Archive for the ‘Inflammation’ Category

LDN For Lyme

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/low-dose-naltexone-lyme-disease

Updated: 3/21/23

About Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lyme

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is very useful in Lyme disease. This low-cost medicine can

  • improve nerve, muscle, and inflammation pain,
  • decrease autoimmune illness triggered by Lyme,
  • improve mast cell activation symptoms,
  • lower cytokine inflammation, and
  • improve immune system function by increasing TRegs to balance Th1 and Th2.

In this article, I review the science and method for how LDN works. I describe how to use it in Lyme disease, and I review potential side effects.  (See link for article & video)

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Category:

Inflammation, Lyme, Pain Management, Sleep, Supplements, Treatment

Dr. Steven Phillips on Chronic Inflammation

http://  Approx. 1 Hour

March 25, 2023

Dr. Steven Phillips Discusses Chronic Inflammation

Dr. Steven Phillips discusses chronic inflammation and its management, especially in the context of long COVID and “vaccine” injuries.

Dr. Steven Phillips’ bio: Steven Phillips, MD is a well published, Yale-trained physician, researcher, and bestselling author, whose focus of medical practice and research is that chronic and autoimmune illness can be caused by underlying infections.

Dr. Phillips’ substack: https://zerospin.substack.com/

Amazon.com: Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic and How to Get Healthy Again (Audible Audio Edition): Steven Phillips MD, Dana Parish, Teri Schnaubelt, Thomas Allen, Brilliance Audio: Books https://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Hidden…

http://

Dr. Steven Phillips Discusses Chronic Diseases (Lyme & COVID)

Steven Phillips, M.D. is a renowned Yale-trained physician, author, international lecturer, and media go-to expert. Well-published in the medical literature, he has treated over 20,000 patients with complex, chronic illness from nearly 20 countries. Phillips experienced firsthand the nightmare of an undiagnosed, serious infection after nearly dying from his own “mystery illness,” and having to save his own life when 25 doctors could not.

Here are the questions we will ask Dr. Phillips:

  • What is Lyme+?
  • What is your own story of Lyme?
  • You say that many infections are categorized as Lyme, how do we separate them
  • Are there good tests for Lyme+?
  • Is it treatable?
  • Is there hope for hundreds of thousands of patients of Lyme+?
  • How can an infection cause autoimmune disorders?
  • What is the role of Th1 and Th2 system in this context?
  • Why does it become chronic?
  • Do I have a vector borne infection?
  • We are seeing the same issue with COVID – Is COVID becoming similarly mismanaged?
  • How should patients approach their chronic Lyme+?
  • Is there hope?
  • How do people get help from you?
  • Do you train other doctors with your protocol?
  • Do they reach out to you?
  • On page 63 you write: Despite my repeatedly negative brucellosis testing at U.S. labs, I shared with my Lyme doctor my ideas for an aggressive combination antibiotic treatment against this infection. Nothing else was working, so my doctor agreed to the plan, and by the second month of treatment I started to improve.
  • Tell us about Jarish-Hexheimer reaction
  • Before we go, tell us how can people find you?

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Hospital payments include:

  • A “free” required PCR test in the Emergency Room or upon admission for every patient, with government-paid fee to hospital.  This test, like Lyme testing, is an utter farce.
  • Added bonus payment for each positive COVID-19 diagnosis, based on a worthless test.
  • Another bonus for a COVID-19 admission to the hospital, based on a worthless test.
  • A 20% “boost” bonus payment from Medicare on the entire hospital bill for use of remdesivir instead of medicines such as Ivermectin, all based on a worthless test.
  • Another and larger bonus payment to the hospital if a COVID-19 patient is mechanically ventilated, all based on a worthless test.
  • More money to the hospital if cause of death is listed as COVID-19, even if patient did not die directly of COVID-19, which is all based on a worthless test.
  • A COVID-19 diagnosis also provides extra payments to coroners, all based on a worthless test.

CMS implemented “value-based” payment programs that track data such as how many workers at a healthcare facility receive a COVID-19 “vaccine.” Now we see why many hospitals implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandates. They are paid more.  Source

For those paying attention, COVID is a replay of Lyme and many of the same tactics have been deployed.

Category:

Activism, Inflammation, Lyme, Treatment, Viruses

High Oxalate Foods & Pain

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/are-these-high-oxalate-foods-destroying-your-body

Are these High Oxalate foods destroying your body?

