Chronic Lyme Symptoms & Functional Medicine Approach – Dr. Tom Sult
Host & Guest Details
Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Physician
Guest: Dr. Tom Sult, MD, IFM Educator, Functional & Integrative Medicine Expert, Author of Just Be Well
Episode Overview
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Yousef Elyaman sits down with Dr. Tom Sult to explore the functional medicine approach to Lyme disease and complex tick-borne illness. You'll hear how conventional care often misses the mark for chronic symptoms, and how functional medicine tools—from advanced testing to lifestyle strategies—can help patients finally recover.
Dr. Sult also shares his clinical framework for “post-acute sequelae of Lyme,” and how he optimizes each patient’s terrain for healing, using diet, detox support, and botanicals. Whether you're a clinician or a patient, you'll gain actionable insights from this fascinating conversation.
Key Questions We’re Answering
• Why do many Lyme cases go undiagnosed or undertreated?
• What are the limitations of conventional Lyme testing?
• How does functional medicine personalize care for chronic Lyme and post-treatment symptoms?
• What are the most effective lifestyle, dietary, and detoxification strategies for recovery?
• How can herbal antimicrobials play a role in functional protocols?
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode
The CDC estimates Lyme disease is underreported by 13X—meaning thousands of patients are suffering unknowingly or without adequate care. This episode will teach you how to think differently about Lyme and tick-borne illness through the lens of functional medicine.
What Listeners Will Learn
Key Insight:
"It’s not just about killing the bug—it’s about optimizing the patient’s terrain so they can truly heal." — Dr. Tom Sult
Top Takeaways:
• Lyme disease is present in every U.S. state—and often overlooked.
• The “bullseye rash” is absent in up to 50% of cases.
• Advanced testing (e.g. Vibrant Tickborne Panel) can detect more species and co-infections.
• A plant-forward ketogenic diet helps “starve” pathogens and support detox pathways.
• Herbal protocols—including stevia, cryptolepis, and biocidin—can aid recovery in post-treatment Lyme.
Bonus Insight
Chronic stress, toxin overload, and gut health are key terrain factors that influence why some patients develop long-term symptoms—and why personalized support is essential.
Shareable Quotes
“You can’t treat Lyme with a one-size-fits-all protocol—each patient’s terrain tells the story.”
“Just because a Lyme test is negative doesn’t mean Lyme isn’t driving the illness.”
“Functional medicine asks the deeper question: Why didn’t this patient recover?”
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Practitioners should use their professional judgment when applying strategies discussed.
The host, guest, and organizations are not liable for misuse of the content.
This Episode’s Sponsor
FMP Essentials is the #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners
https://www.fmpessentials.com
For serious practitioners ready to go further, the FMP Essentials Mastermind offers advanced mentorship, exclusive resources, and a trusted peer network.
Apply or learn more at:
https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind
Connect with Us
Follow Dr. Tom Sult
Website: www.bewell.info
Facebook: Just Be Well FM
Follow FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Follow Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman
Music Credit: “Heroes Approaching - Extended” by tunes2go
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