Episode 115 - Cory Tichauer, ND - Inside The Next Generation Of Lyme Testing

MEET THE GUEST Dr. Cory Tichauer is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor with 22 years of experience in complex chronic illness and tick-borne infections at Bear Creek Naturopathic Clinic in southern Oregon. A longtime ILADS member and former board director, he also belongs to ISEAI, the ISMCAS, and the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Dr. Cory uses functional medicine, naturopathic therapies, individualized pharmaceuticals, and advanced diagnostics to remove obstacles to health and support the body's self-repair mechanisms.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT Dr. Tichauer's background as a naturopathic physician and why he chose that path over conventional medicineHow chronic infection, particularly tick-borne illness, emerged as a central focus of his clinical practiceHis involvement with ILADS and the role of the organization in advancing provider educationWhy current two-tiered Lyme testing (ELISA + immunoblot) misses a large percentage of chronic casesThe use of the B31 lab strain in standard testing and how it contributes to false negativesHow immune suppression, biofilm formation, and the intracellular nature of Borrelia reduce antibody productionHow lab threshold cutoffs are calibrated for acute care, not chronic illnessThe difference between qualitative and quantitative ELISA results, and why specific band markers matterJavora Health: what it is, how it was created, and its mission to increase access to quality Lyme testingThe TASO home blood collection kit: how it works, why it's well-tolerated, and how samples are processedArmin Labs: what makes it one of the most validated Lyme testing labs, including CAP certification and German standardsThe TickPlex panel and the scope of co-infections, chronic viral infections, and parasites it can screen forRound body (persister form) Lyme testing and why up to two-thirds of chronic Lyme patients test negative on standard ELISAThe LymEspot (ELISpot/lymphocyte transformation test): how T-cell testing can detect active infection within 10 to 14 days of exposureSerial testing as a tool to track treatment progress, including why an initial antibody increase after treatment can be a positive signThe three-pillar natural support protocol: immune upregulation, biofilm disruption, and antimicrobial herbsJavora's symptom-tracking app, online quiz for test selection, and Dr. Tichauer's weekly open office hoursThe future of Lyme testing: the need for consensus between functional and conventional medicine, and what improved direct-organism testing could look likeEPISODE RESOURCES  JivoraGet accurate tick-borne illness testing to support earlier detection and personalized care.https://jivora.co/pages/ambassador-programDesbioSupplements that support chronic illness recovery. Use our link for 5% off.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/DesBioTick MittStop Lyme before it happens with a chemical-free tick-removing mitt. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% off.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/tickmittTick TockStay safe from tick-borne illness with natural tick and mosquito repellents. https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/ticktocknaturalsNIKKI Support your holistic Lyme routine with a wearable wellness device. Receive 10% off using code TRAILTOHEALTH.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/NikkiCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:http://jivorahealth.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/jivorahealthFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/jivorahealthKEYWORDSLyme disease testing, home Lyme test, tick-borne illness, chronic Lyme, Borrelia testing, Armin Labs, co-infection testing, Lyme literate doctor, naturopathic Lyme treatment, ILADS, Javora Health