In this transformative episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello is joined by Janna Johnson—#1 best-selling author, keynote speaker, Functional Medicine Nutritional Therapist, and Lyme disease survivor. Janna’s powerful story of recovery from Lyme disease, breast implant illness (BII), and chronic illness showcases her commitment to functional health and the role of mindset, self-care, and lifestyle adjustments in healing. This episode offers listeners invaluable insights and actionable strategies for overcoming chronic illness with a holistic approach. Guest Background: From Texas to Functional Medicine Raised in Texas, Janna grew up with a sugar-heavy diet that led to chronic inflammation, gut health issues, and mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, by her twenties. Her journey to healing began when she made dietary changes, emphasized gut health, and embraced the connection between chronic inflammation and neurological symptoms. Healing Chronic Lyme Disease: Essential Oils, Diet, and Detox Protocols Janna’s recovery from Lyme disease was rooted in holistic protocols, including essential oils and dietary changes. After years of misdiagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease by Dr. Aviva Romm. Her treatment strategies include: Keto Diet: Janna adopted a strict ketogenic diet, focusing on healthy fats, minerals, and low-sugar foods to reduce inflammation and restore gut health.Essential Oil Protocol: She used a blend of essential oils such as cinnamon bark, thyme, oregano, and tea tree oil to target Lyme bacteria and biofilms. Janna mixed the oils with a carrier oil (organic extra virgin olive oil) and took them in veggie capsules, adjusting dosages based on muscle testing and practitioner guidance.Lymphatic Detox Support: To assist her body’s detoxification, Janna incorporated infrared saunas, dry brushing, and regular exercise to support lymphatic drainage and symptom management.Mindset and Die-Off Preparation: She emphasizes the importance of mental resilience through die-off reactions—normal but challenging responses to microbial “kill” phases—reinforcing her belief in the body's capacity to heal. The Tick Boot Camp PARM Model: Prehab, Assist, Rehab, and Maintenance Janna resonated with Tick Boot Camp’s PARM model, a framework developed to guide chronic illness recovery: Prehab: Prioritizing detox and lymph support, as well as sleep, to prepare the body for treatment.Assist: Helping the body through the microbial “kill” phase by supporting immune function and enhancing the body’s ability to clear out pathogens like Lyme bacteria.Rehab: Focusing on healing the body from Lyme-related damage by incorporating nutrients, rest, and supportive practices that address neurological and physiological impacts.Maintenance: Creating sustainable wellness habits, like a nutrient-dense diet, stress reduction, and routine exercise, to support long-term health and prevent relapse. Breast Implant Illness (BII) Journey and Explant Surgery After successfully managing Lyme disease, Janna encountered Breast Implant Illness (BII), experiencing symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and chest discomfort. Muscle testing confirmed that her implants were contributing to these issues. Janna chose to undergo explant surgery, a process requiring meticulous removal of both the implants and surrounding capsules. During her six-month recovery, she revisited protocols such as keto dieting and lymphatic detox to support her healing. Mindset and Resilience in Healing At the core of Jonna’s journey is her commitment to cultivating a strong, positive mindset—a cornerstone of her approach to overcoming both Lyme disease and BII. She emphasizes that "our actions follow our thoughts," underscoring the power of belief in recovery. Jonna’s experiences reinforced that mental resilience, paired with self-compassion, is essential when facing the daily challenges of chronic illness. This belief in the mind-body connection enabled her to persevere through difficult treatments and stay committed to her wellness goals, demonstrating the profound impact of mindset on long-term healing. Books by Janna Johnson Janna is the author of _Unf*ck Your Mind, which explores overcoming life’s challenges through mental resilience and self-compassion. Her upcoming book details her Lyme disease journey and provides readers with more information on her personalized healing protocols. Key Takeaways for Those on a Chronic Illness Journey Dietary Changes are Foundational: Reducing sugars and carbohydrates can significantly impact inflammation and gut health, especially for those battling chronic illness.The Power of Essential Oils: When used properly, essential oils like cinnamon bark, thyme, oregano, and tea tree oil can support the body’s defense against microbes and biofilms.Detox Support is Vital: Methods like dry brushing, infrared saunas, and regular exercise help the body eliminate ...
