Lyme Disease

Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the US, according to the CDC.

Every year, some 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported by state health departments to the CDC, and this number has only increased in the past 20 years. This number is likely even higher due to unreported or misdiagnosed cases. The majority of cases are reported in the north-eastern region of the United States but have been reported in almost every state. As an increasing health issue in the US, it is apparent that more support and research is needed for this complicated and often misdiagnosed disease.

What is Lyme Disease? 

Borrelia burgdorferi, miyamotoi, hermsii and turicatae are extremely intelligent organisms. There are 100 strains in the US and 300 worldwide. Lyme disease is most commonly spread from the bite of an infected tick, specifically deer ticks in the Northeastern US, and the black-legged tick on the west coast. Once the tick has bitten any area of the body, officials believe it must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for the bacterium to infect the human body, however, in some cases research has shown transmission to occur within as little as 6-8 hours. This is why it is extremely important as a preventative measure to check yourself for ticks every day, especially if you have been outdoors in woods, grasslands, fields or even your backyard. The Borrelia organism is pleomorphic and evasive. These bacteria have a spiral shape which allows them to burrow or transport themselves more easily than other bacteria. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and “hide” in the central nervous system for weeks, months, or even years before activating to cause symptoms. It can affect the nervous system causing severe headaches, joint and neck pain (arthritic presentation) with intermittent pain in tendons, joints, muscles and bones, result in loss of muscle tone in facial muscles (facial palsy), cause heart arrhythmias and rapid heartbeat (known as Lyme carditis), and in severe cases cause inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

→ Read More: A Naturopathic Perspective On Lyme

How Can Naturopathic Medicine Help with Lyme Disease?

Because the symptoms experienced from a case of Lyme disease can vary from person to person, there is no standard clinical presentation and the response to antibiotics and treatment for Lyme is also variable. Some people are at higher risk of Lyme disease based upon their epigenetics. And in fact, spirochetes like Borrelia can upregulate nearly 350 genes within 24 hours. This makes an individualized approach to the treatment of Lyme essential.

Areas of Specific Support

• Systemic inflammation caused by the upregulation of the immune system
• Connective tissue degradation
• Cardiovascular symptoms
• Chronic pain symptoms
• Identifying and managing any co-infections

Some people do best with a combined Lyme regimen of pharmaceuticals and botanical medicine called pharmacognosy. Again, each person is different. Sometimes preparing and stabilizing a person with Lyme is first required before any specific Lyme protocols are initiated. This is because some people can get far worse if their body is in a depleted state. Many struggle with proper detoxification such as phase I and phase II detoxification and this must be improved first. Thus, identifying what is best for you is imperative. If you suspect the presence of Lyme but have not yet been tested, your ND may recommend the Western Blot test which has the lowest rate of false-negative results (but it is still possible for false negatives to occur). Supplemental and botanical formulas may be recommended to support areas of specific need, including the central nervous system, connective tissue, immune system, gut and digestion, cardiovascular, inflammation pathways, and pain management. Often, the symptoms of Lyme disease shift and change, and your ND may want to see you routinely, perhaps twice per month, to continually check on your health. When you have an active or chronic diagnosis of Lyme disease, the bacteria can be so variable where you may need different support at different times. In fact, there can be seasonal and hormonal shifts that can improve or exacerbate one’s Lyme disease. Thus, we will work with you if you have seen such seasonal or endocrine trends like this in the past. Secondary areas of support that may be addressed with your naturopathic doctor can include weight management support, nutritional recommendations, energy and stamina support, liver detoxification, and supporting any side effects caused by current medications or treatments. When you have an active diagnosis of Lyme disease, the organism is so variable that you may never know if you completely eliminate it. The goal of naturopathic medicine in these cases is to work collaboratively as a team to enhance your quality of life, address your unique symptoms and to find the strengths and weaknesses of your body that can allow the immune system to engage differently.

If you or a family member suspect the presence of Lyme disease, or have an active diagnosis of Lyme disease, and are looking for comprehensive, holistic support, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine.