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Archive for the ‘Herbs’ Category
How to Calm the Nervous System During Lyme Treatment
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/how-to-calm-the-nervous-system-during-lyme-treatment
View Larger ImHow to Calm the Nervous System During Lyme Treatment
by Stephanie Eckelkamp
Posted 9/15/22
Feeling frazzled, irritable, low in energy, or unable to get a good night’s rest often comes with chronic Lyme disease territory. Lyme is one of those ailments that basically leaves no part of your body unscathed — and your nervous system is no exception.
The microbes that cause Lyme and its common coinfections create a perfect storm of ongoing cellular stress that puts your body on high alert, ramping up the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls your flight-or-fight response, while suppressing the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is in charge of your body’s “rest-and-digest” mode.
This imbalance messes with your body’s ability to heal and interferes with functions essential for maintaining mind-body balance. Not only that, but the intense emotional stress that comes with having a painful chronic disease (and experiencing its many setbacks) also drives your fight-or-flight response, compounding the problem.
The good news: Taking strategic steps to rebalance a dysregulated nervous system will not only support long-term healing but also help you feel more calm and balanced in the short-term. Below, we’ll look at the science behind the Lyme-stress-nervous system connection and then highlight effective steps you can take to calm the chaos.
How Lyme Impacts the Nervous System
“Lyme disease is an assault on the cells of the body,” says Bill Rawls, MD, Medical Director of RawlsMD and Vital Plan. “And stressed cells are constantly sending out distress signals to the brain, which activate our sympathetic nervous systems and that fight-or-flight response.”
The fight-or-flight response isn’t inherently bad — in fact, it’s essential for survival, as it prompts the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that prime the body for swift action and your brain for quick thinking when facing a real-life threat (so you can literally fight or flee). However, it becomes problematic when it’s activated all the time and is not followed up with necessary recovery periods, as can be the case with chronic Lyme.
“Adrenaline and cortisol counteract everything going on in the parasympathetic system,” says Dr. Rawls. “That keeps your cells activated and robs them of their down time, which interferes with sleep, drives inflammation in the body, and makes you tired and anxious.” Over time, it can even worsen pain symptoms, which contributes to additional stress and feeds a vicious cycle.
Increased SNS and decreased PNS activity can also lead to changes in neural activities in the brain and interfere with creating beneficial neural connections responsible for memory, decision-making, managing emotions, and goal setting, while reinforcing harmful neural connections that further drive the fight-or-flight response.
None of these things are conducive to healing, of course. “So for someone with Lyme disease, calming that sympathetic response as much as possible is important,” says Dr. Rawls.
10 Ways to Calm and Rebalance Your Nervous System
Reducing the microbial assault on your body’s cells that contributes to a revved-up SNS is key to addressing a key driver of nervous system imbalance. Thankfully, you have multiple avenues to lighten the stress burden on your body and start calming that angry nervous system ASAP, which can support physical, emotional, and cognitive health and free up resources your body needs to heal. Here’s how:
1. Tap into the Calming Power of Your Vagus Nerve.
Consider exercises that stimulate your vagus nerve for an in-the-moment strategy to soothe your nervous system and bring about a sense of calm when you’re feeling acutely frazzled. The vagus nerve runs from your abdomen to your brain and is a crucial component of your rest-and-digest PNS. By engaging in habits that improve how well the vagus nerve functions, your body is better equipped to tap into that calming and reparative side of your nervous system.
- Take slow, deep breaths: Slow breathing has been shown to improve vagal tone, increasing PNS functions and lessening SNS activity. Rapid breathing does the opposite. This is one reason yoga, meditation, qigong, and other activities that focus on breath can be so calming.
- Sing or hum a tune: It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re singing along to your favorite tune. That may be due to the fact that the vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords, so humming or singing offers a mechanical way to stimulate it. Singing is also shown to slow respiration, lower heart rate, and have a “biologically soothing” effect.
- End your shower with a blast of cold water: Cold exposure may initially increase activity of your SNS, but once your body acclimates to the lower temperature, PNS activity increases — suggesting that cold adaptation may stimulate the vagus nerve and improve vagal tone. Consider ending your shower with a blast of cold water or alternating with 60-second intervals of hot and cold water.
Keep in mind, says Dr. Rawls, practices that stimulate your vagus nerve aren’t a cure-all, but when combined with an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, they can be a low-cost tool to calm the nervous system and maximize healing.
