Conditions

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that's caused by bacteria. It's spread by the deer tick in most places. In some cases, the disease can be spread by the black-legged ticks (a close relative of the deer tick). These ticks are very tiny with an adult tick being less than one-tenth of an inch long and the nymph being about the size of a pinhead. Often they go undetected and unfortunately, the longer the tick remains attached, the greater the risk is of contracting Lyme disease.

Because the tick bites are usually painless, the incubation period is so long, and the symptoms of Lyme disease are so varied, the disorder may go unrecognized for weeks or even months. Lyme disease is treatable and almost always curable if found in the early stages, however, arthritis, enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes, eye inflammation, hepatitis, irregular heart rhythm, and damage to the cardiovascular and central nervous system can occur. Symptoms can subside all together or they can come and go for years.

Signs and Symptoms:

The first symptoms of Lyme disease can be variable but the most common ones are:

• Red, circular lesion or rash
• Achiness
• Backache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Fluelike symptoms
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Then the three stages each have their own set of symptoms as the disease progresses.

Stage 1 (three days to three weeks after a tick bite):

• Small raised bumps on the skin and/or a rash appears and may cover the entire torso before fading.
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Vomiting

Stage 2 (weeks to months after bite):

• Facial paralysis that mimics Bell's palsy
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Enlargement of the heart muscle
• Enlargement of the spleen and lymph glands
• Severe headaches

Stage 3 (long term):

• Persistent backache
• Stiff neck
• Joint pains that attack the knees
• Swelling and pain in other joints
• Degenerative muscle disease may also be caused by Lyme disease

Diagnosis:

A test has been developed to identify Lyme disease. A blood sample is used to measure the levels of certain antibodies that usually increase in number from three days to three weeks after infection. This test, combined with a physical examination and review of the symptoms, usually comprises the diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

Lyme disease responds well to antibiotics but may not resolve completely until well after treatment course. Symptomatic relief may be offered as well. Early treatment is most successful.

Traditional Treatments:

• The major treatment is a course of oral antibiotics that can run from ten to twenty days. Tetracycline is usually the antibiotic of choice for Lyme disease, although doxycycline, cefuroxime, and amoxicillin may be prescribed as well.
• Though oral tetracycline or doxycycline is the usual treatment, the administration of IV antibiotics, either in or out of the hospital, may be necessary in some cases.
• A painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce and relieve achiness.
  Warning: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Bromelain acts as an anti-inflammatory. Take 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium twice a day.
• Chlorophyll is full of trace minerals that are helpful in the healing process. Follow the label directions.
• The B vitamins strengthen the body's overall nutritional status. Take a balanced vitamin B-complex supplement supplying 25 to 50 mg of each of the major B vitamins daily for two months.
• Vitamin C is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; bioflavonoids stimulate the immune system and decrease inflammation, expeically of the joints. Take 500 to 1,000 mg of each three times a day for two months.
• Zinc promotes healing and stimulates the immune system. Take 15 to 20 mg of zinc, in tablet or lozenge form, twice a day for two weeks. Take 1 to 2 mg of copper each day with zinc to maintain a proper mineral balance.
• Essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and joint stiffness.
• Pancreatin and bromelain aids in protein digestion and reduces inflammation. Follow the label directions.
• Primrose oil helps to combat pain and inflammation by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Alternative Therapies:

• Alfalfa supplies needed minerals.
• Dandelion root, ginseng, hawthorn, horsetail, and marshmallow root are all good for helping to rebuild the blood and damaged tissues.
• Echinacea is an immune enhancer.
• Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic.
  Warning: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use goldenseal during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Milk thistle extract protects the liver.
• Red clover cleanses the blood stream.
• Cat's claw enhances the immune response and has anti-bacterial properties. Take
  500 mg of standardized extract three times a day until your condition improves.
  Warning: Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are an organ-transplant recipient. Use it with caution if you are taking blood thinners.
• Garlic has antibacterial properties. Take the equivalent of 500 mg of fresh garlic twice a day for two months.
• Oregano has antibacterial properties and helps to fight infection. Take 75 mg of standardized extract three times a day.

General Recommendations:

Pay close attention to any suspicious-looking insect bites or other marks on your body, especially after you spend time outdoors. If you have any doubts, consult your physician.
If you have flulike symptoms, especially if they are severe, consult your physician to investigate the possibility of a tick-borne infection.

Warnings:

• Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time.
• Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are an organ-transplant recipient. Use it with caution if you are taking blood thinners.