Category: TIPS

SUPPLEMENTS FOR LYME DISEASE

What are the main supplements for Lyme Disease?

Vitamin deficiencies are common among those suffering from Lyme Disease and its co-infections. The following list of supplements for Lyme Disease help lymies get better and overcome many of their symptoms. Supplements, vitamins, exercise and the Lyme disease diet enable them to have a “normal life”.

supplements for lyme disease

Alpha lipoic acid

It does wonders for the liver, helping it detox. It facilitates the entry of C0Q-10 which plays a vital role on your energy levels. Recommended dose: 300mg once or twice a day.

 

Co-Q10 (ubiquinone)

The human body produces its own Co-Q10 but in a very small quantity and usually only when stimulated by aggressive exercise. Since most of the Lyme patient are not in condition to follow a rigurous exercising routine, their bodies are deficient in Co-Q10. Unfortunately these deficiencies lead to a poor heart function, lower or limited stamina, gum disease and a close zero resistance to infections.

**Note: This supplement can be taken for longer periods of time. You can have it until your symptoms will improve and you will be able to exercise on a regular basis.**

**Additional note: It is not recommended to take this supplement while being administered Mepron or Malarone!**

 

Magnesium

There is no surprise that Lyme literate doctors recommend their patients to take Magnesium; it decreases the intensity and frequency of the following symptoms: tremors, twitches, cramps, muscle soreness, heart skips, weakness.

Keep in mind that all supplements should not be taken in the same time with your antibiotics! In case you are on antibiotic treatment, you will need to take your supplements at lunch and bedtime, if you take the antibiotics at breakfast and dinner. 

Avoid buying Magnesium Calcium tablets or similar combinations as they are not absorbed by the body!

There are several brands that are good, among which Magnesium Malate, Magnesium Potassium Aspartate. One of best Magnesium supplements is Mag-tab SR-made. You may know it as “Slow Mag”, magnesium L-lactate dehydrate, made by Niche Pharmaceuticals.

You can have one tab two times per day. Although a higher intake of Magnesium can be beneficial, it does cause diarrhea as side effect.

 

Vitamin B

It had been proven by clinical studies that this supplement helps improve or even clear neurological symptoms. Patients infected with Borrelia have experienced a decrease of their neurological symptoms after taking 50-100 mg B-complex capsule on a daily basis.

In case of a sever neuropathy, it is recommended an additional dose of 50 mg of B6.

 

Multi-vitamin supplement

Multi-vitamins, mineral supplements and anti acids should be taken once a day, but not with antibiotics. Otherwise the supplement will bind to the antibiotic and prevent its absorption.

 

Essential Fatty Oils

Fatty acids are divided in two broad classes: those derived from plants and those obtained from fish or krill. A regular intake of these supplements can improve symptoms such as:

  • fatigue
  • aches
  • dizziness
  • joint pain
  • weakness
  • vertigo
  • memory
  • concentration
  • depression.

Among the plant oils, you can opt for Borage Oil, Evening Primrose or Black Currant Seed Oil which are effective against inflammation due to their higher amount of EPA.

You can start with two capsules daily with food for three or four months and then reduces the dose to one capsule twice a day. You can also chose a refrigerated mixture of omega oils from your closest health food store and take 1-2 tbs daily.

 

Omega 3

Omega 3(fish, krill) should be taken twice per day for three or four months, with meals. Then the dose should be decreased to one pill twice a day.

Ideally it would be to buy a supplement free of any heavy-metals, organic toxins. Make a habit of reading the labels and look for a brand made organically certified. Usually these are under liquid form and they have a higher potency than capsules.

 

**Please consult your physician before trying any new vitamin or supplement as I am not providing medical advice. I only share my experience!**

 

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive commissions for the purchase made through this link at no extra cost to you.

LYME DISEASE & YEAST OVERGROWTH


HOW TO FIGHT AN YEAST INFECTION?

Not only Lyme patients struggle with yeast overgrowth! Most of those who suffer from a chronic illness have a weakened immunity system. The yeast infection usually starts in the mouth and slowly makes its way down, spreading to the intestinal tract.

Thus the oral hygiene plays a crucial role as it is the first line of defense against yeast. Antibiotic treatment, a diet high on sugar and highly processed foods are a sure a recipe for yeast overgrowth and other abnormal bacteria. If you are on antibiotic treatment, you are already familiar with the devastating effects of meds on your intestinal flora.

