Emotional Recovery and Nervous System Support During Treatment
Recovering from tick-borne disease, mold exposure, or long COVID can be physically exhausting — but the emotional toll is just as real. Fear, guilt, anxiety, and depression are common, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or hopeless.
That’s why elevating your emotional state daily is a vital part of the healing journey. You have the power to change your internal environment, even when the external feels out of control.
💛 Identify Your Personal Uplifters
Make time each day for simple actions that restore balance and joy. These activities raise your internal vibration, reduce stress hormones, and re-center your nervous system.
Try incorporating:
🎶 Listening to music
🧘♀️ Meditation or breathwork
🧩 Play and games
🌳 Walking in nature
☕ Coffee with a friend
🎨 Art projects or crafting
📚 Reading or journaling
🎬 A good movie or stand-up comedy
😂 Laughter — the best medicine
🎭 Practicing gratitude daily
The more consistent you are, the more you’ll notice these practices speeding up your recovery and creating more emotional resilience — not just now, but for life.
🧠 Train Your Brain to Heal
Healing isn’t just physical — it’s neurological. Several programs can help reset your stress response and promote calm, clarity, and control:
💻 Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS)
by Annie Hopper 🔗 www.retrainingthebrain.com Great for managing PTSD, chronic illness-related stress, and limbic system dysfunction.
💻 Gupta Program: Amygdala Retraining
by Ashok Gupta 🔗 www.guptaprogram.com Helpful for post-infection recovery and nervous system rewiring.
💻 Primal Trust
by Cathleen King 🔗 www.primaltrust.org Integrative neuroplasticity training focused on healing trauma, illness, and dysregulation.
💻 The Lightning Process
by Amanda Ashley 🔗 www.amanda-ashley.com Mind-body training focused on rewiring chronic stress responses.
🎵 Vagus Nerve Calming Exercises
Your vagus nerve (cranial nerve 10) plays a huge role in calming your nervous system. Try incorporating these into your daily routine:
Anti-Aging & Preventative Medicine: Supporting Vitality After 50
Aging is a natural process — but how we age can be significantly influenced by how we care for our bodies. Anti-aging medicine focuses on preventative strategies to help you maintain strength, energy, mobility, and cognitive clarity as you move through your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
🧪 Comprehensive Lab Testing
Through advanced blood testing, we assess key biomarkers that reveal the earliest signs of imbalance, including:
Inflammation markers
Immune system dysregulation
Detoxification capacity
Nutritional status
Organ function
Subtle shifts in these systems often appear before symptoms begin, allowing us to intervene early.
🌿 Restoring Balance Naturally
When signs of early dysfunction are detected, we intervene with:
Targeted dietary guidance
Lifestyle modifications
Nutritional supplementation
Herbal support
These interventions are designed to restore homeostasis—your body’s natural state of balance—before chronic disease develops.
📈 Ongoing Monitoring for Optimal Health
Follow-up testing helps detect and correct:
Elevated cholesterol
Anemia
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Hormonal imbalances
Small corrections now can yield long-lasting improvements in healthspan and quality of life.
💪 Healthy Aging Means Staying Mobile and Independent
Our goal is to help you maintain:
Physical vitality
Mental sharpness
Emotional balance
Freedom from chronic disease
Let’s work together to identify which organ systems may be showing early signs of wear—and apply smart, science-backed strategies to support longevity and wellness.
Low Core Body Temperature (less than 97.0 degrees F)
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Many patients who suffer from chronic Lyme Disease and coinfections or chronic complex illness, also suffer from a low core body temperature (less than 97.0 degrees F). Sometimes this cold body temperature is due to hypothyroidism, which is relatively easy to diagnose with blood tests and a thermometer, an easily treated with some combination of T3 and T4 sustained release capsules.
However, sometimes a low core body temperature is due to the build up of toxins in the blood that causes the blood to become thick and viscous and unable to flow through arterial vessels and capillary beds. The lack of proper blood flow results in lowered oxygen concentrations to tissues, and therefore the body begins to become “cold”, and rigor mortis sets in, similar to what is seen in death. The absence of oxygenated tissues means the body will be cold.
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Frequent and proper daily detoxification in Epsom salt baths coupled with 30 minutes of full body movement (i.e., walking, dance, yoga, pilates, biking, trampoline, etc…), to exercise the muscle fibers and mobilize cellular waste and toxins in EXTREMELY important. Infra red saunas, hot baths, etc… are also important to elevate the core body temperature. This is why nearly all chronically ill patients feel better in warmer climates. If the core body temperature is too low, blood cannot properly flow to tissues, especially to the periphery, and the vital force of the patient is compromised. This is why patients with a low body temperature appear sluggish, fatigued, weak, and depressed.
