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Chronic Lyme & Recurrent UTIs: The Overlooked Bladder Connection
Chronic Lyme Can Hide in the Bladder Borrelia burgdorferi is a corkscrew-shaped spirochete capable of drilling into the bladder wall, creating persistent inflammation even when urine cultures appear normal. This often leads to misdiagnosis as Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome. Standard Testing Misses Embedded Infections Conventional urine cultures only detect free-floating bacteria, not organisms embedded in tissue or protected by biofilms. Advanced DNA-based testing, such as MicroGenDX, can identify hidden pathogens and guide targeted treatment. Healing Requires a Root-Cause, Integrative Approach Successful treatment combines antimicrobials, biofilm disruptors, detox support, hormonal balance, and immune regulation—rather than repeated short courses of antibiotics alone.
I am very grateful to live near the beach, so I make it a ritual to walk barefoot almost every day
I am very grateful to live near the beach, so I make it a ritual to walk barefoot almost every day. 🌊☀️ Grounding involves connecting with the Earth’s electrical energy by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, sand, or even through direct skin contact with natural bodies of water. Grounding has been shown to: – Reduce inflammation. Grounding has anti-inflammatory effects. It is believed that contact with the Earth’s surface may help neutralize excess free radicals and reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and chronic pain. – Improve sleep. Grounding has been linked to improvements in sleep quality. This may be attributed to its ability to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and reduce stress, thereby promoting more restful sleep patterns. – Reduce stress. Direct contact with the Earth helps regulate the body’s stress response and lower cortisol levels. – Protect against EMFs. Some proponents of grounding believe that it helps shield the body from the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by electronic devices. It’s suggested that through grounding, the body can discharge excess EMFs and maintain a more balanced bioelectrical state. – Promote wound healing. There is some research indicating that grounding may accelerate wound healing by promoting blood flow, oxygenation, and immune responses at the site of injury. – Support the immune system. The anti-inflammatory effects of grounding indirectly support the immune system. By reducing chronic inflammation, the body’s immune resources could be better allocated to fight off infections and other health challenges. This week, touch grass! 🏝️🌱
Seed oils didn’t exist in the human diet 100 years ago, but now they’re everywhere
Seed oils didn’t exist in the human diet 100 years ago, but now they’re everywhere. Canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, etc. are found in nearly every processed food. They’re marketed as “heart-healthy,” but seed oils are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, which are unstable and prone to oxidation. When exposed to heat or light during processing, storage, cooking, or in our bodies they break down into harmful compounds like aldehydes and free radicals. These byproducts are linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even cancer. One review (PMID: 28925728) found that repeatedly heated oils, a common practice in restaurants, can form carcinogens tied to lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Seed oils also interfere with how your mitochondria make energy. Research has shown they interfere with enzymes needed for healthy glucose metabolism (PDH, cytochrome c oxidase), lower the NAD+/NADH ratio which disrupts ATP production, deplete antioxidants like vitamin E, impair thyroid function, and increase estrogen levels. These effects are dangerous over time, and especially for young people who’ve never known a diet without them. Gastrointestinal cancer rates are rising fastest in adults under 40. In December of last year researchers at the University of South Florida found that seed oils, commonly used in processed foods, may be a major contributing factor to the increasing rates in younger adults. I prefer to eat traditional foods that have been around for thousands of years. Our ancestors ate based on generations of accumulated wisdom, refining their diets through experience rather than relying on studies. It’s easy to assume we’ve outsmarted the past, but traditional diets were built on what worked-nutrient dense, high quality foods that sustained life. If you’re unsure what to eat, start with whole, unprocessed foods that have nourished us for centuries. 🙂
Drinking coffee is one of my favorite habits to help prevent cancer! A review of over a thousand
