What if the answers to chronic illness lie in looking beyond a single diagnosis?
In this exciting episode of The Silver Lyming, host Anne Desjardins welcomes back internationally recognized Lyme disease expert, researcher, and bestselling author Dr. Richard Horowitz to celebrate the release of his newest book, Ending Chronic Illness, available October 13, 2026.
After more than four decades of working with patients suffering from Lyme disease and complex chronic illnesses, Dr. Horowitz shares what he has learned about why people remain sick, the underlying factors that may prevent healing, and the research that continues to shape his approach.
Central to the conversation is his pioneering 16-point MSIDS (Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome) model, which explores how infections, environmental toxins, gut health, immune dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disturbances, and other factors may contribute to chronic illness.
Dr. Horowitz also discusses his research into dapsone combination therapy for persistent Lyme disease and Bartonella, emerging findings involving Lyme disease and Alzheimer's biomarkers, and his mission to make treatment knowledge more accessible to physicians and patients worldwide.
Celebrating His New Book:
Ending Chronic Illness
Released October 13, 2026, Ending Chronic Illness builds upon Dr. Horowitz's previous bestselling books, Why Can't I Get Better? and How Can I Get Better?
In this latest work, he expands the application of his MSIDS model beyond Lyme disease to examine conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long COVID, autoimmune disorders, and Alzheimer's disease.
The book draws on more than 2,000 scientific references and presents his approach to identifying and addressing multiple contributors to chronic illness.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- The inspiration behind Dr. Horowitz's new book, Ending Chronic Illness
- Why treating chronic illness may require looking at multiple underlying factors
- The 16-point MSIDS model and the six "rivers of inflammation"
- Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, and the challenges of persistent infections
- The potential roles of mold exposure, heavy metals, gut health, and immune dysfunction
- Dr. Horowitz's research into dapsone combination therapy
- Emerging research examining Lyme disease, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease
- Why some patients continue experiencing symptoms despite treatment
- His transition toward research, physician education, and developing new educational tools
- The importance of perseverance, compassion, spirituality, and never giving up hope
Hope for Those Living With Chronic Illness
One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is Dr. Horowitz's belief that even patients who have struggled for decades may still find opportunities for improvement.
He describes healing as a process of peeling back the layers of an onion—identifying and addressing different contributors to illness, one at a time.
His message is one of persistence, curiosity, and hope.
About Dr. Richard Horowitz
Dr. Richard Horowitz is a physician, researcher, internationally recognized Lyme disease expert, and bestselling author. He is known for developing the 16-point MSIDS model and for his clinical research involving persistent Lyme disease, associated infections, and complex chronic conditions.
His books include Why Can't I Get Better?, How Can I Get Better?, and his newest release, Ending Chronic Illness.
Learn more about Dr. Horowitz and his new book:
https://www.cangetbetter.com
Connect With The Silver Lyming
The Silver Lyming, hosted by Anne Desjardins, shares meaningful conversations about Lyme disease, chronic illness, resilience, and the many paths toward healing.
Real Stories • Healing • Hope
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Together, we can continue spreading awareness, education, and hope.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Some research and treatment approaches discussed are emerging or experimental and are not established standards of care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions.