Why Authentic Clinical Excellence in Medical Matters for Lyme Disease and Mycotoxin Illness Treatment
When it comes to managing complex chronic conditions like Lyme disease or mycotoxin illness, it’s crucial to seek out clinicians who demonstrate authentic excellence in their field. Unfortunately, many individuals end up with inadequate care because anyone can claim to treat Lyme disease without necessarily having the knowledge or expertise to do so effectively.
As a doctor who has been in the field for over 32 years, I have seen the fallout of this all too often. Patients who are misdiagnosed can receive improper treatment simply because their doctor doesn’t have the experience to accurately interpret diagnostic tests. For example, one common mistake I see is clinicians who misinterpret a Lyme Disease Western blot. Some mistakenly believe that Band 41 is an indication of a positive Lyme test result, but this is NOT the case. Band 41 is nonspecific and does not confirm Lyme disease.
What to Look for When Choosing a Trusted Lyme or Mycotoxin Illness Specialist
If you’re seeking clinical excellent-quality treatment for Lyme disease or mycotoxin illness, I strongly recommend doing your due diligence before selecting a provider. Make sure to choose a clinician with a proven track record of success in treating these conditions. Ideally, the doctor you select should have at least 10-15 years of experience in the field of chronic infections, Lyme disease, and mycotoxin illness.
An experienced doctor will be able to:
Accurately interpret Lyme disease diagnostic tests, including Western blots.
Understand the complexity of chronic Lyme and mycotoxin-related illness.
Provide an evidence-based, personalized treatment approach.
Why Dr. Susan Marra is a Great Choice for Treating Lyme Disease and Mycotoxin Illness
If you’re looking for a clinically excellent, experienced, compassionate, and skilled clinician to guide you through the complexities of Lyme disease or mycotoxin illness, Dr. Susan Marra is the right choice. With over 32 years of experience in the healthcare industry, she specializes in the treatment of chronic, hard-to-diagnose conditions, including Lyme Disease, Morgellon disease, and mycotoxin illness.
Dr. Marra’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the immune system, chronic infections, and holistic care. She is committed to personalized, patient-centered treatment plans designed to address the underlying causes of your illness and not just the symptoms.
Dr. Marra’s expertise in interpreting Lyme disease tests and her holistic treatment protocols give her patients the best chance at healing and regaining their quality of life. Hear from our satisfied patients now! If you’re ready to take the next step in addressing Lyme disease or mycotoxin illness, contact Dr. Marra today to learn more about how she can help. You can contact us online or call 206-299-2676.
In the 18+ years that Dr. Marra has been practicing tick-borne disease illness, there has been great controversy over the use of antibiotics in the treatment of these stealth and persistent infections. She doesn’t think the answer to this controversy is any easier today than it was 20 or 40 years ago. However, over the years, she has seen a trend in the degree of illness that presents in the practice. Patients are MUCH sicker now than they were 20 years ago when she was practicing in Connecticut, and most patients have multiple infections.
In her own journey nearly 14+ years ago battling Lyme Disease and Bartonella, she chose to take an Integrated Medicine approach to healing because she felt that it was her best chance of eradicating the infections, while supporting her body along the way. Not all patients make this choice. Some prefer to use ONLY diet modifications, herbal remedies, Rife machines, and a variety of other healing modalities that are consistent with their belief systems. Dr. Marra chose a combination therapy approach which worked very well for her, but you may not want to, and that’s a personal choice.
In her experience with treating thousands of patients with tick-borne illness, she has not found patients to become affected by long-term antibiotic use, if they are used properly. Frequent rotation of antibiotics, pulsing techniques, timing and dosing changes, with multiple probiotic sources has proved time and again, to be the quickest way out of the Lyme Disease maze of symptoms. Her patient’s recoveries are also significantly influenced by diet choices, hydration, immune system status, genetic predispositions, hormone balancing, detoxification, and a myriad of other factors.
Without question there is a group of patients who simply cannot handle antibiotics for various reasons largely having to do with histamine status and detoxification pathways. In these cases, her patients use herbal formulas that absolutely work, just not as fast. Targeted nutritional medicine is also very helpful in supporting healing.
The point is simply this, as a long time steward of antibiotic use for patients with tick-borne illness, Dr. Marra has not seen any long term damage for their use, provided they are used correctly. She is not suggesting that patients go on life long antibiotics because that is not the answer either. Rather, there is a variety of treatments that can be very beneficial to patients, as long as precautions are taken.
