Archive for the ‘Herbs’ Category

How Long Does It Take For Herbal Supplements to Work?

https://vitalplan.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-herbal-supplements-to-work?

How Long Does It Take for Herbal Supplements to Work?

By Vital Plan Posted 01-25-2021

Reviewed by Bill Rawls, MD
Medical Director of Vital Plan

Questions Answered

Herbs have been used for thousands of years all over the world to address every imaginable health concern, and the amount of research supporting their powers grows every day. And yet their role in modern medicine is still minimized: Herbal therapy isn’t part of the curriculum in traditional medical school, and so most doctors don’t have the training to answer even the most common questions about herbs.

And if you’re new to herbs, or even if you’ve been taking them for a while but have a new health concern or circumstance like a new drug prescription, questions are bound to come up. “Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me how long it takes to get results from a certain herb, or if they need to worry about taking a too-high dose,” says Dr. Bill Rawls, medical director of Vital Plan.

So, we’ve asked Dr. Rawls to tackle these and other top herbal questions here to get you the intel you need to put herbs to work for you.

How Long Does It Take for Herbal Supplements to Work?

Hour glass on calendar concept for time slipping away for important appointment date, schedule and deadline

Herbs have some amazing capabilities — but they aren’t magic pills. “The amount of time it takes to see results is somewhat variable, but typically it’s much slower than a pharmaceutical,” says Dr. Rawls.

That’s because pharmaceutical drugs are generally designed to activate or block a dysfunctional process in the body that is triggering symptoms or illness, whereas herbal supplements work to resolve the dysfunctional problem itself. For instance, heartburn medications work by blocking the natural process of producing the stomach acids that are making you uncomfortable — they’re a stopgap, but not a true solution.

By comparison, herbs like slippery elm bark, berberine, and dandelion extract help stop the underlying causes of reflux by nourishing the lining of the GI tract, balancing the gut microbiome, and restoring normal communications between gastrointestinal cells. “With herbs, there’s more of a process of healing involved, and that takes time,” Dr. Rawls explains.

That said, some herbs — called effectors — have a specific targeted action, and alleviate symptoms within an hour or so, says Dr. Rawls. One example is lily of the valley; it’s often used for cardiovascular problems like heart failure or irregular heartbeat. (Note that lily of the valley should only be used under physician supervision to avoid toxic doses.)

Still, for the most part, herbs are restorative, which means patience and persistence is key to seeing significant and lasting results. “Restorative herbs may have a small immediate effect, but can take weeks or months to build up in your system enough for you to really notice that long-term healing process and longer-lasting benefits,” says Dr. Rawls.

Can I Take Herbal Supplements With Prescription Drugs?

Antibiotics and medication on a dark background

The short answer: Probably — with the caveat that you should always consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking any new herb or treatment. “But the potential for a bad interaction is pretty small,” says Dr. Rawls. That’s because most herbs and drugs function very differently and affect different parts of the body, so they’re not typically interacting at all.

On the contrary, herbs can sometimes be an effective complement to medications. Consider berberine, andrographis, garlic, and reishi mushroom, for example: They all help promote a balanced gut microbiome, making them a nice complement to antibiotics, which can throw the gut microbiome out of whack.

But as always, there are exceptions to the rule, and taking certain herbal supplements with prescription drugs can have some dangerous side effects, as well as impact the efficacy of the drugs, according to a small study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. “The biggest concern is if you’re on blood thinners, because most herbs are blood thinners as well,” says Dr. Rawls.

Other medications that might interact with herbs include SSRI antidepressants, prescription sedatives, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medicines, thyroid hormones, and diabetes medications. If you’re taking one of these — or any prescription drug — do your research carefully and consult with your doc before adding herbs to your regimen.

Which Is Better: Whole Herbs or Extracts?

Turmeric powder and fresh turmeric on wooden background

There’s nothing wrong with whole herbs, but you’re going to get more bang for your buck with herbal extracts.

“What we’re interested in with herbs is their phytochemistry, the natural chemical substances called phytochemicals that have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant powers, among others,” says Dr. Rawls. “We’re less interested in the stems, roots, and leaves. When they’re dried out and ground up into a fine whole-herb powder, a high percentage of what you’re getting is fiber, not phytochemicals.” That makes whole herbs less expensive, but also less potent.

With extracts, you’re removing the phytochemicals from the plant and leaving behind what’s unnecessary, says Dr. Rawls. Liquid extracts (aka tinctures) are made by soaking the whole herb in a solution of water and alcohol or another liquid like vegetable glycerine or apple cider vinegar; they’re taken orally and absorbed in the intestines. Powdered extracts are the most potent: They’re made by soaking the herb in a solvent that’s later evaporated and then packed into a super-concentrated capsule or tablet.

Can Herbs Cure My Illness?

Professional doctor writing a prescription for a female patient, medicine and healthcare concept

Federal regulations do not allow herbal supplement companies to make any medical claims. As such, herbs can’t be marketed as a treatment, cure, or any other kind of disease prevention.

But herbs’ actions can promote homeostasis, a healthy, stable internal environment within the body that allows for proper functioning, which may help an illness to be resolved, says Dr. Rawls. He explains that herbs do three big things that contribute to wellness:

  • Suppress microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are present in our tissues and compete with our cells for vital resources
  • Protect cells from damaging and inflammation-causing free radicals
  • Promote communication between our cells

“All three actions boost cellular function, and when your cells are functioning optimally, you’re more likely to avoid things like inflammation and bacterial overgrowth that contribute to a number of illnesses and diseases,” says Dr. Rawls.

Since Herbs Are Natural, Does That Mean Herbal Supplements Are Safe?

cruciferous vegetables capsules, dietary supplements for healthy eating

Yes, herbs are natural, and because they’re more like food, their potential for toxicity is extraordinarily low. That’s especially true when compared to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, which have a higher potential for toxicity and side effects. (Note that plant-based supplements are very different from sports or performance-enhancing supplements, some of which have been found to contain banned or harmful substances.)

Even so, there are a few exceptions to be aware of. Effector herbs like kava kava and cannabis in the form of marijuana have more drug-like qualities, and so they can become toxic with chronic and heavy use.

Remember, too, that some herbs do interact with medications and cause unwanted side effects. St. Johns’ wort, for instance, which has been shown to be effective for easing mild to moderate depression and menopausal symptoms, can also reduce the effects of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications.

And some herbal supplement labels worn against taking the contents if you’re pregnant or nursing. That’s not because herbs are unsafe, but there are a few that should be avoided by certain populations because of the way they are processed by the body..

Ultimately, according to federal regulations, supplement companies are responsible for providing evidence that their dietary supplements are safe and for ensuring that product labels are not misleading. So do your research to find a company you trust, read the label so you know what’s inside the bottle, and ask your healthcare provider how it may react with any other supplements and medications you take.

Is It Possible To Take Too Many Herbs?

Alternative medicine tablets on a wooden spoon, green leaf.

Not usually. Even in large doses, few herbal substances can actually kill you. “Plants produce phytochemicals to protect their own cells, and the phytochemicals in herbs mesh particularly well with our own biochemistry,” says Dr. Rawls. “When we consume the herbal phytochemicals, our cells benefit from those protective mechanisms.”

The toxic dose for most herbs is very high, says Dr. Rawls — especially compared to pharmaceuticals, which can be lethal even in small amounts. However, you do want to be careful with certain effector herbs like St. John’s wort, which has more potential to cause issues such as agitation, anxiety, and insomnia in high doses.

If you do take too much of a restorative herb, though, you’re likely to get a stomach ache or feel a little nauseous, but it won’t otherwise hurt you, Dr. Rawls adds.

Are Herbal Supplements Regulated by the FDA?

front entrance of government building with roman columns

Yes, herbal supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but not in the same way drugs are. Instead, they’re considered dietary supplements — that means manufacturers don’t have to seek FDA approval before selling dietary supplements.

Companies can claim that their herbal supplements address a nutrient deficiency, support health, or are linked to body functions — if they have supporting research and they include a disclaimer that the FDA hasn’t evaluated the claim. But they aren’t allowed to make a specific medical claim such as that the herb “treats” or “cures” a medical condition.

The manufacturers themselves are responsible for following safety and quality standards, but the FDA does monitor dietary supplements that are currently on the market. If it finds a product to be unsafe, it can take legal action.

How Can I Tell if a Supplement Is Good Quality?

two hands in blue rubber gloves holding a petri dish with a small sprout of a leafy plant emerging from a clump of dirt, against a white background

Supplements require way less information on their labels than drugs do, and for good reason — they’re way less toxic. But the more information a company puts on the label, the better, says Dr. Rawls.

“Transparency is key to earning your trust. The label should clearly state which ingredients are in the supplement and the quantity of each, so you know what you’re putting into your body,” he says.

Ideally, you also want to know where those ingredients came from and how they were produced, Dr. Rawls says. That information should be on the label and/or the company’s website, along with their standards for ingredient quality, potency, and purity.

A few more ways to suss out reputable companies: Look to see whether a supplement carries the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) seal, indicating it was made in a facility that follows FDA regulations. And check whether it has been sent to a third-party lab, like U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, or NSF International, for independent verification of ingredient purity and label claims.

Does Insurance Cover Alternative Medicine?

Doctor taking medical insurance card from patient in office during scheduled checkup

Yes and no. Certain insurance companies are starting to cover some alternative treatments, like acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and massage. But since there’s no across-the-board coverage, you should contact your insurance company directly to find out what your plan covers.

There are a few other ways to save on herbal therapy. If your employee offers a flexible spending account, you can use that to set aside pre-tax dollars (generally, each pay period) for health-related expenses; that money can then be used for herbal supplements and other alternative treatments. Similarly, a health savings account lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses, but you would set this kind of account up yourself, not your employer.

We hope the list above addressed all of your questions about herbal therapy, but if not, don’t stop here! Keep doing your research: explore the VitalPlan.com blog or other trusted resources, or take your questions to an integrative health practitioner — just don’t let a lack of information stop you from gaining the many impressive health benefits of herbs.

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References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-st-johns-wort/art-20362212

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**Comment**

As always, I appreciate information provided by experienced doctors on any and all treatments for tick-borne illness, that said, please remember Dr. Rawls is in the business of selling an herbal treatment for Lyme/MSIDS.

Also, herbalists have differing opinions on what type of herb form is best.  From what I’ve read and gathered, Master Herbalist Stephen Buhner, a highly respected herbalist who has helped countless patients, believes the whole herb is best due to the way it works synergistically.  I’ve heard other herbalists state the same thing.

Tinctures and extracts can be very expensive.  One of the cheapest herbal treatments is getting the whole, ground herb.  Buhner’s books give excellent suggestions for dosage, sources, and many other details.  I highly recommend his books.

My husband and I have used everything under the sun for treatment, with variable results.  To be honest, we rarely if ever herxed on herbs – although we took plenty.  We always herxed on antibiotics and had near immediate results. This was my standard if a treatment was working or not.  Often out of desperation we did both herbs and antibiotics.  I’m not saying herbs didn’t help or play a role – only that I didn’t physically notice any effects, and when you are forking out thousands of dollars on treatment, we have to make tough choices.  It seems logical to me to choose the ones that are actively making a difference.

Anyone with this understands the desire to get well and the subsequent willingness to stick a needle in your eye if you thought for a second it might work!  This desperation leaves patients vulnerable to quackery and ineffective treatments.  This is why I believe it’s extremely important to have a Lyme-literate doctor helping you sift through fact vs fiction. Sometimes you need numerous doctors!  After all, it’s impossible to know everything and each patient presents completely differently.

On a final note: I rejoice with all patients who have success with treatments – even if I wouldn’t use them myself or question their effectiveness.  There’s much that is unknown about the effect of treatments upon the human body – as well as the synergistic effects of various treatments.  On the other hand, I commiserate with patients who are struggling with treatments.  Antibiotics, although effective for many, are extremely harsh on the body.  This is a fact, and I understand patients’ fears and reluctance to use them.  Personally, I hadn’t used antibiotics in over 20 years before I become infected with Lyme/MSIDS.  I would try ANYTHING before taking antibiotics and it usually worked – or my body handled it on its own.  But, getting tick-borne illness changed everything for us, forcing me to rethink my thoughts on them.

