Lyme Disease Treatment
Comprehensive naturopathic protocols for acute Lyme, chronic Lyme, and co-infections
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a complex, multi-system illness caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily through tick bites. When not caught early or treated inadequately, it can become a chronic, debilitating condition.
At Arizona Integrative Medical Center, we specialize in treating all stages of Lyme disease, from acute infection to chronic Lyme and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the bacteria, but the full spectrum of dysfunction that occurs in Lyme patients.
The Lyme Disease Challenge
Many Lyme patients are told their symptoms are "all in their head" or receive false-negative test results due to the limitations of standard testing. We use advanced specialty testing and a clinical approach that takes your symptoms seriously.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can affect virtually every system in the body. Common symptoms include:
Neurological
- Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
- Memory problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Numbness and tingling
- Facial palsy (Bell's palsy)
Musculoskeletal
- Joint pain and swelling
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Migrating pain
- Neck stiffness
- Arthritis-like symptoms
Systemic
- Profound fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Unexplained weight changes
Cardiac & Other
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Mood changes and anxiety
Co-Infections: The Hidden Complication
Many Lyme patients are also infected with other tick-borne pathogens that require specific treatment. Common co-infections include:
- Babesia: A malaria-like parasite causing air hunger, night sweats, and severe fatigue
- Bartonella: Causes stretch mark-like rashes, anxiety, foot pain, and neurological symptoms
- Ehrlichia/Anaplasma: Cause severe flu-like symptoms and low white blood cell counts
- Rickettsia: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and related infections
- Mycoplasma: Stealth pathogen causing fatigue and respiratory symptoms
Our Diagnostic Approach
Standard two-tier CDC testing misses up to 50% of Lyme cases. We utilize specialty laboratories and advanced testing methods:
Specialty Testing
IGeneX, Vibrant Wellness, DNA Connexions PCR testing, and Galaxy Diagnostics for comprehensive pathogen detection.
Functional Assessment
Immune panels, inflammatory markers, hormonal evaluation, and metabolic testing to understand the full picture.
Our Treatment Protocol
We take a comprehensive, multi-targeted approach to Lyme disease treatment:
1. Antimicrobial Therapy
Depending on your specific situation, we may use:
- Herbal antimicrobials (Buhner, Byron White, Beyond Balance protocols)
- Pharmaceutical antibiotics when appropriate
- Anti-biofilm agents to break down protective bacterial communities
- Pulsed dosing strategies to target different bacterial forms
2. IV Therapy
High-Dose Vitamin C
Powerful antimicrobial and immune-supporting therapy delivered intravenously for maximum effect.
Ozone Therapy (MAH)
Major autohemotherapy using medical ozone to kill pathogens and enhance oxygen utilization.
Myers' Cocktail
Nutrient IV with magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C to support energy and immune function.
Phospholipid Exchange
Supports cellular membrane repair and neurological function in chronic Lyme patients.
3. Immune Modulation
- Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) for immune regulation
- Peptide therapies (Thymosin Alpha-1, BPC-157)
- Targeted supplements to optimize immune function
4. Detoxification Support
Killing Lyme bacteria releases toxins that can cause severe Herxheimer reactions. We support detoxification through:
- Binders (charcoal, clay, chlorella) to capture toxins
- Liver and kidney support
- Lymphatic drainage techniques
- Infrared sauna therapy
- IV glutathione for cellular detoxification
5. Supportive Therapies
- Hormone optimization (Lyme often disrupts hormonal balance)
- Mitochondrial support for energy production
- Anti-inflammatory protocols
- Nutritional counseling and targeted diet
- Stress management and sleep optimization
Treatment Timeline
Chronic Lyme treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. Most patients require 6-18 months of treatment, with some needing longer. We'll work with you throughout your healing journey, adjusting protocols as needed based on your response.
Suffering from Lyme Disease?
If you've been struggling with Lyme disease or suspect you may have it, we're here to help. Our comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of this complex illness. Take the first step toward recovery today.
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