Are these High Oxalate foods destroying your body?

By: Sally K. Norton

Our guest poster, Sally Norton, B.S., MPH, is an expert in oxalates, compounds found in many so-called healthy foods that can, in excessive amounts, cause chronic pain and create havoc with your health.

What is oxalate and how can it impact your health?
1. Oxalic acid: What is it?
  1.  A naturally occurring tiny molecule that is a toxic, corrosive acid
  2.  When it has minerals attached to it, it is called Oxalate. (chemically a salt)
    (E.g. sodium oxalate, potassium oxalate, magnesium oxalate, calcium oxalate)
    Oxalate likes to form crystals. Most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate.
  3.  Find additional information here: Toxipedia.org: Oxalates
2. Where does oxalic acid come from?
  1.  Plants make it, possibly for mineral management, seed germination, or self-defense
  2. You eat it, in many foods. It comes in many forms, both dissolved and as crystals, in a variety of shapes and sizes
    1.  Some foods have a lot of it, some have very little 
    2. Examples of High Oxalate Foods: beans, grains, bran, sesame and other seeds, peanuts, almonds, and other nuts, swiss chard, spinach, beets, potatoes, chocolate, rhubarb, figs, kiwi, blackberries, black pepper, cumin, turmeric. 
    3. Examples of Low Oxalate Foods:
      meats, dairy, eggs, fats and oils, and other non-plant foods
      arugula, avocado, Bok Choy, cabbage, cauliflower, cilantro, cucumber, garlic, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, mushrooms, green peas, watercress
  3.  Your body makes it. Oxalate is a metabolic waste product in mammals with no known function
    1.  Higher amounts are made when:
      1.  Deficient in B6, or
      2.  High doses of vitamin C are taken or injected
  4.  Some fungi make it, possibly for mineral management, especially in soil
    1.  Can be made by Aspergillus fungi living in the body
3. How can oxalate harm you?
  1.  The body has no way to disarm oxalate and must excrete it. When cells are required to handle oxalate they are moving it or “managing” it, not metabolizing it. This is dangerous work for a cell.
  2.  It steals minerals from your diet and your body and makes them useless (it is an “anti-nutrient”)
    1.  Soluble forms of oxalate (sodium oxalate and potassium oxalate) can be picked up by other minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, etc. This locks up the mineral. Oxalate may also bind with toxic metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, or cadmium.
    2.  Mineral deficiency causes growth, reproductive, and other problems
  3.  It is corrosive to the lining of the digestive system, may cause leaky gut or other GI diseases. Some Oxalate crystals have a needle shape known to perforate mucus membrane cells.
  4.  Challenges the kidneys and can overwhelm their capacity to remove oxalates from the blood
  5.  Forms nanocrystals and microcrystals that can collect in the body and irritate tissues
    1.  Oxalate crystals can collect in any body tissue, even the plaque in your arteries
    2.  kidney stones usually contain oxalate crystals
  6.  Soluble forms of oxalate are absorbed from food and trigger inflammation, causing:
    1.  Membrane and mitochondria damage, and cell death (fatigue and energy issues)
    2.  Nerve cell damage, pain, and functional problems associated with the brain and nerves
    3.  Dysfunction of cells, organs, glands
    4.  Depletion of the antioxidant glutathione in cells. Low levels of glutathione can generate superoxide radicals, increasing toxic stress causing early cell death. Glutathione is especially important in the liver for the detoxification of chemicals. It is also important in preserving brain health.
    5.  Cell communication problems (autoimmunity, hormonal issues, neurological issues). For example: Oxalate can confuse and stress the immune system, creating auto-immune symptoms.
  7.  Destroys connective tissue’s key building block (hyaluronic acid)
    1.  makes it much harder to fully recover from injury, even surgery
    2.  can weaken or destabilize joints, bones, skin (skin may be thin or easily damaged)
    3.  can make you injury prone
  8.  May deplete the B-vitamins, B6 and biotin
    1.  Uses up vitamin B6, possibly initiating a vicious cycle. B6 deficiency increases internal production of oxalate, increases oxalate load, further depleting B6, and so on.
    2.  Can alter biotin metabolism, depleting biotin
  9.  Can lead to a wide range of problems, throughout the body
    1.  Kidney damage
    2.  Damage to intestines, may contribute to the development of celiac disease and “leaky gut”
    3.  Breathing problems, mucus production, and congestion
    4.  Brain problems – sleep, mood, behavior, cognition, organizational ability, autism
    5.  Urinary issues and genital pain
    6.  Gum and tooth problems
    7.  Bone and connective tissue instability
    8.  Contributes to aging, and can make you feel old prematurely
  10.  These problems don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Onset may include a generalized malaise, poor concentration, some sort of “-itis” (gastroenteritis, tendonitis), joint stiffness, swelling, muscle pain or weakness.
  11.  Oxalate damage is not a sensitivity or allergy. It is a toxicity problem.
    1.  Reversal of oxalate toxicity is an avoidance and excretion issue. It is not a matter of boosting liver function as is typically addressed in “detox” regimens.

