A critical look at Lyme disease.
When discussing chronic Lyme disease, we're rarely referring to an isolated Borrelia burgdorferi infection, but instead a complex of coinfections, comorbidities, and other problems contributing to systemic ill-health (Borrelia burgdorferi can act as a commensal organism, so we can't place 100% of the blame on this bacterium). Lyme disease can be a primary issue for one individual, and a secondary issue for another, but it certainly stands as a condition that requires a holistic and natural approach. Systematically addressing multiple body systems and rebuilding vitality from the ground up is very necessary for many suffering with this affliction. So simply throwing synthetic antibiotics at the body (sometimes even for years) is definitely not an appropriate course of action in the treatment of Lyme. Often referred to as the "great imitator," Lyme disease can mimic (at least to an extent) such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, among many others [1]. While typically transmitted through a tick bite (though fleas, mites, and mosquitoes can also be vectors), there is evidence that B. burgdorferi may also be transmitted through sexual intercourse [2]. Additionally, given the recent pandemic rise of Lyme disease diagnoses in the U.S., bioweaponized B. burgdorferi stemming from Lab 257 on Plum Island (right next to Lyme, Connecticut) may be the source of the Lyme infections that are transferred much more easily. Bioweaponized B. burgdorferi being the major culprit behind Lyme's rampant transmission would explain the FDA, the CDC, Yale University, and ISDA's violent opposition to any claims contrary to their B.S. contention that Lyme disease is a simple infection that can be cured with a few days of doxycycline (a synthetic antibiotic). The criminality behind the crafting of the clinical case definition for Lyme disease runs very deep. Once B. burgdorferi breaches the skin, it can quickly travel to nearby nerves and lymph vessels, ultimately spreading to distant regions of the body (including the brain) via the blood. Note that not everyone will present with the familiar bullseye rash after being exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi. Once settled, Lyme bacteria can evade the immune system by repeatedly changing surface protein antigens (or downregulating their expression), neutralizing complement proteins (these proteins help opsonize or mark pathogens for other immune agents), and simply hiding in extracellular matrices [3]. Moreover, B. burgdorferi can assume a spherical cyst form or a cell wall-deficient form, and can protect itself within a biofilm or cloak itself using host proteins [4] [5]. In laying the groundwork for or promoting the survival or virulence of B. burgdorferi, viruses like Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Human herpesvirus 6, in addition to bacteria like Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma, may play a significant role [6]. Because Lyme Borrelia can induce cross-tolerance to numerous antigens (meaning they can basically neutralize immune responses to other threats), they can make it much easier for opportunistic or pathogenic microbes to overwhelm the body [7]. In those who had pyroluria to begin with or who had pyroluria induced by Lyme microorganisms, higher intakes of or supplementation with zinc, manganese, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), and gamma-linolenic acid or arachidonic acid may be very helpful in rearming the immune system [8]. Pyroluria is an inherited or acquired dysfunction in the synthesis of heme (it's a form of porphyria) and can be diagnosed with a urine test, using kryptopyrrole levels as the marker. In diagnosing Lyme, two options are commonly employed: western blot and PCR. The western blot or immunoblot test assays the blood for IgM and IgG antibodies to indicate Borrelia burgdorferi infection. This test can yield false positive and false negative results, often being too insensitive to catch an active infection as the immune system may not be mounting an offensive against the harbored bacteria at the time of testing or the bacteria may be hiding from the immune system. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test which may be blood- or urine-based can also be used (samples may be taken from cerebrospinal or synovial fluid as well), and this test is very accurate when Borrelia burgdorferi DNA is present in the sample, but sometimes such DNA will not be in the sample tested, yielding a false negative result. Additionally, PCR testing doesn't distinguish between a live and dead microorganism in terms of the DNA detected, so false positive results can also be seen. Alternatively, a good signs and symptoms checklist for Lyme disease can be found here: http://www.ilads.org/lyme/B_guidelines_12_17_08.pdf Some agents that have been used with considerable success in treating Lyme disease and which may be quite valuable as part of a comprehensive program include Rife machines, chlorine dioxide, Samento®, and high doses of intravenous vitamin C. Other components of a comprehensive program for treating Lyme may include repairing or bolstering the adrenal glands, fixing circadian rhythm issues, fortifying the gut microbiota and healing the lining of the intestines, removing lymphatic and extracellular "sludge," restoring damaged mitochondria, and appropriately pulling out heavy metals and other toxins. Chronic Lyme is a complex illness that requires a complex solution, but I hope this article was helpful for you. References:
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AuthorDenton Coleman is an Exercise Physiologist and Medical Researcher. Archives
October 2023
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