Episode #226: Microglial Activation in Chronic Illness with Dr. Jonathan Streit, DC, CPN, IFMCP

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the role of microglial activation in complex, chronic illness. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Jonathan Streit.  Jonathan Streit, DC, CPN, IFMCP is a Functional and European Biological Medicine practitioner.  He has dedicated his professional life to helping patients with complex chronic illnesses.  His passion for this type of work grew from walking with his wife through her own battle with Epstein Barr and Lyme disease.  Since then, Dr. Streit has focused his career on applying and advancing these approaches to address the deeper roots surrounding chronic illness.  He's the co-founder of the Institute for Restorative Health, where he and his team use their BioRestorative Method™ a comprehensive approach that blends European Biological Medicine, Functional Medicine, neurology, nutrition, and terrain-based healing principles.  Dr. Streit has trained with internationally recognized leaders in healthcare, completed postdoctoral work through the American Institute of Postural Neurology, and teaches pathology and functional medicine for the University of Integrative Health doctoral program.  With nearly two decades of clinical experience, he has supported patients across a wide range of chronic health challenges.  To bring these insights to the many still struggling without answers, he wrote "Silent Spark: An Unseen Force Fueling Chronic Illness and How to Heal", a book that sheds light on the often-overlooked deepest roots keeping people sick. Key Takeaways: What are microglia and their role in chronic illness? What are the M1 and M2 states of the microglia? What symptoms or conditions may be associated with chronically activated microglia? What cytokines and interleukins do microglia produce? Is there any testing available to explore microglial activation? What are the most common triggers of the microglia? Can the microglia remain activated long after the threat is gone? What are the primary roles of the microglia? What conditions are associated with under-pruning or over-pruning? Does microglial activation overlap with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? Does the limbic system play a role in microglial activation? How has COVID further complicated the microglial conversation? What is the role of the microglia in neurodegenerative conditions? Does the external environment play a role in triggering the microglia? What is the gut-brain-microglial axis? How do hormones impact the microglia? Can EMR/EMFs be a trigger for the microglia? What is the role of chronic stress in microglial activation? Do the microglia play a role in pain syndromes or seizures? What treatment options are available to support the microglia? Connect With My Guest:  InsituteForRestorativeHealth.com Related Resources: Book - Silent Spark: An Unseen Force Fueling Chronic Illness and How to Heal Interview Date: December 11, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode226. Support the Show: To support the show and Buy Me a Coffee, visit https://betterhealthguy.link/BuyMeACoffee. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.