 

HOW TO PREVENT YEAST OVERGROWTH?

There are many factors that you need to keep in mind when addressing this problem. Oral hygiene and diet are two of the main things you will need to tackle.

If you follow a gluten-free, sugar-free and yeast-free diet, chances of developing an yeast overgrowth are considerably smaller. Also avoiding alcohol intake can improve your chances of keeping yeast under control. You should avoid consuming excessive carbohydrates.

In addition, after each meal, you will need to have probiotics such as Kefir or yogurt as they help replenishing the beneficial bacterias. Try to drink 4 oz of kefir per day or have two capsules of acidophilus probiotic after each meal.

white coat on tongue yeast overgrowth lyme disease
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE THRUSH?

What are the indicators of oral thrush (oral yeast)? 

  • Sticky coating on your tongue (white or beige colour)
  • Bad bread
  • Bad taste in the mouth
ORAL HYGIENE RECOMMENDATIONS 
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, especially if you are prescribed medicine such as Flagyl as it can lead to a reaction or a side-effect.
  • Brush your teeth after each meal or snack using a fluoride!
  • Use a sodium laureth sulfate-free toothpaste !
  • You should also brush the gums, inner cheeks, the palate!
  • After you clean your mouth, use an antiseptic mouthwash. Keep it in the mouth for thirty seconds and move it around to ensure the gums, roof of your mouth, teeth and tongue, they all get cleansed. Rinse with water two or three times to remove it completely.
  • After the antiseptic mouthwash, have a bit of yogurt or take a small tablet of acidophilus and chew it to ensure to have a normal oral flora.
  • Don’t drink or eat anything on empty stomach in the morning before cleaning your mouth!
  • Use a tongue-scraper to remove the yeast-coat from your tongue!

 

A thorough daily routine will help you follow all the steps religiously and stay yeast free or at least decrease it to a minimum.

yogurt for yeast overgrowth

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF YEAST OVERGROWTH IN THE INTESTINAL TRACT?

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Woozziness
  • Post-meal fatigue.

 

Why is it important to be on the Lyme diet? Because the yeast germs feed on sugars and starches, turning them into acids, gas and alcohol, causing the above mentioned symptoms.

 

That means you will to stay away from simple carbohydrates and fruits. If your diet includes a lot of fruits, maybe you should stick to grapefruit, lemons, limes and avocado as they are low on sugar.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO HELP COMBAT YEAST?

  • Include fermented foods in your diet! By consuming regularly sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles and kefir, you can nourish, support and rebalance the intestinal health.
  • Don’t drink alcohol! Besides the fact that it can interact with your medication, it can increase your symptoms.
  • Check the quality of your water! If you are used to drink water from the tap, have it tested or ad a filter.
  • Drink decaffeinated green tea! Have 2 o 4 cups per day as green tea is a very potent antioxidant. If you don’t see yourself sipping tea, then you could try having the green tea capsules which are a nice alternative. You should take one to three capsules per day.

 

LYME HAIR LOSS IS REAL!

Lyme never comes alone. Besides the co-infections, the people infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi may experience a myriad of symptoms, from those specific to the illness to some unexpected ones.

Each day brings a new struggle. The Lyme journey is anything but boring! In fact, it is a learning experience, as the Lymies have to learn on their own how to navigate their path towards  their recovery.

 

As if dealing with a multitude of symptoms on a daily basis was not challenging enough, Lyme sufferers have to overcome other disheartening problems such as hair loss or nailbreaking.  Many of the patients complain about losing close to 50% of their hair. Men and women equally are affected by this undesired and stressful experience.

 

Since the bacteria has the ability to evade the immune system, would you be surprised to learn that Lyme is the culprit for the hair loss? More than thirty years ago, research shown that Lyme had the ability to cause a hair loss similar to a telogen effluvium.

 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES CONTRIBUTING TO HAIR LOSS?

  • Stress (physical and mental)- all Lymies have it skyrocketing!
  • Mineral Deficiencies – iron, zinc and magnesium
  • Vitamin Deficiency – vitamin B and vitamin D
  • Hormone Disruption – low hormonal levels
  • Autoimmunity – The inflammation from Lyme and autoimmune conditions can attack the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
  • Drugs -prescribed medicine, antibiotics
  • Toxicity build up – difficulty to flush out toxins due to an overload

 

HOW TO SUPPORT HAIR REGROWTH?

