooms), D, zinc, andrographis.
  • To support detox, sauna, drainage, hydrotherapy, exercise, colon hydrotherapy.
  • Likes immunotherapy using both SLIT (sublingual drops) and LDA/LDI. Have to take the burden off the immune system.
  • Allergy and autoimmune are the same pathways.
  • PEMF puts a signal into the body that is a healthy resonance; improves cellular repair, improves circulation.
  • LDN can help modulate the immune system. Homeopathy and acupuncture can be helpful.
  • LDI has been a game changer. When it works well, it works really well. When it doesn't, can complicate things.

Keith Berndtson MD spoke on "Mold Illness from a Clinical Systems Biology Perspective" and shared:

  • The olfactory nerve receptors become hypersensitized. They become better detectors than any dust sampling creating a signal that you are in danger.
  • Much of the work in the realm of mold illness is thanks to Ritchie Shoemaker's work.
  • HLA susceptibility is suspected when there is poor clearance of inhaled toxins.
  • Binders are like an empty bus to fill; if you mobilize more toxin than the empty seats on the bus, you have some re-circulation.
  • Bredesen talks about Type 3 Inhalational Alzheimer's.
  • Time-restricted diet and Prolon may be the two best fasting options.
  • Synapsin RG3 may support reduction of brain inflammation.
  • Olfactory system can lead to neuroinflammation mediated by: neuroimmune responses to PAMPS/DAMPS/VOCs, perpetuating excitotoxicity and microglial activation, activation of the inflammasome, and impaired autophagy.
  • Trascriptomics research is exciting but not yet validated. It is unclear if the information can be translated into practice.
  • Water-damaged building biotoxins and inflammation impair mitochondrial function.
  • VIP changes gene expression; is not without side effects based on patient reports.
  • We have an incomplete understanding of NeuroQuant.
  • With MARCoNS, don't know what do to at this point; increased antibiotic resistance. Some conclude that this may be the result of use of antifungals, but BEG spray itself may increase antibiotic resistance.
  • Have moved from BEG spray to colloidal silver / EDTA compounded spray, but still not impressed with eradication rates.
  • Tight junctions in the brain are the same as those in the intestines.
  • Microbes make their own ionophores (toxins).
  • Brain spirochetes can persist for decades until the immune system declines and can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer's.
  • Mast cells may lead to increased MMP9.
  • If MSH is low, there is more pressure on autophagy.
  • Ehlers Danos Syndrome - binders may mobilize things much faster in people with looser tissues; mobilizes more easily.

Disclaimer: While I attempted to accurately represent the statements of the various speakers, it is possible that the above contains errors or inaccuracies. If you have any corrections to the content listed above, please Contact Me.


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  BetterHealthGuy.com is intended to share my personal experience in recovering from my own chronic illness.  Information presented is based on my journey working with my doctors and other practitioners as well as things I have learned from conferences and other helpful resources.  As always, any medical decisions should be made only with the guidance of your own personal medical authority.  Everyone is unique and what may be right for me may not be right for others.