Lyme Disease part 3

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

I hope you have been enjoying this conversation on Lyme disease. I want to start today’s blog by talking about something that in my opinion doesn’t get enough attention, chronic Lyme disease. I am also going to talk about the supplements you should consider when you have Lyme disease. In this part I will be focusing on what you can do to help support your body while you are taking the powerful antibiotics that are typically used to eliminate Lyme disease. Did you know that there are certain nutrients that have been found in studies to help the antibiotics do their jobs better? Well do not worry, I will be talking all about it! It is a lot to talk about so let us get into it, shall we?

Let us start with some definitions. Post Treatment Lyme Disease symptoms (PTLDS) are different from Chronic Lyme disease. PTLDS is defined as having symptoms even though the infection has been treated and eliminated. Doctors are unsure why symptoms persist when you have PTLDS. The diagnosis of Chronic Lyme indicates there may be a persistent infection, immune dysregulation, or even untreated Co- Infections. (1, 2) While you may have heard of PTLDS you may not have heard of Chronic Lyme. Part of the reason for this is because many doctors do not acknowledge Chronic Lyme as a diagnosis. In my experience as a Naturopath Chronic Lyme is a real concern for many people and deserves to be acknowledged.

Symptoms of PTLDS and Chronic Lyme can include fatigue, body aches and difficulty thinking. You may have a feeling that something is wrong and “you just don’t feel right.” You may feel as though your brain is full of fog. You may become sensitive to light and sound. You may experience mood changes. This can include feelings of depression and anxiety. This can include social isolation, inability to work and even loss of identity. You may notice that your immune system is persistently active. These symptoms occur after being treated for Lyme disease. I do want to mention that the earlier your Lyme disease is treated the less likely you are to experience chronic symptoms. (1, 2, 3)

How can you determine if your symptoms are caused by Chronic Lyme disease or PTLDS? In my experience the only way to really know what is going on is to work with a professional. For example, a Lyme specialist or a holistic doctor such as a Naturopath.

What can you do to reduce Lyme disease risk? What supplements do I usually recommend for those with Lyme disease?

• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, may be an old phrase but it is also a very valid phrase when it comes to Lyme.
  • Try to avoid areas where ticks live such as grassy, bushy, wooded areas. If you go for a hike, try to stay in the center of the pathway. When you are in the woods or grass wear long sleeves and long pants. It is also recommended to wear light colors, so it is easier to see ticks.
  • Use insect repellent. Lemon and Eucalyptus oil can help to repel insects and they smell nice! Do not forget to treat your clothes too.
  • Make sure to check yourself, kids, and pets for ticks after being outside. It is also important to take a shower and wash your clothes after being in areas where ticks like to live. (4)
• Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding antibiotics. (4) If you are concerned with protecting your digestive tract while on antibiotics there are a number of things you can do!
  • Probiotics are the cornerstone of good digestive health! Studies have found that they can help with numerous health concerns, boost your immune system and help regulate the beneficial bacteria in our gut! (5) See Invite’s Probiotic Hx, Weight, Immunity, and Women! Do not forget our Chewable Prozyme digest!
  • L Glutamine has been found to help increase the benefits of a FODMAP diet in those with IBS. (6) In my experience it is very healing for those with digestive concerns. Please see Invite’s G.I. Maintain powder as well as the Amino Acid Growth Formula.
  • Marshmallow Root has been found in studies to help with numerous digestive issues including acid reflex and Ulcers! (7) Please see Invite’s Min ACID formula.
• What nutrients can you use to enhance your antibiotics?
  • Garlic has been found to help eliminate bacteria, fungus, and yeast. In addition to helping to eliminate these pathogens directly studies have found that it can help to improve the sensitivity of certain bacteria to antibiotics. (8) Please see Invite’s Aged Garlic.
  • Olive Leaf is not simply great at killing bacteria. Studies have found that it can help to kill the very bacteria that cause’s Lyme disease. Studies even show promise in helping those with chronic Lyme disease. (9) Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf Extract and Renalaid formula.
  • Thyme is interesting nutrient because not only is it good for women’s health preliminary studies have found it can help to kill the bacteria that cause’s Lyme disease. These preliminary studies have found it to be helpful for those with persistent Lyme disease symptoms. (10) This nutrient, found in Invite’s Probiotic for Women. As I always say, do not be afraid of the name! Everyone can use it, even if you are not a woman!

Our last blog will be part 4. In this part I will focus on more of the complications that can happen because of Lyme disease. These complications can occur due to Chronic Lyme or PTLDS. The supplements I will be reviewing w. e helpful no matter what stage of Lyme disease treatment you are in.

Sources:

1. https://danielcameronmd.com/why-doctors-dismiss-chronic-lyme/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs-symptoms/chronic-symptoms-and-lyme-disease.html
3. https://www.columbia-lyme.org/chronic-symptoms
4. https://medlineplus.gov/lymedisease.html
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11172883/
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.746703/full
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324860#protecting-against-gastric-reflux
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4458355/#sec91754
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4971593/#section9-2049936116655502
10. https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/12/04/lyme-disease-treatment-essential-oils/