If you can lower the inflammation in the body, you can become symptom free even if the microbes are still present. Lyme disease is due to the immune system reaction to microbes and toxins. Most symptoms are caused by the immune system attacking the tissues and places were the microbes hide out. Additionally, there is usually the presence of heavy metals, mold infections, and other viral infections. The Lyme spirochetes invade the skin, heart, brain, blood vessels, lymphatics, muscles, tendons, joints spleen and every organ in the body. They can live for months to years. In all cases I treat the inflammatory cytokine Cascade.

In a study published in the Frontiers in Neurology “The emerging role of microbial biofilms in Lyme neuro-borreliosis,” they state that the presence of biofilm may explain the low rate of Lyme detection in the blood of patients that are infected. The reoccurrence of Lyme and the ability to tolerate multiple cycles of antibiotic treatment is caused by the biofilm. This biofilm is a protective structure for Lyme. Several studies have now shown that the Lyme can switch from a motile to a stationary status in which the cells are embedded in the biofilm and escape from detection of the immune system. The biofilm needs to be broken down and specific therapies are instituted to facilitate this.

These infections are persister infections and need to be treated. Unfortunately, the blood cells of the arteries in the brain can be affected as well as peripheral nerves and joints. At the present time there are probably about 300 different strains of Lyme existing. We still do not know every strain. The problem is that of antibiotic resistance. In addition, when you test some people for Lyme due to a very poor immune response, they do not test positive although they are infected.

Early disease at 3-30 days after an infectious tick bite is the time to find it and treat. This phase is curable if treated promptly with oral antibiotics. In the next phase of 1-12 weeks after an infected tick bite there is early dissemination. At this point good response is still seen with antibiotics. Unfortunately, in the late stage more than 3 months after bite there is a complex multisystem multiorgan progressive disabling disease. These are the patients I see in my office. The treatment is multimodal. The main objective is to increase the patient’s immune system. There are immune therapies are instituted as well as SOT from RGCC and other therapies.

These include problems with sleeping, sensory loss, loss of smell, loss of taste and hearing, visual disturbances, neuropathy, numbness, tingling, burning, crawling, and a stinging sensation. Unfortunately, there is also associated memory loss with diminished visual working verbal memory and processing speed. There is decreased concentration word recall and retrieval. I have seen patients confused and disoriented. Paralysis as seen in Guillain Barre is also seen limb paralysis foot drop mononeuritis multiplex can be seen. I have also seen patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and multiple sclerosis test positive for Lyme disease. Infiltration into the brain is the most dangerous manifestation of Lyme disease, occurring in 10-15% of infected individuals. During the infection them bacteria migrates through the patient altering coagulation and immune response usually reaching the brain within 2 weeks after the bite from the tic.

In some patients anti-microbials and antibiotics are effective but persistent forms of Lyme continue to exist in some patients despite targeted antibiotics. It is thought that these patients have a significant biofilm. This biofilm needs to be broken down along with killing the infection. I have found that SOT therapy from RGCC along with intravenous immune therapies extremely effective. I have also used many natural substances such as herbs and immune enhancers.

The patients are usually fatigued and exhausted. There is a loss of libido and the patients are very stressed and irritable. Most patients gain weight and when I measure the hormone levels, they are low. Restoration of immunity and hormonal values are necessary.

The patients usually have a low blood pressure and symptoms of dehydration when lying down or sitting up quickly. There is an autonomic neuropathy usually with pituitary insufficiency. The patients are extremely tired, and they can have rushes or palpitations and need to lay down. The blood pressure will go down upon standing and cause lightheaded and dizzy. As they stand heart rate goes up in compensation. There is a sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and esophageal motility problems. I have seen patients have sleep apnea and movement disorders well or sleeping with altered heart rates in arrhythmias.

In these patients there appears to be a high spirochete load through either multiple tick bites or long duration that was unrecognized by them. Interestingly many people do not remember a bite or get a rash. After long duration there is a creation of biofilms were protected niches made up of mucopolysaccharides are formed. In addition, there are alternative forms of Lyme such as the cyst form and the L form which cause an additional suppression to the patient’s immune system.

Published in antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy May 2015 study showed that Lyme can form drug tolerant persister cells. Unfortunately, the cell survives antibiotics because they are dormant. This in addition to the bio films makes antibiotics at this point not effective. Therefore, we are now using pulsing intermittent therapy with a comprehensive natural approach of different herbs and supplements that help break down the biofilm and kill the infections. For this reason, evaluation and the treatment of the patient’s own immune system is exceedingly important. Additionally, supportive oligonucleotide technique (SOT) from RGCC and are used along with intravenous therapies. Natural substances are also ways employed.

