The Vital Plan Restore Program
I took a leap of faith and in late November 2014 I began following the protocol set out in the book to the letter.
In January 2015, I made the decision to follow the Vital Plan Restore Program.
The Restore Program was formulated by Dr Rawls. He created the program using his extensive knowledge of herbal therapies and incorporated everything that helped him in his own recovery from chronic illness.
The program includes four different supplements, a diet plan, a 6-month email course and ongoing support from the Vital Plan team. It is all encompassing and is a culmination of everything Dr Rawls has learned put into an easy-to-follow program.
The four supplements included in the Restore Program are:
- Advanced Biotic: Andrographis, Berberine, Cats claw, Japanese Knotweed, Garlic, Sarsaparilla
- Adaptogen Recovery: Chinese Skullcap, Reishi, Cordyceps, Rehmannia
- Mitochondrial Support: Glutathione, NAC, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Co-enzyme Q10
- Prevention Plus: vitamin and mineral supplement that also contains herbal therapies such as Milk Thistle, Pine Bark Extract and Resveratrol
Initially, I felt worse from the herbal therapies but an inner voice told me I was on the right path and I needed to keep going. Sure enough, I then began to see small improvements and glimmers of hope that my health could improve.
These small improvements began to add up and, though I could still experience setbacks and flare-ups, my level of functioning slowly improved.
Beyond Illness: The Real Reasons We Age Too Fast
As my life continued its turn for the better, I began to recognize that not only were my symptoms of chronic Lyme retreating, but so were those I had just assumed were the unavoidable side effects of getting older joint issues, feeling drained, mood changes, lack of mental clarity. And the more consistently I took the herbs, the better I felt both physically and mentally.
I was so intrigued by what was going on beneath my skins surface, that I immersed myself in the study of how herbs might be affecting the processes of aging, too.
My timing was good. More is known now about why the body ages than ever before, and there has been an enormous amount of research verifying traditional uses of herbs and exploring how they work. That said, aging is an incredibly complex process, and I wont pretend otherwise, or that eliminating it is even possible. But I do think I can pinpoint the main causes of aging, and more importantly, some key factors that accelerate it.
In short, we age because our cells die. Were made of trillions of living cells, all working in harmony to keep us alive and going, that accumulate until we reach peak adulthood around age 20. After that point in time, the number and quality of cells in the body gradually decline.
So what increases the rate of cellular burnout? Stress but not just the kind youre thinking of. The modern world has become dominated by five stress factors that play different but pivotal roles in how quickly cells deteriorate.
Lyme Disease: Resolving The Lyme Wars
- By , Contributor
Its finally getting warm here in New England, and most of us have plans to enjoy the beautiful weather. And thats why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report raising awareness about how to prevent the tickborne infections that typically occur during this time of the year. Lyme disease is probably the most well-known, and the one for which diagnosis and treatment are most controversial.
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Biorepositories And Research Cohorts
Well-characterized samples are an essential tool to help researchers develop and validate new diagnostic tests and to better understand the complexities of LD. Well-characterized sample sets can benefit medical providers, test developers, and the public at risk for LD . It is critical that sample users understand the criteria used to enroll participants, how samples were collected and stored, and what additional clinical and testing data may be available. Additional benefits can be realized when multiple sample users are using the same well-characterized sample sets. Current sample sets available for researchers include the CDC Lyme Serum Repository , the Lyme Disease Biobank , and samples from the Studies of Lyme Immunology and Clinical Events at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Additionally, some investigators also have their own sample collections with, in some cases, blood samples, skin biopsy specimens and synovial fluid which form the basis for collaborative studies .
Lyme Disease Biobank
Lyme Disease Research Center
Long Island Outdoor Worker Cohort
Why Herbs Are The Missing Link To Optimal Aging And Vitality
Of course, I cant credit herbs entirely for my recovery or my new lease on life. I know that all the other efforts I made to eat a more whole-foods diet and to minimize stress, toxins, and inactivity were a key part of restoring strength to my immune system and all the cells of my body.
But I also know that those lifestyle changes only got me so far, and that introducing herbs to my daily regimen gave me the leg up I needed to get over that final hump. I saw the same thing in the thousands of patients Ive helped overcome chronic illness with herbs, whove gone on to enjoy active and fulfilling lives. Now, after so many years of research on herbs and the human body, I understand how the plants deliver such vital benefits.
The benefits of herbs come from biochemical substances called phytochemicals. A plant produces several types of phytochemicals to protect itself from stress factors, including :
All of these phytochemical powers take the stress off plant cells and enable them to function better and use energy more efficiently. When cells are less stressed and more energy efficient, they burn out at a slower rate. That translates to healthier cells and a reduced rate of cellular loss.
And heres the exciting news for us humans: Because plants and animals coevolved, when we consume the protective plant phytochemicals by taking herbs, we gain all the same age-decelerating benefits. In essence, we adopt the plants natural defenses and protective properties.