2. Reset Your Circadian Rhythm with Natural Light.
Living out of sync with your natural surroundings is a surefire way to increase stress and mess with your nervous system. Case in point: Not getting enough natural light exposure during the day and then blasting your eyes with artificial light from screens at night can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates your sleep-wake cycle and other biological functions. This can interfere with sleep and cellular repair processes, driving further stress and cellular dysfunction.
The solution: If nothing else, get outdoors or to a window and expose yourself to natural sunlight within the first hour of waking and periodically throughout the day to support a healthy circadian rhythm. Research suggests bright light exposure between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. enhances PNS activity overnight, which may promote restful, reparative sleep.
3. Swap Your Coffee for Green Tea.
We’re not trying to rob you of life’s simple pleasures, but that coffee could be doing more harm than good for your nervous system — especially if you’re burdened with a chronic disease. Caffeine can mimic excitatory hormones that trigger the body to produce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. While some people with chronic Lyme may need to wean off caffeine altogether, others may be able to tolerate a small amount per day, which is where green tea comes in. Green tea has less caffeine and contains the amino acid L-theanine, which buffers caffeine’s stimulating effects.
4. Embrace Adaptogenic Herbs.
Adaptogens such as reishi, cordyceps, rhodiola, and ashwagandha have an overall balancing or normalizing effect on the body, and they help you react to and recover from physical, mental, and environmental factors that might otherwise dial up your SNS.
One way they do this is by influencing the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), a series of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulate the body’s response to stressors. “Adaptogenic herbs send a message to the hypothalamus and basically say, ‘Hey, things aren’t as bad as you think. Let’s tone down that stress response a bit,’” says Dr. Rawls.
5. Start Single-Tasking.
You know that Lyme’s stress-inducing effects can rob you of your cognitive sharpness, messing with your memory, focus, problem solving skills, and more — and this is only exacerbated by our modern era of multitasking. “If you’ve got brain fog, do yourself a favor and focus on one thing at a time and temporarily put aside worries about everything else,” says Dr. Rawls. There’s actually real science to support single-tasking’s calming effect: In one study, researchers found that SNS activity was significantly higher and PNS activity significantly lower while multitasking (doing 2+ tasks at once) and dual-tasking (switching between two tasks) than during single-tasking.
6. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet.
Lyme microbes trigger inflammation in the body, which ramps up SNS activity. Since you don’t want your diet to drive you further into fight-or-flight, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, legumes, fermented foods, salmon, and other whole foods is your best bet. Keep processed foods to a minimum, too, particularly ones with refined carbohydrates and sugars — consumption of these has been shown to significantly increase SNS activity, according to one literature review.
An anti-inflammatory diet rich in plant foods (and fermented foods) also helps foster a balanced gut microbiome, which is important for a healthy nervous system. More on that below.
7. Support Your Gut Microbiome.
The bacteria in your gut are responsible for producing many of the body’s neurotransmitters, so an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria (i.e., gut dysbiosis) can alter your body’s normal balance of mood-regulating chemical messengers — tipping the scale from favorable, mood-elevating neurotransmitters to ones that activate the fight-or-flight response and cause agitation, says Dr. Rawls.
So what can you do to restore healthy microbial balance and indirectly support your nervous system? Take steps to foster the growth of good bacteria and support intestinal motility (since constipation can promote the growth of bad bacteria). Start by optimizing your diet, getting regular physical activity, drinking enough water, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and taking a quality probiotic supplement if you’re currently on antibiotics.
8. Get a Dose of Doable Exercise.
Any regular physical activity that your body can handle will have a beneficial effect on stress levels and, thus, your nervous system. “The intended follow-up to the fight-or-flight response is to be physically active,” says Dr. Rawls. “When you go for a 15-minute walk, you normalize all your stress hormones and lower cortisol and adrenaline.” And this can help bring you back to a calm, PNS-dominant state.
Don’t overdo it, though. Strenuous exercise can actually ramp up the fight-or-flight response, contributing to excessively high stress hormone levels, according to Dr. Rawls. Consider walking, cycling, swimming, gentle yoga, qigong, or simple bodyweight exercises, such as sit-ups, push-ups, planks, and leg lifts.
