(Please note: This article first appeared on prohealth.com on January 30th, 2017)

Teasel I by Alexander Day

Throughout the course of your Lyme treatment, you’ve probably heard about or tried more supplements than you can count. While it’s easy to feel like you’re potentially missing out on something that helps you heal faster, chances are, you’ve spent a lot of money on things that haven’t worked for you. Using my personal experiences, along with the input from the members of my local Lyme support group, I’ve compiled a list of seven unique supplements that we have found to be helpful in our healing journeys. Some of these supplements might be unfamiliar to you, so (as always) please consult with your doctor before adding any of these into your protocol.

1) Boswellia Extract- This extract is derived from the Boswellia serrata tree (also known as Frankincense), which grows in the dry, mountain areas of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Boswellia is a powerful pain reliever that mediates several pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In addition to its ability to reduce pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome expert, Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., suggests this herb may also reduce headaches due to its capacity to open constricting blood vessels. Unlike other pain relievers often give to Lyme patients, Boswellia doesn’t appear to cause stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal upset. Typically, you can purchase it in tablet, capsule or powder form. To ensure maximum potency, look for products that contain at least 65% Boswellic acids.

2) Pau d’Arco- This is an antifungal herb and may be beneficial to those dealing with yeast-related issues as a result of ongoing antibiotic treatment. Pau d’Arco is available as a tea or a capsule. However, the tea is thought to be more effective, and, when used in conjunction with other antifungals, it can be useful against Candida. Additionally, Pau d’Arco may possess some antimicrobial properties against Bartonella.

3) Boluoke Lumbrokinase- Boluoke is a purified mix of enzymes from earthworms. (Yes! You read that correctly.) This supplement seems to dissolve fibrin–a substance that shields bacteria in the body, allowing the pathogens to remain undetected by the immune system. It’s also an anti-coagulant, helping to decrease the thickness and stickiness of blood, and it breaks down biofilms. Boluoke is contraindicated in people taking blood thinners and in conditions where there may be an increased risk of bleeding.

4) Teasel Root- In her book, The Lyme Diet, Naturopathic doctor Nicola McFadzean notes that teasel root may be a good starting point for Lyme treatment because it’s gentler than some other herbal protocols and produces minimal Herxheimer reactions. “Teasel root is another herb with anti-bacterial properties with benefits also in managing inflammation and relieving pain,” she states.

5) Black Currant Oil- This oil is a natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The renowned integrative medicine physician, Andrew Weil, M.D., states that black currant oil stimulates the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nails. In his practice, he uses it for skin conditions, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Weil cautions that the supplement may need to be taken six to eight weeks before any changes are seen. Furthermore, black currant oil may help to support the adrenal glands in Lyme patients who are suffering from adrenal fatigue. Potentially, the oil works by stimulating the production of the adrenal cortex hormones. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm the benefits of black currant oil for the adrenal glands.

6) Lithium Orotate- Lyme literate medical doctor Marty Ross, M.D., says, “Lithium Orotate 5mg is one of my favorite supplements. I recommend it regularly with good benefits to my patients.” It should be noted that lithium orotate is a nutritional supplement and isn’t the same prescription form that’s used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (That’s lithium carbonate). In low doses, lithium orotate offers the brain neuroprotection from toxins; improves thinking and mood, decreases anxiety, and lessens irritability. Please consult with your doctor for proper dosing instructions.

7) Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)- ALA is produced naturally by the body, but its production can decrease with age and illness. It’s an effective antioxidant that helps the cells of the body to metabolize energy. Plus, it potentiates other crucial antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and glutathione. ALA may contribute to improving fatigue and symptoms of numbness and tingling in those with Lyme disease. It’s also shown to be helpful for people with diabetic neuropathy and to maintain brain function in the aging population. Make sure to speak to your doctor before taking this supplement. In some people, it’s been known to lower blood sugar.

Although this isn’t a complete list, these are a few of the favorite supplements many Lyme patients have found to be useful tools in their healing protocols. Of course, every doctor has specific recommendations that they want each of their patients to follow, so be sure to consult with your practitioner for more individualized recommendations.

What are the supplements you’ve found essential to your recovery? I’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment.

References:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid. (n.d.). Whole Health Chicago. Retrieved from http://wholehealthchicago.com/2009/05/11/alpha-lipoic-acid/

Black Currant Oil. (2016, August). Weil. Retrieved from http://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/black-currant-oil/

Lithium Orotate 5MG, (2015, April 3). The Treat Lyme Book. Retrieved from http://www.treatlyme.net/treat-lyme-book/lithium-orotate-5mg/

Balch, J.F., & Stengler, M. (2004). Prescription for Natural Cures. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Buhner, S. (2012) Herbal Antibiotics. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

McFadzean, N. ( 2010). The Lyme Diet. South Lake Tahoe, CA: BioMed Publishing Group.

Teitelbaum, J. (2007). From Fatigued to Fantastic. New York, NY: The Penguin Group.

Please note: This article first appeared on ProHealth on June 20, 2017. 

In March, I had the privilege of interviewing  Dr. Elena Frid, a dynamic pediatric and adult autoimmune and Lyme disease specialist in New York City. You may recognize Dr. Frid from her bold, high fashion social media posts; she’s on an attention-grabbing mission to bring encouragement to the Lyme community and educate healthcare practitioners about this illness.

Frid began her neurology practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Within a couple of months, she began to see medically complex patients with no clear-cut diagnoses despite seeing multiple specialists at the country’s top healthcare institutions. “Well, what’s going on with [these patients]?” she asked herself.

Frid’s entry into treating Lyme disease is mainly due to the prompting of her patients. They began bringing her articles about the manifestations of Lyme disease and various autoimmune disorders, and she took notice. Then, one patient encouraged her to attend an ILADS (International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society) conference for further education and training–which she did four years ago–and began treating Lyme patients shortly after that.

A protégé of the renowned Lyme expert, Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Frid has become an outspoken advocate for Lyme patients, and she hopes to create a unified voice and bring guidance to practitioners in the community. Here, she shares her insights on treatments, the cutting-edge concept of autoimmune encephalitis, and reviving the idea that we can heal from this illness.

Jenny Buttaccio (JB): Can you describe the types of patients you see in your practice?

Dr. Elena Frid (EF): Typically, the type of patients we see are young, healthy patients who all of a sudden start getting sick and can’t get better. They start accumulating diagnoses, and these diagnoses should get better with one or two treatment options or medications. But nothing seems to help them. We also see patients who have had Lyme disease for many years and been treated by other physicians in the Lyme community–they’re not getting better or have plateaued. Additionally, we see patients who have been examined by multiple physicians, and they still don’t have a diagnosis.

Symptom wise, we see a lot of cognitive issues and physical symptoms, such as difficulty walking and dizziness, which impedes day-to-day function. We also see a lot of intractable–meaning nothing is helping them–neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression or psychosis. In children, we see OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), tics, or regressed behavior that is not getting better with mainstream treatments.

JB: As a neurologist, what perspective can you shed on Lyme disease that might be different from other doctors? 

EF: Lyme is a multisystemic illness, and, in my experience, it primarily affects people neurologically. That’s where a neurologist comes into play with this disorder. A lot of what’s happening with the patient is an autoimmune phenomenon. They have inflammation of their peripheral nerves; they have inflammation of the brain that’s known as “autoimmune encephalitis.”

This subspecialty in neurology is very cutting-edge. It was first described in Japan about ten to 15 years ago when I was in training. Initially, we thought this autoimmune phenomenon occurred mainly in patients that had tumors or certain types of cancers. But, over the years, we realized that only about 40 percent of these patients have some malignancy or tumor. And the rest, 60 percent, we don’t know what’s wrong or why this is happening to them.

What I’ve been noticing in my practice is that these patients have an infection-induced phenomenon. A lot of neurologists and autoimmune neurologists–even the CDC– talk about this infectious process. Why this is a problem is because if you don’t treat the infections in the patient–which is ultimately the driving force in this condition–you will be chasing your tail. Therefore, treating these patients, both for their infectious etiology and the autoimmune phenomenon, has to occur simultaneously–Lyme patients are seriously complicated patients!

JB: Thank you for your interesting explanation on autoimmune encephalitis. When working with complex patients, what advice do you give to them to stay the course of treatment?

EF: What’s the advice that I give to patients? Stay motivated. A lot of what I do for my patients is really therapy to stay with a treatment plan. Patients must realize that one needs to identify every infection that’s going on with them and every disease process that’s happening. If there’s an autoimmune phenomenon, it needs to be recognized, and it has to be treated all at the same time. I’m not a proponent of treating each co-infection one at a time. In my opinion, they have to be identified and treated all at the same time. For children, as long as I have a good rapport with the parents, and I explain my end result to them, I think it’s a little easier for them to remain motivated. With adults, some of them need help to understand that they may feel worse before they get better.

Obviously, the earlier you treat [Lyme disease], the better the chances are of recovery. I tell my patients they will need to be treated for one to three years. However, there are anomalies where it will only take a couple of months for people to feel well or longer than three years. Certainly, not everyone falls into that time frame.

JB: In what ways are you educating the medical community about Lyme disease?

EF: Part of what I’ve done this year is go back to my alma mater (Robert Wood Johnson Medical School) and tell [students], “You don’t all need to go into treating Lyme disease, but there’s a huge problem, and you’re all being taught wrong.”

At least, tell them there is a controversy and let students dive into that on their own and make up their own minds!

JB: Are there any other remarks or comments you’d like to say about Lyme patients?

EF: If a patient has a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, neurologic issues, or potentially even some learning disabilities, these may actually be symptoms of Lyme disease because it is a multisystemic illness. Keep digging and explore other possibilities. If you feel something is wrong, something is wrong.

Also, it’s very difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially if you have had this illness for a long time. What I see on social media or in my office is that people are losing hope. Know the healing process does take time, but there is hope for those battling chronic Lyme disease.

If you’re searching for a healthcare provider, please contact ILADS to obtain a list of medical professionals in your area.  

Last month, I had the opportunity to write a Lyme article for my favorite pet pub, Sniff & Barkens. With Lyme disease expected to be at an all-time high this year, learn how to protect your pet. Check out What You Need to Know about Lyme Disease.

Please note: This article first appeared on May 18th, 2017 on ProHealth.com.

Please note: This article first appeared on April 25th 2017 on prohealth.com.

Recently, I had the honor to interview Ruth Kriz, a Lyme literate, 30-year nurse practitioner in Washington, D.C. and a fellow Lyme disease survivor, to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne infections, testing, biofilms, and more. In part one of this two-part series, Ruth reveals how she began treating Lyme, the limitations of testing, and communication strategies between patients and clinicians.

Ruth has an education background and has taught nursing to LPNs through graduate-level nurse practitioners. In her years as an educator, she’s observed the medical community is often undereducated in their knowledge regarding Lyme disease and tick-borne infections; many healthcare providers believe Lyme disease is an acute infection and are misinformed regarding the chronic, persistent nature of this illness. Ruth has chosen to speak publicly about her expertise with Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases in the hopes of helping patients receive a proper diagnosis, along with widening the medical community’s understanding of these illnesses.

Below is my interview with Ruth Kriz:

Jenny Buttaccio (JB): How did you get started treating Lyme patients?

Ruth Kriz (RK): I guess you could say it was through the back door. I had interstitial cystitis for 11 years, and I started doing more precise diagnostics with broth cultures because the traditional cultures were coming up negative. One of my patients told me that she had been diagnosed with Lyme disease. When she treated Lyme, her interstitial cystitis went away. So, that started me looking into the connection between tick-borne infections and its connection with interstitial cystitis. Since then, I’ve treated over 2,500 patients. In 98 percent of them, I’ve been able to document tick-borne infections.

JB: In your view, why are so many patients having a hard time getting diagnosed with Lyme disease?

RK: According to CDC, the way you diagnose Lyme is through an antibody test. An antibody test is not testing for Lyme itself; it’s testing for the body’s immune system response to Lyme. When you first get infected, your IGM (immunoglobulin M) is the early responder. It goes up in four to six weeks. Therefore, doing a test for Lyme when you first see a bull’s-eye rash, find a tick, or think you’ve been infected is really inaccurate because it’s going to take several weeks for those antibodies to go up. The IGM stays up for four to six months. As it’s coming down, the IGG goes up. The IGG can stay up for a year, sometime two years. Then, it starts to go down as well. Using a test that only looks at immunoglobulin IGG and IGM is going to miss a lot of people who were either tested too early or too late. So, the race has been on to try to find a better way–better markers–of diagnosing the Lyme.

Currently, there’s a test that looks at inflammatory cytokines, called ISpot Lyme. When Lyme is active, cytokines are high, and therefore, reactive. The technology has actually been out there for decades, and using it to check for Lyme is simply a new application. That’s the one I traditionally use. Also, there are tests that to do DNA testing on urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid. In regards to cerebrospinal fluid testing, the literature from 15 years ago says less than 3 percent of people with neurological Lyme test positive with a spinal tap, so that’s not helpful. There are some purchase cheap soma overnight better antibody tests like IGeneX as well, where you’re more likely to get a positive western blot. But, to answer your question, there are really no good diagnostic tests for Lyme if you’re not in that window to get a good antibody response. The best we can do right now is to look at other markers that respond in the body when Lyme is active.

JB: I’ve heard other doctors suggest that Lyme disease is a diagnosis based on clinical presentation and supporting tests can be useful to help confirm the disease. Do you also hold this belief? As a follow-up question, why are so few clinicians willing to treat Lyme?

RK: That’s what we’re left with if we don’t have a reliable test. Because of the political climate surrounding Lyme, some clinicians feel if they don’t have any documentation in a patient’s chart to prove they have Lyme, they’re going to come under fire from their state medical boards. So, yes. It does need to be a clinical diagnosis. But sometimes practitioners are put in a corner. And to step out on that limb, they might risk their license.

Regarding the second part of the question, the medical education system is geared toward acute infections. Overcoming the infections that were public health threats (like smallpox, anthrax, diphtheria, and polio) and had high morbidity and mortality rates, naturally became the focus of research. Even though 70 percent of the patient population a family practice physician sees deals with chronic illness, the medical community insists on acute care. So the mindset of the doctor is you come up with an ICD-10 code. You have your particular protocol. This is the medicine you give. Then, the patient leaves the office. There’s a whole different understanding as to how you treat acute infections, and how you treat chronic infections.

JB: Are there ways Lyme patients could better communicate their needs to clinicians?

RK: Often, doctors feel like their job is first to rule out the big, nasty stuff going on. After that, they’re not willing or able to tackle the intensive, patient-care demands of a chronically, sick Lyme patient. From my perspective, I think Lyme patients could interface more effectively with the medical community if they could write down the points they want to talk about during their appointment. Also, they can be sensitive to the fact that the practitioner has a schedule and 10 or 20 people after them on that schedule. It’s hard for practitioners to deal with a large Lyme population because their needs are extensive. Not every practitioner is emotionally or knowledge-base equipped to handle the complexity of patients with Lyme. I love what I do. I’ve had Lyme myself. But I also see things from the other side. There’s a lot of skill involved in managing complex patients, and not everybody feels competent enough, or is interested enough, or can financially even afford to provide that level of care.

A Lyme patient must become informed, be educated and be their own advocate. They need to find a practitioner they feel is hearing them.

To find a Lyme literal medical professional in your area, fill out the Doctor Searchpage on the ILADS website, visit the state support group page on LymeDisease.org, or check Facebook for online forums in your area. Many support group moderators and facilitators will be able to provide you with a list of doctors in your region. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to write this article for the nursing community and further the dialogue around Lyme disease. I am so happy I had the opportunity to address healthcare professionals right at the beginning of Lyme Disease Awareness Month! To read the article, click here.

Today, my article, 6 Myths About Lyme Disease Debunked, went live on Paste Magazine. So grateful to them for letting me set the record straight in some small way. Please check it out!