Lyme disease can be debilitating, especially if it is not treated quickly following initial transmission. When the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is left to its own devices, it can cause a myriad of health issues. Some symptoms of chronic Lyme disease, such as Lyme arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues, can all linger long after antibiotic treatment.
When post-Lyme disease syndrome does occur, coping with the symptoms can be difficult. But certain supplementation can help a person with chronic Lyme disease symptoms manage their ailments better. Even though the following supplements for Lyme disease will not cure the bacterial infection, they can be helpful in the treatment and recovery process.
Lyme disease and nutritional deficiencies
It is common for people suffering from Lyme disease to experience nutritional deficiencies. These may vary from person to person and depend on the progression of the disease, but when they do occur, nutritional deficiencies can make fighting off the infection much more difficult.
Common deficiencies found in people with Lyme disease include:
- Glutathione
- Coenzyme Q10
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
This list is not exhaustive; some people will also experience deficiencies of other nutrients such as vitamin D3 and vitamin C. Without these vital nutrients, the body can fall even further into illness, and coping with the symptoms of nutritional deficiency on top of a Lyme disease infection can hinder recovery.
Can you beat Lyme disease without antibiotics?
The only way to treat Lyme disease is through a course of antibiotics. If left unchecked, the bacterial infection will continue to make its way throughout the body, taking up residence in tissues and lymph nodes. This is how chronic Lyme disease develops.
There is no cure for Lyme disease, and if antibiotics do happen to leave some of the bacteria left behind, it can be even more difficult to treat. Supplementation can be a helpful aid in improving the often debilitating symptoms that go along with a chronic Lyme disease infection.
Naturopathic treatment for Lyme disease
Although the first line of treatment against a case of Lyme disease is antibiotics, some research has suggested that herbal remedies could be helpful in those with antibiotic-resistant cases of the infection.
One particular study found that certain essential oils could help the body rid itself of the bacteria. In the study, researchers tested several essential oil combinations and herbs to test whether or not they had any effect on the bacteria, and the results were promising.
The substances in question include:
- Garlic bulbs
- Allspice berries
- Myrrh trees
- Spiked lily ginger
- Thyme
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Amyris wood
- Cumin seeds
Other research found that two specific natural remedies may be even more effective than antibiotics. In-vitro testing found that quinine and knotweed had the highest antibacterial effects on the Lyme-causing bacteria. However, it is important to remember that these studies are not definitive, and that further testing is required to confirm the efficacy of herbal remedies as a viable treatment option for Lyme disease.
The best supplements for Lyme disease
In the event that Lyme disease progresses, certain symptoms can begin to appear, some of them serious. Arthritis, neurological deficits, cognitive defects, and heart problems can all arise in a chronic case of Lyme infection. Supplementation may not treat or cure these Lyme-induced ailments, but they may be able to improve the severity of the symptoms.
Let’s take a look at some of the best supplements for Lyme disease treatment support.
Coenzyme Q10
The cells in your body use this particular antioxidant for growth and maintenance processes. Since Lyme disease can deplete levels of CoQ10, it can be a good supplement to take during treatment and recovery. It has been shown to help with the chronic fatigue many Lyme disease sufferers experience on a daily basis.
Fish oil
Since Lyme disease can lead to a decline in things such as memory and concentration, taking a fish oil supplement can help maintain and improve cognitive function.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. When used in patients with Lyme disease, it can help to detoxify and encourage cell repair throughout the body.
Magnesium
It is thought that the bacteria that causes Lyme disease feeds on magnesium stores in the body, which leads to a deficiency. Since magnesium is important for over 300 enzymatic processes, supplementation can be vital for Lyme patients.
Probiotics
Following a heavy course of antibiotics, gut bacteria may become imbalanced. This can lead to further complications caused by Lyme disease. Taking probiotics could help restore gut flora to optimal levels so the stomach is as healthy as possible while the body fights off the Lyme disease infection.
Resveratrol (best natural source: Japanese knotweed)
Resveratrol acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral. When it comes to Lyme disease, many patients can suffer a thickening of the blood. By taking resveratrol, they can reverse that thickening. This substance can also modulate and enhance the immune system so that the body has even more advantages when battling a case of Lyme disease.
Vitamin B complex
Since the B family of vitamins is important in many processes and can be depleted in people with Lyme disease, supplementation is important. B vitamins are crucial contributors to the healthy function of nerves; they also support the brain, neurotransmitters, and nerve conduction. Vitamin B is a good supplement to take for many reasons, but in the case of Lyme, it’s particularly beneficial for those with a deficiency.
Vitamins C + D3
Vitamins C and D3 are important for the proper function of the immune system. When Lyme disease enters the body, the immune system sends cells to try to ward off the bacteria. But patients often experience weakened immune function, making it harder to fight off Lyme even with antibiotic treatment. To give the body a fighting chance, taking these two vitamins could help boost immune function.
Featured image by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
