Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has been recognized for many years, but it has received considerably more attention recently—and it is about time. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of chronic connective-tissue disorders. Most recognized EDS subtypes have an identified genetic cause. However, the genetic basis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), the most common subtype, has not yet been definitively established. EDS can cause joints to move beyond their normal ran

Explore infectious and immune dysregulation-related root causes of mental illness.

Occasionally, a new patient sends me photographs of their tongue, and one of the more interesting findings is something called geographic tongue. Many patients tell me they have had it for years and that no one has ever been able to explain why it is there. Geographic tongue has a distinctive map-like appearance. The tongue develops irregular patches of varying colors—typically white, pink, and red—with some areas appearing smooth due to loss or flattening of the normal taste

Current recommendations for prophylactic antibiotic use after a tick bite are largely dictated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 These guidelines recommend a single high dose of doxycycline—a one-time antibiotic dose—under a fairly narrow set of criteria. At first glance, the criteria seem reasonable. In practice, there are several problems with this model.

Recently, there have been numerous reports of people becoming seriously ill after coming into contact with salt water along the East Coast—from Texas to Maine Sadly, some of these infections have resulted in loss of life or limb. Liver disease — including fatty liver — increases the risk of a severe foodborne Vibrio infection from eating raw oysters. This risk is eliminated when oysters are thoroughly cooked or roasted. The Culprit: Vibrio vulnificus The bacteria Vibrio vuln

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a relatively recently recognized syndrome that continues to be debated about in the medical community. MCAS was first characterized in 1991 and diagnostic criteria were not first classified until 2010. Some consider it very rare while others believe it affects approximately 17% of the population. Dermatographia — hive lines that immediately pop up after scratching the skin. What is a Mast Cell? A mast cell is a type of white blood cell

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system linking your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) with the enteric...

Is chronic Epstein-Barr infection real? Does having a history of Epstein bar virus infection increase risk for other chronic diseases?

In this blog post, I will be covering some new information about the evolving science of the pathophysiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Chronic abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits, and a significant impact on daily life characterize it. What is IBS? What are the types of IBS? IBS is currently classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that it involves a disrupti

Review of probiotic and gut microbiome role in healthy weight management.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the innate immune system.

There are several health benefits intermittent fasting provides. Let’s cover the benefits, the pearls and pitfalls of Intermittent Fasting.

Review of Lone Star Tick transmitted diseases, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness or STARI, and Alphal-gal Syndrome.

Oily fish, such as salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Hypermobile joints may carry an increased risk of immune-related problems if specific HLA is present.