Gordon Medical Forum
Drs. Eric Gordon and Nafysa Parpia, with over 50 years of combined clinical experience, host the Gordon Medical Forum Podcast to discuss overlooked factors in overcoming chronic illness. The podcast is produced by Gordon Medical Associates, a leading clinic for tick-borne illnesses and environmentally acquired illnesses on the West Coast. Each episode explores unique approaches to healing chronic conditions.
Episodes
Plasmapheresis (TPE): What It Is, Who It Helps, and What's Being Missed
Plasmapheresis is having a moment, from hospital neurology wards to biohacker clinics to celebrity wellness trends. But what is it actually doing, and who does it really help? Dr. Eric Gordon joins Dr. Nafysa Parpia for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about therapies in complex chronic illness and longevity medicine. They discuss how TPE differs from EBOO, IVIG, and inuspheresis and make c
What We’ve Missed About the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve may be one of the most talked-about topics in integrative health, but most of what's being said barely scratches the surface. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Navaz Habib to discuss what’s happening inside this nerve and why getting it right matters deeply for anyone navigating chronic illness. The conversation moves well beyond "rest and digest,"
The Septet Model for ME/CFS and Long COVID
ME/CFS and Long COVID don't fit the medical model of one problem, one organ, one treatment and that's exactly why so many patients stay sick. Dr. David Kaufman joins Dr. Eric Gordon to make the case that these illnesses are better understood as seven overlapping, constantly interacting pathologies: connective tissue disorders (hEDS), POTS/dysautonomia, gut dysmotility and SIBO, mast cell
Understanding Bioregulators: Epigenetic Switches for Healing and Recovery
Bioregulators are short-chain peptides preserved across all life forms that restore proper genetic expression and cellular rejuvenation. Dr. Nafysa Parpia sits down with Nathalie Niddam to discuss bioregulators, which were developed in the Soviet Union to preserve physiological function and resilience in aging populations and high-stress occupations. This includes military personnel, submariners,
How Trauma Sets the Stage for Chronic Illness
The central nervous system plays a crucial role in controlling the body and setting the stage for chronic illness development, with trauma being a key factor in illness persistence. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Aimie Apigian to discuss how trauma is not just the event itself but the five physiological steps that create lasting changes in the nervous system and cellular biology. Dr. Apigian e
Why Breathing Patterns Matter for Chronic Illness
Breathing is the most fundamental thing we do, yet dysfunctional patterns like mouth breathing, shallow chest breathing, and breath holding can drive dysautonomia, POTS, and impaired tissue oxygenation in chronically ill patients. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Michael Roesslein to discuss how the way we breathe constantly signals either safety or danger to the nervous system, why
Therapeutic Potential of Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy has been used for 130 years but remains largely unknown in mainstream American medicine despite extensive safety data and published research. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Frank Shallenberger, who has practiced ozone therapy for 40 years and leads the American Academy of Ozone Therapy, to discuss how ozone works by donating electrons to cells, regenerating NAD from NADH, and sti
How Unhealthy Family Dynamics Drive Complex Chronic Illness
Family constellation therapy traces its roots to ancient African Zulu healing practices, yet it remains one of the most powerful and least understood approaches in healing, uncovering the hidden emotional and ancestral dynamics that can drive complex, chronic illness. From the scapegoat who carries the family's pain in their body to the empath whose thin psychic boundaries mirror their biolog
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroinflammation Recovery Strategies
Traumatic brain injury doesn't require being knocked unconscious or obvious head trauma. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Mark Gordon to discuss how mild whiplash, blast exposure, or repetitive impacts trigger cellular mechanotransduction, initiating neuroinflammation that suppresses the hypothalamus and disrupts hormone production throughout the body. They discuss why biological resiliency
How Structure and Lymph Flow Influence Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS)
Chronic fatigue patients often focus on infections and toxins while missing a critical piece of the puzzle: structural dysfunction and lymphatic drainage. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Raymond Perrin, the osteopath whose groundbreaking research in the early 1990s revealed how thoracic spine dysfunction and impaired neurolymphatic flow drive neuroinflammation in ME/CFS. Dr. Perrin explains why
