So many of you have asked me about Lyme disease and mold, and today I'm bringing you someone who has studied - and lived - them both.Tricia Soderstrom spent two years chasing a diagnosis while her joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive fog got dismissed as "normal pregnancy stuff" and then "just getting older." When she finally tested positive for Lyme, her doctor gave her the real news: she'd likely had it a long time, probably had co-infections too, and this wasn't going to be quick.In this episode, we get into:Why standard Lyme tests miss the diagnosis roughly 70% of the time — and why a negative result doesn't mean you're in the clearWhat co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia are, and why they change your treatment entirelyWhat happened when Tricia's kids started showing symptoms too, and how a single dose of "prophylactic" antibiotics can quietly sabotage future testingFour and a half years on antibiotics with zero nutritional support — and what she wishes she'd known before starting that protocolThe mold connection neither of us expected: how it can make Lyme symptoms worse, and why "the inspector said it's fine" isn't always true (we've both heard that one)Learning to live outside again without holding your breath every time you walk through the grassIf you've ever been told "your bloodwork is normal" while your body told you something else, this one's for you.Find Tricia at aboundinginhopewithlyme.com, and follow her @aboundinginhopewithlyme on Instagram and Facebook.You can find Laurel Brennan @rootcauseology and www.rootcauseology.com

Your bloodwork came back normal. Your doctor says you're fine. But the brain fog, the joint pain, the fatigue that won't lift — something is off, and no one can tell you what.It might be in your house.In this episode, functional medicine practitioner Laurel Brennan tells the story of her own mold exposure — what it did to her health and her family's, how long it went undetected, and the moment she finally connected the dots. She breaks down how mold drives inflammation behind autoimmune conditions, brain fog, and neurological symptoms, and why so many people live in water-damaged homes for years without knowing it.You'll learn why standard air sampling can miss the problem, how dust-based testing like the ERMI gives you a clearer picture of what's actually in your environment, and the first steps to take if you suspect mold in your home.Because when you don't know, you don't know. And once you do, you can't unknow it. TakeawaysMold can cause a wide range of symptoms, from neurological issues to joint pain.Air samples may not be reliable; an ERMI, like The Dust Test, provides better insights.Curiosity and instinct are important in detecting mold problems.Water-damaged homes often harbor hidden mold that affects health.Testing your environment can help prevent long-term health issues.Chapters00:00Introduction and Personal Journey01:00Understanding Mold and Its Health Impacts03:18Mold Inspection Experiences06:03Symptoms and Family Health Issues10:19Moving to a New Home and Initial Relief12:08Emerging Symptoms and Concerns15:46Learning About Mold Testing19:50Deciding on Remediation or Moving20:34Challenges in a New Apartment22:49The Impact of Mold on Health24:20Lessons Learned and Final ThoughtsResourcesDust Test EnviroBiomicsEpisode #9 with Brian Karr from WeInspect

SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Jen Belew shares her journey from traditional pharmacy to functional medicine, focusing on hormone health, stress management, and cardiovascular wellness for high-performing women. Discover practical insights on testing, hormone therapy, and lifestyle strategies to optimize health and prevent chronic disease.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Functional Medicine and Hormones02:34 Personal Journey into Functional Medicine05:24 Common Patterns in High-Performing Women07:08 Understanding Cortisol and Its Effects10:52 Testing for Cortisol Levels12:46 The Connection Between Stress and Cardiovascular Health18:16 Listening to Your Body's Signals26:46 The Importance of Comprehensive Health Assessments27:42 Unwinding the Past: Understanding Health Journeys30:00 The Importance of Sleep and Gut Health31:04 Hormones, Stress, and Brain Function38:12 Exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy46:08 Supplements: Tools for Wellness50:05 Fueling the Body: Nutrition and Self-CareResourcesBeyond the Dose - Dr. Jen Belew - https://www.beyondthedose.comFunctional Medicine Pharmacists Alliance - https://www.fmpa.orgDutch Testing for Cortisol - https://dutchtest.comRootCauseology - https://rootcauseology.com/

I'm back. And if you've ever hit your capacity and something had to give, you already understand why I was gone.Season three of Get to the Root of It starts here, with a quick, honest explanation of where I've been, what the last year-plus taught me, and what's coming. Environmental illness, two moves, and a TED talk I almost couldn't deliver. That's the short version. We'll go deeper in a future episode.But before we get into all of that, I'm sharing the two things that carried me through the hardest stretch of my life. Not supplements. Not protocols. Trust, and community.This is the first of our new mini episodes, short enough for your lunch break, specific enough to actually matter. Solo episodes and guest interviews will alternate all season, designed to be helpful in a real, usable way.So if you're new here, welcome. If you're back, thank you for waiting.Get to the Root of It returns every Monday at 6am. Season three is just getting started.P.S. As promised in the episode, here is the link to see the TEDx talk, "Transforming Brain Health Through Community."