These include the presence of co-infections such as Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Bartonella along with the various molds, viral infections heavy metals and toxins. I have found by not treating these target aggravating factors it is quite difficult to get the patient better. The 3 most common toxins that contribute to chronic illness appear to be mold, heavy metals especially marked during and pesticides especially glycoside which is found in the herbicide Roundup.

Sometimes during treatment, I do use multiple antibiotics which I try to pulse and using lower doses, but I always include natural substances. I believe with an integrative approach is the safe ways of detoxifying the body, killing in the infections, and up regulating the immune system. This is truly personalized medicine and requires any in-depth evaluation of each patient.

We are beginning to see patients that after receiving appropriate antibiotics continue to have symptoms of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, headache mental confusion and low-grade fevers. According to the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2016 approximately 20% of people who were treated with antibiotics will have these persistent symptoms. They have both immunosuppression as well as autoimmune disease. This is usually due to persistent infection after antibiotic therapy. The infection becomes resistant.

There are many different types of Bartonella species. They are found in dogs, cats, humans, rats, and many other mammals. In a German study with an examination of 270 healthy adults 30% were infected with Bartonella henselae. In a Greece study of 500 healthy adults nearly 35% were shown to be infected with Bartonella. In Spain nearly 30% of 83 cat owners were found to be infected. In Japan 15% of 233 were infected. In Brazil of 437 healthy adults 12% were infected. The same numbers are repeated around the world. Most of my patients also have other infection such as Lyme and co infections. The picture becomes very complex and individualized treatment is indicated in all patients. At times I use multiple laboratories to make the diagnosis.

The most common symptom is lymphadenopathy which is an inflammation of the lymph nodes near the site of the bite or skin break. Bartonella bacteria typically invade parts of the body which include the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Other symptoms include fever of unknown origin, liver, and spleen abscesses, retinitis, photophobia, severe fatigue, muscle pain, reactive arthritis, endocarditis, and encephalopathy, headache, memory loss and acute psychiatric symptoms.

The treatment of Bartonella is complex. The cytokine cascade needs to be lowered as well as organ protection and immune enhancement. Depending on where the involvement and symptoms of the patient are, I used different therapies and obviously combine them which I feel is more synergistic.

SOT therapy from RGCC is always employed along with natural substances, herbs, oxidative therapy and at times antibiotics. Immune enhancers are always utilized. I routinely use a multitude of intravenous therapies.

These are protozoa and not bacteria acting like malaria. They have been living for 100s of millions a years. As we have destroyed planet, they are now coming to be more prevalent with many species and mutations. The transmission in humans is primarily by a tick bite. In addition, we are seeing infections through transfusions of infected blood increasingly becoming a problem. Placental transfer from an infected mother to an unborn child has also been documented. There are many species that effect humans from all around the world. Most people remain asymptomatic because the immune function is healthy. For others they may merely experience a bout of the “flu” along with fatigue, chills, sweats, headache, anorexia, cough, body aches and nausea.

The treatments are intravenous therapies, organ support and protection and at times antibiotics. There is no one size fits all treatment that works for everyone. Again, immune function is extremely important, and suppression of the cytokine cascade can alleviate symptoms quickly.

SOT therapy from RGCC is effective. In acute infection I believe to antibiotics need to be used. In someone with a splenectomy aggressive therapy needs to be done. The Babesia is harder to kill the malaria because it is slow growing and occurs in low concentrations in the body. The symptoms associated with Babesia infection are related to the clumping of the blood cells in the blockage of the small blood vessels. This process impedes recovery. There is evidence that using an anticoagulant is effective along with the antibiotics and herbs. It does suppress the replication of the organisms. Restoration of immunity is always indicated.

These are both transmitted by tics, most commonly hard tics but soft tics and transmission to mammals such as bats has been documented. New research shows that they can also be transmitted by fleas and both organisms are commonly found in cats and dogs when tested.

Ehrlichia can be transmitted by the lone star tick. This ranges from West Central Texas North to Iowa and Eastward to southeastern United States and up to New England. Ehrlichia have also been transmitted through transfusions in organ transplantation. Ehrlichia infections and Anaplasma infections are often asymptomatic or present as a case of “minor flu”. Most infections clear but in patients with low immunity we see another picture. Patients may have fever, headache, low white blood cell count, low platelet count and elevated liver enzymes.