9. Shake It Out When You’re Stressed.
Not up for any sort of structured physical activity? No worries. Even just shaking out your body is thought to help relieve muscle tension and trauma, burn off excess stress hormones, and help rebalance the nervous system. You’ve probably seen your dog shake off after a stressful or overly stimulating encounter — it’s the same thing! To try it:
- Stand up and get comfortable
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart
- Begin to shake out your body
- Don’t worry about what you look like
Whether you shake out one arm or leg at a time or move your whole body at once, there’s no wrong way to do it. Shaking helps to recalibrate the nervous system and decrease SNS overactivity.
10. Spend at Least Two Hours in Nature per Week.
Getting a dose of nature is one of the best ways to nourish your nervous system. Walking on a wooded trail, near a grassy park, or by a body of water has been shown to increase PNS activity and lower heart rate compared to walking in urban settings. Dozens of studies have affirmed the mind-body benefits of forest bathing (i.e., long walks in the woods), which include increased PNS activity, decreased SNS activity, lower blood pressure, and improved markers of immune health.
You don’t have to do it every day either — one study found that both men and women were more likely to report overall good health and greater psychological well-being when they spent at least two hours in nature per week. Even lounging in a lush park counts.
Bottom Line
The physical and mental stress of chronic Lyme disease can wreak havoc on your nervous system. And while there’s no magic reset button to restore balance, the tips above can lighten your stress load, support a healthier stress response, and help your body tap into a calmer PNS-dominant state — all of which can help foster immediate improvements in well-being and support long-term healing.
REFERENCES
1. Becker L, Kaltenegger HC, Nowak D, Rohleder N, Weigl M. Differences in stress system (re-)activity between single and dual- or multitasking in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2022 May 5]. Health Psychol Rev. 2022;1-26. doi:10.1080/17437199.2022.2071323
2. Gladwell VF, Kuoppa P, Tarvainen MP, Rogerson M. A Lunchtime Walk in Nature Enhances Restoration of Autonomic Control during Night-Time Sleep: Results from a Preliminary Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(3):280. Published 2016 Mar 3. doi:10.3390/ijerph13030280
3. Hannibal KE, Bishop MD. Chronic stress, cortisol dysfunction, and pain: a psychoneuroendocrine rationale for stress management in pain rehabilitation. Phys Ther. 2014;94(12):1816-1825. doi:10.2522/ptj.20130597
4. Kopp W. Chronically increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system: our diet-related “evolutionary” inheritance. J Nutr Health Aging. 2009;13(1):27-29. doi:10.1007/s12603-009-0005-1
5. Lin TW, Tsai SF, Kuo YM. Physical Exercise Enhances Neuroplasticity and Delays Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Plast. 2018;4(1):95-110. Published 2018 Dec 12. doi:10.3233/BPL-180073
6. Mäkinen TM, Mäntysaari M, Pääkkönen T, et al. Autonomic nervous function during whole-body cold exposure before and after cold acclimation. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2008;79(9):875-882. doi:10.3357/asem.2235.2008
7. Nishimura S, Hyun K, Lee Y, et al. Increase in Parasympathetic Nerve Activity During the Nighttime Following Bright Light Exposure During the Daytime. Biological Rhythm Research. 2003; 34(3): 233-240. doi: 10.1076/brhm.34.3.233.18809
8. Pal GK, Velkumary S, Madanmohan. Effect of short-term practice of breathing exercises on autonomic functions in normal human volunteers. Indian J Med Res. 2004;120(2):115-121. https://www.proquest.com/openview/9b98ccfa3b77e8dc6667b20e1ca0f96c/1
9. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010;3(1):188-224. Published 2010 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/ph3010188
10. Tanaka M, Tajima S, Mizuno K, et al. Frontier studies on fatigue, autonomic nerve dysfunction, and sleep-rhythm disorder. J Physiol Sci. 2015;65(6):483-498. doi:10.1007/s12576-015-0399-y
11. Train Your Brain. Harvard Health Publishing website. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/train-your-brain
12. Vickhoff B, Malmgren H, Aström R, et al. Music structure determines heart rate variability of singers [published correction appears in Front Psychol. 2013 Sep 05;4:599]. Front Psychol. 2013;4:334. Published 2013 Jul 9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00334
13. White MP, Alcock I, Grellier J, et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep. 2019; 9:7730. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3
14. Yu CP, Chen HT, Chao PH, Yin J, Tsai MJ. The Role of Social Context in Physiological and Psychological Restoration in a Forest: Case Study of a Guided Forest Therapy Program in Taiwan. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(19):10076. Published 2021 Sep 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph181910076
Andrographis
https://vitalplan.com/ingredients/andrographis
Andrographis
By Vital Plan
Reviewed by Bill Rawls, MD
Medical Director of Vital Plan
QUICK FACTS
Common name: Andrographis
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Other names: King of bitters, kirta or kirata (Sanskrit), kiryata (Hindi), kalmegh (Bengali, Hindi, Unani), hempedu bumi (Malaysia), creat, green chiretta, Indian chiretta, chuan xin lian (traditional Chinese medicine)
Location: Native to India
Known for: Its bitter taste and potent antimicrobial and immune-supportive properties
Part Used: Aerial parts (leaf, stem, and flowers)