Restoring Nervous System Function in Treatment-Resistant Chronic Illness
Chronic illness often traps people in a cycle where treatments stop working, and the body can reject everything, even gentle remedies. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Cathleen King, who spent over a decade housebound with Lyme, mold illness, and multiple chemical sensitivities before discovering that nervous system work was the missing piece in her recovery.They discuss why addressing the Cell
Galectin-3 Microenvironments: The Hidden Driver of Chronic Inflammation
Galectin-3 is emerging as a key driver of chronic inflammation, yet most people have never heard of it. This protein creates inflammatory microenvironments that trap immune cells, disrupt circulation, promote fibrosis, and accelerate disease progression throughout the body. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon speaks with Ruby Tischoff about how elevated Galectin-3 contributes to neurodegeneration, ca
Neurological Complications of Parasites in Chronic Illness
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common yet overlooked parasites affecting human health, with potential links to chronic illness and neuropsychiatric symptoms that often go undiagnosed. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Eboni Cornish to explore the far-reaching effects of this elusive organism and why so many cases slip through the cracks.Episode Highlights:Neurological and p
Indigenous Plant Medicine Meets Western Practice
Sacred plant medicine is moving from indigenous traditions into Western healing practices, but the gap between these two approaches raises important questions. Jason Prall and Dr. Nafysa Parpia dig into what's being lost in translation, the training, cultural context, and respect for traditions that have guided safe and effective use of these medicines for generations.They discuss practical c
Five Years In: The Latest on Long COVID Research and Recovery
Dr. Eric Gordon and investigative science journalist Gez Medinger return for a five-year update on the evolving science of Long COVID. Together, they explore what has changed, what still challenges researchers, and where new hope is emerging for those living with post-viral illness.Their conversation examines the latest findings on immune and metabolic disruption, why many clinical trials have yie
Peptides, Bioregulators, and MCAS in Sensitive Patients
Dr. Nafysa Parpia joins Dr. Eric Gordon to explore how peptides and bioregulators are transforming the treatment of chronic illnesses, particularly for patients with mast cell activation syndrome and complex inflammatory conditions. They discuss the evolution of peptide therapy, the role of bioregulators in cellular healing, and emphasize the critical importance of personalized dosing, addressing
Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS), Blood Volume, & Excessive Thirst
Patrick Ussher developed ME/CFS after recovering from POTS and fibromyalgia. When his condition worsened, he was drinking six to eight liters of water daily while feeling like he was "drying up inside." Doctors dismissed his excessive thirst as psychological, but Patrick refused to accept this diagnosis and began his own research journey, leading to groundbreaking insights about blood vo
Children, Gut Health, and Long COVID
In recent years, families have found themselves navigating a new landscape of children’s health. What used to be a simple virus can leave lasting effects, such as fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes, long after the fever has subsided. Parents are noticing subtle yet troubling shifts in behavior and cognition, while clinicians are uncovering deeper roots, including disruptions in the gut microbiome
Mast Cells, Mold, & Long COVID: Unlocking Hidden Pathways to Recovery
Here's the scenario: you've been struggling with Long COVID symptoms for months, experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. You've tried everything, but nothing seems to work.For many with Long COVID, mold exposure and mast cell activation syndrome create a perfect storm for symptoms to develop and persist.In this episode of the Gordon Medical Forum p
How Food, Light, & Sleep Shape Circadian Biology
For millions of years, humans lived in sync with the sun. But in just the last 150 years, we've fundamentally disrupted this ancient rhythm. Today, only 10% of Americans maintain what researchers call "good circadian health," as we've disrupted natural cycles from food to light to when we sleep. This disconnection has profound consequences. For people with chronic illness, this
Microplastics: Hidden Toxins Impacting Your Health
Microplastics is a term that has only recently become highlighted in mainstream health and wellness media, and emerging research suggests it may be one of the biggest threats to human health we're currently facing. New studies have found microplastic levels in human brain tissue increased by 50% between 2016 and 2024, with concentrations significantly higher than in other organs. There isn&ap
Gut Overgrowth: SIBO, SIFO, and Solutions