In our practice, Dr. Marra has patients on herbs, antibiotics, nutritional’s, diets, detox protocols, and everything in between because she believes you need to do what works, and what works for one patient may not work for the next. An individual and tailored treatment that reflects a well thought out plan for return to function is, in her opinion, the only way to heal from multiple tick-borne disease. Dr. Marra speaks here from both a personal and professional position which hopefully sheds a ray of hope on your condition.
Ketotifen is a second-generation noncompetitive H1 antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer with probable anti-inflammatory properties. It may also have anti-cholinergic and anti-serotonergic properties that contribute to its overall beneficial effect in certain patients.
It is an oral compounded capsule taken with meals and may be useful in the treatment of the following conditions:
Asthma
Allergies
Autism
Crohn’s Disease
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome)
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Urticaria
Patients with “GI Lyme Disease” generally find that ketotifen helps with symptoms of gas and bloating. For more information on whether or not this might be useful to you in your treatment, please discuss this with Dr. Marra in your office appointment.
Understanding MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I’ll explain what MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) is, how it presents itself, common triggers, how it’s diagnosed, and what steps you can take to manage it. Understanding this complex condition is the first step toward finding relief.
As someone who has worked with countless patients struggling with unexplained symptoms, I know how confusing and overwhelming it can be to find answers. One condition that often goes undiagnosed is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). If you’re experiencing symptoms that seem to affect multiple systems in your body—ranging from skin reactions to gastrointestinal distress—MCAS might be the piece of the puzzle you’ve been searching for.
To learn more about my approach to diagnosing and treating MCAS, or to schedule a consultation, visit my website. Together, we can take the next step toward addressing your health concerns.
Caption: Medical Minutes with Dr Marra; Episode 57: Amlexanox and MCAS
What is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)?
MCAS is a disorder where your mast cells, which are part of your immune system, release too many chemicals (like histamine, cytokines, and other inflammatory molecules) in response to things that normally wouldn’t cause a reaction. Mast cells are critical for fighting infections and healing injuries. However, when they become overactive—as they do in MCAS—they release these chemicals inappropriately, causing inflammation and a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body.
How Do Mast Cells Affect the Body?
Mast cells are often described as the “guardians” of our immune system. They help protect us from harmful pathogens and are involved in allergic responses. In people without MCAS, mast cells are activated only when necessary. However, in those with MCAS, these cells are triggered even when there’s no infection or allergic response, resulting in unnecessary inflammation and a cascade of symptoms.
Symptoms of MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
The symptoms of MCAS can vary greatly from person to person, which makes it difficult to diagnose. You may experience symptoms in one or more systems of your body. The most common signs I see in my practice include:
Skin Reactions: Itching, hives, and skin flushing are some of the most frequent symptoms. When mast cells release histamine, these types of skin reactions can occur.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain are common, as mast cells in the gut become activated, leading to digestive upset.
Respiratory Symptoms: Many patients experience asthma-like symptoms—such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest—as mast cells in the respiratory tract react.
Cardiovascular Symptoms: Symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure can arise when mast cells trigger inflammatory chemicals in the cardiovascular system.
Neurological Symptoms: Brain fog, headaches, and mood changes such as anxiety or depression are also associated with MCAS, likely because of mast cell activity in the nervous system.
Common Triggers of MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
One of the most important aspects of managing MCAS is identifying and avoiding its triggers. I always encourage my patients to track their symptoms and note potential triggers. Some of the most common culprits include:
Environmental Triggers: Certain environmental factors, such as changes in temperature, exposure to mold, and even strong fragrances, can set off symptoms. I’ve seen many patients react to exposure to things like cleaning products or cigarette smoke.
Dietary Triggers: For many with MCAS, specific foods like fermented foods, alcohol, or high-histamine foods (such as aged cheese, processed meats, and vinegar) can aggravate symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint these. Read more about how to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet.
Stress: Both emotional and physical stress can exacerbate symptoms. Stress management is crucial for those living with MCAS, and I always emphasize practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help reduce flare-ups.
Medications: Some medications can worsen MCAS symptoms, particularly preservatives or other compounds that may activate mast cells.
Diagnosing MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
MCAS can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with so many other conditions. There’s no single test that can diagnose MCAS definitively, but the process typically includes:
Blood Tests: These can measure levels of mast cell mediators like tryptase, histamine, and other markers that indicate excessive mast cell activation.
Urine Tests: A 24-hour urine collection can measure histamine metabolites and other inflammatory substances.
