Could your nervous system be playing a bigger role in chronic illness than you realize? In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney is joined by founder of The Tick Chicks, Alicia White, and Primal Trust founder, Cathleen King, to discuss the connection between Lyme disease, mold exposure, autoimmune conditions, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation. Alicia shares her 12-year journey to recovery after years of debilitating symptoms and misdiagnoses, while Cathleen explains how brain retraining, breathwork, and nervous system regulation can help the body heal.They also explore why so many women are told their symptoms are “just anxiety,” how chronic stress impacts the immune system, and the small daily practices that can help shift the body out of survival mode. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or anxiety, this episode offers hopeful insights and practical tools for healing.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsSera: To learn more you can visit PreTRM.com (new line)Talk with your provider about whether the PreTRM Test might be right for you.Midi: Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? 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Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comWhat You’ll LearnWhat Alpha-Gal syndrome is and why it’s rapidly increasingThe early signs and symptoms of Lyme diseaseWhy chronic illness is often misdiagnosed in womenHow mold exposure can impact autoimmune symptomsThe connection between trauma, stress, and physical illnessWhat nervous system dysregulation actually meansHow “survival mode” affects healing and inflammationSimple nervous system “pattern interrupts” to reduce stressWhat vagus nerve regulation and brain retraining areWhy chronic illness often requires a holistic approach to healingHow breathwork can calm the body’s stress responseThe emotional toll of living with invisible illnessWhy prevention is critical when it comes to tick-borne illnessesKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:39 Alicia White’s Lyme Disease Journey Begins03:05 Why Lyme Disease Cases Are Exploding05:51 The Most Common Lyme Disease Symptoms06:35 How To Properly Test for Lyme Disease08:52 Dangerous Tick Co Infections Explained09:24 What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?10:29 What To Do Immediately After a Tick Bite13:19 What Causes Chronic Lyme Disease?14:54 Alicia’s Holistic Lyme Recovery Journey21:24 How Fear Blocks Chronic Illness Recovery27:52 Lyme Disease and Nervous System Dysregulation32:18 How To Hack Your Nervous System34:08 The “Pattern Interrupt” Technique Explained39:01 The Physiological Sigh Breathing Exercise41:17 Dr. Cat’s Recovery From Being Bedbound46:05 How Brain Retraining Actually Works50:52 Trauma Processing and Somatic Healing59:53 What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?01:13:24 How To Prevent Lyme Disease and Alpha Gal Syndrome01:16:32 Final Thoughts on Tick Prevention and AwarenessKey TakeawaysChronic illness often affects both the body and nervous systemLyme disease and tick-borne illnesses are becoming more commonWomen with chronic symptoms are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosedNervous system regulation can play a major role in healingChronic stress and trauma can worsen physical symptomsBreathwork and nervous system “resets” can help calm the bodyMold exposure may contribute to chronic inflammatory symptomsHealing often requires both physical and emotional supportSmall daily habits can create meaningful changes in healthHope and recovery are possible, even after years of illnessGuest Bio: Alicia WhiteAlicia White is the founder of The Tick Chicks, a platform dedicated to educating and supporting people living with Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. After suffering through a 12-year battle with chronic Lyme disease and multiple co-infections, Alicia became an advocate for awareness, prevention, and holistic healing approaches. Through her podcast, resources, and online community, she shares expert insights and practical tools to help others navigate chronic illness and recovery.Guest Bio: Dr. Cathleen KingDr. Cathleen King is a physical therapist, nervous system expert, and founder of Primal Trust, a brain retraining and nervous system regulation program designed to help people recover from chronic illness, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation. After overcoming her own debilitating health challenges, Dr. King developed a holistic approach that combines neuroscience, vagus nerve regulation, trauma processing, and mind-body healing practices to support long-term recovery and resilience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.