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is now understood to be the underlying cause of up to 80% of IBS cases and many other digestive disorders. Beyond gut symptoms like bloating and gas, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can contribute to health challenges, including cognitive dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular problems, affecting patients
How to Address Lyme Testing Challenges with Advanced Testing Methods
Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses often go undiagnosed because standard commercial laboratory tests provide a false negative approximately 50% of the time. The problem stems from outdated conventional testing methods that look at one single strain of bacteria, B31, found in a tick from an island off New York's coast in the 1980s. The reality is that this does not accurately represen
Mold & Mycotoxins: Binders vs Antifungals
Dr. Pejman Katiraei was following standard protocol—treating patients with combinations of binders, such as cholestyramine, charcoal, and clay, to remove mycotoxins from mold exposure. But after years of practice, he noticed a troubling pattern: only a handful of patients were getting significantly better, while many remained stuck with persistent symptoms. Even more puzzling, despite aggressive b
Alzheimer's in the Long COVID Era: What You Can Do Now
Millions of people are struggling with persistent brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive issues following COVID, not realizing these symptoms share striking similarities with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Both conditions represent what researchers call "network insufficiencies" in the brain, where chronic inflammation, toxins, and nutrient deficiencies create an imbalance
The Limitation and Shifting Landscape of Detox Protocols
In today's complex world of increasing environmental toxicity and inflammatory illnesses, understanding the relationship between our bodies and the environment has never been more crucial. The concept of detoxification goes far beyond simple cleanses or supplements - it's an intricate dance between our biological systems, our environment, and even our spiritual well-being, affecting ever
Peptides, Bioregulators, and the Future of Medicine
Dr. Kent Holtorf's path to pioneering immune system treatments began with his own health crisis. When conventional medicine offered little hope for his heart failure, he discovered peptides during treatment in Europe. Within days, he experienced a dramatic turnaround that would not only reverse his condition but transform his entire approach to treating chronic illness.In this eye-opening epi
Frequency Medicine and How It Uplevels Healing
Ever wonder what happens when a physician rediscovers a century-old treatment list from 1922? Dr. Carol McMakin's journey with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) began when she received frequencies written on scraps of typing paper—remnants of medical knowledge nearly lost after the 1910 Flexner Report drove alternative therapies underground. In this fascinating interview, Dr. Eric Gordon
Long COVID and CIRS: When Inflammation Persists
In this episode, the conversation explores the connection between long COVID and CIRS, examining how treatment requires addressing foundational health factors rather than following rigid protocols. Dr. Kelly Halderman explains that these conditions may share a crucial underlying mechanism: in approximately 22% of the population, genetic factors prevent proper antigen presentation, keeping the inna
The Nervous System's Impact on the Healing Journey
The role of the nervous system in chronic illness is often overlooked, yet it may be the crucial missing piece in many healing journeys. When our body remains in a defensive state, it creates an environment that can resist even the most promising treatments. For many struggling with complex conditions, addressing nervous system dysregulation might be the key that unlocks their body's natural
Botanical Allies: Fighting Long COVID and Inflammation
While pharmaceuticals are traditionally the "go-to" solution, vulnerary herbs offer often overlooked power as effective natural allies against long COVID, inflammation, and cellular repair challenges.In this episode, Dr. Jill Crista and Dr. Nafysa Parpia weave through the intricate relationship between these healing plants and the body's epithelial cells—those crucial barriers linin
Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness: Treatment Approaches
One of the most challenging aspects of chronic illness is the persistent pain that can accompany it, pain that often doesn't fit neatly into traditional medical categories or respond to standard treatments. In this episode, Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Eric Gordon explore how pain manifests differently in each patient and why personalized treatment approaches are essential for healing. Togeth
Chronic Illness Trifecta: COVID, Mold Exposure & Herpesviruses