Healing is a powerful, complicated process.  One that I don’t claim to understand in its entirety.  We must remain open-minded but vigilant, making sure we are making forward progress (which sometimes means going backwards to go forwards!).  In the end we must all make tough choices.  I want to stand with you regardless of what treatment you choose.  I will never vilify someone’s treatment – I may respectfully question it out of concern, but in the end it’s your choice and your healing.  I’m here for everyone.

Category:

Herbs, Lyme, Treatment

John Hopkins Study: 5 Herbs That Can Kill Babesia

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/real-talk-new-johns-hopkins-study-5-herbs-that-can-kill-babesia

[Real Talk] New Johns Hopkins Study: 5 Herbs that Can Kill Babesia

[Real Talk] New Johns Hopkins In Vitro Study: 5 Herbs that Can Kill Babesia

by Dr. Bill Rawls
Posted 4/25/21

Babesia, a malaria-like parasite and protozoan, is spread primarily to humans through tick bites. Studies indicate up to 40% of people infected with Lyme disease are also infected with babesia, making it a relatively common coinfection. Though there are more than 100 different species of babesia, the ones most likely to pose a human health threat are Babesia microti, Babesia divergens, and Babesia duncani (WA-1).

Babesia lives and reproduces inside your red blood cells — a term known as intracellular. The tick-borne infection has a distinct ability to change its genetic presentation, allowing it to alter its physical form and function to adapt to disruptions in its environment, including antibiotics. Therefore, treatments for babesia may be suboptimal, unsuccessful, and cause several undesirable side effects, which underscores the need to find additional therapeutic interventions to address the persistent nature of the infection.

In March 2021, researchers from the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, evaluated the ability of 46 herbal remedies to combat babesia. The study included such herbs as cryptolepis, artemisia, alchornea, and more. And the results may surprise you.

In this video, Dr. Rawls explains which herbs proved most effective and discusses the importance of the study for treating babesia when conventional drug interventions fail to ease symptoms for many people. Discover more about babesia treatment here.

Video Transcript

Hello everybody. Dr. Rawls here. I have an update on Lyme disease for you. So, last year, a group of researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, led by Dr. Zang, released a study showing that herbs worked as well as antibiotics for killing borrelia. So they found that a group of herbs, which included some of our top herbs that we’ve been using for years, including Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw, Chinese skullcap, and among others, artemisia, clove, actually did as well as antibiotics for killing borrelia.

Well, they’re at it again; they just released a study on babesia, and they actually took some of these same herbs and others and compared them to antibiotics. Now, babesia is a protozoan; it’s a distant relative of malaria. And so, they had to grow the babesia in hamster, red blood cells, and then they used it — it was a test tube study, an in vitro study.

So they looked at the ability of both herbs and antibiotics to kill babesia. And they found that some of the commonly used antibiotics actually worked pretty well for babesia. But we know that these antibiotics had a lot of side effects. So they also tested a number of different kinds of herbs — a list of about 50. It was a long list, and they found that some of the same herbs that were effective for borrelia were also effective for killing babesia.

So top of the list? Cryptolepis. That wasn’t on the borrelia study, but we know that it is good for protozoa, and it has a pretty good range as an antimicrobial. So cryptolepis was one that we’ve been using more and more in our protocols, and it had very good activity — better than the antibiotics — against babesia. Other ones? Japanese knotweed. It’s really nice to see some of these same herbs on the same list doing well against different kinds of microbes, so Japanese knotweed was on the list. It had good activity.

Chinese skullcap had good activity. Artemisia, which was also on the babesia study, had good activity against babesia. And also alchornea. Now, there were other things on the list that didn’t perform quite as well, but they were still significant, like garlic and andrographis, which are some of our primary herbs that we use in chronic Lyme disease. So it was really nice to see this kind of result with the herbs and that the herbs perform as well as antibiotics.

Now, so, a couple of these, like artemesia, we don’t typically put in our primary protocol, or clove, because they have some toxicity. But seeing this type of benefit in some of these other herbs that are really commonly used and have very, very low toxicity. So the advantage of using herbs over any of the antibiotics is that herbs don’t typically kill normal flora so that you can use them for a long time.

And that’s what it takes. You really have to wear these things down over a long period of time. They have broad coverage. So it was really interesting to see that some of the herbs that worked for borrelia work just as well for babesia. And what that says is, herbs, in general, have really broad coverage because it’s not one chemical; it is a spectrum of hundreds of chemicals in the herb that have activity and have antimicrobial activity. So the fact that these same herbs are covering a bacteria and a protozoa says that they’ll probably cover a lot of other possibilities that can come with chronic Lyme disease.

And, so, when you put all that together: low toxicity, the fact that you can use them a long time, the fact that they have really broad coverage to kill a lot of microbes, and they don’t kill normal flora, which is really important, these things can be used as a primary arsenal against chronic Lyme disease in these bacteria that we’re, that we’re working with.

And it’s because it takes a long time. You know these bacteria are all intracellular. They live inside cells, and nothing really gets to them in the cells. It’s only when they use up a cell, when they cannibalize all the nutrients from the cell and emerge to infect other cells, that you have an opportunity to kill these things. So you have to keep the pressure on for a very long time, months, even years. And you can do that safely with herbs, where the toxicity that comes with a lot of the conventional antibiotics really prohibits that from happening.

So this is really valuable information to us. Now, we had a pretty good feel that herbs had some really nice antimicrobial coverage. This has been proven over time, but to see it specifically targeted toward the microbes that we’re dealing with with chronic Lyme disease is really, really exceptional information. So, that is all I have for you right now. And, so, go and take your herbs, and stay well. Take care.

Dr. Rawls is a physician who overcame Lyme disease through natural herbal therapy. You can learn more about Lyme disease in Dr. Rawls’ new best selling book, Unlocking Lyme.
You can also learn about Dr. Rawls’ personal journey in overcoming Lyme disease and fibromyalgia in his popular blog post, My Chronic Lyme Journey.