Drinking coffee is one of my favorite habits to help prevent cancer! A review of over a thousand compounds in coffee (PMID: 36769029) found consistent associations between regular coffee intake and reduced risks of liver, endometrial, thyroid, and colorectal cancers. — Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid, which neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative DNA damage, a major trigger for cancer development. These antioxidants protect cells from damage and DNA from mutations. — Coffee stimulates bile flow and enhances phase II liver detoxification enzymes, helping clear estrogen metabolites and environmental toxins. Compounds like chlorogenic acid, cafestol, and kahweol strengthen these processes and add anti‑inflammatory support. — A 2012 randomized trial (PMID: 23078574) showed that in men, just two cups of caffeinated coffee per day increased testosterone by 67% and simultaneously reduced free and total estradiol by about 45% after four weeks Meanwhile, other data suggest caffeine may raise progesterone indirectly by reducing prolactin and supporting adrenal function, though findings are mixed and likely vary by stress level, gender, and metabolic context. — Coffee improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which lowers the risk of insulin-resistant cancers such as colorectal and pancreatic cancer. If coffee makes you feel anxious or shaky, it’s usually not the caffeine, it’s a blood sugar issue. The liver plays a major role in regulating glucose, and when it doesn’t have enough stored glycogen, drinking coffee can lead to a dip in blood sugar, triggering a stress response and a spike in cortisol. Adding cream, honey, or drinking coffee with a meal can blunt this effect. It’s best to avoid drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. And interestingly, with regular intake, many people find that coffee actually improves liver function over time, leading to better glucose regulation and less reactivity. I always use a stainless steel percolator to make my coffee. My fav coffee maker & coffee are on my Amazon storefront (linked in my bio). You can also purchase the coffee @perfectly__healthy 🙂
There are actually many non-toxic, inexpensive, and effective therapies that are overlooked in
There are actually many non-toxic, inexpensive, and effective therapies that are overlooked in medicine. Each of these targets a specific metabolic or hormonal imbalance that can contribute to chronic disease, including cancer. – Progesterone: one of the only true “anti-estrogens,” counters uninhibited cellular proliferation. (Bioidentical cream = $20–50 per bottle depending on dose) – Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): helps to restore normal glucose metabolism and shift cells away from glycolysis. (Thiamine HCl or benfotiamine = $10–30 per bottle) – Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): helps to increase NAD+, restores healthy metabolism, and prevents excessive fatty acid oxidation. ($10–25 per bottle) – Magnesium: supports mitochondrial energy production, stabilizes cell membranes, and reduces excitotoxicity and inflammation. ($10–20 per bottle depending on form) – T3 (thyroid hormone, liothyronine): stimulates oxidative metabolism, raises body temperature, and promotes differentiation in some tissues. ($30/month) – Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): reduces lactate and helps to normalize the tumor microenvironment. ($1–5 per box) – Vitamin D3 + K2: one of the most potent substances for inducing cellular differentiation, supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and regulates hormones. (Sunlight = free; supplements = $5–20) – Aspirin: anti-inflammatory, reduces excessive fatty acid oxidation, promotes mitochondrial respiration, blocks prostaglandins, and reduces excess estrogen. ($5–15 per bottle) – Caffeine: supports liver detoxification, increases bile flow, increases metabolic rate, and enhances mitochondrial respiration. Also shown to inhibit fibrosis and may help reduce risk of liver and colon cancers. ($10–20 per bottle of tablets or 1 lb coffee) 💙💙
Progesterone is one of the most protective hormones on earth, yet it is often overlooked in medicine
Progesterone is one of the most protective hormones on earth, yet it is often overlooked in medicine. Part of the problem is that it has been lumped together with synthetic progestins, lab-made compounds that mimic some of progesterone’s effects but come with an entirely different risk profile. Unlike natural progesterone, progestins have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, heart disease, and even cancer. The distinction could not be more important. While progestins can disrupt hormonal balance, true progesterone is deeply restorative. Progesterone is not just a reproductive hormone. It protects the brain, stabilizes mood, reduces inflammation, supports metabolic health, and directly opposes the harmful effects of excess estrogen, one of the most well-documented drivers of cancer and disease. It enhances mitochondrial function, making cells more resilient to stress, and has even been shown to slow tumor growth in several types of cancer. Researchers have never found a toxic dose, which is remarkable considering how tightly regulated most hormones are. Progesterone matters, not just for fertility or pregnancy, but for longevity and disease prevention. It is one of the most important and inexpensive tools we have in medicine.