SUMMARY Dr. Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician, discusses her journey into naturopathic medicine and her focus on Lyme disease and autoimmune conditions. She shares her personal experience with Lyme disease and the challenges of diagnosing and treating it. Dr. Patterson emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper testing for Lyme disease and its co-infections. She also discusses the use of antibiotics, herbs, and lifestyle changes in the treatment of Lyme disease. Additionally, she highlights the significance of addressing environmental factors, such as mold, and finding a balance between enjoying nature and preventing tick bites. In this conversation, Dr. Jaquel Patterson discusses Lyme disease and its connection to autoimmune conditions. She provides recommendations for preventing tick bites, including using effective sprays and treating clothing and shoes. Dr. Patterson also emphasizes the importance of being mindful of pets as they can carry ticks into the home. She explains that Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis and discusses the challenges of determining if a person is cured. Dr. Patterson explores the relationship between Lyme disease and autoimmune conditions, including the role of molecular mimicry. She also shares information about Lyme literate doctors and alternative treatments for Lyme disease. TAKEAWAYS Dr. Jaquel Patterson's interest in naturopathic medicine was sparked by her mother's experience with autoimmune conditions. Lyme disease and autoimmune conditions are the main focus areas of Dr. Patterson's practice. Prevention, early detection, and proper testing are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. Treatment for Lyme disease may involve antibiotics, herbs, and lifestyle changes. Addressing environmental factors, such as mold, is important in the management of Lyme disease. Finding a balance between enjoying nature and preventing tick bites is a challenge for individuals with Lyme disease. Preventing tick bites is crucial, and effective sprays and treating clothing and shoes can help. Pets can carry ticks into the home, so it's important to be mindful of their presence. Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis that considers both lab tests and clinical symptoms. The connection between Lyme disease and autoimmune conditions is complex, with molecular mimicry playing a role. Finding a Lyme literate doctor can be helpful in getting proper treatment. Alternative treatments like hyperthermia, ozone therapy, and IV nutrient therapies may be beneficial for some individuals. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Jaquel Patterson 02:32 The Journey into Naturopathic Medicine 05:54 The Focus on Lyme Disease and Autoimmune Conditions 10:19 Prevention, Early Detection, and Proper Testing for Lyme Disease 14:05 Treatment Approaches for Lyme Disease 17:53 Addressing Environmental Factors in Lyme Disease 20:52 Finding a Balance: Enjoying Nature and Preventing Tick Bites 30:24 Preventing Tick Bites and Protecting Pets 33:52 Lyme Disease: Clinical Diagnosis and Cure 37:08 The Connection Between Lyme Disease and Autoimmune Conditions 46:24 Finding Lyme Literate Doctors 50:31 Alternative Treatments for Lyme Disease Find Jaquel Patterson, ND at https://www.fairfieldfamilyhealth.com/ on Instagram @naturopathic.physician Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT Resources: https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation

Summary Dr. Mark Davis discusses the difference between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. He explains that IBS is a functional disease with no detectable organic changes, while IBD is an autoimmune disease with detectable changes in the tissues. Dr. Davis also explores the impact of the gut on the rest of the body, particularly the brain, through the nervous system and the blood. He highlights the role of the vagus nerve in gut-brain communication and the influence of the gut microbiome on cognitive function. Additionally, he discusses fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for C. diff colitis and its potential benefits for IBD and neurodegenerative conditions. In this conversation, Dr. Mark Davis discusses the screening process for stool donors and the importance of selecting healthy individuals. He also addresses the connection between gut health and mental health, specifically in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Davis shares various treatment approaches for anxiety and depression, including herbal medicine and therapeutic massage. The conversation also explores the potential link between IBD and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the role of diet in reducing inflammation and increasing microbial diversity in the gut. Dr. Davis concludes by discussing the potential benefits of combining helminthic therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). 01:30 Introduction and Background 13:06 Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection 17:17 The Potential of FMT 33:54 Gut-Brain Connection in IBD 40:09 IBD and Alzheimer's Disease 44:53 Diet and Gut Health 48:56 Combining Helminthic Therapy and FMT for MS Dr. Mark Davis Dr. Davis received his doctorate of naturopathic medicine with honors in research from National University of Natural Medicine, and he is a fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. He is faculty at Sonoran University of Health Sciences (where he teaches the naturopathic gastroenterology course), and former ranked faculty at Maryland University of Integrative Health, a founder and board member of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and on the editorial board of the Natural Medicine Journal. Dr. Davis is licensed in California, Maryland, Oregon, and the District of Columbia. You can find him at https://www.markdavisnd.net/ Click any link below to connect with Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT, CHC, ReCODE 2.0  Brain Health Quiz: What is Your Risk for Cognitive Decline? ⁠⁠https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠  YouTube RootCauseologywithLaurelBrennan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-brennan-38931945/ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation