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Neurotransmitter Testing & Adjustments
This was a really big game changer for me in how I felt emotionally. Making adjustments with various supplements to balance my serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine really helped me to feel better, less anxious and less depressed. They take a lot of work to adjust and you have to keep tweaking them but I highly recommend this as a step to mentally and emotionally feeling more stable. I used the NeuroScience Inc testing and line of supplements that my doctor managed for me.
French Maritime Pine Bark
Antioxidants and other compounds in French maritime pine bark inhibit platelet aggregation , reduce vascular inflammation, improve the integrity of blood vessels, and enhance blood flow to the tissue.
Suggested dosage: 75 mg daily standardized to 35% OPCs 1 to 2 times daily.
Side effects: Rare pine bark has a low potential for toxicity.
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Supplements Every Lyme Patient Has In Their Protocol
At one point in my Lyme treatment, I had supplements all over my apartmentevidence of things tried that often didnt work or which my body could not tolerate. For my 33rd birthday, my husband installed two giant, IKEA knick-knack shelves to store my array of pills. Those shelves, once filled to max capacity, have a slight droop in the middle from the heavy weight they held day after day. The extra bottles, of which there were many, spilled over into the refrigerator, the pantry, countertops, and baskets. I bought everything that anyone suggested might help me feel better.
Over the years, I have pared down my lengthy list of supplements to the ones that are most helpful and affordable to me, and my shelving units now have some room to spare. Recently, I asked for recommendations from my fellow Lyme support group members about the supplements that they feel have benefitted them the most. Below is a compilation of the things that have been the most useful to most of us during our treatments. Of course, every doctor has specific recommendations that they want each of their patients to follow. However, this list can serve as an excellent discussion tool between you and your physician to ensure you have a variety of tools in your recovery arsenal.
The 10 supplements every Lyme patient has in their protocol:
What are the supplements you need as part of your journey toward recovery? Id love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment.
What Is Lyme Disease
Several countries around the world, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, and all 50 states in the US have already reported cases of Lyme. The disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia, and it is spread by ticks. One of the biggest controversies surrounding Lyme is determining whether or not someone has the so-called persistent or chronic Lyme disease. The CDC and most specialists prefer to use a different term, post-treatment Lyme disease .
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Does Lyme Disease Stay With You For Life
Yes and no. The answer to this question depends on the duration of the infection prior to treatment, and on the vast array of complex activity within a body affected by Lyme. But it also depends on you. Being vigilant and taking care of yourself conscientiously goes a long way towards living symptom-free for long periods of time, if not for the rest of your life.
Many Lyme patients reported that the healing phase from tick-borne disease took them up to 12 months or more. Patients who opt for cellular therapies and foundational medicine methods have found that the reward of a sustainable result and a therapy approach that syncs with the bodys own healing process comes with the downside of slow recovery. During the recovery phase it is recommended that patients manage symptoms with home remedies and a natural supplement regimen, to control histamine reaction, inflammation, sleeping disorders, pain flare ups and so forth. Again, it is also very important to care for oneself in a broader sense, with special attention to proper nutrition, mental health care, a sustainable exercise program, and community support. Lyme is a debilitating disease, but it need not be a life sentence.
What You Will Learn:
An overview of common misconceptions about what Lyme disease is
How to obtain a diagnosis, despite current limitations in diagnostic testing for Lyme
The limitations of long-term antibiotic use, plus learn about natural therapies for healing symptoms
How to strengthen your immune system and embrace a healthier lifestyle so you can stay well
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Dr Bill Rawls On Using Herbal Treatment For Lyme Disease
Dr. Bill Rawls was a practicing OB/GYN when a personal health crisis completely transformed the trajectory of his life and career. Today, hes still a physician, but his specialty has shifted. Hes now a foremost expert on chronic Lyme disease treatment options and natural therapies for treating other conditions, as well as the author of the book Unlocking Lyme. Read on to get Dr. Rawls take on the different types of Lyme disease, what happens to those with untreated Lyme disease, the science behind herbal treatment for Lyme disease, and more.
S Every Lyme Patient Should Take To Protect Their Heart
Heart symptoms are a serious concern for people with chronic Lyme disease and rightfully so. While research suggests up to 10% of Lyme cases result in cardiac involvement, the consequences of which can be life-threatening, that number is likely deceptively low. Thats because the actual number of cases of Lyme are underreported in most areas of the country, and many Lyme specialists believe heart issues such as Lyme carditis or an irregular heartbeat may be more prevalent than statistics currently demonstrate.
The number of missed cases may be due in part to the fact that heart symptoms dont look the same in every Lyme patient they vary from person to person and exist on a spectrum and so they can be difficult to detect. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others might notice mild symptoms like an occasional skipped beat here or a small flutter there. Still, others may experience more severe cardiac manifestations like shortness of breath, chest tightness, or heart palpitations.
The threshold for tolerating heart symptoms should be pretty low, says Dr. Bill Rawls, Medical Director of RawlsMD and Vital Plan. Anytime you have something irregular with the heart, you should see a doctor right away.
