The Battle
Against Lyme Disease Part 3
By Rudy Mueller, DC, IFMCP T
reatment of chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing process that takes time, diligence, and a knowledgeable team of “Lyme literate” practitioners. However, preferred treatment op-
tions may vary greatly among Lyme specialists. Some practitioners believe that multiple rounds of antibiotics are the only way to treat. Some favor natural herbs and nutrients. Other practitioners prefer homeopathy. And some will even say you need a combination of all of the above. If anything, I have learned they are all right. What- ever works for you, works for you. If you have been diagnosed with Lyme, you should do anything and everything to pursue the treat- ment options that help you. Through my experience, I have learned that treatment needs to be comprehensive and examine the body in a holistic manner that addresses these specifi c areas:
1) Eradicate the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete and other tick borne co-infections 2) Decrease infl ammation 3) Provide symptomatic relief 4) Support the body’s natural processes
Eradicating the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete
This can be a very diffi cult task. As indicated in earlier parts of the series, the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete has many advanced capabilities to evade detection from the immune system and resist treatments. One way the spirochete evades detection is to assume multiple forms at any given time. Therefore, multiple antibiotics, including intracellular, cell wall, and cyst buster antibiotics, are used orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously to attack each of these existing forms. These antibiotic regimens can be a fantastic op- tion because they can be devastating to the spirochete. However, they may also have troublesome side effects due to the duration of treatment and the combination of multiple medications. Routine blood monitoring by the prescribing practitioner, including white
blood cell counts and liver enzymes, is essential when undertaking this treatment method in order to prevent any life threatening side effects.
Another option for killing the spirochete utilizes various anti- microbial herbs such as Andrographis, Japanese Knotweed, Cat’s Claw, Allicin, Artemisia and more. These herbs should be taken under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. It is generally recommended to begin herbal remedies by introducing one herb at time, and gradually titrating to higher doses until the optimal dose and herbal combination is achieved.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics or antimicrobi-
als herbs. Antimicrobials attack all bacteria in the body, includ- ing the benefi cial bacteria in the digestive tract. This often causes diarrhea. Since a healthy digestive balance of bacteria is critical for enhancing immune function and helping to fi ght chronic Lyme disease, I recommend re-inoculating the gastrointestinal tract with a benefi cial probiotic supplement daily. Specifi cally, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been seen in many clinical trials to prevent antibi- otic associated diarrhea.
Another common side effect of antimicrobial medications and herbs is a temporary worsening of symptoms known as a Jarisch- Herxheimer reaction. This reaction occurs when large amounts of rapidly dying bacteria release fragments and toxins into the body. This massive infl ammatory response can result in an exacerbation of Lyme symptoms and create new headaches, joint pain, insom- nia, mood instability, rashes and more. It can be troubling and a discouraging process to go through but in the end can be managed by stopping the provoking agent (antibiotic or antimicrobial herb) and working to increase the body’s natural detoxifi cation, immune, and anti-infl ammatory pathways.
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