Seattle Bartonella, Lyme Disease & Environmental Illness Doctor
The brain is encased in a membrane called, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which helps keep certain molecules and toxins from affecting the brain. However, chronic infection and inflammation increase the semi-permeable membranes flood gates, so that unwanted molecules can enter the brain leading to a leaky brain. A leaky brain blood-brain barrier allows toxins such … Read More “What is Leaky Brain?” »
Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is caused by the spirochete, Borrelia recurrentis, and is largely transmitted from person to person by lice. This bacteria is unique because it can alter the proteins expressed on its surface which causes the “relapsing” characteristic symptoms. It initially infects the mucus membranes and then moves into the bloodstream. Symptoms can … Read More “What is Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever” »
Dr. Marra is now offering Pandemic Counseling and Support. We are here for you during this very difficult time. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our lives. It is natural to feel stress, overwhelm, and strong emotions in adults and children. As a Naturopathic physician, I have witnessed the psychological toll that … Read More “Pandemic Counseling and Support” »
Women who have had or have Lyme Disease often have a difficult time during Menopause. They may experience a “flare” in their symptoms due to the declining levels of estradiol and progesterone primarily, but also thyroid hormone, cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone, and growth hormone. Weight gain around the midsection is common for women in perimenopause … Read More “Menopause & Lyme Disease” »
There are many neurological manifestations of tick-borne illness. Spirochetes, the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, have a particular affinity for the brain because they feed on the fats located in the myelin sheath, as well as sugars. These substances are found in abundance in brain tissue, and therefore, it should come as no surprise, that … Read More “Neurological Manifestations of Tick-Borne Illness” »
EMF (Electromagnetic) sensitivity is increasing as 5G rolls out and new cell towers are being built to accommodate the shift in EMFs. Humans generate their own magnetic field at a much lower strength than what we find in our environment with satellites, cell phones, laptops, microwaves, electronic appliances, electric cars, etc…There are non-thermal (heat) effects … Read More “EMF Sensitivity” »
There are many benefits of incorporating fermented foods into your diet. Fermentation is an endogenous metabolic process that converts carbohydrates and sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide, or organic acids. Lactic acid fermentation is a naturally occurring process in the body whereby bacteria convert carbohydrates and sugars into lactic acid. This increases the intracellular pH allowing … Read More “Benefits of Fermented Foods” »
A 2014 Scientific American article unveils the possible relationship of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and the exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms in freshwater lakes and coastal waters. Researchers at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire are investigating whether inhalation of a neurotoxin (BMAA) produced by algae, increases the risk of later developing … Read More “Exposure to Blue-Green Algae may be linked to Lyme Disease and ALS” »
Q Fever is a vector-borne disease caused by the bacteria, Coxiella burnetii, and is found in cattle, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs. Humans can get infected by inhaling endospores, ingesting the milk, urine, or feces of an infected animal, or from a tick bite. Patients with Q Fever generally develop fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle … Read More “What is Q Fever?” »
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a term used to describe pediatric patients who exhibit a myriad of movement and psychiatric symptoms related to exposure to a strep infection. Interestingly, these patients’ symptoms often become worse at times during the school year when … Read More “PANDAS & Lyme Disease” »