Whether or not you have cardiac symptoms, there are strategies that can and should be incorporated into a protocol to augment heart health while dealing with Lyme disease.
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The 5 Key Aging Accelerators
Poor Diet
The excess of refined carbohydrates and bad, polyunsaturated fats that have become a signature of the modern processed-food diet are extremely damaging to cells and all systems in the body. For starters, youre likely not getting all of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables that your cells require to function properly.
Plus, all those simple carbs and unhealthy fats do damage by a variety of mechanisms:
Environmental Toxins
There are as many as 200,000 manmade chemicals in our environment today that did not exist 100 years ago. Most are derived from burning coal and the use of petroleum and petroleum products, and they have varying levels of toxicity.
Though concentrations of specific toxins are rarely high enough to be lethal, cumulative exposure has been shown to impair cellular health. Here are some of the ways toxins wreak havoc in the body:
Chronic Stress
The act of surviving amidst the elements has always been a struggle for humans. But the nearly nonstop psychological stress of living in a world with a 24-hour news cycle and constant digital connection to our bosses and inboxes escalates the stress of daily living to a whole new level.
Most importantly, chronic activation of the fight-or-flight response disrupts sleep the body cannot repair itself without the downtime allowed by sleep. The immune system is especially vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stress and sleep deprivation.
Microbes
Lower Your Microbial Load
Herbs are heart-friendly because they help protect the various cells of our body, including heart cells, says Dr. Rawls. Herbs defend against free radical damage, physical stress, toxic substances, and most importantly, pathogens like borrelia, bartonella, babesia, and mycoplasma, all of which can cause harm to the heart.
Therefore, taking antimicrobial herbs to suppress the microbes that could contribute to cardiac problems is a top priority. Dr. Rawls preferred herbs for heart health include:
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Each Session Includes A Practice Or Technique & Practical Tools You Can Start Using Immediately
1. 24+ Hours of downloadable trainings on The Truth About Lyme Disease including video talks, presentations and interviews for unlimited viewing or listening in your car, home, or phone.
2. Complete Audio Mp3s and PDF Transcripts of every video to read and review
3. Membership Portal with unique log-in to access all your content
4. Instant access to 10+ SPECIAL BONUS GIFTS prepared by our world-renowned speakers
PLUS Receive Two Special Bonuses:
BONUS #1: Practitioner Accelerator Workshop: How To Grow Your Practice To Seven Figures, Help More People While Striking The Right Work-Life Balance
BONUS #2: Special Live Q& A Insight Session and Giveaway post-conference with Dr. Tom, Dr. Dave, Dr. Uma and other Top Experts
The Main Controversies Surrounding Lyme Disease
The blood test the CDC recommends to diagnose Lyme checks for an immune response to the bacteria, not for the Borrelia itself. Thats why the test can be negative if the disease is present for less than a month. It takes at least a couple of weeks to mount an immune response that would turn the test positive. It is easier to diagnose Lyme if you have the classic bulls-eye rash that shows up a few days after the tick bite. In these cases, testing is not even necessary. But the rash only shows up in 80% of cases.
If making a diagnosis can be complex, the controversy about the treatment is so intense that some have even coined the dispute Lyme wars. The clash emerged from doctors offices, and spread to public hearings in statehouses around the country. One of the main points of contention is the duration of antibiotic treatment not only for acute Lyme but also for PTLD. The evidence to recommend a specific length of antibiotics treatment is scarce. Most physicians follow the two- to-four-week treatment the CDC recommends. Some studies funded by the National Institutes of Health did not show any benefit when patients used several months of antibiotics. However, there is anecdotal evidence from a few patients who improved after months of antibiotic treatment. The naysayers believe this is probably due to a placebo effect.
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Use Lymewarrior15 To Get 15% Off The Restore Kit
Dr. Rawls story: After graduating from medical school, Dr. Bill Rawls began practicing obstetrics and gynecology. However, 15 years into his successful practice, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia disrupted his entire life at age 45. He explored every potential avenue of conventional treatment, but the medical system failed to help him find relief. It became apparent to Dr. Rawls that the current medical system is built to manage the symptoms of illnesses not for understanding and alleviating the underlying causes that triggers health problems to begin with. If he wanted to get his life back, he knew he had to take control of his own health and chart his own path to recovery.
Dr. Rawls, being a voracious researcher, poured his soul into understanding the underlying causes of disease and exploring new ways to regain and maintain good health from a holistic viewpoint. His intense studies and experimentation led him to embrace herbal therapy, recognizing its tremendous power to promote good health.
Dr. Rawls personal struggle with chronic Lyme disease taught him things that most other physicians do not know. He now uses that knowledge to help others understand and overcome this often frustrating illness. His natural protocol includes a comprehensive approach that combines a full complement of synergistic therapeutic herbs with education, a healing diet, and a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the herbs that make up Dr. Rawls herbal protocol include:
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Andrographis
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Cordyceps
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Rehmannia