The diagnosis is complex, and treatment depends on the symptoms of the patient and the severity of disease. SOT therapy from RGCC is employed along with immune enhancers, herbs, and various intravenous therapies. Organ support and protection, immune modulation, cytokine disruptors and specific herbs are utilized. If the symptoms are severe antibiotics are used along with natural therapies.

It is now possible to evaluate the medicinal benefits of herbs. They have a wide range of effects which include a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial properties. They are active against bacteria, virus, protozoa and harmful fungus and molds. In addition, there are anti-inflammatory and can restore the immune function. They also have an antioxidant ability and have been found to be protective against cancer.

I routinely use them and take them myself. Many different companies offer the various beneficial mixtures. Herbs are synergistic and bacterial resistance is very rare. They are effective.

SOT therapy from RGCC as a treatment uses the messenger RNA to influence the genes in the Lyme or viral infection. I also use them with cancer. The laboratory can identify certain genes in the Lyme organism and viruses and target them to damage and silence those genes effectively killing the organism. This is called anti-sense therapy where there is a creation of up to 1 billion copies of SOT molecules to fight the Lyme or viral infection. This is called gene silencing therapy. I have taken them myself and have found them to be very effective.

New intravenous therapies are anti-inflammatory and can up regulate the immune system. They can also repair damaged tissue as seen in Lyme disease. Many patients may experience an improvement of their energy level as well as their weakness and muscle strength. Please call us and asked about details.

Evidence of spirochetes in the brain is not new. It is well established that spirochetal bacteria such as syphilis cause progressive dementia and brain atrophy in the late stages of the disease. Some of the research indicated that Lyme spirochetes could get into the brain was done on Alzheimer’s patients.

Researcher Allen McDonald MD was one of the first to find spirochetes in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients on autopsy. Examination confirmed that the spirochetes were Borrelia. In 2 cases, postmortem study showed positive serology on the blood and cerebrospinal fluid by centers for the disease control standards. Cumulative studies results showed that spirochetes of various kinds were found in the brain of more than 90% of Alzheimer’s cases and Borrelia was detected in 25.3% of cases.

Direct damage to nerve cells

We now know that in the body, spirochetes can exist outside of the cells or inside of the cell. The intracellular invasion allows them some protection from host defenses, primarily our immune system. Bacteria in the brain are invasive, too, and can invade the nerve cells that conduct electrical impulses and glial cells which are the supporting cells of the nervous system. The invasion, and the following inflammatory cascade that results, can lead to the death of the nerve cell.

Borrelia may also cause demyelination of the whole white matter in the brain. The myelin sheath is a protective sheath that surrounds the axon of the nerve cell. My concern is primarily to increase the speed of nervousness transmission, getting the message from one cell to the next in the quickest, most efficient manner. There are several neurological diseases that involve demyelination, but the best known his multiple sclerosis. Given that a subset of mine patients has been diagnosed with MS, it does raise the question of whether the primary diagnosis is truly Lyme disease, but the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was made based on a similar finding on the MRI. I have seen Lyme patients who are been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis improved with antibiotic treatments. A multitude of them also have autoimmune disease as well as virus fungus heavy metals and chemicals.

Neurotoxins

One of the ways that Borrelia may act to cause Lyme brain is by releasing toxins into the brain and central nervous system. There are many sources of neurotoxin, both infections and not infection in nature. Examples are heavy metals, molds, as well as chemicals that we are exposed to by industrialized products that we consume daily. Many Lyme patients have elevated levels of ammonia in her brain which may be added to their toxicity. This may be at times associated by a condition called KPU. This is a metabolic disorder that impacts one’s ability to metabolize zinc, biotin, manganese, B6 and a rock ptotic acid. Symptoms include poor dream recall, anxiety, depression, paranoia, disorganization, stress, poor short-term memory, substance abuse, autism, and withdrawal.

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Neurotransmitters her brain chemicals that transmit impulses from one nerve cell to another. Some neurotransmitters are stimulatory, while others are inhibitory. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are examples of a stimulatory neurotransmitters, while serotonin and GABA more calming. Dopamine is related to emotional states, pleasure centers and motivation. Dopamine and norepinephrine together influence working memory. Acetylcholine relates to motor system function but also plays a role in emotion, learning and short-term memory.

Glutamate is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. At excessive glutamate can cause overstimulation in the brain. This has been implicated in a range of different neurological issues including ALS, epilepsy, autism, and Parkinson’s disease.

Glutamate is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its use clinically to treat anxiety. It has a calming effect and Lyme patients. GABA can also be used to balance excess glutamate.

If you have symptoms of Lyme brain we can help you. Please call us at 727-330-3844.