Recent research has shown a connection between three significant health challenges: COVID, mold exposure, and herpesvirus reactivation. This interaction may help explain why some individuals experience more severe or prolonged symptoms, particularly in the context of Long COVID.In this episode, Dr. Lauren Tessier and Dr. Nafysa Parpia explore the intricate relationships between these three conditi
Where to Start? Mold Testing & Remediation
Mold contamination in homes is often an invisible threat that can significantly impact health, particularly for those with chronic illness. Hidden within walls, under sinks, or in crawl spaces, toxic mold can trigger a range of symptoms, from fatigue and brain fog to joint pain and gastrointestinal issues. While many suffer from mycotoxin illness that originated in their living spaces, identifying
Politics of Medicine: COVID and Medical Innovations
In this episode, Dr. Gordon sits down with Dr. Pierre Kory to explore the challenging landscape of medical innovation and resistance to new ideas. Their conversation delves into the historical pattern of how revolutionary medical concepts face opposition from established orthodoxy and discusses Dr. Kory’s personal experience.The discussion illuminates the complex political dynamics within the medi
Protecting Your Gut Health in a Toxic World
In a world where chronic gut conditions are reaching epidemic proportions, the culprits often lurk in our everyday environment. The rising rates of SIBO, ulcerative colitis, IBD, and other digestive disorders appear to be more closely tied to our toxic surroundings than previously understood.In this episode, environmental medicine pioneer Dr. Lyn Patrick sits down with Dr. Nafysa Parpia to discuss
The Morgellons and Lyme Relationship
Despite decades of reported cases, very little is known about Morgellons disease, making it one of modern medicine's most enigmatic conditions. The medical literature remains sparse, and many healthcare providers still need to familiarize themselves with its true physical nature. Once thought to be a delusional disorder, Morgellons disease has emerged as a complex physical condition that can
Long COVID: Neurological Health Crisis
Recent studies reveal one in five COVID survivors face long-term effects, with some research suggesting rates as high as 50% of those infected experience lingering symptoms. These statistics underscore an emerging health crisis that threatens to overwhelm healthcare systems worldwide. As hospitalizations and death rates decline, the prevalence of Long COVID paradoxically continues to rise, present
The Connection Between Oral Health and Disease
Oral health plays a crucial role in overall systemic health, yet this connection is often underappreciated. Recent research has revealed significant links between oral conditions and various chronic diseases, brain health, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmunity, highlighting the importance of integrative dental care.In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Mary Ellen Chalmers, a speci
The Latest Research on Long COVID
This episode explores the latest research in the complex world of Long COVID and its intersection with chronic illness. Our guest, Gez Medinger, an investigative science journalist specializing in Long COVID, sits down with Dr. Eric Gordon to discuss the latest research and challenges faced by those suffering from this condition.They touch on the vast array of symptoms associated with Long COVID,
Pathogens, Toxins, and Their Link to Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy, a silent disruptor of brain function often triggered by unseen forces in our environment, affects individuals across the lifespan, from children to teenagers and seniors. Dr. Nafysa Parpia sits down with pediatric neurologist Dr. Melanie Alarcio to examine the complex interactions between pathogens, toxins, and our genetic makeup, revealing how these factors can fundamentally chang
When Symptoms Are Driven By Structure: Craniocervical Instability Explained
With decades of experience in treating complex chronic illnesses, Dr. Eric Gordon has identified Craniocervical Instability (CCI) as a crucial, yet often overlooked, factor in persistent health challenges. This structural issue, involving the junction where the head meets the neck, can significantly impact a wide array of chronic health problems.In this discussion, Dr. Gordon will explore the esse
Long COVID's Neurological Footprint: Chiropractic Neurology's Role in Treatment
As the medical community struggles to address the complex and persistent neurological effects of Long COVID, innovative approaches to healing are desperately needed. Dr. Nafysa Parpia has successfully incorporated chiropractic neurology into her protocols not only for Long COVID patients but also for many of her complex chronic illness patients. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Parpia sits down wi
The Science of Sound And How It Impacts Our Physical Health
Sound is a fundamental force in our world, capable of evoking powerful emotions and physiological responses. From the cry of a baby to the soothing melodies of our favorite songs, sound shapes our experiences in profound ways. While we've long understood its emotional impact, science is now uncovering the deep connections between sound, our bodies, and our health.In this episode, Dr. Eric Gor
Toxic Transition: How Menopause Unleashes Hidden Heavy Metals
Why do some of us suddenly feel so sick, even when nothing seems to have changed? This question has left countless women puzzled and frustrated during perimenopause and post-menopause when they are hit with a wave of unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, aches, and pains.In this episode, Dr. Nafysa Parpia sits down with Laura Frontiero for her recent Silent Killers Summit to dive into t
Tailored Healing: Personalized Lyme Disease Treatment
At Gordon Medical Associates, we are deeply committed to the topic of Lyme disease treatment due to the prevalence of misinformation surrounding its management. Both acute and chronic Lyme disease are frequently treated inappropriately, which exacerbates the problem and contributes to the increase in chronic cases. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of this issue, Dr. Steven Harris and Dr. Myr
Chronic Fatigue, Long COVID, and the Mitochondrial Network
The connection between the mitochondrial network, chronic fatigue, and Long COVID is rooted in the critical role mitochondria play in cellular energy production. Chronic fatigue and Long COVID both often result from mitochondrial dysfunction, where the cells' energy factories fail to meet the body's demands, leading to persistent fatigue. Modern-day stressors, such as insufficient sleep,
Hypercoagulation and Persistent Microclots in Long COVID
Hypercoagulation and persistent microclots represent another component to explore as we study complex chronic illness. Long COVID has brought this issue into the limelight and has intensified the research into this issue. Hypercoagulation has been suspected of contributing to autoimmune disorders, Lyme Disease, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia. Dr. Jordan Vaughn has brought the work of Dr. Pretorius and
Effects of Environmental Toxins on Brain Health
Environmental toxins wield a profound influence on brain health and the nervous system, affecting cognitive function, mood regulation, and neurological integrity. Various environmental factors, including pollution, heavy metals, pesticides, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, posing significant threats to brain health.Additionally, the intricate connection bet
The Link Between Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Chronic Illness
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex immunological condition characterized by the abnormal activation of mast cells, which are crucial players in the body's allergic response. Often overlooked or misdiagnosed, MCAS can manifest in various forms, affecting multiple organ systems and presenting symptoms that mimic those of other diseases. Unlike traditional allergies, MCAS may not
Is It Lyme, Mold, or Both?
Navigating the uncertainty of potential Lyme disease, mold exposure, or a combination of both can be a challenging and perplexing journey. Symptoms of these conditions often overlap, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause. The elusive nature of Lyme disease, coupled with the stealthy effects of mold toxicity, can create a complex web of health concerns. Fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and
Silent Waves of Healing: Sleep & Your Glymphatic System
Unlocking the potential of the glymphatic system unveils a profound avenue for healing complex chronic illness and promotes cognitive vitality and neurological well-being. Operating primarily during sleep, the glymphatic system acts as the brain's self-cleaning mechanism, efficiently clearing metabolic waste and toxins that accumulate during wakefulness. Dr. Nafysa Parpia sits down with Dr. T
Peptides and the Chronic Illness Equation
Unlock the secrets of cellular communication with Drs Eric Gordon and Nafysa Parpia. They delve into the microscopic world of peptides—the minuscule proteins wielding monumental influence over your body and mind. Comprising short chains of amino acids, these tiny powerhouses orchestrate specific functions within your cells, playing a pivotal role in the intricate dance of bodily and mental process
Exploring Sinus-Related Cognitive Connections
Join Dr. Parpia in the latest episode of Gordon Medical Forum as she navigates the intricate web of potential causes for cognitive decline with Dr. Josh Helman. From Lyme and co-infections to mold/mycotoxins, high viral loads, and environmental toxicants, discover why the health of our sinuses holds profound significance for brain health and cognitive function, unraveling the connections that unde
Healing Really Happens When....
Every single day, Dr. Eric Gordon and Dr. Nafysa Parpia navigate the intricate landscape of patients grappling with multifaceted chronic illnesses. Each individual presents a unique puzzle, with an array of symptoms and interwoven medical complexities. Navigating the realm of complex health issues amidst a sea of bewildering information can be a daunting task. The reality is that chronic illness i
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