There were a number of gems from the Lyme Conference last Saturday. See notes below from key presenters - sorry its alot, but I think its worth it.
Jo xxx
Robert Bransfield, M.D
TCM mentioned the first speaker Robert Bransfield, M.D and link between Autism and Lyme Borreliosis. Further info is available here on Bransfields work:
http://www.lymeinducedautism.com/lym...onnection.html
This article is a good insight into symptoms and treatment for children with Lyme:
http://www.lymeinducedautism.com/ima...Population.doc Richie Shoemaker, MD
Our innate immunity is key to how our bodies deal with Lyme and neurotoxins. Genetics are involved in 21% of patients that have persistent Lyme.
His research showed specific biomarkers showing bacteria infection 12 hours after a tick bite (elevated C4A and C3A protein levels). For further info:
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:18270493
C4A and C3A reduce the oxygen levels in our blood. Also C4A can cause damage to the heart and is linked to Parkinsons and Juvenile Reumatoid Arthritis.
Antibiotics are needed to reduce these protein levels and kill the Borrelia. The side effect of killing the Borrelia is that it releases neurotoxins when they die.
He realised that patients with biotoxins and neurotoxins have trouble seeing certain shades and patterns. So he uses a visual contrast sensitivity test that can show up symptoms:
http://www.chronicneurotoxins.com/
He's had some success with giving Lyme patients cholestyramine (but it made some patients worse). He had better success after giving them the diabetes drugs Actos first, which block cytokine production, and then they didn't have the bad response to cholestyramine.
He concluded that impaired hypothalamic regulation correlates with disregulation of our innate immunity.
Janelle Love, M.D
Standard lab tests don’t always find borrelia. Refer to Harris testing info:
http://www.ilads.org/lyme_flyer.html
There is evidence that Borrelia can be passed via sexual contact, to the foetus and through breast milk:
http://www.ilads.org/files/harvey.pdf http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C351537.html
It can also present like hepatitis and jaundice.
Neurotoxins can be bound up with activated charcoal, DMSA chelator, cholestyramine, liquorice extract, B5, B6, magnesium etc. Need to ship neurotoxins out of the body via blood and lymph systems.
Exercise is the mechanism to get the lymph drainage system moving - it needs physical stimulation, because its not like the blood, that has a pump (heart).
(This is a random blog I found which is good info on binding neurotoxins:
http://lymebytes.blogspot.com/2008/0...ng-rid-of.html)
Warren Levin, MD
Yeast and Borrelia go together. Need to focus treatment of Candida in the large intestines, where it colonises.
Candida can cause diper rash, white tongue and can be sexually transmitted. A clinical symptom of Candida is red and raised nail cuticles.
Diet is very important and patients should limit intake of refined sugars and simple carbohydrates.
Herbs to treat a yeast infection do work, such as grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil. Also probiotics are important, along with prebiotics which help to heal the gut.
Richard Horowitz, M.D
Borrelia can exist in two forms (spirochetes and cystic).
Infections and issues found to be related include:
- Human Herpesvirus 6
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Parasites
- Neurotoxins (eg heavy metals, plastics)
- Inflammation (can be caused by lack of sleep)
- Previous abuse
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase in Nitric oxide
- Cykokyein production
In mice they couldn’t get rid of Lyme when mercury was in the body. So necessary to open up the detox pathways, how?
Need to increase glutathione levels in the body. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), ellagic acid (pomegranates), asparagus, broccoli, avocado and spinach can help increase glutathione - the body’s own build-in antioxidant. Also flush body by drinking lots of clean water.
He found that two thirds of his Lyme patients were helped with traditional Chinese medicine and that infrared therapy also helped. Also good results using the herbs Samento and Cumunda.