(See link for entire article)

Find Providers Who Can Help You Manage Pain with Nutrition

Sally K. Norton is an expert in oxalates. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrtion from Cornell University and a Master of Publich Health Degree from the University of North Carolina. She has been doing health education and research in nutrition for 35 years and provides virtual nutritional coaching and consulting. She became interested in oxalates due to her own personal experience. Her book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick and How to Get Better was recently published  by Rodale Books.   Learn more at https://sallyknorton.com/

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Category:

diet and nutrition, Inflammation, Pain Management

Pacemakers for Lyme Carditis

https://danielcameronmd.com/pacemakers-for-lyme-carditis/

PACEMAKERS FOR LYME CARDITIS

pacemaker-lyme-carditis

Some patients with Lyme carditis (LC) require implantation of a pacemaker. Yeung and Baranchuk discussed the need for “preventing unnecessary implantation of permanent pacemakers in otherwise healthy young individuals” in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2019.

By 

Lyme disease can directly infiltrate the heart leading to an exaggerated inflammatory response when spirochetes penetrate the heart. Lyme carditis can appear within 1 to 2 months after the onset of a Lyme disease infection, wrote Yeung and Baranchuk.¹ They point out, the most common presentation of LC (90%) is high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB).

AV block due to Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics in a hospital setting. However, in some cases, a temporary or permanent pacemaker is required. In reviewing the literature, Besant and colleagues found that 17.9% of patients with LC required a permanent pacemaker and 10.3% required a temporary and a permanent pacemaker.²

“High-degree atrioventricular block is the most common presentation of [Lyme carditis], and usually resolves with antibiotic therapy.”¹

Yeung et al. highlighted the importance of avoiding a permanent pacemaker “to prevent the inherent risks of pacemaker implantation, including periprocedural infections and complications, lead dislodgement, etc.”

Furthermore, the authors emphasized the importance in avoiding a permanent pacemaker in children. “An unnecessary pacemaker implantation would result in a subsequent lifetime of multiple pulse generator changes, psychological/physical sequelae, and burden of associated cumulative health care costs.”

They concluded, “A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of LC will facilitate the identification of LC in patients with high-degree AVB, thus preventing unnecessary implantation of permanent pacemakers.”

Both a standard transvenous temporary pacemaker lead, or modified temporary–permanent transvenous pacing are available.

“In modified temporary– permanent transvenous pacing, an active fixation lead is attached to a resterilized permanent pace- maker generator taped to the patient’s skin and used as a temporary external device, which allows for early ambulation,” wrote Yeung and Baranchuk.

A permanent pacemaker has been recommended if AV conduction is not restored.

Related Articles:

Successful removal of pacemakers in patients with Lyme carditis

5 things to know about Lyme carditis

How common is Lyme carditis in patients referred for pacemaker implantation?

References:
  1. Yeung C, Baranchuk A. Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Carditis: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol. Feb 19 2019;73(6):717-726. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.11.035
  2. Besant G, Wan D, Yeung C, et al. Suspicious index in Lyme carditis: Systematic review and proposed new risk score. Clin Cardiol. Dec 2018;41(12):1611-1616. doi:10.1002/clc.23102

For more:

Category:

Heart Issues, Inflammation, Lyme, research

4 Steps Every Lyme Patient Should Take to Protect Their Heart

4 Steps Every Lyme Patient Should Take to Protect Their Heart

By Dr. Bill Rawls

Feb. 2023

Heart symptoms are a serious concern for people with chronic Lyme disease — and rightfully so. While research suggests up to 10% of Lyme cases result in cardiac involvement, the consequences of which can be life-threatening, that number is likely deceptively low. That’s because the actual number of cases of Lyme are underreported in most areas of the country, and many Lyme specialists believe heart issues such as Lyme carditis or an irregular heartbeat may be more prevalent than statistics currently demonstrate.

