Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi; it has characteristics that make it difficult for the immune system to fight. Here are the reasons why:
Hiding: The bacterium can change its outer surface making it hard to recognize and attack.
Invading Cells: It can enter and survive inside our body's cells, including immune cells.
Biofilm formation: The bacterium can form biofilms, which shield the bacteria from antibiotics and attacks by the immune system, making it harder to eliminate the infection.
Slow Growth: Multiplies slowly, making it harder to detect and eliminate quickly.
Targeting Specific Tissues: The bacterium prefers to infect certain tissues like joints and the nervous system. By doing so, it can cause long-lasting symptoms and evade detection.
Excessive Inflammation: Sometimes, the immune system's response to the infection can lead to too much inflammation, which can contribute to ongoing symptoms.
These factors make it challenging for our immune system to get rid of Lyme disease completely. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to minimize the long-term effects.
When Lyme disease is not promptly diagnosed and treated in its early stages it can lead to a variety of commonly observed conditions:
Lyme Arthritis: Joint inflammation and swelling, particularly in large joints such as the knees.
Neurological Issues: Can affect the nervous system and lead to various symptoms, including meningitis, facial palsy, peripheral neuropathy, and memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
Cardiac Complications: Can affect the heart, leading to conditions like Lyme carditis. This can cause an irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and lack of energy.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Can cause muscle weakness, and fibromyalgia-like symptoms.
Mood and Sleep Disorders: May experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Some experts argue that persistent symptoms are due to ongoing infection, while others believe they result from post-treatment effects or immune system dysregulation. We believe that improving your immune system is the starting point for most of our clients.
In addition to antibiotics, there are alternative and complementary approaches for the treatment of advanced Lyme disease and some of the conditions listed above, including: Herbal remedies, dietary changes, probiotics to support the gut microbiome, and light therapy (photo biomodulation) has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, including bacteria.
Reach out for a free consultation on our approaches to fighting Lyme Disease and the other conditions that can and commonly arise.
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