Symptom Tracking: I always encourage patients to keep detailed records of their symptoms, triggers, and any changes in their health, as this is a key part of diagnosis.
How You Can Treat MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
There is currently no cure for MCAS, but with the right treatment plan, you can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and trigger management. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Antihistamines: Histamine is one of the primary chemicals released by mast cells. Antihistamines can help control symptoms like itching, hives, and swelling.
Mast Cell Stabilizers: These medications work to prevent mast cells from releasing their inflammatory chemicals in the first place, helping to reduce flare-ups.
Avoiding Triggers: By identifying what sets off your symptoms and taking steps to avoid those triggers—whether it’s a certain food, chemical, or environmental factor—you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Stress Management: Since stress is a significant trigger for many people with MCAS, I encourage all my patients to incorporate regular stress-relief practices into their routine, whether through mindfulness, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
Supportive Therapies: In addition to traditional treatments, I’ve found that many patients benefit from integrative approaches like acupuncture, functional medicine, or dietary changes. These can support your immune system and help reduce inflammation.
Treating MCAS can be very tricky, requiring the use of several mast cell stabilizing medications and natural supplements. These can include any combination of the following and should be monitored by a physician:
Pharmaceutical Medications Natural Treatments
Zyrtec Hist DAO
Allegra Histaquel
Famotidine Histamine Balancer
Benedryl MC Balancer
Loratidine D-Hist
Ketotifen Bromelain
Zafirlukast Cannabinoids
Cromalyn Sodium Quercitin
Ranitidine Green Tea
Aspirin Saloxicin
Hydroxyurea Curcumin
NSAIDS Vitamin C
LDN (low dose naltrexone) Luteolin
Benzodiazepines Resveratrol
Zolair Honokiol
Hydroxyzine Rutin
Doxipen Genistein
Periactin Isatis
Tagamet Red Light therapy
DMSO cream for itching and hives Hyperbaric Oxygen
IVIG regulates the immune system
Living with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
While living with MCAS may feel daunting, I want you to know that you are not alone, and relief is possible. Here are a few practical tips to help you manage your condition:
Follow a Low-Histamine Diet: One of the most effective ways to control MCAS symptoms is to avoid foods that are high in histamine, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, and alcohol. Learn more about how to follow a low-histamine diet now.
Incorporate Stress Management Techniques: Given the role stress plays in MCAS, I highly recommend finding ways to reduce stress, whether through daily relaxation exercises or other mindfulness practices.
Build a Support Network: Living with a chronic condition like MCAS can be isolating. It’s important to build a strong support system of friends, family, or online communities who understand what you’re going through.
Educate Yourself and Others: The more you understand your condition, the more empowered you’ll feel in managing it. Educating those around you—your family, friends, and even healthcare providers—can help ensure you receive the support you need.
Partnering with Dr. Susan Marra for MCAS Treatment
If you suspect that MCAS may be the underlying cause of your symptoms, I understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the complexities of this condition. The good news is that with an early diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, significant relief is possible. I’ve seen firsthand how effective a tailored approach to managing MCAS can be, helping my patients reduce symptoms, identify triggers, and restore balance in their lives.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward managing your MCAS symptoms and improving your quality of life, I encourage you to contact us. Together, we can explore your unique health history, develop a comprehensive treatment plan, and work toward healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 206-299-2676. I’m here to support you on your journey to feeling better and living well.
Disclaimer The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in these videos is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen, read, or heard in these videos.
What You Need to Know for Prevention and Treatment
As an avid pet lover, hearing “Lyme disease in dogs” may raise your concerns. Don’t worry, Dr. Marra is here to educate you on prevention, teach you to recognize the symptoms, and understand the treatment options available.
“As most of you know, I am an avid dog lover and have had a dog in my office for most of my career, both for emotional support and mental health. Dogs can be excellent office companions on your health care journey. So you can imagine, I am very aware and concerned for dogs that get Lyme disease. I’m here to help.”
Medical Minutes with Dr Marra; Episode 51: Lyme Disease in Dogs
What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Lyme disease affects over 300,000 people annually in the United States and it CAN also affect dogs when they are bitten by an infected tick. The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, is transmitted through tick bites and can have significant effects on your dog’s health if not treated properly.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Canine Lyme disease symptoms can vary, but they often include:
Generalized body pain
Limping
Swollen joints
Fever
Vomiting
Lethargy
Anorexia
Weight loss
Lameness
Unfortunately, it typically takes 2-5 months after the tick bite for dogs to show symptoms of Lyme disease, and by then, the bacterial infection has usually become systemic.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease can be diagnosed using blood tests for the bacteria antibodies (IgM and IgG) or a PCR test on blood or joint fluids. General blood work and a urinalysis can also help. The vet will look for signs of kidney damage, such as a loss of protein in the urine, which can indicate that the infection has affected the kidneys.
