Kreatures Of Habit Podcast: Kim Strother on Overcoming Lyme Disease & Creating Balance
Host: Michael Chernow
Guest: Kim Strother
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant episode of the Kreatures Of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with Kim Strother to delve deep into her challenging journey with chronic Lyme disease. Both Michael and Kim share their personal battles with the disease, exploring how their commitment to daily routines and healthy habits has been pivotal in their paths to recovery and maintaining balance in their lives.
Kim Strother’s Journey with Lyme Disease
Kim Strother opens up about her lifelong struggle with Lyme disease, a battle that began at the tender age of eight. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in South Jersey—an environment rife with ticks—Kim faced numerous health challenges that were often misdiagnosed or dismissed by medical professionals.
Kim Strother [00:00]: “There’s something to me that’s like, so beautiful about all of the practices that I have now because they’re control in a healthy way... I’m actually honoring and loving myself.”
Throughout her childhood and into her early adulthood, Kim dealt with symptoms like extreme fatigue, migraines, and chronic sinus infections. Misdiagnoses were common, with doctors attributing her symptoms to overexertion or dietary choices rather than recognizing the underlying Lyme infection.
The turning point in Kim’s journey came after a pivotal conversation on a date, where her date shared his own struggles with Lyme disease. This interaction spurred Kim to insist on comprehensive testing, leading to the discovery of multiple co-infections alongside Lyme.
Kim Strother [07:20]: “I knew there was something wrong and I knew that I couldn’t continue to live the way I was living, that there had to be an answer.”
Discovering Functional Medicine and Dr. Frank Lippman
Kim credits Dr. Frank Lippman, a renowned functional medicine doctor, for finally providing her with a meaningful diagnosis and treatment plan. Unlike previous doctors who either misdiagnosed her or dismissed her symptoms, Dr. Lippman took the time to listen to her entire story, identifying not just Lyme disease but also co-infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesia, and Bartonella.
Kim Strother [14:19]: “He listened, which was amazing. And he changed my life or gave me my life back, really.”
Under Dr. Lippman’s guidance, Kim embarked on a rigorous treatment regimen, including a strict Candida diet and the incorporation of an elimination diet. This approach not only addressed her Lyme infection but also helped her manage other health issues like mold toxicity and high mercury levels.
Implementing Daily Routines and Healthy Habits
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the daily routines and habits that have empowered Kim to manage her chronic illness effectively. She emphasizes the importance of consistency in practices such as meditation, prayer, journaling, and mindful movement.
Morning Routine:
- Meditation and Prayer – Kim begins her day with a combination of meditation and prayer, fostering a sense of calm and spiritual connection.
- Journaling – She engages in morning pages, a form of free-flow writing that helps her process thoughts and emotions.
- Detox Teas and Supplements – Transitioning from coffee to detox teas and incorporating supplements like glutathione and liposomal NAD-plus.
Kim Strother [30:13]: “My morning routine every day is meditation and prayer combined and journaling. And my journaling kind of takes a... It changes a lot.”
Evening Routine:
- Biomat Sessions – In colder months, Kim uses a PMF biomat to enhance relaxation and detoxification.
- Detox Tea and Stretching – She winds down with detox tea, stretches, and another session of meditation and prayer.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule – Although she prefers late nights, maintaining a regular bedtime helps her regulate her body’s rhythms.
Kim Strother [57:55]: “I have a whole... I'm doing a 10 pass. So 10 times they take your blood out, they spin it with ozone, which O3, and then they...”
Balancing Physical and Mental Health
Kim and Michael discuss the intricate balance between managing physical symptoms and maintaining mental well-being. Kim highlights the emotional toll of chronic illness, especially when grappling with feelings of isolation and misunderstanding from others.
Kim Strother [43:00]: “I know that... having an episode like this in the... roster is... it's a... it's... it can feel really lonely.”
To combat these challenges, Kim relies on her spiritual practices and the support of like-minded individuals like Michael and Vince Pittstick. They emphasize the importance of community and understanding in navigating the complexities of chronic illness.
Michael Chernow [23:05]: “And if you have something like Lyme disease or some sort of an autoimmune disease... having that ability to be open minded and to have spirituality in your life is a massive benefit.”
Advice for Listeners Facing Chronic Illness
Both Kim and Michael offer invaluable advice for listeners who might be struggling with similar health issues. Their key recommendations include:
- Focus on Daily Habits: Establish consistent routines that promote physical and mental well-being, such as meditation, prayer, and journaling.
- Prioritize Nutrition: Pay attention to the foods you consume. Kim advocates for the Paleo diet, eliminating sugar, dairy, and grains to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
- Seek Supportive Practitioners: Find healthcare providers who listen and understand the complexities of chronic illnesses beyond conventional diagnostics.
- Embrace Spirituality: Whether through prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices, connecting with a higher power or inner self can provide strength and resilience.
- Community and Connection: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who empathize with your struggles and can offer encouragement.
Kim Strother [48:08]: “I think it is exactly what you said in, like, those daily routine practices that... make you do something that makes you feel better.”
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on the significance of perseverance and gratitude despite ongoing health challenges. Kim and Michael affirm their shared commitment to living fulfilling lives through the power of consistent habits and supportive relationships.
Michael Chernow [63:00]: “Just know that, like, it's gonna pass. And then when you’re not experiencing a flare up or you don't have any symptoms, like, just be grateful.”
Kim encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards improving their health by being mindful of their habits and seeking comprehensive care.
Kim Strother [50:24]: “It’s a game changer because I feel like that I could do. And I'm not looking outside of myself to a doctor or someone. There’s so much, we have so much control over our health and we don’t even realize...”
Key Takeaways
- Consistency is Crucial: Regularly engaging in healthy habits can significantly impact the management of chronic illnesses.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing both physical and mental health through diet, supplements, spiritual practices, and supportive communities fosters overall well-being.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding one’s body and advocating for proper medical care are essential steps in overcoming health challenges.
- Importance of Support Systems: Building connections with others who share similar struggles can provide immense emotional and practical support.
This episode serves as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for individuals grappling with chronic illnesses. Kim Strother’s authentic narrative, coupled with Michael Chernow’s insightful hosting, underscores the transformative power of habits and the human spirit in the face of adversity.