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Once the immune system creates the proper


antibodies, the bacteria are then eliminated fairly rapidly


~ Stephen Harrod Buhner


have learned to exist in humans and are teaching each other how to resist antibi- otics and more easily infect us. What they do together in the body is a great deal more complex than what they do alone, making them difficult to treat. Bartonella species utilize the immune system of whatever mammal they infect as part of their infection strategy. Any existing inflammation in the body, such as arthritis, facilitates the growth of Bartonella.” The weaker or more compromised


one’s immune system, the more likely a debilitating course of illness will occur. An improved immune system can identify the outer membrane proteins of the offending bacteria and create countering antibodies in four to eight months. “Once the immune system creates the proper antibodies, the bacteria are then eliminat- ed fairly rapidly,” advises Buhner. Makris is grateful that she saw a nu-


tritionist trained in functional medicine. “He worked slowly and methodically to reduce the inflammation, build up my immune system and restore my diges- tive, endocrine and nervous systems be- fore killing the bacteria and opening up natural detoxification pathways to flush out the bacteria and their endotoxins. We used weekly acupuncture appoint- ments, good nutrition and homeopathic formulas, plus various herbs, vitamins and mineral supplements,” says Makris. Ticks in high-vegetation areas wait for a passing host. To avoid these hitch- hikers, wear light-colored long pants tucked into socks. A shirt should also be tucked in. Later, strip down and search hair, underarms, legs, behind the knees and ears, and in the belly button. As commercial tick repellants contain toxic ingredients, a targeted mixture of topi- cally applied, therapeutic-grade essential oils is preferred.


Linda Sechrist is the senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.


natural awakenings June 2015 21 S


Prevention is Key to Stomping Out Lyme Disease


by Paula Quinlan


pring has sprung. Ticks are hungry after a long, cold winter—don’t be lunch! Ticks detect the host by odor, taste, carbon dioxide sensing, temperature, air movement, moisture and light. If the tick repellent is effective at masking specific odors, the tick cannot smell, taste or identify its host and will simply ignore you or the family pet. When outside, use insect repellents—preferably essential oil-based, tuck in pant legs, wear light clothing, long sleeves and hat. Lyme disease is a multiple infection, multi-symptom disease. One


tick can carry multiple diseases at any given time. Know the symptoms of Lyme disease and the various co-infections. There may or may not be a bull’s-eye rash, less likely on children than adults. Other symptoms include flu-like illness; joint/muscle pain and swelling; lethargy; disori- entation; disturbed sleep; change in bowel function and eating habits; fever; weight loss; seizures and tremors; neurological issues and more. Common sense tips to prevent vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease include: check for ticks after leaving tick infested areas; brush pets before they enter the house; check skin and hair daily; bathe and groom frequently; talk to your local landscaper about tips for a tick-free back yard. To safely remove an attached tick, use a long nose tweezer and


grab the mouth of the tick attached to the skin; pull straight out. Clean bite location with tea tree essential oil or soap and water. If symptoms develop, for best outcome seek medical treatment for acute care. To fight an infection, maintain a healthy immune system with a diet that includes 90 essential nutrients (60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 amino acids, 2 to 3 EFAs), eat grain/gluten-free, add probiotics and enzymes, and drink adequate water for hydration. Have a healthy, happy, tick-free summer!


Submitted by Paula Quinlan, Lyme disease thriver, healthy lifestyle coach, educator and speaker. For more informa- tion or to receive tick ID cards, call 612-719-0228 or email Paula@PaulaQuinlan.com. See Community Re- source Guide, page 30.


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