Discover the Herbs and Nutrients that can aid Recovery from PTLDS
(Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome)
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and possibly other related species (like B. Mayonii). It is transmitted primarily through tick bites. Several days after the bite, the person typically develops a bull eye like rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. Most cases of acute Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 10-20% of people treated for Lyme Disease develop ongoing symptoms, a condition that has been called Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). It has also been called Chronic Lyme Disease.
Symptoms of PTLDS can include chronic fatigue, pain, (especially migrating joint and muscle pain), restless or disturbed sleep, swelling in the knees, shoulders, elbows and other large joints, decreased short-term memory, difficulty concentrating (brain fog) and speech problems. Other symptoms can include eye pain, tooth pain, muscle twitching, dizziness, tremors, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, headaches and chronic flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can last more than 6 months and can sometimes last for many years.
In this month’s Sunshine Sharing we’ll explore PTLDS and the remedies used by many herbalists and holistic doctors. To learn more about some of the products that may offer you additional support view our information Page. Remember if you have any product questions, please feel free to contact me.
Dealing with Lyme Disease
Co-Infections Pertaining to Lyme Disease
Eliminate and Identify Co-Infections – Many people dealing with Chronic Lyme Disease or Lyme Disease also have co-infections from other bacteria. These co-infections should be explored and/or ruled out according to many experts. Co-infections can include Babesia, Bartonella, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. As well as Colorado Tick Fever, Mycoplasma, Powassan Virus, Q Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tick Paralysis, Tickborne Relapsing Fever, Tularemia. For more information on co-infections visit LymeDisease.org.
Create Healthier Habits
Healthy Habits – As you have become to know all too well, supporting overall health with healthy habits is a key no matter what ails you. Anytime you are dealing with a weakened bodily state, focusing on building a healthy environment throughout your body is just as important as what treatment regimen you decide to take. Focus on eating whole fruits and green leafy vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. For improvement in all over wellness your body also needs to stay hydrated so drink water, keep as active as you can, manage your stress, make sure to get enough sleep, and seek spiritual support and support from friends and family.
Focus on Gut Health
Focus on Gut HealthGut Health – Your gut health impacts your overall health. Seventy to Eighty percent of our immune system resides in our gut. Many foods can contribute to leaky gut. Focus on building gut health, avoiding gluten, dairy, soy, nightshade vegetables ( tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers, eggplant, gooseberries, and okra which can impact leaky gut and joint pain as well as your immune system) are very important. Even if you feel you do not have sensitivities to these foods, eliminating them can really have a huge impact and once you are feeling better you can add them back one at a time once per day in the beginning to see which foods may have the biggest impact on you. Focusing on lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, whole fruits and vegetables including green leafy vegetables and fermented foods promote overall gut health.
The good microbiome love to eat Plants, Fiber, and Fermented Foods! Remember, a weakened digestive system (leaky gut) can lead to chronic inflammation. A healthy gut also helps the body eliminate heavy metals. Heavy metals is often a concern especially for those with Lyme Disease. One of my favorite products for heavy metal detoxification is Ultrabiome DTX. Not only does it help with heavy metal eliminations, it supports overall gut health. In fact, I recommend this product in my free Gut Rescue 30 Day Program.
Balancing pH
Balancing pH – Many individuals with Lyme Disease have varying pH levels depending on where they are on their healing journey. Whether your body is too acidic or too alkaline it can add additional stress to your body because your body has to work harder to maintain the correct pH balance in your blood. Checking your pH and adjusting your diet and supplements to assist you in keeping your pH balance will be helpful. You can download our booklet on pH Balancing and read our previous Sunshine Sharing Newsletter to help you.
You can also check out the E-Power Machine which promotes energy and balance throughout the body. Working with many Lyme Disease customers, many have found the E-Power helpful with their overall energy levels and helping to keep their pH balanced. Remember, according to Carey Reams your pH is energy and indicates mineral absorption, your diet, and how quickly or slowly you are digesting your food.
Other Natural Therapies for Lyme Disease
Teasel Root – When I continued my education in Naturopathy, the instructor (Dr. Friechty) shared with us his story and information on dealing with Lyme Disease and how Teasel Root was extremely helpful. Dr. Friechty learned of Teasel Root in a book written by Registered Herbalist, Matthew Wood. Dr. Friechty created his own teasel root tincture and found it extremely beneficial. I have shared this information on Teasel Root with many customers dealing with Lyme Disease. They have found Teasel Root to be very beneficial.
Chi Machine & Far Infrared Therapy – Many of our customers have used the Chi Machine and Far Infrared Therapy to assist them in managing their symptoms of Lyme Disease. The Chi Machine can help promote circulation, relieves muscular aches and pains, and promotes movement of the lymphatic system helping to reduce extracellular fluids. The Far Infrared Heating Pad and SOQI FIR Dome promote a gentle warmth heating the tissues in the body from the inside out helping to further relieve aches and pains and engaging your immune system.
More Information on Lymes can be found with these experts – Dr. Rawls and Dr. Jay Davidson.