Most of my patients are familiar with the concept of leaky gut. This occurs when the gap junctions between the cells of the small intestine open, which allows larger particles than normal to escape in the bloodstream. This can cause an immune reaction because the larger particles are viewed as intruders not belonging to the body. This can be caused by several factors including gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities, intestinal parasites, bacterial imbalances as well as fungal and growth overgrowth. Anything that causes inflammation in the gut can contribute to leaky gut.

Now most of you have not probably heard of leaky brain. The gap junctions between the cells of the blood brain barrier which covers the brain, open and allow the passage of undesirable substances into the brain. The blood brain barrier as you know protects the brain. This protection is crucial.

Without this blood brain barrier of the brain would be potentially exposed to many toxicities that are harmful to it. The blood brain barrier allows oxygen and nutrients and fuel into the brain and allows the removal of carbon dioxide, waste products and toxins from the brain. It keeps chemicals and toxins out.

In several inflammatory state such as meningitis, the blood brain barrier can become very porous, and suddenly, all those oral antibiotics that do not work ordinarily can get into the brain were quite well.

We also know that Lyme is a chronic inflammatory state, and the problem is there is also increased permeability of the blood brain barrier. I routinely measure this and all my Lyme patients in any patients complaining of any neurological dysfunction.

New evidence now shows that leaky blood-brain barrier contributes to cognitive decline. I have seen it in patients with ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. A recent study used MRI imaging to evaluate blood-brain barrier permeability. Results demonstrated an age-related decline in the hippocampus, the area that is critical for learning and memory. The breakdown correlated with mild cognitive impairment, damage to in the blood-brain barrier and increased leakiness of the blood-brain barrier.

If you are interested in repairing, your leaky gut or you leaky brain we can help. Most of my Lyme patients have abnormalities that need to be corrected.

If you are interested, please call us at 727-330-3844.

Vinpocetine has a long history in Europe as a remedy for cognitive decline, stroke recovery and all types of cerebral trauma. One of the main benefits his decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It reduces intracellular calcium and allows the blood vessels to relax to allow for more blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells. In this matter more carbon dioxide and waste products can be removed. It also increases glucose supply and metabolism in the brain. Glucose is the brain’s primary source of fuel making it very important. In addition, it increases mitochondrial function to further energy production and reduces brain inflammation and hyperexcitability

Huperzine A has its main mechanism of action as a acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which means it stops the acetylcholine from breaking down thus making it more available. Higher levels or acetylcholine are associated with better cognitive function. It also reduces neurotoxicity by interfering with beta amyloid deposition in the brain, which is the major source of neurodegeneration, particularly in Alzheimer’s. I have used it for years.

Lithium orotate is an over-the-counter supplement usually coming in 5 mg to 20 mg. “Harvard Medical School has analyzed over 30 human Meta analysis studies and has determined that with him reduces the rate and risk of suicide attempts by 80-90% in patients with major depression, bipolar disease, and schizoaffective disorder. The overall risk of suicide was 5 times lower among lithium treated subjects compared with individuals not treated with lithium “lithium can act as a neuroprotective reducing excesses levels of various neurotransmitters that might be excitatory such as glutamate or norepinephrine or epinephrine. Can also stimulate the production of new neurons. It stimulates stem cells in the hippocampus of the brain. As well as reducing excess glutamate and norepinephrine and supports a boost serotonin useful if the patient is depressed. Many people have found relief from headaches and migraines using this. Improvements in cognitive function are typical.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread. 1 of the important factors is the role of B12 and meth ablation. The methylation pathway regulates neurotransmitter production. It can impact emotional regulation as well as learning, cognition, and memory. Methylation also drives detoxification. He can help remove in our toxins from the brain, heavy metals, mold toxins and other chemicals. I have found that many of my Lyme patients are under methylators and therefore benefit from methyl B12. Research indicates that a B12 deficiency can lead to brain shrinkage. This study was published in neurology journal and demonstrated some interesting points. It demonstrated that the best marker was not B12 levels but rather homocysteine should be examined. B12 also improves the myelin sheath which is needed for patients with multiple sclerosis and memory loss.

Other important brain nutrients include resveratrol, acetyl l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, Q10, Omega 3 fatty acids, Lyons Maine mushroom, pregnenolone, progesterone and many others

If you are having problems with your memory personality or neurologic deficits, we can help you. If you have Lyme disease, we can help you. Please call 727-330-3844 thank you.