The number of missed cases may be due, in part, to the fact that heart symptoms don’t look the same in every Lyme patient. They vary from person to person and exist on a spectrum, so they can be difficult to detect. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others might notice mild ones — an occasional skipped beat here or a small flutter there. Still, others may experience more severe cardiac manifestations like shortness of breath, chest tightness, or heart palpitations.

“The threshold for tolerating heart symptoms should be pretty low,” says Dr. Bill Rawls, medical director of RawlsMD and Vital Plan. “Anytime you have something irregular with the heart, you should see a doctor right away.”

Whether or not you have cardiac symptoms, you can still incorporate a few strategies into your protocol to augment heart health while dealing with Lyme disease and coinfections.

Here are four natural ways you can keep your heart functioning optimally:

1. Lower Your Microbial Load

“Herbs are heart-friendly because they help protect the various cells of our body, including heart cells,” says Dr. Rawls. Herbs defend against free radical damage, physical stress, toxic substances, and most importantly, pathogens like borrelia, bartonella, babesia, and mycoplasma, all of which can cause harm to the heart.

Therefore, taking antimicrobial herbs to suppress the microbes that could contribute to cardiac problems is a top priority. Dr. Rawls’ preferred antimicrobial herbs for heart health include:

cats claw bark on wooden background

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is a native herb to the Amazon region. Its antimicrobial properties make it a foundational herb in most Lyme disease protocols. Additionally, it has immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Suggested dosage: 375-750 mg 1 to 2 times daily (inner bark standardized to 3% alkaloids or 7:1 concentrate inner bark is preferred). It is especially important to take this herb with food, as it is activated by stomach acid. If you take acid-blocking drugs, cat’s claw won’t have a significant impact on you.

Side effects: The herb is generally well tolerated, but occasional stomach upset has been reported.

white Andrographis flower on green stem

Andrographis

Andrographis has a long history of medicinal use in India. It contains several properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic, providing defense against a range of microbes. The herb also has immune-enhancing, cardioprotective, and liver-protective qualities. Andrographis is also a staple among natural Lyme protocols.

Suggested dosage: 250 mg (extract standardized to 33% andrographolides) 1 to 2 times daily

Side effects: Approximately 1% of people who take andrographis develop an allergic reaction with whole-body hives and itching skin. This is a higher percentage than most other herbs, but still extremely low. The reaction will resolve gradually over several weeks once the herb has been discontinued.

garlic bulbs on black background

Garlic

Used for medical purposes since as far back as we can trace, garlic contains an active ingredient called allicin, a volatile chemical with antiprotozoal, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It supports the immune system and balances the flora of the microbiome as well.

Suggested dosage: 200 mg of a standardized 1% allicin product 1 to 2 times daily (dosage is dependent on the garlic preparation used)

Side effects: Raw garlic may cause stomach upset, but stabilized allicin products are associated with fewer side effects and are generally well tolerated.

red berberine berries hanging on branch

Berberine

Berberine is a bioactive compound that assists in balancing the microbiome. It’s found in the stems, bark, roots, and rhizomes of a variety of herbs, including goldenseal, barberry bark, yellowroot, goldthread, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, coptis, and phellodendron.

Suggested dosage: The dose will vary depending on the preparation used; follow the instructions on the label.

Side effects: In most cases, berberine is generally well tolerated. Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort and low blood pressure.

2. Flow Through a Mind-Body Practice

“Exercising within the confines of what your doctor recommends is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy,” says Dr. Rawls. But when your heart health is compromised, it’s extremely important to not overdo it. To avoid setting yourself back, consider a mind-body practice like yoga to keep your heart healthy.

Caucasian females legs on yoga mat. Yoga props for Iyengar lesson.

Why yoga? Research from the Journal of Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated yoga as a therapeutic intervention for individuals at-risk for or suffering from cardiovascular disease. Although the study had some limitations, yoga emerged as a lifestyle activity that fostered improved heart health. The researchers believe it could be due to yoga’s ability to reduce stress and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your nervous system responsible for “resting and digesting.”

Additionally, mind-body activities centered around breathwork and meditation achieved similar results in the reviewed medical studies. Other mind-body exercises that can get you moving and be tailored to your fitness level or symptoms include Pilates, qigong, and tai chi.