REFERENCES
1. Diuk-Wasser MA, Vannier E, Krause PJ. Coinfection by Ixodes Tick-Borne Pathogens: Ecological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Consequences. Trends Parasitol. 2016 Jan;32(1):30-42. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.09.008
2. Zhang Y, Alvarez-Manzo H, Leone J, Schweig S, Zhang Y. Botanical Medicines Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Alchornea cordifolia Demonstrate Inhibitory Activity Against Babesia duncani. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021;11:624745. Published 2021 Mar 8. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.624745
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**Comment**
I’m always about informed choice.  
A few points for consideration:
  • In vitro studies are helpful but do not necessarily equate out the same in the human body. They need to now study these herbs in the human body or in vivo.
  • They did a similar in vitro study with stevia and headlines essentially read, “Stevia cures Lyme,” which is not true at all.  While some doctors have found it helps break up biofilm, it certainly isn’t curative.
  • I’ve taken every single herb mentioned in this article with ZERO effect.  I never herxed on any of them and that was my test to whether something worked or not.  I realize that may be an accurate test but I needed a goal-post to make informed decisions and it was my goalpost.
  • I write about Babesia treatment here, and include what my husband and I successfully used which so far has worked beautifully.  We do not have ANY remaining Babesia symptoms.  I fully realize these organisms can sequester in tissues and remain dormant, but in the case of Babesia, Dr. Horowitz has stated he believes it can be cured, and has seen this occur clinically, but that it’s one of the most tenacious co-infections he sees and requires 9-12 months of persistent treatment.
  • Lastly, while I appreciate Dr. Rawl’s information, please remember he’s in the business of selling an herbal treatment for Lyme/MSIDS.  Food for thought.

For more:  

Category:

Babesia, Herbs, research, Treatment

6 Subtle Signs You Need To Detox & How To Get Started

https://vitalplan.com/blog/6-subtle-signs-you-need-to-detox-how-to-get-started?

By Vital Plan Posted 04-07-2021

Reviewed by Bill Rawls, MD
Medical Director of Vital Plan

As the country slowly emerges from the pandemic and hope is in the air, our bodies may not exactly be in top shape to take on the coming spring. Over the past year, many people coped with the stress and loneliness of the pandemic by relying heavily on sugary foods, carbs, alcohol, sedentary screen time, irregular sleeping, Netflix binging, you name it. Though these types of quarantine habits may have provided some short-term stress relief, they may have put your body’s detox systems under siege. Your body’s detox system could use some relief too before it leads to other problems.

“It’s usually not just one thing that inhibits your body’s ability to get rid of toxins, but rather a combination of several,” says Dr. Bill Rawls, medical director of Vital Plan. For example, stress, being sedentary, eating excess carbs, and other lifestyle factors common during the pandemic can compromise your microbiome and lead to leaky gut syndrome. This condition allows toxins and undesirable food components to cross into your bloodstream (aka leaky gut) instead of being eliminated, which in turn can overwhelm the immune system and cause systemic inflammation.

Not eating adequate fruits and veggies, drinking enough water, or exercising regularly, or simply being sick or having a compromised immune system — any of these can also slow down or clog your lymphatic system. This network of channels running throughout your body picks up toxins and cellular debris and brings them to lymph nodes, where they’re processed and disposed of. But when lymphatic fluid isn’t flowing or the system isn’t working as it should, toxins can build up and make trouble.

Your liver, kidneys, skin (via sweat), and other organs also play a role in regularly detoxifying your system. All of them are susceptible to the same unhealthy habits mentioned above. And when they get overloaded, detoxification slows, which can compromise your immune system, trigger inflammation, slow down circulation, or cause hormonal imbalances.

And so, many people coming out of the pandemic feeling run down (or worse) and resolving to hit the refresh button may turn to extreme programs that promise to jumpstart the body’s detoxing powers. Most of these plans last only a few weeks and focus primarily on food — or, more accurately, a lack thereof. (Ahem, juice fasts.)

But regardless of their popularity, short-term, highly restrictive detox diets or cleanses aren’t going to do much for you in the long term. One review in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics reports that there’s very little evidence that commercial detox diets are effective or even necessary. Some can even do damage. For instance, extreme detoxing can lead to nutritional deficiencies that impair immune function or dangerously-low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

That doesn’t mean you should check “detox” off your to-do list. Life happens, and despite your best efforts, you may not be doing enough to stop the inflow of toxins and/or encourage their disposal. How to know?

“It’s tricky,” says Dr. Rawls. You could feel okay, pretty good even, while your systems are actually struggling. “Your body will always try to compensate for whatever you’re doing or what it’s experiencing — it does what it has to do to keep you going,” Dr. Rawls says. “But it will get weighed down, and sooner or later, there’s a straw that breaks the camel’s back.” It could be a virus that should manifest as simple sniffles that flattens you for days, for example, or a minor gut microbiome imbalance that throws your GI system entirely out of whack.

The key to restoring healthy detox functions before it has significant ramifications is paying close attention to the subtle signals your body sends about your health. Any of the symptoms below should be a wake-up call that it’s time to take action.

1. Lasting Fatigue

Tired multiethnic businessman sleeping in office. Middle eastern business man with eyeglasses worked late and fell asleep on the computer keyboard. Creative casual man sleeping at his working place

Being tired after a few busy days or late nights is one thing, but consistently lacking the energy and motivation to do what you want is another. Sleep is the obvious first place to look. “If you need caffeine to get going every morning, you’re probably not getting enough sleep, or the sleep you’re getting isn’t high quality, restorative rest, ” says Dr. Rawls. “Either can make it harder for your body to detoxify.”

Lingering fatigue might also be a red flag that your detox systems are already worn down from an influx of chemicals from food (i.e., pesticides or artificial additives) or environmental toxins (i.e., cleaning solutions or air pollution), and your body is burning excess energy to try to keep up. Unfortunately for a lot of people, constant fatigue is just par for the course. “It’s the number one symptom people tend to put up with or ignore,” Dr. Rawls says.

2. Brain Fog

Closeup portrait of confused mature woman squinting to see more clearly, wearing and touching glasses, trying to read book, having difficulties seeing text because of vision problems, cheking diary

Occasionally forgetting names or important to-dos is common, especially when you’re stressed and your brain is overloaded with too much information. But brain fog is different.

“It feels like everyone around you is functioning at full speed and you’re in slow motion, wading through a fog,” Dr. Rawls says. “You miss things or don’t understand them clearly. Your mental functions seem slower, and as a result, you can only focus on what’s in front of you and what’s needed to survive.”

Too much sugar and a sluggish lymphatic system can trigger cloudy or slow brain function. Brain fog is also a common symptom of a leaky gut. That’s because when toxins and food proteins you may be sensitive to or intolerant of cross the gut-blood barrier, they can travel to places in the body they don’t belong — including the brain. “Accumulation of toxins slows neurological functions and allows microbes present in the brain to flourish,” Dr. Rawls says.

3. Digestive Problems

Senior woman having a huge stomach pain in bedroom at home

Your GI system plays a crucial role in disposing of toxins, so if it’s dealing with more than usual or isn’t able to get rid of them fast enough, its functions will be sluggish and irregular, Dr. Rawls says. Likewise, if unhealthy habits and toxins have messed with the balance of good bacteria in your gut, you’ll also experience digestive issues.

Watch for bloating, gas, or discomfort in your abdomen, as well as constipation, diarrhea, or both. Anything other than formed, regular stools and a calm tummy can mean your microbiome is struggling to maintain balance and that your system may not be effectively managing toxins or properly regulating your immune system, Dr. Rawls says.

4. Sugar Cravings

Guy eating sugar with spoon, surrounded by candy

Consuming too much sugar or simple carbohydrates (processed cereal, muffins, white bread) sends insulin and blood glucose on a roller coaster that, over time, can supercharge your sweet tooth so you crave more and more. Likewise, a sugar-heavy diet can actually change how your brain registers the sweet stuff, dulling its response and triggering cravings.

The problem, of course, is that all that excess sugar sets off a domino effect that leads to inflammation and disease, plus sugar feeds pathogenic bacteria in your gut and makes your liver work overtime to deal with the excess. Bottom line: If you’re craving sweets, things have already gotten to a critical point — time to detox.

5. Achy or Stiff Joints and Muscles

Unrecognizable senior man massaging his knee suffering from arthritis pain sitting on sofa indoor. Cropped, selective focus

Joint discomfort in your knees, hips, or elsewhere can be a sign of uncontrolled inflammation in the body. Swollen and stiff joints may also signal a sluggish lymphatic system.

Your body’s lymphatic fluid helps collect pathogens, toxins, and cellular waste from around your body and carries them to your lymph nodes, which break down and dispose of the “trash.” When it’s not working properly, lymphatic fluid doesn’t flow as easily and can build up, causing stiffness.

6. Any Other Unusual Symptoms

Portrait of sad mature woman sitting on couch at home and looking down and rubbing temples trying to calm herself, copy space

Pay attention to congestion, colds, or flu-like symptoms that persist beyond the normal time frame, frequent and unexplained headaches, skin problems such as breakouts, rashes, or puffiness, and anything else that seems odd about how you feel or how your body functions. Often, just feeling “off” is a sign that your systems may be overtaxed with toxins.

Get Started with These 5 Natural Ways to Detox

If you’ve decided you need to step up your detox game, remember to steer clear of extreme plans that promise fast and amazing results. If it sounds too good to be true, odds are it is.

Instead, try these simple tips to jumpstart healthy and detoxifying daily habits. They might seem small or insignificant, but if you make them a part of your everyday life, they’ll help support your body’s natural detoxification powers long-term and steal the appeal of over-the-top cleanses.

Try Detoxifying Herbs and Natural Remedies

Wooden bowl and spoon with chlorella pills on white textured background

Chlorella is at the top of the list, Dr. Rawls says. This freshwater green algae is rich in chlorophyll, a pigment with antioxidant properties that binds to toxins and helps usher them out of your system.

Aromatic bitters and bitter herbs are also a smart choice. They activate bitter receptors throughout your GI tract to aid digestion and support healthy blood glucose levels. Bitter herbs such as berberine, gentian, dandelion, and andrographis are also known to support healthy liver function, Dr. Rawls says.

Eat Fruits and Veggies More Than Anything Else

berries, fruits, and vegetables assortment on grey background

The high water content of fruits and vegetables helps flush out toxins, plus they contain antioxidants that tamp down inflammation. Produce is also packed with fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut that helps strengthen the gut barrier and keep toxins from crossing the gut-blood barrier. Aim to load up at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal.

At the same time, be sure to limit grain-based carbohydrates and packaged foods. Instead, fill the second half of your plate with mostly whole sources of healthy fat and protein, like nuts, legumes, fish, and organic eggs.

Keep Hydrated

two glasses of ice water, filled with cucumber slices and mint

Adequate hydration helps lubricate your lymphatic system and flush out toxins. Sip filtered water throughout the day, or enjoy fruit-infused waters or decaffeinated herbal teas.

Keep Your Body Moving

Mature couple walking with their bike in a park

Exercise is one of the best detoxifying “medicines” for your body, Dr. Rawls says. It helps move along lymphatic fluid and the toxins it carries and strengthens your heart and vascular system. It’s also an effective way to diffuse stress, improve sleep, and sweat — long known as an efficient way to remove some toxins such as heavy metals from your body.

You don’t necessarily need to do intense workouts, although they won’t hurt (if you’re already accustomed to them). Start by simply going for a long, brisk walk every day, taking more activity breaks throughout the day, and trying gentle stretching practices such as yoga or qigong.

Step Up Your Sleep Hygiene

Cannabis oil surrounded by cannabis leaves.

Do all you can to set yourself up for a night of quality sleep and at least 8 hours of shuteye. That means shutting off electronics at least an hour before bedtime, keeping the room cool and dark, and getting on a consistent sleep schedule where you turn in and wake up at the same time each night and morning.

