Why Detoxification Support Is Crucial For Lyme Patients
Many Lyme patients are caught off-guard when their medications seem to make them feel worse!
This happens because as some medications kill pathogens during Lyme treatment, a massive amount of toxins are released that overwhelm the body and cause an increase in symptoms. This is known as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, more commonly referred to as a Herx.
A Herx reaction can not only be uncomfortable, in extreme cases it can cause seizures, strokes and heart attacks.1 So, it’s crucial to support the body’s detoxification process and monitor your symptoms throughout Lyme treatment.
Recognizing a Herx
If your symptoms worsen, or new symptoms appear within 48-hours of starting antibiotic therapy, it is likely you’re experiencing a Herx.2 I remember when I would start to feel terrible within only 2 to 4 hours after treatments!
Most Lyme patients report flu-like symptoms, including headaches, swollen glands, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, neuropathy, and brain fog. Symptoms can also include depression, anxiety, mood swings, nausea, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and many more.
In the midst of a Herx reaction, it can be nearly impossible to think straight. Anxious thoughts begin to bubble up, and if you’re anything like me, you may find yourself straight-up freaking out! This is why it’s good to have a plan in place beforehand.
Download 10 Tips to Manage a Jarisch-Herxheimer (Herx) guide for Lyme patients>>
More Reasons to Detox
Of course, you don’t need to be having a Herx reaction to benefit from detoxification support.
Recent studies have shown that B. burgdorferi may consistently excrete toxins simply to ward off other bacteria, and alter its environment.
There is also some evidence to suggest that B. burgdorferi may be able to alter its environment through gene expression. Studies conducted by naturopath and genetic counselor, Dr. Bob Miller, indicate that chronically ill Lyme patients have higher levels of genetic variants. In a research project titled, “Higher Levels of Genetic Variants (SNPs) Found in those with Chronic Lyme Disease”, he states:
“We examined 350 genes that are involved with mitochondrial function, methylation, neurotransmitter production, antioxidant production, and patterns that may result in excess production of oxidative stress, including superoxide, glutamate, ammonia, and peroxynitrite. The data collected suggests unique genetic variations may be found in individuals with Chronic Lyme Disease.”
Whether those with chronic Lyme disease had these genetic variants from birth, or if these mutations were caused by the infection is unknown, but the majority of Lyme patients who undergo genetic testing find that they have at least one mutation in common, known as MTHFR. This gene mutation inhibits the body from processing amino acids and vitamins properly, which in turn affects the body’s ability to detox.
“The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving the vitamin folate (also called vitamin B9). Specifically, this enzyme converts a form of folate called 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to a different form of folate called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This is the primary form of folate found in blood, and is necessary for the multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.”
- NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine
On top of all the toxins involved in Lyme disease, our daily life is saturated with pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, processed foods, and preservatives. Exposure to these daily contaminates can lead to brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, allergic reactions, trouble sleeping, skin problems, joint pain, depression, anxiety, and more!
Detoxification is the body’s natural process to eliminate toxins from the body. The human body was made to process naturally occurring toxins, largely through the skin, lungs, lymph system and liver. However, when the body is overworked from fighting Lyme disease and trying to filter modern life’s daily toxins and irritants, supporting the body’s natural process of detoxification can make a world of difference!
I know first-hand through my healing journey and work with other Lyme patients that detoxification support is crucial for Lyme patients to feel their best. That’s why I’ve created a free detoxification guide full of tips that I wish I had known from the start!
Click to get your free copy here >> The Lyme Ease Herx Guidebook
I hope you find this information helpful in your healing journey! For more help understanding Lyme disease, prevention, and holistic treatment options, check out my new book, The Lyme Ease Survival Guidebook