3. Curb Inflammation

Lyme disease and other stealth microbes can act as hidden sources of inflammation. Many Lyme symptoms, including heart symptoms, are made worse by the continuous effects of proinflammatory cytokines.

“Cytokines are chemicals that promote inflammation and persistently activate the body’s immune system,” says Dr. Rawls. Over time, chronic low-grade inflammation begins to damage blood vessels that supply your heart muscle and brain, leading to a host of trouble.

To keep your heart as strong as possible, Dr. Rawls recommends the following natural remedies:

red krill gel capsules on blue background

Krill Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in krill oil are vital for many processes of the body and may lessen inflammation. Omega-3s facilitate heart health, cognitive function, and cell membrane function. Krill oil is unique in that it contains a natural antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin benefits the cardiovascular system and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Suggested dosage: 2,000-3,000 mg of krill oil daily (can be broken down into 4-6 500 mg capsules) daily. The omega-3s in krill oil occur as phospholipids(instead of triglycerides (like the omega-3s in fish oil), which are more easily absorbed through the intestines and more readily utilized by the body, so you may be able to use a lower dose.

Side effects: Omega-3 fatty acids thin blood, so if you’re taking blood thinners or have a bleeding or clotting disorder, discuss taking krill oil supplements with your doctor. Avoid krill oil supplements if you have shellfish or fish allergies.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn supports heart function by increasing blood flow to the organ, strengthening contractions of the heart muscle, and improving circulation by dilating blood vessels. This allows increased oxygen delivery to tissues and assists in normalizing blood pressure.

Suggested dosage: 600-1,000 mg extract (combined leaf, stem, and flower standardized to 10% Vitexin) twice daily

Side effects: Side effects aren’t usually associated with Hawthorn, and it’s very safe for long-term use.

pile of french maritime pine bark pieces

Pine Bark Extract

Antioxidants and other compounds in pine bark extract inhibit platelet aggregation (blood thinner), reduce vascular inflammation, improve the integrity of blood vessels, and enhance blood flow to the tissue.

Suggested dosage: 75 mg daily standardized to 35% OPCs 1 to 2 times daily.

Side effects: Rare — pine bark has a low potential for toxicity.

4. Get Your Stress Levels Under Control

When dealing with Lyme disease, stress is an almost daily occurrence. With pressures like paying for medical treatment, finding a doctor, and managing symptoms, it’s hard to catch a break.

“The problem with chronic stress is that it has the potential to disrupt all normal cellular functions of the body and mind, including the heart,” says Dr. Rawls. For example, when you’re chronically stressed, your sleep patterns change, digestion becomes less efficient, and tissues begin to break down, which may contribute to heart-related conditions like high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries.

There isn’t a large body of research on the effects of stress on the heart, specifically, and there’s even less when Lyme disease is added to the mix. But what we do know is that the body releases adrenaline in response to a distressing event or situation. Adrenaline speeds up your breathing, gets your heart pounding, and raises your blood pressure, facilitating the “fight-or-flight” response. Chronic stress pushes your body to function in overdrive for weeks or months at a time.

A stressful woman sitting on a bed, hands to head

“When the body is constantly on alert, it cannot devote resources toward day-to-day repair and maintenance, and systems of the body can begin to go haywire,” explains Dr. Rawls. So while stress isn’t good for your health in general, for those with Lyme disease trying to make heart-conscious choices, stress interrupts the healing mode and may lay the groundwork to weaken crucial cellular functions.

Although you’ll never banish stress from your life entirely, reducing it as best as you can does help to bolster the health of all organs and tissues in your body. There are a variety of cost-effective and easily accessible options to minimize stress, such as:

  • Taking a leisurely stroll outside
  • Journaling
  • Finding support through online groups or mental health professionals
  • Relaxing in a warm bath
  • Practicing vagus nerve stimulation or neuroplasticity exercises
  • Doing deep breathing

To help bring on the heart-healthy calm, find a stress-relieving activity and stick with it as best you can — the more you genuinely enjoy it, the higher the likelihood you’ll do it consistently. With some trial and error, you’ll discover what works for you.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, heart-supportive strategies can help keep your ticker working more efficiently, but if you have any symptoms or concerns, you should consult with a health care professional. “If someone is having symptoms like chest pains or a frequent, irregular heartbeat, don’t hesitate to see a doctor,” advises Dr. Rawls. “Anytime you’re concerned about your heart, it’s always better to play it safe.”

Category:

Heart Issues, Herbs, Inflammation, Lyme