Treatment for Lyme Disease in Dogs
Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs is readily available and effective. Common medications include:
Doxycycline (the best choice)
Amoxicillin
Zithromax
Generally, your dog will need to stay on antibiotics for at least 4 weeks to completely eliminate the infection. This treatment is much more effective in dogs compared to humans, where treatment can be more challenging.
Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs
There is a vaccine available for dogs to help prevent Lyme disease. While it is safe and can reduce the risk of infection, it is NOT 100% effective. If you live in a Lyme-endemic area, discuss the pros and cons with your vet to determine whether this vaccine is appropriate for your dog. If you do not live in a Lyme-endemic area, your dog likely does not need this vaccine.
Tick Prevention for Dogs
Tick prevention is absolutely critical in Lyme-endemic areas. However, tick repellents for dogs can have side effects, so it’s important to discuss options with your vet. Some commonly used tick prevention products include:
Frontline
Advantix
Bravecto (topical)
Nexgard (chewable)
Simparica
Speak to your vet about which product would be best suited for your dog breed.
Be a Responsible Fur Parent: How to Protect Your Dog from Lyme Disease
Part of being an excellent fur parent is ensuring that your dog is protected from health dangers like Lyme disease, especially in endemic areas. It’s important to be aware of where ticks are common in your state/area, so you can take proactive steps to prevent Lyme disease.
Dogs are our dearest friends and allies, but they cannot protect themselves from Lyme disease. When they play outside, they are just being goofy dogs—but this is when they can be vulnerable to Lyme disease. To protect your canine companion, be sure to:
Discuss the prevalence of Lyme disease in your area with your vet
Use tick prevention medication
Stay vigilant in tick-prone areas
Your dog will love you for taking such great care of them!
FYI, NONE of my dogs have ever had Lyme disease because when I am in an endemic area, I generally use Frontline. I have never even found a tick on them. Thank goodness!I hope you take these precautions seriously to protect your beloved dog(s) from Lyme disease. Here’s to keeping both you and your furry friend healthy and happy!
Having trained with Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Lyme disease experts on the East Coast, Dr. Marra is well qualified to manage and heal tick-borne disease. Take the first step toward a better quality of life with expert care tailored to your needs.
Juju (Juliette Pearl) is Dr. Marra’s cream french bulldog and the inspiration for understanding Lyme disease in dogs. Juju has wonderful healing energy and properties just because she is lovable and friendly and wants belly rubs all the time. If you join us in the office, you can find her treats at the front counter but please ONLY give her one. We have to watch her weight because she is a true “bon bon” girl.
To learn more about Dr. Marra’s approach or to schedule a consultation, contact or call us to book an appointment.
Disclaimer The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in these videos is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen, read, or heard in these videos.
Lipopolysaccharides are large molecules composed of sugars and fats which are endotoxins found within a bacterial cell. LPS is secreted as part of the normal physiological activity of membrane vesicle trafficking and protects the membrane from certain chemical attacks. LPS activates the hosts’ immune response by stimulating white blood cells (i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells) to secrete certain enzymes that deactivate them. Additionally, these WBC’s secrete proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and eicosanoids, and the resulting cellular response is the release of superoxide, a free radical that causes oxidative stress. This may function as an adaptive host strategy to manage the toxic effects of LPS.
LPS and inflammation may be the most important factors contributing to the varied clinical manifestations of infections, especially for tick-borne pathogens. Excessive release of LPS can lead to endotoxemia (septicemia) and requires immediate medical attention.
It is thought that lipooligosaccharides may cause autoimmune disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis) by a mechanism known as molecular mimicry. Many bacteria employ molecular mimicry strategies to fool the hosts’ immune systems.
Scientists believe that lingering LPS long after a bacterial infection has been eradicated may cause continued host immunosuppression and persistent symptoms. It has been proposed that if LPS is not removed, illness is likely to continue.
Cellular detox using German biological medicines and herbs can help reduce the effects of endotoxemia. Toxin binders such as apple pectin, chlorella, zeolite, charcoal, and Cholestyramine may also be useful.
Perhaps one of the oldest and most effective ways to cleanse the body is to fast or eat a solely plant-based diet. This may not be appropriate for all patients so it is best to discuss this with your physician.
For more information about Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Endotoxins ask Dr. Marra during your next visit!
