Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted via ticks. It has been documented everywhere in the world except Antarctica, but in the USA It is most common on the east and west coasts. Lyme affects the immune and nervous systems primarily, and has two stages of infection. Early Lyme is the first few days or months right after the initial infection. Symptoms for early Lyme are similar to the flu (fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills). After early Lyme comes Chronic Lyme (also called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, in cases where symptoms persist after treatment). In chronic Lyme, the flu-like symptoms can still persist, but the nervous system symptoms can get worse. These can range from brain fog, weakness, headaches or migraines, depression, trouble walking, and even to Bell’s palsy.
Lyme disease is a condition known for being simple to treat if treated quickly, but difficult and time consuming to diagnose. The easiest indicator for Lyme is a target or bulls-eye shaped rash, but this only occurs in about 30%-80% of those affected. For those without the rash, Lyme is often misdiagnosed multiple times before finally getting the correct diagnosis. Lyme disease also has a high false – negative rate since it is so hard to catch.
The typical treatment for early Lyme disease is 2-4 weeks of antibiotics. While this can get rid of the disease and initially make symptoms go away, Lyme spirochetes are known for hiding in your cells making them more or less immune to antibiotics depending on how long they have been in your system. This can cause symptoms to linger even after the antibiotic treatment.
When people come into our clinic saying they think they have Lyme we run a Western Blot through Labcorp, Quest or Igenex Lab to see if the antibodies are present or if there are any co-infections. Then we discuss natural immune supports and traditional medical treatment which our MD on staff can provide or refer out to local infectious disease doctors if needed. Diet is a very important aspect of supporting the immune system that has been challenged by Lyme. Many people start showing major symptom improvements once they improve their diet and start the right Lyme supportive remedies.
The truth about Lyme disease is that it is easy to get, it can be hard to find and it is sometimes tricky to treat. It seems to have a mind of its own. The key is to learn all you can about it and do not let it get the better of you. We are here to help you regain your health.
The owner of Nutritionally Yours, Alane got bit by a Lyme infected tick back in 1983. This little tick bite totally rocked her world and changed the path for her life. She has tried all the traditional Lyme Disease treatment options plus natural remedies. She will be happy to share her Lyme Disease story with you and what it took to get her life and body back from the disease that tried to take over her body. She had a lot of trouble walking for 10 long years, stayed in bed often and then one day said “Enough!” I need to get educated in how to get my life and health back! And she did! Read more about her Lyme story here.
Nutritionally Yours is all about providing YOU with the best natural support so YOU live the full and active life YOU are supposed to live! Don’t let any disease or symptom get your down, learn what to do to help your body fight it and win!
Email: alanepnd@gmail.com
Website: Nutritionallyyours.net
Like us on facebook
Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
Medical disclaimer: Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor.
References
“Lyme Disease: Introduction To Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment”.LymeDisease.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
“Lyme Disease| Lyme Disease | CDC”.Cdc.gov. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
By Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
