Lyme’s Disease And Other Cytotoxic Infections
Lyme’s Disease and other Cytotoxic Infections
Lyme’s Disease and other cytotoxic Infections are often difficult to diagnose. At the 2020 Cytotoxic Infection Conference, they estimated that 80% diagnosis at presentation is with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Currently the surveillance in the UK and Ireland does not accurately represent the ‘burden of disease’ from tick borne infections, which is due to diagnosis at presentation and also accuracy of testings.
Lyme disease is the most widely known tick-borne disease and is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia. Because individual ticks can harbour more than one disease-causing agent, patients can be infected with more than one pathogen at the same time, compounding the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. This may impact the disease severity and even influence treatment required.
Signs and Symptoms
In 2015 a study looked at how microbiota-dependent sequelae of acute infection compromises tissue-specific immunity. It noted “These repeated and unregulated inflammatory challenges may profoundly remodel the immune system and thereby contribute to the increased burden of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.” (1)
Not only is the immune system impacted but often, so too the gastrointestinal system and liver. In 2015 at the ILADS conference, Dr. Farshid Rashbar noted that patients with Lyme and TBDs may have complex or persistent GI symptoms involving upper, mid, or lower GI tract and have been treated for GI issues. Some of these symptoms include bloated/gas, Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Food Intolerance and Irregular Bowel Movements. We know that the consequences of leaky gut often is chronic activation (inflammation) of the immune system. There is still a lot of research required to deepen our understanding of the diseases, how prevalent they are, how to accurately test for each cytotoxic infection globally and treatment.
How it affects everyday life
Most people who experience any of these infections, testify that they are life altering, for the person infected as well as their whole support network.
Herbal medicine’s approach in treatment, management and support
There have been new studies that support the use of various herbs in relation to suppression of bacterial load beyond antibiotic treatment. Unlike mainstream medicine herbal medicine treats not just the disease but the whole person.
Example of some of the herbs used for various cytotoxic infections:
- Babesia – Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua
- Babesia/Theileria – Nigella sativa
- Bartonella – Juglans nigra, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
- B. gibsoni – Berberis vulgaris, Rosa damascena
- Borrelia – Fallopia japonica, Scutellaria baicalensis, Artemisia annua
Herbal Medicine uses a multisystem approach. Antimicrobials are used to reduce bacterial load to extend antibiotic effect and potentiate antibiotics as synergists and additives.
Anti-Inflammatory herbs and immunomodulating herbs are used to help support the body.
Other herbal actions included are more organ and symptom specific. Nutrients are also highly important to support the body and ensure that it is getting the right nutrients that are required to nourish and restore the gastrointestinal tract.
Most people who experience any of these infections, testify that they are life altering, for the person infected as well as their whole support network. It is vital that the right support is given, be it a listening ear or lifestyle coaching to encourage healthy mental well-being.
How long is the Average Treatment?
It is difficult to determine how long it will take any individual to start seeing results, it usually depends on the following:
- How you react to herbs
- Your compliance to taking the herbs and making the recommended changes
- How long you have had the condition
- The severity of the condition
What you need to do?
Please be prepared that it takes time for the herbs to work. Herbal medicine does not work like pharmaceutical drugs. They often require some time, especially as they tend to work gently and subtly. This is not a quick fix.
Please be willing to work with me, take the medication as prescribed and make the changes which are attainable as well as practical.
How I will help you
Make a treatment plan by creating short term and long terms goals
Identify areas in your life that may be negatively impacting your health.
Give you practical and attainable changes, with lots of support along the way.
Emotional Support along this journey, helping you to help keep on track.