Some cancer myths: Cancer isn’t purely genetic
Some cancer myths: Cancer isn’t purely genetic. Only 5-10% of cancers have a genetic component at play. While certain genes may increase risk, most cancers develop through a combination of environmental exposures, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction. Genes load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger. Chemotherapy isn’t the only effective treatment. It can be useful for shrinking tumors, but it doesn’t address the environment that allowed cancer to grow in the first place. There are many less toxic therapies that are not widely used but can help restore metabolic balance and improve quality of life, all of which are critical for recovery. Early detection doesn’t always improve outcomes. Screening is useful, but it’s not a cure, and it can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment when applied indiscriminately. Sugar doesn’t “feed” cancer. Cancer cells consume glucose, but so do all healthy cells. Cutting out sugar completely doesn’t starve cancer; the body compensates by making its own glucose through gluconeogenesis. This approach has been tried repeatedly without success. What matters more is the metabolic environment, not just sugar intake. Not all tumors are dangerous or need to be removed. A meta-analysis in the International Journal of Cancer found that 59% of men over 79 had undiagnosed microscopic prostate cancer at death, yet died of unrelated causes. The presence of cancer doesn’t always mean it needs to be treated aggressively. Context matters. Cancer isn’t just bad luck. Some things are out of our control, but cancer usually arises when the body’s internal regulation breaks down over time: chronic stress, poor diet, environmental toxins, and hormonal disruption. Every effect has a cause. Removing healthy organs isn’t true prevention. Cutting out healthy tissue doesn’t resolve the underlying imbalances that lead to cancer. Every organ serves a purpose, and removing them can create new problems. Real prevention means making sure cells are functioning optimally, not eliminating body parts that haven’t failed.
My fav! 🥩🤍 What’s your go to dinner ? #simplemeals #steaknight
My fav! 🥩🤍 What’s your go to dinner ? #simplemeals #steaknight
A few “healthy habits” that may do more harm than good: Fasting
A few “healthy habits” that may do more harm than good: Fasting. When you’re not eating, blood sugar drops, cortisol rises, and your body begins breaking down its own tissues for energy. This suppresses thyroid function, disrupts hormonal balance, and slows metabolic rate. The body operates best when it’s fed consistently. Cold plunges. Extreme cold exposure increases adrenaline and activates the stress response. While this may feel energizing short-term, it suppresses thyroid activity and lowers core body temperature, both signs of a slowed metabolism. In people who are already stressed, cold plunges can delay healing and worsen hormonal imbalances. Cutting carbohydrates. Without enough carbs, the body raises stress hormones like cortisol to convert muscle tissue into sugar. This process (gluconeogenesis) is energy-intensive and inflammatory. Low-calorie diets. Chronic calorie restriction tells the body that resources are scarce, so it lowers metabolism, slows thyroid function, and halts reproductive processes. While weight may drop initially, it’s often muscle loss, not fat. Excessively cutting calories can cause hormonal disruption, and long-term metabolic damage. Avoiding the sun. Sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis, circadian rhythm regulation, and a healthy metabolism. Avoiding the sun increases the risk of hormonal imbalances and internal cancers. Sensible sun exposure, without burning, is essential for metabolic health. Eating a plant-based diet. Many plant-based diets are high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), and low in critical nutrients like vitamin A, B12, and calcium. Soy and flax are also estrogenic and can disrupt hormonal balance. While plants have a role in the diet, over-relying on them can slow metabolism. Taking iron supplements. Iron deficiency is often a symptom, not the root issue. In many cases, the problem isn’t too little iron. Supplementing without addressing these factors can do more harm than good. Excess iron gets stored in tissues like the liver and heart, promotes oxidative stress, and feeds pathogens. It’s better to identify and correct what’s actually blocking proper iron metabolism. ❤️
In May, I had hip surgery! I’ve spent the last few months recovering, going to physical therapy, and
In May, I had hip surgery! I’ve spent the last few months recovering, going to physical therapy, and slowly rebuilding strength. To help manage pain during the healing process, I’ve been using aspirin when needed. Aspirin is derived from willow bark, a natural remedy used for pain and inflammation since ancient Greece and Rome. The active compound, salicin, was originally extracted from willow trees, and its modern form, acetylsalicylic acid, has been studied for over a century. It’s one of the most well-researched drugs in the world, and we’re still discovering new benefits. Aspirin is great because it has countless other benefits outside of just pain relief, especially for cancer prevention. It helps lower inflammation at the root by blocking COX enzymes, supports immune function, reduces blood clotting, improves insulin sensitivity, and even helps regulate estrogen. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and still effective even when used occasionally. I personally like the GeriCare and Health Natura brands because they’re free of unnecessary fillers. If you’re using aspirin regularly or even semi-regularly, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin K to support healthy clotting, and I like to pair it with glycine to help protect the stomach lining and reduce irritation. It’s a simple, time-tested strategy that can go a long way in supporting recovery. 🤍🌿