  • Switch to an anti-inflammatory diet
  • Ensure you have sufficient levels of iron and vitamin D as Lyme depletes your iron levels. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles, so a deficiency may lead to hair loss.
  • Take supplements ( biotin, gelatine, collagen as well as primrose oil)
  • Inquire the doctor or the pharmacist about  the side effects of your medication.
  • Choose a natural shampoo without any of the following ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Myreth Sulfate, Siloxanes Derivatives of Lauryl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol (Antifreeze), Olefin Sulfonate (Deodorized Kerosene). You may want to look for one in a natural products store. If not you can try out Nizoral for couple of months.
  • Do not blow dry your hair!
  • Do not bleach or dye your hair. If you do, ensure you use natural products!
  • Use less hair products!

 

HOW TO BOOST THE GROWTH OF YOUR HAIR?

Try some of the following:

  • Do a hair treatment with organic coconut oil at least once in two weeks!
  • Apply olive oil, organic primrose oil, almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil as they hydrate and stimulate the growth. You can apply a small amount (the size of a quarter) on damp hair and work it through your ends.
  • Rinse with colder water in order to protect the inner layer of your hair and retain hydrating oils.
  • Once in a way try rinsing with apple cider vinegar to restore the pH balance in your hair. You can mix 2-3 spoons of apple cider vinegar with water and pour the mixture after you had applied the shampoo and conditioner. Let it sit for a few minutes then rinse again.
  • Apply herbal tinctures or simply fresh plants such as aloe, rosemary, sage, witch hazel or parsley to the hair, as they are known to help with hair grow back.
  • Create a daily detox routine and stick to it! It can be a bath, a sauna session, oil pulling, massage, a smoothie, anything!
  • Love yourself and keep an eye on your energy levels.
  • Laugh and make room for healing!

HOW TO HELP YOUR LYMIE FRIEND COPE WITH THE HOLIDAYS


For a Lyme warrior, every single day is a struggle. Holidays bring additional stress, as they lost their enjoyable feeling and glory.

The holiday gatherings  turned into a source of misery, a reminder of a distant life that a Lyme sufferer can’t no longer enjoy.

Battling Lyme, chronic fatigue, depression, pain and so on, leaves one drained, with no desire whatsoever to attend a social gathering.

Though it doesn’t mean that things have to stay this way or there is nothing that you can’t do about it. That being said, here are twelve tips on how you can make your friend(s) or family member(s) overcome the pain of isolation at holiday time:

 

  • Run errands. Ask if they need any help with his Christmas shopping list. You can either volunteer to take them around or to do the shopping for them. Keep in mind that texting is a less invasive way of communication. Rest assured that your text message is being seen, even if you do not get an instant reply. Take it from a Lymie, it always feels good and it brightens my day to see my friends care about me and how I feel.

 

  • Offer to prepare a meal. Prior to cooking, ensure you are aware of the dietary restrictions. There are plenty of healthy recipes online for Lyme. Also delivering it in person once or twice a week, gives you a chance to chat face to face and brighten their day. It does not have to be a long visit.

 

  • Volunteer to babysit the kids (if it is the case)  for a few hours or take the pets out for a walk. That would offer your friend(s) or loved one(s) a chance to rest or do something for themselves. They would definitely appreciate your offer.

 

  • Offer house cleaning services.   Offer your services for their Xmas house cleaning or doing /folding the laundry.  What it might look like a simple house chore to you, requires a huge amount of effort from a Lymie. Attending to household duties can be exhausting when you are fighting chronic fatigue, pain, etc.

 

  • Invite them over for Xmas. Holidays are tough and stressful period for anyone who suffers from a chronic illness. You certainly don’t want your friend(s) to feel alone and depressed on Xmas. Generally Lyme sufferers tend to isolate themselves from the world. They feel left out because they can’t relate to the normality of others.

 

  • Accommodate for a special nutritional plan or diet. In most of the cases, Lymies follow a strict diet which does not include any of the dishes you are regularly planning to serve for Xmas. Your friend will certainly appreciate your efforts of preparing some delicious food according to their diet for them. Note that it takes a lot of effort and self-discipline to see others stuffing themselves with all the forbidden goodies, while they are on a very strict diet.

 

  • Serve sugar-free beverages and sweets. When you are doing your groceries, buy some green tea, natural juices, non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water because they won’t be having alcohol.  Also get some dairy sugar-free ice cream for the Xmas evening feast. Try making a new gluten-free dessert using Stevia!