Summary Marly Jones, a doctor of naturopathy, shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic illness and focusing on brain and nervous system health. She emphasizes the importance of calming the central nervous system and getting out of the cell danger response to promote healing. Marly discusses the benefits of Neuroptimal brain training systems, which help regulate the brain and promote relaxation. She highlights the transformative power of Neuroptimal in her own life and encourages others to try it as a tool for optimizing brain health. Takeaways Calming the central nervous system is crucial for promoting healing and optimal health. Neuroptimal brain training systems can help regulate the brain and promote relaxation. Neuroptimal is a transformative tool that can be used to optimize brain health. Getting out of the cell danger response and into the parasympathetic nervous system is essential for healing and well-being. Neuroptimal is a neurofeedback system that optimizes brain function by detecting cortical activity. It is a simple and easy-to-use system that consists of five sensors, ear clips, and a grounding wire. Neuroptimal helps individuals achieve stress resilience, flexibility to change, and improved mental state. It can be used by anyone, from those with brain injuries to peak performance athletes. Chapters 02:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 13:11 The Importance of Calming the Central Nervous System 25:00 Promoting Healing through the Parasympathetic Nervous System 27:05 Introduction to Neuroptimal 33:20 Using Neuroptimal at Home 35:41 Building Stress Resilience and Flexibility to Change 38:00 Addressing Neuroinflammation and Neurotoxins 41:34 Calming the Stress Response and Healing the Nervous System 47:04 Reducing the Need for Chemical Alterations 50:23 Getting Good at Stress and Flooding the Body with Happy Chemicals Get in touch with Marly Jones, ND at https://harmonyneurofeedback.com/ Facebook Instagram LinkedIn ⁠https://linktr.ee/marlyjones⁠ Click any link below to connect with Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT, CHC, ReCODE 2.0  Detox Guide for Brain Health ⁠⁠https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠  YouTube RootCauseologywithLaurelBrennan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-brennan-38931945/ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation

Over 212 million Americans say their biggest fear about growing older is developing Alzheimer’s. Part of why we’re so afraid is that we believe it’s untreatable. But what if we could not only prevent cognitive decline, but actually reverse it? In REVERSING ALZHEIMER’S: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health (HarperCollins, June 11, 2024), Dr. Heather Sandison, a leading expert in dementia care, proves that reversal is possible, and is already occurring in patients at Solcere, her brain-optimization clinic, and Marama, her memory care facility, in San Diego, California. You can learn more about her book and other offerings here: /https://www.drheathersandison.com/ SUMMARY Dr. Sandison discusses cognitive decline, dementia stages, and importance of lifestyle changes. Modifiable risk factors like hearing loss, hypertension, and social isolation increase dementia risk. Sleep apnea contributes to cognitive decline. A complex approach addressing toxicity, nutrients, and other root causes is needed for Alzheimer's. Brain-nourishing environments are crucial. TAKEAWAYS - Personalized lifestyle interventions can help cognitive decline. - Addressing modifiable risks and maintaining cognitive reserve is key. - Sleep apnea treatment is essential to prevent further decline. - Toxicity reduction and creating nourishing environments improve cognition. - Sandison's book provides toolkit for better brain health. 02:00 Introduction and Background 04:43 Understanding Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's 11:34 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia 16:42 The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Decline 26:10 The Role of Toxicity in Cognitive Decline 32:55 Creating Brain Nourishing Environments 38:55 A Comprehensive Toolkit for Improving Cognition Click any link below to connect with Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT, CHC, ReCODE 2.0  Detox Guide for Brain Health ⁠⁠https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠  YouTube RootCauseologywithLaurelBrennan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-brennan-38931945/ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation

Summary Brain health coach Ryan Glatt shares his insights on the importance of collaboration between rehabilitation clinicians and the use of motivational interviewing in promoting meaningful and purposeful exercise routines for brain health. He recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of varied exercise per week, emphasizing that the total amount of exercise is more important than the type. Glatt also discusses the benefits of dual-task learning, racket sports, gamification, virtual reality, and activities that incorporate visual spatial navigation for cognitive improvement. He highlights a systematic review that found significant improvements in processing speed and executive function in older adults who engaged in exercise for 52 hours over 6 to 12 months. Glatt also mentions the Brain Health Trainer course he created in collaboration with ACE and his plans for the future. Takeaways Collaboration between rehabilitation clinicians is essential for delivering better care to individuals. Motivational interviewing and understanding individual preferences are crucial for sustainable behavior change. Meaningful and purposeful activity should be incorporated into exercise routines. Exercise recommendations for brain health include a minimum of 150 minutes per week, a variety of exercise types, and a mix of low, moderate, and high intensity. Engaging in exercise for 52 hours over 6 to 12 months can lead to significant improvements in processing speed and executive function in older adults. The type of exercise doesn't matter as much as the total amount of exercise. Dual task learning, which involves engaging in activities that require simultaneous cognitive and physical load, can improve cognition and prevent falls. Racket sports, although lacking in research, are believed to be beneficial for brain health due to their requirement of hand-eye coordination, processing speed, and visuospatial skills. Gamification and virtual reality can enhance cognitive training by providing a goal, challenge, competition, reward, and novelty. Activities that incorporate visual spatial navigation, such as orienteering, can improve memory and working memory. Chapters 02:10 Introduction and Background 02:51 Ryan's Journey and Interest in Brain Health 09:22 Collaboration with Other Rehabilitation Clinicians 10:42 Motivational Interviewing and Communication Strategies 11:55 Finding Meaningful and Purposeful Activity 15:07 Exercise Recommendations for Brain Health 24:31 Exercise Goals for Brain Health 28:42 Addressing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss 29:57 Exercise and Cognitive Improvement 32:10 Dual Task Learning 39:31 Racket Sports and Cognitive Benefits 42:52 Gamification and Brain Health 47:34 Visual Spatial Navigation and Brain Health 50:49 Brain Health Trainer Course 51:10 Motivating Couch Potatoes 52:35 Future Plans 53:13 Where to Find Ryan Glatt Click any link below to connect with Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT, CHC, ReCODE 2.0  Detox Guide for Brain Health ⁠⁠https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠  YouTube RootCauseologywithLaurelBrennan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-brennan-38931945/ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation Click any link below to connect with Ryan Glatt Pacific Neuroscience Institute LinkedIn

Summary Meagan Hughes, a licensed professional music therapist and music imagery therapist, discusses the difference between music therapy and music imagery therapy. She explains that music therapy uses music to achieve therapeutic goals within a therapeutic relationship, while music imagery therapy uses music as a container and stimulus to activate an individual's creative imagination. Meagan shares her journey in the field of music therapy and her experiences working in different settings. She also provides insights into what a typical music therapy session looks like and how music therapy benefits the brain and nervous system. Music therapy has the power to connect people and create an environment that challenges and supports individuals. It is used in various settings, including dementia care, to improve mood, cognitive functions, memory, and socialization. Music therapy also benefits caregivers and staff by reducing burnout and enhancing the overall environment. Music is a universal language that can bridge language barriers and create cross-cultural connections. It promotes mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and emotional regulation. Learning a new instrument can be a powerful cognitive stimulation. Music therapy sessions involve getting to know the client, relaxation, imagery, and creative expression. Takeaways Music therapy uses music to achieve therapeutic goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music imagery therapy uses music as a container and stimulus to activate an individual's creative imagination. Music therapy sessions can vary depending on the setting and goals, but they often involve creating a structure where clients can engage with music and express themselves. Music therapy has various benefits for the brain and nervous system, including regulating emotions, stimulating the release of feel-good chemicals, and promoting bonding and connection. Music therapy can be beneficial for individuals with or without musical experience, as it focuses on personal preferences and creating a safe and supportive environment. Music therapy can connect people and create a supportive environment. It is beneficial in dementia care, improving mood, cognition, memory, and socialization. Music therapy reduces burnout and enhances the environment for caregivers and staff. Music is a universal language that can bridge language barriers and create cross-cultural connections. It promotes mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and emotional regulation. Learning a new instrument can be a powerful cognitive stimulation. Music therapy sessions involve relaxation, imagery, and creative expression. Chapters 02:10 Introduction and Overview 03:38 Understanding Music Therapy and Music Imagery Therapy 10:12 Exploring a Typical Music Therapy Session 17:29 The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Music Therapy 25:04 The Power of Music to Connect and Support 26:58 Music Therapy in Dementia Care 29:32 Music Therapy for Caregivers and Staff 31:05 Music as a Universal Language 33:55 Music and Mindfulness 37:31 Cognitive Stimulation through Music Get in Touch with Meagan Hughes www.musicalmethodsmt.com Facebook  Instagram    LinkedIn Click any link below to connect with Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT, CHC, ReCODE 2.0  Detox Guide for Brain Health ⁠⁠https://www.rootcauseology.com/⁠⁠ for information on Brain Health Services, Yoga, and⁠ ⁠Brain Health Retreats⁠ Instagram @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok @rootcauseology⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook @rootcauseology⁠⁠  YouTube RootCauseologywithLaurelBrennan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-brennan-38931945/ Private⁠ ⁠Facebook Group, Brain Wellness & Dementia Prevention Schedule a Free Consultation