Fun fact: In Scandinavia, andrographis is a popular herbal flu remedy.1
Good for: Fighting acute and chronic infections, immune health, microbiome balance, liver protection, proper bile flow
Key Properties & Actions: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, immunomodulating, hepatoprotective, digestive bitter tonic, cholagogue (stimulates bile flow), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Other names: King of bitters, kirta or kirata (Sanskrit), kiryata (Hindi), kalmegh (Bengali, Hindi, Unani), hempedu bumi (Malaysia), creat, green chiretta, Indian chiretta, chuan xin lian (traditional Chinese medicine)
Location: Native to India
Known for: Its bitter taste and potent antimicrobial and immune-supportive properties
Part Used: Aerial parts (leaf, stem, and flowers)
Fun fact: In Scandinavia, andrographis is a popular herbal flu remedy.1
Good for: Fighting acute and chronic infections, immune health, microbiome balance, liver protection, proper bile flow
Key Properties & Actions: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, immunomodulating, hepatoprotective, digestive bitter tonic, cholagogue (stimulates bile flow), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Summary
Andrographis is a bitter-tasting herb renowned for its antimicrobial and immune-supportive effects. Native to India, it has long been used to support the immune system, digestion, and the liver. Modern research shows it can be helpful in fighting infections, as well as providing various other benefits.
What is Andrographis?
Andrographis is a shrubby annual plant whose intensely bitter leaves have led to its moniker, “king of bitters.” Growing one to three feet in height, this herb prefers the shady, moist habitat of a forest or wetland but is also seen growing in plains, hillsides, and farms. In the fall, andrographis bears small white flowers with brown or purple spots.
Although andrographis is native to India, it has been introduced to and can be found growing in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, the islands of the Caribbean and West Indian Ocean, and parts of North America and Central America. In many areas, but especially in Asia, andrographis is prized as a traditional medicinal herb and often used for infections, fevers, and liver disorders.
In the last few decades, research on andrographis has increased, with in vitro (in a test tube or petri dish) and in vivo (in a living model) clinical studies confirming the traditional usages of the herb. Today, it is primarily used for its microbiome-balancing, immune-supportive, and liver-protective qualities, although it offers a variety of other health benefits.
Benefits of Andrographis and How It Works
Antimicrobial Support
Antibacterial Activity
For centuries, andrographis has been used to fight various kinds of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In the last decade, scientific interest in andrographis has accelerated, with particular focus on its antimicrobial qualities.
Researchers have reported that andrographis extract possesses potent antibacterial activity against numerous kinds of bacteria.2
An in vitro study found andrographis to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to antibiotic-resistant infections, Escherichia coli, which can cause digestive distress, Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera, and Salmonella typhi, which causes typhoid fever.3
Andrographis can also be useful in helping to break down biofilms, which shield bacteria from the efforts of the immune system and antibiotics.4
Antiviral Activity
Andrographolide is a biologically active compound in andrographis that is known for its broad-spectrum antiviral properties. It has been proposed that andrographolide intervenes in multiple steps of the viral life cycle, including viral entry, genetic material replication, and protein synthesis.5
Andrographolide has shown in vitro activity against viruses like herpes simplex 1, Epstein-Barr, and influenza A.6
More recently, in vitro studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effect of andrographolide against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.5
Antifungal and Antiparasitic Activity
In folk medicine, andrographis has been used for fungal infections for centuries. Preliminary in vitro studies justify this use, especially in relation to fungal skin infections.2,7
Likewise, in vitro studies indicate andrographis can be of benefit when used against various parasites.4
In a 2013 animal study, andrographis extract exerted antimalarial activity in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, a parasite that causes malaria in certain rodents. In vitro studies have also suggested that andrographis has antimalarial action.4,8
Enhanced Immune Function
Andrographis is well known for having an affinity for respiratory infections as well as being able to shorten the duration of an illness.6 Its antimicrobial qualities and its ability to modulate the immune system make this possible.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials concluded that andrographis is beneficial in shortening the duration of and improving acute respiratory tract infection symptoms.9
Additionally, andrographolide has demonstrated direct and indirect effects against cancer cells in in vitro studies, including inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and inducing the destruction of cancer cells.2
Liver Protection and Function
Andrographis is widely used to protect the liver and support its function. Thanks to its bitter phytochemical compounds, andrographis can stimulate liver enzymes and promote healthy bile flow, which in turn, enhances digestion and detoxification.