Herbal or natural sleep aids can help in the short term. Try full-spectrum CBD oil (aka cannabidiol), magnesium, tart cherry (a natural source of melatonin) or calming herbs like bacopa, passionflower and motherwort as you get back on track with natural detoxifying habits.

“Ultimately, detoxing shouldn’t be painful or restrictive, nor a punishment for past behavior,” reminds Dr. Rawls. Instead, consider these habits part of a healthy lifestyle that will promote health benefits so you feel your best this spring and beyond!

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References
1. Klein AV and Kiat, H. “Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86.

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For more:

Category:

Detoxing, diet and nutrition, Hemp Oil, Herbs, Supplements, Treatment

Lyme Disease & Biofilms: What You Need to Know

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/understanding-biofilm?

Lyme Disease + Biofilms: What You Need to Know

by Dr. Bill Rawls
Updated 3/30/21

If you’ve tried everything to get well to no avail, chances are you’re feeling frustrated, confused, and exhausted. After all, which stone could you possibly have left unturned? Many people blame their persistent symptoms of chronic Lyme disease on the slimy collections of microorganisms known as biofilms, as suggested in the recent review article in Frontiers in Neurology.

But are biofilms really what’s stopping you from getting better? Here, we’ll take a closer look at these micro-communities to understand what they are and how they contribute to certain chronic illnesses. Though biofilms are interesting, the role they actually play in chronic Lyme disease may be minor.

What Are Biofilms?

Biofilms are colonies of microbes. They chiefly contain bacteria, but biofilms can also include protozoa and fungi. Biofilms form anywhere there is moisture and a surface. In other words, everywhere — including many surfaces inside the human body. The ring inside your toilet bowl and plaque on your teeth are examples of biofilm.

Certain types of bacteria initiate biofilms that can attach to a moist surface with specialized adhesion structures called pili. Once adhered to the surface, bacteria stick together and produce a matrix of slime called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). After the matrix has been established, other kinds of microbes can join, creating a structured community. To get a sense of how a biofilm operates, imagine a crowded dance floor with bodies squeezed together, forming a uniform mass, swaying to the rhythm of the music.

A polysaccharide shell on the biofilms’ surface protects the organisms inside from starvation, drying out, the immune system, and antibiotics. The surface can include minerals, such as calcium, and blood products, including fibrin. Safe inside the biofilm, microbes are free to mingle and exchange information. Communication between bacteria, called quorum sensing, is accomplished by signaling molecules. Once a community is formed, particular groups of microbes take on specialized roles of performing metabolic functions for the entire unit. For example, water channels develop within the biofilm for moving nutrients and signaling molecules. The biofilm grows by cell division and recruitment of new individuals.

Reasons Microbes Form Biofilms

  • Conserve nutrients and energy and avoid starvation
  • Bypass the host’s immune system
  • Avoid antibiotics
  • Join forces with other microbes and increase the chances of long-term survival

In essence, the biofilm becomes an organism unto itself. Biofilms are as ancient as any lifeform. They were likely the bridge between single-cell organisms and higher multi-cell organisms.

How Biofilms Work

Biofilms cause illness by damaging the surfaces to which they attach. Additionally, if a biofilm matures and becomes massive enough, it can cause obstructions in organs or impede the function of medical equipment such as stents or catheters. Once a biofilm reaches a certain size (maturation II stage), it disperses, allowing inhabitants to spread and colonize other surfaces. As a means of survival, bacteria in the body are always trying to form new biofilms, and the immune system is constantly working to break them down.

The following graphic illustrates the 5 stages of biofilm development:
circle map with arrows connecting five circles. 1. Initial attachment 2. Irreversible attachment 3. Maturation I 4. Maturation II 5. Dispersion

Common Biofilm Diseases

Typical biofilm diseases occur where there are surfaces and moisture present for the biofilm to form. Examples of biofilm diseases include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis: Associated with biofilm in the vaginal wall.
  • Chronic urinary tract infections: Biofilm on the bladder wall is a contributing factor.
  • Middle-ear infections: Biofilms are linked to chronic middle-ear infections.
  • Heart valve infections: Microbes may attach and form biofilms on heart valves or tissues surrounding the heart.
  • Chronic vertigo: Caused by calcium deposits in the inner ear and may be a form of biofilm.
  • Dental plaque and gingivitis: Classic examples of biofilm found in the mouth.
  • Chronic sinusitis and chronic bronchitis: Associated with biofilm in sinuses and bronchial tubes.
  • Arterial plaque buildup: Responsible for heart attacks and stroke, arterial plaques have many characteristics of biofilm and are often found to harbor bacteria.
  • Hospital infections: Indwelling devices such as catheters are associated with biofilms.

Biofilms readily occur in the intestinal tract. In fact, the formation of biofilms in the colon and appendix is quite normal and supported by the immune system.

Is There a Link Between Lyme Disease and Biofilms?

There has been a lot of talk on Lyme forums about Lyme disease being a biofilm disease. This idea stems primarily from a study done in a lab showing Borrelia, the bacteria associated with Lyme disease, could participate in forming a biofilm.

No doubt, Borrelia can form a biofilm inside a test tube. Forming and participating in biofilm is a natural trait for almost any bacteria. Indeed, if you can’t join in on a biofilm, you’re not much of a bacteria. But most of the symptoms associated with chronic Lyme disease aren’t consistent with biofilm diseases. Biofilms cause localized symptoms primarily by damaging the surface they adhere to. Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease are systemic.

White blood cells, red blood cells, and in blood stream, borrelia disrupting immune system communication.

The symptoms of chronic Lyme disease and persistence against antibiotics are best explained by the fact that Borrelia is an intracellular bacteria. When the Borrelia spirochetes enter the bloodstream, they hitch a ride inside white blood cells and travel to tissues throughout the body, including the brain. Once they arrive at targeted tissue sites — heart, brain, joints, muscles — they emerge and infect other cells. Inside the cell, they can lose their wall and become an l-form bacteria. This, and being shielded inside the cell, provide protection from antibiotics and immune system functions.

The bacteria cannibalize the cell to generate new microbes and then emerge to infect other cells.

Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease are caused not only by bacterial activity invading cells, but also by the immune system’s efforts to eliminate cells that have been infected with bacteria.

The concentrations of cells that have been infected with bacteria, compared to normal cells, is not great. Considering the bacteria are a hundred times smaller than our cells, even millions of bacteria spread out among the trillions of cells in the body isn’t a high concentration of bacteria — tissues are only lightly peppered with infected cells. To take out infected cells nestled among normal cells, the immune system targets the abnormal cells with antibodies, but in the process, there is collateral damage to normal cells. In other words, autoimmunity. Research suggests that the autoimmune phenomenon may be a significant driver of symptoms of chronic Lyme disease.

In addition, bacteria manipulating the immune system to generate cytokines and inflammation may be another contributing factor to Lyme disease symptoms. Inflammation breaks down tissues and allows the bacteria to access vital nutrients from our cells.

The fact that chronic Lyme symptoms are most consistent with Borrelia existing as an intracellular bacteria suggests that this is the primary reason as to why Borrelia is persistent in the body. Participation in biofilm and being able to form an antibiotic resistant cyst form likely also contribute to antibiotic resistance, but these may not be primary factors.

Biofilms may be most relevant to intestinal symptoms that usually accompany Lyme disease and skin diseases like Morgellons that’s sometimes associated with the tick-borne infection. Calcium deposits in the inner ear causing dizziness may also be related to biofilm.

Dealing with Biofilms

Though Lyme disease is not a standard biofilm disease per se, there’s nothing wrong with supporting the body’s ability to deal with biofilms during any illness. A healthy immune system is the best way to slow the formation of biofilm in the body. The immune system is always breaking down new biofilms that start to form — it’s part of the everyday struggle of life.

The following are my preferred herbs and supplements to supports the body’s efforts to break down biofilms:

zoomed in pineapple skin

1. Proteases

Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins. It is thought that proteases may be beneficial for breaking down the outer coating of a biofilm, especially in the gut. Common natural proteases that are available in supplement form include bromelain (from pineapple), nattokinase, and serrapeptidase. Proteases also break down immune complexes in the blood and reduce inflammation.

cell diagram of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

2. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC)is known to break up mucus and may also play a role in dissolving biofilms. It also protects nerve tissue and liver function.

three overlapping image circles. cats claw, japanese knotweed, and chinese skullcap

3. Antimicrobial Herbs

The best way to overcome chronic Lyme disease, including the possibility of biofilm formation, is persistent use of herbs with antimicrobial properties. The herbal advantage is that herbs suppress pathogens without disrupting normal flora and therefore can be used for prolonged periods of time (years) without adverse side effects. Herbs also protect cells from free radical damage and other stressors, modulate immune system functions, reduce inflammation, and erode away at biofilms. Common herbs with documented activity against Borrelia include Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw, and Chinese skullcap.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the idea that patients must aggressively hammer away at biofilms with harsh drugs and treatments to see improvements in symptoms may not be a sustainable or beneficial approach for most people. Blasting biofilms with strong chemicals and potent antibiotics has the potential to backfire because it can disrupt the balance of normal flora in the body and inadvertently suppress immune system functions.

In contrast, by supporting a healthy immune system with herbal therapy and a few select supplements, you can etch away at biofilms that may be present, while addressing other more significant underlying causes of your symptomsuntil they’re gone without setting yourself back for days or weeks at a time.

Dr. Rawls is a physician who overcame Lyme disease through natural herbal therapy. You can learn more about Lyme disease in Dr. Rawls’ new best selling book, Unlocking Lyme.

You can also learn about Dr. Rawls’ personal journey in overcoming Lyme disease and fibromyalgia in his popular blog post, My Chronic Lyme Journey.

Learn About Dr. Rawls’ Herbal Protocol »
REFERENCES
1. Supi et al, Characterization of Biofilm Formation by Borrelia burgdorferi, In Vitro, PLOS-one, Oct 24, 2012
2. Karatan E, Watnick P, Signals, Regulatory Networks, and Materials That Build and Break Bacterial Biofilms, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, June 2009, Vol 73 (2), P. 310-347
3. Lennox J, Biofilm Development, Biofilms: The Hypertextbook, Web, May 2011
4. Costerton, Stewart, Greenburg, Bacterial Biofilms: A Common Cause of Persistent Infections, Science, May 1999, Vol 284 (5418) p. 1318-1322
5. Sapi, MacDonald, Biofilms of Borrelia burgdorferi in chronic cutaneous borreliosis, Am J Clin Pathol, 2008, 129, p. 988-989
6. Hoyle, Costerton, Bacterial resistance to antibiotics: the role of biofilms, Prog Drug Res, 1991, 37, p. 91-105
7. Kurti, Munderloh, Ashstrand, Colony formation and morphology in Borrelia burgdorferi, J Clin Microbiol, 1987, 25, p. 2054-2058
8. Figure copyright 2006 Keith Kasnot, MA, CMI, FAMI
9. Image source: http://nutritionreview.org/2014/08/gingivitis-gum-health/
10. Di Domenico EG, Cavallo I, Bordignon V, et al. The Emerging Role of Microbial Biofilm in Lyme Neuroborreliosis. Front Neurol. 2018;9:1048. Published 2018 Dec 3. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01048
11. Datar A, Kaur N, Patel S, Luecke D, Sapi E. In Vitro Effectiveness of Samento and Banderol Herbal Extracts on the Different Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi. Townsend Letter, the Examiner of Alternative Medicine. July 27, 2010.
12. Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Kybicova K, Vancova M. Metamorphoses of Lyme disease spirochetes: phenomenon of Borrelia persisters. Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):237. Published 2019 May 16. doi: 10.1186/s13071-019-3495-7
13. Markova ND. L-form bacteria cohabitants in human blood: significance for health and diseases. Discov Med. 2017 May;23(128):305-313. PMID: 28715646.
14. Rivera OJ, Nookala V. Lyme Carditis. 2020 Oct 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan–. PMID: 31536195.
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**Comment**
Patients often struggle with whether they should go after biofilms or not.  I had this same struggle myself and still do not have a definitive answer.  I know patients who didn’t notice a thing after treating biofilms and others who had great progress.  Herein lies the challenge: what works for one, doesn’t work for another.  We are a conundrum to treat for sure.
I’ve taken everything mentioned in Dr. Rawl’s article for various reasons throughout my journey.  The ones I’ve stuck with are NAC and proteases as both supplements do a myriad of things simultaneously.
I’ll never forget Master Herbalist Stephen Buhner’s advice in the need to find a sophisticated treatment that does many things simultaneously.  I believe he’s absolutely correct.  This saves time and money.
For more on NAC:

For more on Systemic Enzymes (proteases):

Category:

Biofilm, Herbs, Inflammation, Lyme, Treatment

Five Herbal Medicines Potent Against Babesia Duncan in Test Tube

https://www.lymedisease.org/five-herbal-medicines-babesia/

Five herbal medicines potent against Babesia duncani in test tube

babesia duncani

Five herbal medicines had potent activity compared to commonly-used antibiotics in test tubes against Babesia duncani.

B. duncani is a malaria-like parasite carried by ticks which causes the disease babesiosis.

Published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, the laboratory study was funded in part by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.

Collaborating researchers were from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, California Center for Functional Medicine, and FOCUS Health Group, Naturopathic.

This research is particularly important because babesiosis is a significant emerging health risk, according to co-author Sunjya K. Schweig, MD.

“Due to limited therapeutics and a rise in treatment resistance, current treatment options for this disease are inadequate. Many patients rely on herbal therapies for which there is only anecdotal evidence of efficacy,” Schweig said.

“We hope this data offers inspiration to other researchers to further explore similar options for people living with persistent tick-borne diseases that do not respond to current treatments.”

Testing 46 herbs

Researchers tested a panel of 46 herbal medicine extracts against B. duncani compared to the commonly used medications quinine and clindamycin. Both are currently used to treat active babesiosis, a common co-infection with Lyme disease.

Plant extracts selected for the study included herbs or agents that are already in clinical use, have been previously used to manage the symptoms of patients who do not respond to standard Lyme antibiotic treatment, and have favorable safety profiles.

According to this study, the five herbal medicines that demonstrated inhibitory activity against B. duncani are:

  • Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
  • Artemisia annua (Sweet wormwood)
  • Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap)
  • Alchornea cordifolia (African Christmas bush)
  • Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)
These compounds still need to be tested both in vitro and in animal models as well as in clinical trials.

While each of these botanical medicines are already in clinical use, it is important for future studies to evaluate them directly in patients using specific clinical treatment regimens, as each have the potential to produce side effects in patients, and should be taken only under the care of a clinician knowledgeable of their capabilities and toxicities.

The paper titled “Botanical medicines Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Alchornea cordifolia demonstrate inhibitory activity against Babesia duncani,” was authored by Yumin Zhang, Hector Alvarez-Manzo, Jacob Leone, ND, Sunjya Schweig, MD, and Ying Zhang, MD, PhD.

SOURCE OF PRESS RELEASE: Bay Area Lyme Foundation

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**Comment**

Paper found here:  https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2021.624745/full

We must be careful when we read studies done in vitro, or a test tube.  Years back a similar study was done on Stevia and the shot heard round the world was that Stevia cured Lyme.  Obviously, if this were true we’d all be walking around healthier than cows in the field.  But, alas, we are not. Work has also been done on oregano, cinnamon and clove for Lyme.  (I’ve used each of these essential oils as well as stevia internally and never herxed or improved on them, and trust me when I say there’s nobody who wants these things to work more than I!)

I’m not saying these herbs won’t work at all.  I’ve tried them all except African Christmas bush, but to be honest, I didn’t herx on any of them and that was my marker for determining effectiveness. I realize I’m treading into muddy waters here as we are told that herxing isn’t required for effective treatment.  And then there’s the issue of whether you even herx with Babesia.  Since I had a hodgepodge of infections, treatment often hit numerous things simultaneously so it became nearly impossible to tease out what was doing what; however, I can tell you I herxed to high heaven on Babesia treatment  (I put my personal experience and treatment toward the end of the article).  I’m happy to report that after 1 solid year of treatment, both my husband and I are symptom-free.  I will add an ending note; however, that from the time we became infected my husband mysteriously became anemic and had strange blood cell counts and vessel size.  The problem at first it appeared to be low ferritin, which iron sucrose infusions helped with, but over time we found isn’t altogether the answer.  In short, I feel Babesia is behind this – but I may be wrong.

The interesting thing about any strain of Babesia is it isn’t bacteria – but protozoan. Antibiotics are not as effective for this.  Antimalarials have the best action upon Babesia, which thankfully do not hurt the gut like antibiotics used for Lyme.  While there is resistance to quinine due to a heavy reliance upon it for Malaria, another protozoan, there are numerous other options that appear to still be working.  I will add that from my reading another part of this drug resistance is not treating Babesia long enough, and in combination with other drugs. Please discuss this with your practitioner.  This is why many Lyme literate doctors use a drug cocktail (multiple drugs simultaneously). Also, from my discussions with practitioners, it’s important that once you start treating Babesia, stick with it for a solid 9 months to a year. Unfortunately, patients often jump from one thing to another attempting to find relief.  From experience, I can honestly say there isn’t much relief, if you are chronically infected.  You may have a good day or two or even maybe a week, but once the meds are switched, BAM! You feel like death on wheels again. Over time, symptoms disappear one by one.

I know this isn’t fun to read and may be downright depressing – but it’s important to remember this is a marathon not a sprint.  Patience truly is golden when it comes to treating tick-borne illness.  You need to be as tenacious as a Bull dog and as patient as a Basset Hound.

Word on the street is that Disulfiram, the new wonder-drug for Lyme (for some) also has action against Babesia.  (Study in link showing it works on malaria).  This is a very balanced article on DSM.

For more on Babesia treatment: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/16/babesia-treatment/

Category:

Babesia, Herbs, research, Treatment