Lyme Disease
Lyme disease occurs when a human is bitten by an infected black-legged tick (or deer tick). However, wood ticks or dog ticks do not carry the infection. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection, which is usually easier to treat if it is caught early.
Initial symptoms include:
A small red bump, similar in look and size to a mosquito bite
Rash - from day 3 to 30 after the infected tick bite, there may be an expanding red area which may expand slowly over days. This may not be itchy but will be warm to the touch. The rash may appear in more than one place on the body.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Body aches
Headaches
Neck stiffness
Swollen lymph nodes
Joint pain
Neurological problems - weeks, months or even years after the initial infection, there may be inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain (known as Meningitis), temporary paralysis of one side of the face, known as Bell’s Palsy.
Causes
Lyme Disease is caused by four main species of bacteria. Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii cause Lyme disease in the United States, while Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the leading causes in Europe and Asia. The most common tick-borne illness in these regions, Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick. Most people do not know or remember that they have been bitten by a tick, this is due to the size of the tick being small and the bite usually being painless.
Diagnosis
A physical examination may take place alongside a discussion about your symptoms and whether you have been in a habitat populated with ticks.
Blood tests may also be utilised to confirm Lyme Disease, you will need to have two positive results to be diagnosed.
How it is treated conventionally?
Antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin are often used to treat Lyme Disease. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity and duration of the infection. Generally, the sooner you are treated, the faster the recovery time. However, even after treatment, some symptoms may still linger.
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition help with Lyme Disease?
The most effective way of tackling Lyme Disease is a multi-system approach. At the Surrey Centre for Nutrition we will focus on modulating the immune system using diet and supplements which are supportive of immune function. We will also look at making lifestyle changes which support and balance immune function, help to modulate the stress response and protect the body from the negative immune implications of stress and fatigue.
We will improve detoxification pathways and focus on reducing toxic inputs from your environment and the foods you eat. By reducing toxicity we will be reducing the burden on the immune system.
Another fundamental aspect of working with Lyme disease is to support the body’s ability to produce energy. We do this by targeted support for the powerhouses of your body’s cells, your mitochondria.
Gastrointestinal health is fundamental in reducing any inflammatory processes occurring in the body, supporting immune function (as the majority of our immune-producing cells are in the gut) and allowing for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients from the gut into the bloodstream. We will look in-depth at all aspects of gastrointestinal function and gut health.
A focused approach is taken to eradicate Lyme bacteria once the body is in a state of health where the protocols can be effectively tolerated.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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