Is it Lyme Disease?

The link between Lyme disease in urine and other bodily fluids from infected mammals is rarely researched. Lyme disease victims and associations globally are, however, concerned with the likelihood of one contracting the disease by coming to contact with these fluids (Russell, et al, 1984). In the recent past, experts have observed traces of Borrelia in these animals, building on this assertion. A study by the Lyme Disease Association of Australia (LDAA) identified Borrelia antibodies in 22 species of mammals.  Studies have also found significant amounts of Borrelia queenslandica in the bloodstream of cattle, kangaroos, and rodents. Just like in tick bites, infections in these fluids stay active about 36 hours after contact.

The final plausible transmission method of the disease includes transplacental transmission, and blood & tissue transplants. Expert groups have always blown the whistle on insufficient screening for blood banks. Those with Lyme disease are often asked not to take part in blood and organ donation programs (Magnarelli et al, 2004). This is a major concern considering most people have not been diagnosed with the infection. A 1990 US study also noted that Borrelia can survive the blood bank storage facility, thus raising chances of infection during transfusion. Although there exists little scientific knowledge on the link between intrauterine infection and infant defects, cases have been reported where pregnant mothers pass the pathogens to developing babies.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?

Most people think that the first sign of tick-borne LD is a bull’s-eye rash (Erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite, but, in fact, that type of rash or any other characteristic rash does not occur in over one-half of Lyme patients. In addition, less than one-half of patients with the clinical symptoms of LD ever recall being bitten by a tick. The signs and symptoms of LD are complex and can change over time. In the initial stages of LD, the infection(s) is generally localized to the tissues surrounding the site of transmission causing swollen glands, skin sensitivities and fevers. However, the LD infection(s) can become disseminated and spread to various tissues and organs, often causing acute reactions, such as flu-like symptoms. At this stage or what has been called Early Lyme Disease.  Unfortunately, Early LD is often under-treated or not treated at all, and this can result in a disseminated, chronic infection(s) that cause many chronic signs and symptoms. In cases where the infection(s) have been present (even if treated) and disseminated for at least 6 months immune and endocrine dysfunction, low-grade fevers, chronic fatigue, persistent neurological symptoms, arthritic symptoms, among many other signs and symptoms, are characteristic of Chronic LD. In Chronic LD virtually any organ or tissue can be affected, and patients with Chronic LD usually have many problems and multiple signs and symptoms.

Lyme disease is a combination of eradicating the pathogen as well treating underlying imbalances in the body. For chronic Lyme, herbal alternatives often work very well for the eradication of the pathogen. Sometimes people do find better results with the use of antibiotics. Every person is different in their response to herbal or pharmaceutical uses. It is very important that no matter what the approach is for the treatment of the bacteria, that we also treat the other underlying root causes of immune dysregulation. A few things that can help with this are:

Lyme Disease Prevention –

• use a natural bug repellent such as those made with essential oils
• when you’re anywhere that has a high number of insects. This includes the woods, garden, beach or when you’re hiking or camping.
• Wearing long pants, long sleeves, and long socks to keep ticks off the skin. Also, try wearing lighter-colored clothing so you can spot insects and ticks more easily.
• Checking your skin after you’ve been in the woods or elsewhere outdoors. Look over the exposed skin so you can remove ticks promptly.
• If you’re pregnant, be careful to avoid outdoor areas where ticks might be found. It’s best to avoid hiking or camping in tick-populated areas to reduce your risk.

 Co-treatments for Lyme Disease –

 Sleep – Sleep is often disturbed in chronic Lyme disease. Lack of adequate sleep worsens pain, increases fatigue, and suppresses the immune system. It appears that in response to infection, the excess inflammatory cytokines produced by the immune system decrease the output of sleep-inducing hormones to the sleep centers of the brain. A restorative amount of sleep is 7 to ­9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep in the few hours before midnight is most restorative.

Diet – Eat a diet that is rich in organic foods, healthy fats, proteins, and vitamin-rich vegetables, as well as eliminating simple sugars  decreases the chances of developing intestinal yeast. It also promotes brain health and supports the energy factories found in every cell called mitochondria. Because it is low in sugar it also decreases inflammation.

Curcumin – an active ingredient in Turmeric is known for its ant-inflammatory affects.

Adaptogen – Ashwagandha – An adaptogen is a substance that helps the body deal with the harmful medical and emotional stress of being ill. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine with great observed benefit. Based on animal experiments ashwagandha improves energy, immune function, and adrenal and thyroid function. It likely has additional beneficial effects that have not been researched.

Detoxification – reduce the total load of negative environmental influences on your health

• • • drink water regularly to support kidney detoxification. A general rule of thumb is to drink 1/2 of your ideal body weight (measured in pounds) as ounces of non-caffeinated liquids a day.
    • avoid gluten, scents, alcohol and tobacco
    • decrease emotional stress – incorporate a daily mindfulness practice such as meditation or Qi Gong

Exercise –  This improves blood flow to all tissues and releases various chemicals that produce healing effects. If exercise makes a person worse, it should be done only to a tolerable level.

The treatment of Lyme disease is very technical. Some of this is due to Lyme’s ability to morph into different shapes and evade our immune system. Due to this, we highly recommend anyone that is suspecting Lyme disease to work with a Lyme Literate Practitioner. We are Lyme Literate at Medicine with Heart and are happy to help you if you need! Give us a call!

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References

1. Halsey, N. A., et al. “Prevention of Lyme disease.” Pediatrics1 I (2000): 142-147.
2. Johnson, Russell C., et al. “Borrelia burgdoferi sp. Nov.: etiologic agent of Lyme disease.” International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology4 (1984): 496-497.
3. STEERE, ALLEN C., et al. “The early clinical manifestations of Lyme disease.” Annals of internal medicine1 (2006): 76-82.
4. Magnarelli, Louis A., John F. Anderson, and Alan G. Barbour. “The etiologic agent of Lyme disease in deer flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes.” The Journal of infectious diseases2 (2004): 355-358.
5. Gerber, Michael A., et al. “The risk of acquiring Lyme disease or babesiosis from a blood transfusion.” Journal of Infectious Diseases1 (1994): 231-234.
6. CDC. (2015, July 1). Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Retrieved October 15, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/postlds/index.htm (CDC, 2015)
7. Ercolini, A. M., & Miller, S. D. (2009). The role of infections in autoimmune disease. , 155(1), . Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2665673/