Andrographis’s liver-protective qualities have been well documented in modern scientific research. A 2014 animal study showed andrographis extract exerts hepatoprotective effects in acute liver toxicity situation. It was proposed that this effect was due to the herb’s ability to fight free radicals, inhibit cellular proliferation, and induce a form of programmed cell death known as apoptosis.10
In a 2020 animal study, andrographis extract reduced oxidative stress and liver damage in mice.11
Joint Health and Comfort
Andrographis may be better known for its antimicrobial and liver-protective properties, but it also has the impressive benefit of easing joint discomfort. Much of this ability is due to the way it can calm overactive immune and inflammatory responses. A double-blind, placebo-controlled human study administered andrographis extract to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients three times a day. After 14 weeks, RA patients experienced decreased joint pain.12
Animal studies show that andrographis has multiple anti-inflammatory actions that contribute to this effect. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines but can also encourage cell death of immune cells in joints that cause excess inflammation and tissue damage.13
Healthy Energy Levels
In a 2016 double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients receiving interferon beta treatment were given 170 mg of andrographis extract or placebo two times daily over a period of 12 months. MS patients taking the andrographis extract had a significant reduction in fatigue compared to placebo.14 Although the exact mechanisms of action are unknown, the authors of the study suggest that the herb’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects may contribute to the reduction in fatigue.
History & Traditional Use
Andrographis has a long history of use in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Across the board, andrographis has been relied on to enhance immune function, resist infections, support digestion, and protect the liver.
In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, andrographis is a common ingredient in herbal formulations used for liver conditions.15 It is also commonly used to increase appetite and strengthen digestion. The leaf juice is a traditional household remedy for stomach distress, but it is also used to remove parasites, promote bile flow, and reduce fever. Just after the Spanish flu of 1918, the Indian flu hit in 1919, and andrographis was used widely and largely credited with helping halt the spread of the epidemic.
From a TCM perspective, the bitter qualities of andrographis, or chuan xin lian, are believed to clear heat from the blood, which can look like infections or toxins. It is specifically used in cases of colds, flu, fever, cough, skin conditions, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and many more conditions.6
In Malaysia, a decoction of the aerial parts is used for the common cold, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, malaria, and snakebites.16
How to Use and Dosing
The Ayurvedic name for andrographis translates to “king of bitters,” so it is often preferred and best taken in capsule form to avoid its bitter taste.
A standardized extract of andrographis is ideal and should be standardized to 10% to 30% andrographolides. General dosing for a standardized extract is 200-800 mg, two to three times daily. If using a tincture, 1.5-3 mL, 2-4 times daily is standard.
To enhance immune function, andrographis can be combined with reishi mushroom, lion’s mane mushroom, cat’s claw, Japanese knotweed, garlic, Chinese skullcap, turmeric, cordyceps, astragalus, and echinacea.
For added liver support, consider pairing andrographis with herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, schisandra, and dandelion root.
Interactions
There are no known significant interactions, however, animal studies suggest andrographis may modify glucose regulation, so be aware if using hypoglycemic drugs.
Always check with your health care practitioner before use if you are taking medications. For more general education on potential interactions between herbs and medications, check out Dr. Bill Rawls’ article: Is it Safe to Take Herbs with My Medications?
Precautions & Side effects
About 1% of people who take andrographis develop an allergic reaction with whole-body hives and itching skin. The reaction will resolve gradually over several weeks after stopping the use of the herb.
