What Lyme Disease Does to Our Immune System


By Tonya Pasternak, ND


ing us. We can ward off harmful bacteria, viruses, and even parasites and typically bounce back with relative ease. However, many people are keenly aware that this isn't always the case with Lyme disease. People can be infected with the borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme, and remain ill despite standard treat- ment. When a holistic approach is taken, supporting the entire body, people are more likely to overcome the infection and reestablish health.


O


ur bodies are incredibly resilient and capable of fighting microbes, which are constantly bombard-


Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi


When exposed to an infection, our immune system initiates a response to begin eliminating the pathogen from our bodies. This is our primary form of defense. There are times however when the body’s immune system isn't adequate enough to clear an infection on its own. It is in these situations antibiotics are helpful.


Lyme disease is unique in the sense that the bacterium causing the infection is able to protect itself from our immune system as well as from antibiotics. This is one reason why the infection is difficult to fully eradi-


cate. There are a few ways in which the bacteria are able to do this. The first way is due to the design of the bacterium. The bacteria are shaped like a corkscrew, which allows them to spiral their way out of the bloodstream and into the tissue space. In doing so, it is more difficult for both the im- mune system and antibiotic medications to clear the infection.


The second manner in which Lyme


bacteria evade the immune system and antibiotics is by changing their shape. Our immune system is able to rid pathogens by recognizing their external shape and then creating antibodies to them. However, this particular bacterium is able to morph into three different forms, known as the cyst form, l-form, and spirochete form. This trait allows the bacteria to actively disguise themselves for their own protection, al- lowing them to avoid our natural defense system as well as medications.


Biofilms Botanical Therapy + Naturopathic Wellness Center


When bacteria float freely through the blood stream it is relatively easy for the immune system or antibiotics to kill them. However, bacteria can also form biofilms, which is another protective mechanism for survival. Biofilms are thick aggregations of individual bacteria that are then covered by a slime-like matrix. This film makes the bac- teria more resistant and thus harder to treat. When antibiotics come in contact with this defense mechanism, the antibiotics skim over the surface of the film killing only the top layers. In this situation people can start to feel better, however when antibiotics are discontinued the infection starts to manifest itself again and symptoms return.


Natural agents such as herbal medi- cines and enzymes are effective ways to break up films. These natural agents should be used in conjunction with either antibiot- ics or natural antimicrobial therapies to cre- ate a more functional regimen and increase the effectiveness of the therapy.


18 Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2018


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