supplements for lyme disease

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 100,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year. Considering the difficulty of diagnosing a bacterium with 50 known strains and the ability to mimic other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS and Alzheimer’s, the stats may be much higher. Lyme disease is considered by some doctors to be the #1 vector-borne disease in the US, costing at least $60 million annually! (NIAID) This figure only includes treatment for early-stage Lyme disease, not accounting for the effects of long-term disability or systemic complications of late-stage “chronic” Lyme disease.

Given the high cost of treatment, the difficulty of diagnosis, and the controversy over antibiotic overprescription for Lyme patients, the following list is intended to educate people about things they can do on their own. According to anecdotal research and personal testimonials, these herbs and lifestyle additions have helped many and cured some. Limited scientific studies have also begun to support many of these therapies. Please note: This is not medical advice, but rather some suggestions of helpful places to direct your research. :

Cousin Una de Gato : TOA free cat’s claw, also known as Samento. Some survivors have found significant improvement in speech impairment (they stopped speaking in opposites), memory, and some improvement in joint pain. A little goes a long way and should be added gradually to avoid a major Herxheimer reaction.

Oregano oil : Regardless, this is a great supplement to have on hand, given all the swine flu concerns. Oregano oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic. Its structure is complex, and therefore spirochetes are less likely to develop immunity. The pills tend to make people burp, but the liquid burns when swallowed. Mixing drops in water with liquid chlorophyll makes it a little easier to swallow. This combo also offers extra alkalizing effects due to the chlorophyll. (People with respiratory illnesses can also inhale the vapor from a few drops in a pot of boiling water.)

thistle root tincture This one is hard to come by, but if you can find it, you may find it very helpful for joint pains. Taking thistle root completely eliminated years of arthritic symptoms in my husband’s knees, almost overnight. I’ve heard similar stories from other Lyme people who managed to grow their own or find tinctures or teas online.

reishi mushrooms : Reishi is an adaptogenic medicinal mushroom. The term “adaptogen” means that it educates the body on how to act in a proper and balanced way. If something is underactive, Reishi will get stronger. If something is hyper, Reishi will tone it down. Reishi also oxygenates the blood, often improving memory and mental acuity in the process.

host defense : This is a specific blend of medicinal mushrooms from Traditional Medicinals. Supposedly increases immune function by 30%. Many Lyme survivors have found that the extra boost in the immune system helped reduce joint pain and fatigue.

Maitake Mushrooms Another medicinal mushroom, Maitake seems to work well for Lyme and supports the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms have their own profiles. Maitake activates the immune system and seems to provide more energy in general.

resveratrol Found in the skins of dark grapes, red wine, and Japanese walnuts, this extract purportedly offers strong support for the immune system. Anecdotal evidence and raw food expert David Wolfe recognize resveratrol as one of the best supplements for Lyme disease.

Nitrous oxide This sounds controversial, but some studies have shown that nitrous oxide is highly toxic to Lyme bacteria. Commonly given by dentists during treatments, it can be impossible to calculate how much of the improvement comes from ridding Lyme patients of concurrent infections in the gums and teeth that divert the immune system from Lyme disease treatment… and how much direct enhancement a person receives from nitrous oxide itself. In any case, if you or someone you know suffers from gum disease or dental problems AND has Lyme, you might at least want to get rid of the secondary infection.

Heat : Some people have been known to inject malaria to overcome Lyme disease, a fact that gives the uninitiated an idea of ​​how devastating and hopeless life with Lyme can seem. I spoke to a naturopath about this phenomenon and he told me that it is the fever associated with malaria that does the trick. “If it doesn’t kill you, it kills the Lyme.” Some people use far-infrared saunas to get similar results. Be aware that the Herxheimer reaction (death) of Lyme bacteria can cause nausea, headaches, and dizziness. If you’re using heat to combat Lyme, be sure to work gradually and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Raw food : Raw foods and chlorophyll alkalize the system, and Lyme disease, like most diseases, prefers an acidic system. I’ve met raw foodies who have Lyme anyway, but anything that alkalizes makes for a less hospitable environment for spirochetes.

colostrum Note: This is not a vegan product, but some vegans have chosen to include it in their Lyme arsenal because it boosts the immune system in a major way.

probiotics : Since most Lyme patients are hit with multiple rounds of intense antibiotics, some strong probiotics, from the refrigerated section, help rebuild the gut. Maintaining a balanced intestinal flora helps the body fight each and every one of the diseases.

I hope this list gives you a place to start. I do not sell any of these products, and I am not married to any particular brand. If you decide to research the products, take the time to research the quality of the brand on your own. I just listed these articles as a service because I know how difficult it can be to find a diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease. In the case of Lyme, antibiotics often help, but immune-boosting herbs and mushrooms offer extra-potent ways to rejuvenate the body and lift it from the realm of spirochetes to the realm of wholeness and happiness. Combined with life path assessments, anger release, and self-esteem, physical treatment offers real hope in the face of a growing epidemic.