Avoid the use of this herb during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as general education and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. Any mentioned general dosage options, safety notices, or possible interactions with prescription drugs are for educational purposes only and must be considered in the context of each individual’s health situation and the quality and potency of the product being used. Use this information only as a reference in conjunction with the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Lyme & Fatigue Webinar
Lyme + Fatigue with Dr. Bill Rawls
Physically exhausted. Mentally drained. Totally weary. While symptoms of Lyme disease can vary from one person to the next, extreme fatigue is the one just about everyone struggles with.
Why is chronic and debilitating fatigue so common among Lyme patients, and what can you do to get your energy levels back to normal again?
Join a live webinar with Dr. Bill Rawls, author of the bestselling book Unlocking Lyme, who knows firsthand what it’s like to live with chronic Lyme disease and related fatigue. He’ll shed new light on how Lyme steals energy on a cellular level, and share natural ways to ease physical and mental fatigue and restore your overall health.
PLUS: Don’t miss an exclusive gift for webinar attendees, and have your questions ready for a LIVE Q&A on Lyme and fatigue with Dr. Rawls.
Tuesday, July 19th, at 8pm EDT
In this webinar, Dr. Rawls will discuss:
• Why fatigue is a sign that your cells are suffering from more than Lyme disease alone
• The internal and external forces that break down cell function and communication and drain your energy
• The best herbs for restoring cellular health, immune strength, and vital energy
• Additional supportive therapies and lifestyle habits for combating fatigue
• Numerous insights and answers during the LIVE Q&A with Dr. Rawls
US Data Shows “Vaccine” Injuries Skyrocketed; Strategies to Recover
https://www.theepochtimes.com/vaers-autophagy_4497753
Latest US Data Shows Vaccine Injuries Skyrocketed; How Will We Recover?
At present, the adverse events brought about by the COVID-19 vaccines are getting more and more attention from the public. If vaccination causes injury or damage, how can the body heal itself?
Juliana Mastrantonio of New York is an 18-year-old full-time college student and part-time pharmacy technician. Prior to the vaccination, she was in good health and exercised daily. Juliana was infected with COVID-19 in December 2020 and recovered without long COVID symptoms.
Juliana received her first dose of Pfizer vaccine on December 10, 2021 and her second dose on January 2, 2022. Within one week after the second dose, Juliana developed pelvic pain that gradually worsened, and she became hospitalized.
Four days after being discharged from the hospital, she developed other severe symptoms, headaches, and tremors. When she woke up the next morning, she found herself immobile from the waist down, and was paralyzed. And she is currently undergoing rehabilitation. (See link for article)
__________________
SUMMARY:
- Since Juliana was previously healthy and only developed these severe symptoms after ‘vaccination,’ it is highly likely there is a link.
- The EMA has updated AstraZeneca’s shot product information to include rare spinal disorders as a side effect of the vaccine.
- The shots can cause mitochondrial damage and induce cytokine storms that impair the immune system which leads to autoimmune diseases.
- ALL the COVID shots have been hastily used without adequate testing andmay cause autoimmune diseases in organs if they contain the spike proteins and components of the virus.
- As of May 13, 2022 VAERS has received more than 1.2 million adverse events reports; however, AHRQ states this only captures less than 1% of the true number. Events include:
- more than 28,000 deaths
- over 157,000 hospitalizations
- over 129,000 cases requiring urgent care
- more than 190,000 cases requiring doctor office visits
- all of which meet the definition of a serious adverse event
- the vast majority of events occurred within 3 days of ‘vaccination’
- 65% of deaths were related to the Pfizer shot, the most used injection
- 26% were related to Moderna
- 9% were related to J&J
- the rest are unknown
- The most common COVID-19 vaccine related adverse events reported by VAERS:
- Permanent disability: nerve injury
- Myocarditis, Pericarditis: cardiac injury
- Heart attacks: cardiovascular injury
- Bell’s palsy: facial nerve injury (with unknown etiology)
- Shingles: dormant virus activated
- Three strategies to detoxify the “vaccines” are:
- prevent attachment of spike protein to ACE2 receptors by using ivermectin, suramin, catechin, curcumin, prunella vulgaris extract.
- neutralize the downstream toxicity by using NAC, Vitamin C, other antioxidants.
- enhancing self repair mechanism (autophagy) of cells through intermittent fasting as well as consuming polyphenols such as EGCG, Oleuopein, punicalagin, apigenin, resveratrol, pterostilbene, curcumin
Madison Area Lyme Support Group 
