Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called Borellia of which there are many types. Borellia is a spiral shaped bacteria that is transmitted through ticks and may also be able to be transmitted from person to person. Lyme disease is becoming more and more prevalent in Australia and is something Katherine treats commonly in her practice.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease is very difficult because the blood tests available are not 100% reliable. The symptoms of Lyme disease are many and can vary from person to person. There are many symptoms of Lyme disease that occur in other conditions and it is often misdiagnosed.
People with Lyme disease are also prone to numerous co-infections, which come with their own symptoms that can overlap with Lyme symptoms. These co-infections can come from the same tick bite as the Lyme bacteria, or they can occur due to the depletion of the Lyme patient’s immune system.
Lyme disease commonly presents with the following co-infections
These can range from one to many. It is also very common to see Lyme patients with viruses and overgrowth of organisms like candida.
Naturopathy for the treatment of Lyme disease
Naturopathy is an ideal therapy for patients with Lyme disease due to the complexity of the condition. As well as targeting the Borellia bacteria and co-infections using herbal immune enhancers, antimicrobial and antiparasitic herbs, treatment looks at the recovery of the whole person, and can include:
- Anti-inflammatory support
- Adrenal and nervous system support
- Digestive support
- Biofilm breakdown
- Detoxification (to prevent Herx reactions)
- Hormonal support
- Energy support
Katherine has never seen 2 patients with Lyme disease that have had the same presentation. The bacteria will affect each person in different areas. Treatment is varied depending on symptom picture, co-infections and other blood markers which show how the body is responding.
Naturopathy alongside conventional antibiotic or antiprotozoal treatment
Many patients with Lyme disease will receive naturopathic treatment alongside their conventional antibiotics. This can help to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics, reduce Herxeimer reactions and support the body in healing and recovery.
Katherine is happy to work alongside your LLMD to work towards the best outcome for you.
For more information about Lyme treatment for you as an individual, ask Katherine a question here.
To make an appointment with Katherine at her Brisbane clinic, call 07 3367 0337.