Episode 450: Foraging Through Lyme - an interview with Alan Bergo

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Khalil Fuller sit down with Alan Bergo, a James Beard Award-winning chef, professional forager, and author, to discuss his personal battle with Lyme disease. Alan shares how his love for wild food shaped his culinary career, the hardships he faced after contracting Lyme, and how he found healing through foraging and alternative therapies. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and the powerful connection between nature and wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Alan’s Culinary and Foraging Journey: Growing up in Minnesota, Alan worked his way up in the culinary world, eventually becoming an executive chef and a renowned expert in wild food.
• The Moment Lyme Changed Everything: While leading foraging tours, Alan unknowingly contracted Lyme disease, which led to a cascade of debilitating symptoms, including Bell’s palsy, cluster headaches, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
• Struggles with Diagnosis and Treatment: Despite recognizing his symptoms early, Alan faced challenges in getting proper medical care, receiving only a short round of doxycycline.
• The Aftermath of Lyme: Chronic neurological issues forced Alan to reevaluate his career, leading him to explore alternative treatments and lifestyle changes, including foraging as a form of therapy.
• The Role of Alternative Medicine: Alan discusses how eliminating gluten and alcohol, along with the use of psilocybin, helped him manage his chronic headaches.
• Advice for Lyme Warriors and Nature Enthusiasts: Alan emphasizes the importance of early Lyme detection, tick prevention (such as permethrin-treated clothing), and seeking community support.
• From Tragedy to Triumph: After Lyme forced him to step away from the restaurant industry, Alan channeled his passion into writing, public speaking, and hosting The Wild Harvest Show, which earned him two Taste Awards and a James Beard Award.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re interested in Lyme disease recovery, the healing power of wild food, or how nature can transform one’s life, Alan’s story is both inspiring and educational. Whether you’re battling Lyme, curious about foraging, or seeking motivation to overcome challenges, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate deeply.