 

  • Provide a resting space. Ensure you have a resting area available, in case they feel overwhelmed or exhausted. Standing, sitting too long or even a long conversation can knock them down for the entire day or even longer. Remember that people with chronic illness have limited energy.

 

  • Act normal in their presence. Do not be overly polite or try too hard to make them feel better. Don’t avoid topics related to Lyme, as if you are walking on eggshells. They don’t need pity. That type of attitude might get them annoyed.

 

  • Educate your guests. Let your guests know in advance that your Lymie friend(s) will be present and ensure they will not bombard them with questions about Lyme, or mention a comment such as “ You look fine, you don’t look sick!”.

 

  • Prepare some take away casseroles for them because they won’t be feeling like cooking. You will save them the pain of spending time cooking in the kitchen.

 

  • Be direct about the Xmas gift. Ask bluntly what they need and don’t take no for an answer. Leave politeness and shyness aside. Most of the Lymies speak their mind because they are literally too tired to play games.  The gift can be anything, from vitamins, supplements, whatever thats need. It will be more appreciated than another trinket or something that won’t bring any direct benefit.  When fighting chronic fatigue, a Lymie doesn’t have a lot of energy left. Address the gift issue directly and go for it!

 

 

ARTHRITIC GLOVES FOR LYME? WHO KNEW?

Among the many symptoms that a Lyme sufferer has to deal with on a daily basis, the Lyme arthritis is by far one of the most painful. The pain, the swollen joints, the stiffness experienced in the late stages of Lyme disease are hard to cope with, especially during the colder months.

Some patients find relief from pain with heat or cold therapy. By using or alternating heat or ice packs, they can reduce inflammation. In my case, it turned that only heat could help me cope with the pain.

As much as I tried to protect myself from the harsh cold by wearing all sorts of gloves to keep me warm, I still had pain in my hands. I had pain while I was outdoors and indoors.

That was until I discovered Thermoskin Arthritic Gloves which provided me the warmth and the gentle compression meant to bring me the long waited relief. For years I had been looking for some product that would help me with my rheumatic pain, that would make my aching hands feel better.

These Thermoskin gloves did the trick. I admit they were a bit pricy compared to other models available on the market, but for me, they did and still do the job. I am curious to learn more about the Thermoskin slippers if they could help or no with the pain?!

How are you protecting yourself against the cold? What are the remedies or tricks that worked for you?

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL OILS USED FOR LYME?

When I had to stop my antibiotic treatment, I switched to essential oils, which enabled me to function at 80% capacity of what I used to be. Yes, the essential oils played an important role in my recovery.

 

The use of essential oils, my Lyme diet and the red infrared sauna were my only weapons left against Lyme and the co-infections I had been diagnosed with. When I started using the oils, I knew nothing about their super powers. All I had was hope. Hope that I will get better.

 

I did not know how they worked, what brand to buy, what combination to take or that I had to rotate them throughout the year. I was new to all that. It was through a long series of try and error that I discovered the key oils for Lyme and what worked for me.

 

So, here are the winners, with the link attached:

FAR INFRARED SAUNA DETOX

Lyme treatment and detoxification go hand in hand, as the dead spirochetes release toxins within the body; toxins continue to build up and take a toll on the liver.

If you are reading this post, I am sure that you are familiar by now with the term herx and you know what happens with your body during a Herxheimer or pathogen die-off reaction.

I personally noted that with the help of a portable far infrared sauna, I am capable of flushing a great amount of toxins from my body (neurotoxins and environmental toxins). By spending around 30 minutes each second day in the sauna, I detox my body at a deep level.

Sweating is one of the best ways to detox, as the body exploits the skin. Unlike the regular saunas, steam rooms or working out the gym, the far infrared sauna has the ability to go deep into the tissue. By emitting a deep infrared radiation, it heats up deeper levels of tissue, enabling detoxification at a cellular level.

Through sweat, a higher concentration of toxins is being eliminated, which prevents the liver and my gastrointestinal tract of getting overwhelmed.

Before you jump in, keep in mind that its ability of mobilizing toxins may trigger a bigger Herxmeiher reaction. After the sauna therapy session, you will have a greater amount of toxins circulating around in your bloodstream, which can get you exhausted. Or some symptoms may flare up.

In case your adrenal function is low, please consult with your physician or Lyme practitioner prior to usage of a Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna.