Why Antibiotics Have Limited Use For Chronic Lyme
Borrelia clears the blood quickly and uses its corkscrew shape to penetrate deeply into tissues where it is protected from antibiotics and the immune system. It can penetrate into cells, give up the corkscrew shape, and live inside of cells, thus gaining protection from the immune system and antibiotics. If confronted with a full antibiotic assault, it rolls up into dormant cyst and rides out the storm until the antibiotics are gone.
Antibiotics work best on highly threatening microbes that grow very rapidly and congregate densely in localized areas in the body . Borrelia grows very slowly in the body and only occurs in very low concentrations in tissues.
Borrelia is a master at blending in with the trillions of other microbes that make up the human microbiome . Overwhelming the host is not its mission it simply needs to scavenge enough resources to survive. Borrelias stealthy ability to lay low makes diagnosis and treatment a real challenge.
Borrelia never occurs alone. There are many stealthy microbes mycoplasma, chlamydia, Bartonella, Epstein-Barr virus , cytomegalovirus , and others that can occupy space in the microbiome. Sometimes they occur as coinfections with the tick bite, but they can already be present in the microbiome, without causing symptoms, when infection with Borrelia occurs.
Seven Herbal Medicines Can Kill Lyme Disease Bacteria In Test Tube
Researchers have determined that seven herbal medicines are highly active in test tubes against B. burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, compared to the control antibiotics, doxycycline and cefuroxime.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, the laboratory study was funded by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and supported in part by The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and colleagues at the California Center for Functional Medicine and FOCUS Health Group, Naturopathic collaborated on the study.
Since traditional antibiotic approaches fail to resolve symptoms in up to 25% of patients treated for Lyme disease and many suffer disabling effects of the disease, there is a need for novel treatment proven effective against B. burgdorferi, said the papers co-author Sunjya K. Schweig, MD, CEO and co-director, California Center for Functional Medicine and Scientific Advisory Board Member, Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
Creating The Perfect Environment For Healing
Healing is the ability of cells to regenerate and recover from being stressed. Healing can only occur if ongoing stresses are reduced enough for cellular recovery to occur.
No doubt, killing bacteria and other microbes is essential for cellular healing, but it must be done without upsetting the delicate balance of other microbes that inhabit the body. This is the problem with antibiotics. Conventional antibiotics dont penetrate into cells very well, but do disrupt the balance of normal flora in the gut and skin. Prolonged use of antibiotics typically leads to a host of issues that disrupt cellular healing and often doesnt eradicate the ongoing infection.
This is where the antimicrobial properties of herbs offer a distinct advantage. Taking an herb with antimicrobial properties isnt like taking an antibiotic. Instead of being a single chemical agent, like an antibiotic, herbs offer a wide spectrum of chemical substances with broad spectrum action against a wide variety of microbes. In essence, it acts like an intelligent defense system that targets pathogens and not normal flora. This allows herbs to be taken for extended periods of time months and even years without disrupting the balance of bacteria and other microbes in the body. Which is exactly what it takes to wear the intracellular microbes down.
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How To Treat Lyme Disease Naturally
Those afflicted by Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by a tick bite, often exhibit symptoms of the infection days to weeks later, including fever, headache, fatigue, malaise, and join swellings akin to arthritis. In 70% of those infected, a rash may present around the bite location, which sometimes resembles a bullseye.
While many cases of Lyme disease result in a full recovery with the help of antibiotics, others do not, especially if the infection is discovered later on.
When Lyme disease goes untreated, severe symptoms may develop. Some examples include chronic joint pain and swelling, extreme fatigue and memory loss, pain or numbness in the hands or feet, heart palpitations or heart conduction problems, and many others. Consequently, getting tested and receiving treatment is imperative.
A powerful adjunct to Lyme disease treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy . Through a variety of mechanisms, HBOT can be used to enhance the treatment of an acute Lyme infection, as well as reduce the ongoing symptoms of those struggling with chronic Lyme.
Recent Research Has Seen Positive Results When Evaluating the Effectiveness of HBOT on Patients with Lyme Disease
Promising findings such as the aforementioned have influenced more and more patients to turn to HBOT for help with their ailments.
Essential Oils For Lyme Disease
Essential oils are concentrated liquids from plants. Some of them have antibacterial properties, meaning they can kill bacteria.
A 2017 study evaluated the use of 34 essential oils to kill B. burgdorferi bacteria in a laboratory setting. Cinnamon bark, clove bud, and oregano essential oils killed the bacteria without any regrowth. <
These results are promising, but theres no evidence that they work in humans with Lyme disease. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, where the fragrant oils are inhaled through a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically. Its not safe to ingest essential oils, especially in the quantities that you would likely need to treat Lyme disease.
Some people claim that immune system-boosting supplements can naturally treat Lyme disease.
These include:
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Foods To Help The Body Detoxify
While all of the above foods are known to help the body detoxify, we wanted to point out a few others that specifically do so. Garlic is known to stimulate the liver into producing detoxification enzymes that filter toxic residues from the digestive system. Mung beans have been used by Ayurvedic doctors for thousands of years, and not only are they are easy to digest, but they absorb toxic residue from the intestinal walls. Certain seeds and nuts can have anti-parasitic and detox properties. Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are all excellent options. Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds and black walnut oil can effectively fight intestinal parasites like rope or tape worms. And all of the above seeds and nuts help move toxins out of the body through our bodys solid waste function.
Three Kill Lyme And Any Other Infection
Foundational supplements should be taken for months and could be taken indefinitely. They provide the body with a foundation of the minerals and vitamins and other nutrients needed so that, along with the right diet, the body remains at peak performance, able to fend off new invaders and rid itself of any current infection and toxins.
For those on a tight budget, looking for a stopping point, I recommend completing the first phase of the protocol and then always having on hand the activated charcoal and the SF722. If affordable, add the Total Nutrition Formula and the Fish oil as well, and take every day for a year. A lack of nutrition or an abundance of toxins at any time before the Lyme bacteria is completely eliminated will likely result in resurgence of infection along with renewed symptoms. For most people, a very strict diet and just a few supplements will eventually rid the body of any and all Lyme.
Foundational Supplements
Anti-microbial and Immune Boosting Supplements
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Related Resources For Lyme Disease
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
Take Warm Epsom Salt Baths
I never used to take time for a bath. I was more of a shower type of girl. But my life post-Lyme has been full of hot, Epsom salt baths. Why? Because the salts really help to soothe the pain in my joints and muscles. The warm water is relaxing. And I get to catch up on my reading on the Kindle app.
Plus, the warm water is great for providing a natural detox, if you sweat that is. Just make sure not to make the bath too hot or it could cause you to herx, which is never pleasant and could be dangerous.
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Herbs For Lyme Disease Treatment
Herbs have been used as a medicinal treatment for thousands of years. Many people have turned to herbal remedies to help provide relief from Lyme disease when antibiotics didn’t completely help eliminate symptoms.
One research study found that a combination of doxycycline and baicalein provides additional healing benefits. According to a 2020 laboratory study, seven herbal medicines have been shown to kill B. burgdorferi in test tubes:
- Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
- Scutellaria baicalensis
Garlic has antibacterial effects and may help prevent tick bites. One study determined that people who took garlic supplements reported fewer tick bites than the placebo group. Garlic essential oil has been shown to eliminate the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Garlic can interact with certain medications, so speak with your healthcare provider before using it to prevent or treat Lyme disease.
Steviaa natural sweetener and sugar substitute derived from the leaves of theStevia rebaudiana plantmay be effective in treating Lyme disease. A study published in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology discovered that stevia extracts are more effective in killing Lyme disease bacterium in the lab than the standard antibiotics.
Detoxification Of The Toxins Produced By Lyme Infection
This is the arm of treatment that is as important as the antimicrobial arm. In my opinion, the majority of the symptoms of chronic lyme come from the accumulation of toxins that are produced by the germ. Toxins are somewhat of a generic term, the can be thought of metabolic products that stimulate aberrant inflammation. This is from my own experience, as well of that of many other clinicians, that finds that patients often get better when a focus on detoxification is made. If the underlying infection is not treated, and the immune dysregulation not treated, then patients may relapse of course, as the toxin burden starts to creep up again. It is a catch 22 situation though, as the toxins do need to be dealt with otherwise it is also hard for the patient to clear the infection.
Treatments are very varied depending on the evaluation for which toxins may be present. It is very difficult to assess directly for infection related toxins, however we can get indirect information on what toxin may be affecting the patient by assessing other pathways. For example, we may assess for mycotoxins from mold, heavy metals, organic toxins, all of which may not be of course directly from Lyme and a related infection. However, the patient’s ability to excrete above such toxins may be compromised as they are ill and improving this may help the overall homeostatic function of the patient. Treatment can be a combination of the oral supplement protocol as well as an office treatments.
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What Is Post Treatment Lyme Disease
Post Treatment Lyme Disease represents a research subset of patients who remain significantly ill 6 months or more following standard antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease. PTLD is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that includes severe fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive problems such as difficulty with short-term memory, speed of thinking, or multi-tasking. In the absence of a direct diagnostic biomarker blood test, PTLD has been difficult to define by physicians, and its existence has been controversial. However, our clinical research shows that meticulous patient evaluation when used alongside appropriate diagnostic testing can reliably identify patients with a history of previously treated Lyme disease who display the typical symptom patterns of PTLD.
Strategies To Tackle Lyme Disease
I have Lyme disease, writes this weeks viewer. Is there anything I can do to treat it naturally?
Lyme disease, the most common American tick-borne infectious disease, often goes undiagnosed or becomes misdiagnosed. That becomes a real problem when you consider that in America, up to 300,000 new cases a year of Lyme disease diagnoses have been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , an increase of up to 10 times what researchers previously believed.
Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which can proliferate to every area in your body. An infected blacklegged deer tick transmits the virus to humans through a bite.
Unfortunately, Borrelia burgdorferi has the ability to proliferate within every area of your body, hiding from and suppressing your natural immune system. Lyme infections literally hijack your immune system like AIDS.
Lyme is one of the most challenging, difficult situations in my practice because it mimics other illnesses such as the flu, manifesting as diverse symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, stomach ulcers, constipation, and joint pain. That makes diagnosing and treating Lyme very difficult.
A weakened immune system paired with suboptimal cellular function and protection, chronic bacterial infections, and exposure to environmental toxins, like molds and parasites, can make things much worse for those who suffer from chronic Lyme.
Wishing you health and happiness,
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What Are Some Common Side Effects Of Lyme Disease Medication
As with any medication, there are always potential side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects persist or worsen.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat Lyme disease and may cause allergic reactions that result in hives, difficulty breathing, or dry eyes, throat, and mouth. Some people may experience diarrhea, headaches, or chest pain as well. You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medication.
Herbal Treatment For Lyme Disease Symptoms Popular Home
Herbs for Lyme disease symptoms help treat Lyme disease, an infectious bacterial disease caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi, a spirochete organism. Usually, it is introduced into the system through a tick bite.
More people in the northeastern US appear to be prone to Lyme disease, although cases have been reported in all of the lower states. In the early stages, it can be treated with antibiotics, but often it is not detected in time. A rash is a characteristic of Lyme disease, but many patients never develop it. Because there are so many symptoms in the later stages, its difficult to properly diagnose them. Medical tests are often still imprecise.
Herbs for Lyme disease symptoms work as a natural treatment for Lyme disease. They are generally less toxic than drugs. Some of the most effective herbal treatment for Lyme disease symptoms are:
Cats Claw :
- Cats claw without the tetracyclic alkaloid oxindole has strong antibiotic properties. In a 10-week study, patients with Lyme disease showed significant improvement in symptoms after using Cats Claw without T.O.A.
Natural Biotic Silver:
- The effectiveness of this non-pharmaceutical antibiotic has been the subject of much research in the treatment of Lyme disease. The natural biotic silver mineral has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also helps reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, supports healthy bowel function, and makes any detoxification process effective.
Stephen Buhner Lyme Protocol:
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Herbs For Lyme Disease
There are many herbs that are fantastic for pretty much anyone to take, such as adaptogens , which help to bring the body back into balance no matter where its at.
There are a couple of more specific herbs for Lyme disease that are super helpful for specific Lyme symptoms and problems.
These herbs can be a great part of chronic Lyme disease treatment.
Ive also included links for you to find good places to buy each herb. Its important to find somewhere to buy from that you can trust, and that offers high-quality herbs that havent used pesticides or herbicides, and thats why I always buy my herbs from Starwest Botanicals.
Read on to find out which herbs are best for you to include in your Lyme disease herbal protocol!
What Are The Best Natural Remedies For Neurological Lyme
Numbness, tingling sensations, and brain fog are some of the frustrating neurological manifestations of Lyme disease. What are the best natural remedies for neurological Lyme disease, also known as Lyme neuroborreliosis? Here, Dr. Bill Rawls explains how the right herbal therapies can help suppress harmful microbes, enhance immune function, and boost brain activity. Learn more about Dr. Rawls natural approach to overcoming chronic Lyme disease here.
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Healing Chronic Lyme Program
Support for those with suspected or diagnosed Chronic Lyme disease.
The Healing Chronic Lyme Program focuses on treating Lyme and all related co-infections. It also speeds recovery by supporting immune function, promoting healthy detoxification, and protecting/repairing the bodywhich may include herbal anti-microbials in combination with antibiotic therapy prescribed by your medical doctor.
Dr. Leslie Vilensky completed the International Lyme and Associated Disease Societys Physician Training Program and has worked extensively with patients dealing with Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne illness. Her approach is to restore balance and support the body in its inherent healing capacity.
Your Lyme disease treatment journey may include nutritional and lifestyle counseling, homeopathic drainage, detoxification, and herbs/supplements tailored to your unique needs
Were passionate about helping our patients recover more quickly with wellness support aims at killing Lyme, but also addresses your bodys ability to function optimallyincluding immune system function, detoxification capabilities, and gastrointestinal health.
Or call us at 440-7710.