Covering All The Treatment Bases

Lyme disease protocols are often a complicated, convoluted affair. Yet it's important to cover all the bases when putting together a treatment protocol, because getting rid of Lyme is about more than just whacking some bugs. It's about knowing the survival strategies of those bugs, supporting the body during healing...and a dozen other things.

What's more, it's easy to forget about some of the essential elements of an effective Lyme disease treatment plan. So below I have compiled a checklist of factors to consider, which may remind you about what you still need to do if you have already begun treatments. Most, if not all, of these are relevant to those with multiple tick-borne infections.

1) Using combination, aggressive treatments to kill the organisms. This usually means herbs, along with antibiotics; electromagnetic devices, along with antibiotics, or some other combination of therapies designed to target each infection individually. Herbal and antibiotic regimens, especially for Borrelia, must be rotated on a regular basis. The bait n' switch game is very important when it comes to Lyme disease. The bugs are smart and predictable treatment regimens don't impress them.

2) Using biofilm busters (enzymes, for instance), anti-coagulants, and phospholipids to break down the bugs' protective biofilm blankies and get treatments into hard-to-reach areas of the body, such as past the blood/brain barrier.

3) Detoxifying the body from bug neuro-sludge, heavy metals and other environmental toxins. This involves:
a) Taking toxin binders that will function to mop up every major type of toxin you are eliminating (for instance, EDTA or DMSA for heavy metals; chlorella for pathogen sludge)
b) Opening up detoxification pathways with homeopathic drainage remedies
c) Doing bodywork to facilitate the removal of toxins from the body. Exercise, saunas, coffee enemas, body brushing, lymphatic massage and ionic footbaths are some excellent ways to get toxins out of the body
d) Correcting potential genetic detoxification defects, with Vitamin B-12 injections, folic acid, B-6 and other nutrients
e) Taking powerful binders such as Cholestyramine whenever genetic detoxification defects can't be compensated for through nutrition
f) Removing any sources of toxins in your environment, whether electromagnetic or chemical or emotional! Also, removing dental amalgams and root canals, and treating dental problems will be important for some.

4) Reducing inflammation and boosting immune function (as you starve the bugs!) through a high-nutrient, low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic diet comprised of organic fresh vegetables, nuts, animal protein and low-glycemic fruits. Non-gluten grains may be permissible for some.

5) Exercising, to oxygenate the tissues, boost immune function, maintain muscle tone, and aid in detoxification.

6) Replacing deficient nutrient levels with supplements. Magnesium, iron, Vitamin D, the B-vitamins, EFA's and probiotics tend to be common deficiencies in people with Lyme and supplementation with these is essential.

7) Balancing hormone levels and supporting the HPA-axis with vitamins, herbs, and bioidentical hormones (search my earlier posts for more information on suggestions for balancing the endocrine system. Also check out my recent article in the Townsend Letter, which is based on information from the 13 doctors that I interviewed in my recent book, Insights Into Lyme Disease Treatment). Supporting the adrenal glands and thyroid is especially crucial. My favorite adrenal supplements are licorice, siberian ginseng, Vitamin C, B5 and B6.

8) Controlling symptoms. This may involve taking amino acids (such as L-theanine, 5-HTP, tryptophan, and L-glycine) and melatonin for sleep; remedies such as fish oil, curcumin, pain gels and patches, as well as low dose Naltrexone for pain; Cordyceps, L-carnitine, ginseng and D-ribose for energy, and so on. Sleep is especially important, as a lack of good, restful sleep can hinder recovery.

9) Balancing brain chemistry with vitamins, EFA's, and amino acids such as N-acetyl-tyrosine, L-histadine, L-tryptophan, GABA, and so on (depending upon what neurotransmitters you are deficient in).

9) Having a support network of friends and/or family who can help you through the difficult moments, as well as plenty of time to rest and participate in fun activities that have nothing to do with Lyme. Nobody can get through this thing alone!

10) Spending time with God in prayer and in developing a spiritual life.