The adrenals are the stress management centers of the body. They are very tiny about the size of a pea and sit up on top the kidneys. Lyme patients are always under stress, and this can in fact effect their function and severely suppress them. Any stressor on the body can impact adrenal function. We are talking about physical stressors such as pain, inflammation, infection, lack of sleep, and emotional stressors such as family dynamics and worrying about financial burdens. Poor dietary choices and nutritional deficiencies and even too much exercise can affect the adrenal glands.

Many Lyme patients have been ill for many years, and it makes sense that the adrenal glands can be really struggling. Adrenal fatigue can manifest in many ways, but the most common is profound, unrelenting exhaustion. Others include low immune function, poor sleep quality, and inability to heal and poor detoxification. Adrenal fatigue also impacts the metabolism leading to weight gain most importantly adrenal fatigue and can cause foggy brain.

There are 3 stages of the chronic stress response. In the first stage, cortisol, the adrenal hormone is elevated. This is a compensatory mechanism and quite normal. Theoretically, when there is a stress on the body, the adrenals pump out more cortisol to help us deal with it. This could be lifesaving. The problem is when the stress is ongoing, and the adrenals are continuing to produce more cortisol, but over time, they will not be able to keep that up. Later the levels fall and eventually there is stage III adrenal exhaustion.

A morning a.m. cortisol in my opinion is not sufficient. I perform different saliva measurements in the morning, noon, afternoon, and night. This will more adequately measure cortisol levels. If the levels are low, I will support with nutrients herbs and sometimes prescription drugs. I have found that vitamin C, B5, B6 are helpful along with adrenal hormone precursors such as pregnenolone. In some cases, I also use hydrocortisone to support the body until it returns to normal. If the cortisol level is high the patient can benefit from balancing herbs along with phosphatidylserine and others, found to lower excessive cortisol. High cortisol can drive anxiety and irritability which can make the problems of the Lyme brain worse.

In addition, we check levels of toxins, other viral infections, mold, and immune function.

If you would like more information concerning Lyme disease we can help.

Please call us at 727-330-3844

In my opinion gluten is that single most important food promoting inflammation creating leaky brain. Gluten stimulates Zonulin. Zonulin is a substance that regulates the permeability of the lining of the brain and gut to stimulate epidermal growth factors and protease activated receptors. This contributes to leaky brain. Greater permeability of the blood-brain barrier increases the passage of pro-inflammatory cytokines, heavy metals, environmental toxins, and harmful infections into the brain. This then leads to a neurological and cognitive decline. The same thing happens in the gut leading to leaky gut with inflammation, autoimmune disease, and chronic disease issues. I believe a gluten-free diet is optimal for Lyme patients.

I think Lyme patients should also avoid dairy. The 2 main problems in the area or casein and whey. Most of the time, casein is the bigger problem. Therefore, some people can tolerate whey protein but not whole dairy products. To me casein is certainly more detrimental to one’s health, and so again, there are times when I am fine with someone using a high-quality whey protein powder but not eating the dairy products. Interestingly goat dairy is much easier to digest and cow dairy, because it is closer in structured human dairy. I tell my patients that if they really can be dairy free, at least stick with goat dairy and not cow dairy.

One of the key things to avoid a Lyme brain is to avoid sugar. A diet high in sugar is going to impact insulin levels and insulin sensitivity. This will lead to insulin resistance. This leads to less vasodilation meaning less blood to your brain cells, therefore less oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your brain. This can cause cognitive impairment. High sugar levels can also damage to blood vessels themselves and this can lead to cognition problems.

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG is a flavor enhancer that is best known as an additive in Chinese food. MSG as the salt of the glutamic acid but it is the glutamate form as it is used in our foods. Glutamate is a highly excitatory neurotransmitter that can negatively affect cognitive function. It can even increase cancer as well as pain transmission. Abnormalities in glutamate receptors have been associated with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, seizure disorder, autism, and manic disorders. Natural flavor broth, soy concentrate, hydrolyzed soy protein, and yeast extract in addition to many others have glutamate. Avoid it.

Trans-fats and saturated fats are bad fats. They restrict healthy brain function and in the long run, will be potentially life-threatening to their negative impact on cholesterol, membrane permeability and oxidative damage. Trans-fats are generally created from man-made, processed foods including pizza’s, cookies, muffins, crackers, French fries, candy bars, pies, and margarine. Avoid them.

As far as protein intake I try to be a vegetarian. If you cannot do that, I would suggest high quality proteins in the diet, including organic turkey, chicken, and wild fishes. Obviously avoid processed products.

If you would like more information on Lyme disease we can help. Please call us at 727-330-3844