"It’s Never Just Lyme": Dr. Casey Kelley on Co-Infections, POTS & What Actually Heals

Functional-medicine physician Dr. Casey Kelley, MD (Case Integrative Health) joins hosts Dan Wagner and Kenzie Vath to unpack why chronic Lyme is rarely “just Lyme.” We dig into co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella), POTS/dysautonomia, mold + MCAS, nervous-system regulation, and the biggest myths about testing and treatment. Dr. Kelley explains when antibiotics vs. herbs make sense (minocycline, rifampin/rifabutin, malarone/tafenoquine, dapsone, pulsing strategies), why gut + liver support determine tolerance, and how diet (gluten/dairy/sugar), vagus nerve work, and 80/20 consistency accelerate recovery. We also cover long-COVID overlap, ILADS clinician training, and what a “medical detective” intake actually looks like.If you or a loved one is navigating persistent Lyme symptoms, this episode offers actionable next steps, and hope.Quick takeaways​It’s rarely just Lyme. Co-infections, mold, and MCAS commonly overlap.​Protocols are personalized. Antibiotics and herbs both have a place; tolerance and gut health decide the pace.​Foundations first. Removing gluten, dairy, sugar + consistent stress regulation often unlock progress.​Nervous system > everything. Breathwork and vagus-nerve inputs calm inflammation loops.​Clinician training matters. ILADS offers a path for complex-illness care.​Case Integrative Health (Chicago): discovery calls, team-based care​ILADS: fundamentals, preceptorships, international conferences​Groundwork for Healing (Dr. Kelley’s course): diet, sleep, stress, detox basics​Tools: Apollo Neuro, compression, high-salt hydration (for POTS)TickTock Naturals — Organic Insect RepellentProtect your crew from ticks, mosquitoes, and spiders—without synthetic chemicals. TickTock Naturals is organic, cruelty-free (PETA-certified), eco-friendly, and designed to last 4–5 hours (even on swim or workout days). Lyme+ listeners get 20% off with code GLA at ticktocknaturals.com Because prevention is powerful.)Vital Plan — Restore 180 by Dr. RawlsA six-month herbal program to support the nervous system, gut repair, and microbial balance—for those building sustainable healing, not quick fixes. Learn more at vitalplan.com.