#81: Clinical Pearls from Dr. Chris Turnpaugh: Understanding Chronic Infections and Immune Dysregulation
Release Date: 01/20/2026
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info_outlineFor this week’s episode of the Clinician’s Corner, we’ve gone into the archives to pull out another clinical pearl from one of our favorite episodes – a fascinating conversation with our beloved Medical Director, Dr. Chris Turnpaugh, where we discuss chronic infections, immune dysregulation, and detox strategies.
This interview first aired early last year (2025), and the full interview can be viewed here.
Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview:
- Overview of chronic infections and the immune system
- The role of environmental toxins on the immune system/immune response
- Addressing toxic burden and supporting detoxification
- Various therapeutic interventions
- Lyme disease and Long Covid (and other complex client cases)
- Foundational immune support
The Clinician’s Corner is brought to you by the Institute of Restorative Health.
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Connect with Dr. Chris Turnpaugh:
Website: TurnpaughHWC.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurnpaughHWC/
Instagram: TurnpaughHealth
Timestamps:
00:00 TH1 vs. TH2 Immunity Explained
03:32 "Reducing Toxic Burden Strategies"
08:19 "NAC: The Ultimate Supplement"
11:09 "Master Clinical Skills, Transform Lives"
Speaker bio:
Dr. Chris Turnpaugh is a practitioner and CEO at Turnpaugh Health, a Functional Medicine wellness center, which he founded in 1999. The center, one of the largest in the country, has grown to over 20 healthcare providers and a team of more than 50 in five locations.
Turnpaugh Health provides in-depth holistic care focusing on functional medicine, investigating the mechanisms of dysfunction in patients. The clinic also provides integrative family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and many complementary wellness services.
Over his twenty years in practice, Dr. Turnpaugh has joined ILADS and is known as a thought leader in Lyme disease and associated co-infections. He also traveled to Lake Como to participate on the PANDAS International board. He has a deep interest and extensive knowledge in pediatric neurological disorders and methods of supporting these children holistically.
Dr. Turnpaugh has lectured on a broad variety of health topics, both nationally and internationally. His application of functional medicine as it relates to the neuro/endocrine/immune systems is a unique clinical approach to non-pharmacological treatments. He is well respected among his peers and patients as a provider and functional medicine instructor. He has treated thousands of patients in his practice and mentored hundreds of practitioners. His true passion is teaching functional medicine to other practitioners and helping patients to optimize their health.
Keywords:
functional health practitioners, clinical skills, chronic disease, restoring balance, chronic infections, immune system, TH1, TH2 dominance, autoimmunity, cancer, chemicals, pesticides, endocrine disrupting compounds, toxic burden, gut symptoms, liver, bile flow, digestion, nutrient supplementation, detoxification, sauna therapy, nasal spray, peptide therapy, liposomal glutathione, NAC, vitamin D, immune dysregulation, long Covid, post-treatment Lyme disease, food intolerances, chemical sensitivities, microbiome
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the IRH Clinician’s Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician’s Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician’s Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician’s Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.