Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi. Symptoms may include a skin rash in the shape of a bulls-eye, swollen joints, upset stomach, fatigue, headaches, brain fog and flu-like symptoms. The disease is most commonly thought to come from a bite of an infected tick; however up to two thirds of the people infected with Lyme will have no rash at all and many may never see the ticks or recall being biten. Lyme disease is often referred to as the great mimicker since it presents like may different illnesses, such as arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. and can be difficult to diagnose. The standard laboratory tests for Lyme have been shown to miss more than 40% of infected patients.
One of the best ways to diagnosis Lyme disease is by ordering a Complete Initial Lyme Panel through Igenex labs, which specializes in Lyme disease detection. The panel includes a Lyme Immunoflourescence Assay (IFA) which detects antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) against B. burgdorferi, the IgG and IgM Western Blot, tests that are very sensitive indicator of exposure to B. burgdorferi, and the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is a very specific and sensitive assay for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi-specific DNA.
Antibiotics may help eliminate some early stage Lyme disease. However, not everyone will respond to antibiotics and many Lyme sufferers may relapse. This is because Lyme spirochetes are pathogens that can hide within cells where antibiotics cannot affect them. If these pathogens are not destroyed, Lyme can cause disabling problems within the joints, heart and nervous system.
"It's about the environment that supports the organism, not the organism itself."
The naturopathic approach to Lyme disease recognizes that effective treatment requires addressing the internal terrain - the hospitable environment that allowed for the pathogen - in this case Borrelia burgdorferi - to survive in the first place. Yes, you need to "kill off" the organisms, but if you do not address the terrain relapses will continue.
The first step in Lyme disease treatment involves identifying and addressing any toxin exposures - evaluating home and work environments, childhood exposures, etc. - as well as incorporating a clean diet. Two of the key therapies I use to treat Lyme disease are Gemmotherapies and Sanum therapy, which are excellent therapies that help balance the terrain.
For more information on the natural approach to Lyme disease please contact Dr. Esposito by phone (705) 575-7560 or email.
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