Lyme Disease - Still not feeling well after treatment?

Fixing immune dysregulation caused by Lyme disease requires a multifaceted approach focused on reducing the pathogen load, soothing inflammation, and supporting the body's repair mechanisms. While there is no "instant" fix, long-term recovery involves a combination of medical guidance and lifestyle interventions.

Key Steps to Fix Immune Dysregulation in Lyme Disease. Always discuss with your medical team first!

1. Address Underlying Infection with a Professional: Consult a Lyme-literate physician (LLMD) to ensure active infections are treated, which may involve antibiotics, to stop the constant triggering of the immune system. Search here: https://www.ilads.org/patient-care/provider-search/

2. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory "Lyme" Diet: Remove pro-inflammatory foods, including gluten, processed foods, and sugar. Focus on a nutrient-dense, Paleo-style, or anti-inflammatory diet that includes 6-8 cups of vegetables, healthy fats (avocado, olive oil), and wild-caught fish (SMASH: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring).

3. Repair Gut Health and Boost Immune Nutrients: Since 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut, use probiotics and eat fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi) to restore balance. Supplement with immune-supporting nutrients often depleted by Lyme, such as Vitamin D3, Vitamin A, Zinc, Selenium, and Glutathione. Research options here: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/jmeinhardt-inflammation

4. Manage Chronic Inflammation with Specific Compounds: Utilize supplements such as Curcumin, Resveratrol, or Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.

5. Optimize Sleep and Reduce Stress: Prioritize 8-9 hours of sleep, as this is when the immune system releases cytokines, which are essential for repairing and regulating immune function. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or light yoga to lower cortisol and calm the immune system.

6. Utilize Immune-Modulating Therapies (Optional): Discuss options like Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) or peptide therapy (e.g., Thymosin Alpha-1) with your doctor to help modulate and re-balance the immune response.

Important Considerations

Avoid Over-exercising: If you experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), avoid intense workouts, as they can cause a major setback. Opt for gentle, low-impact, or aquatic exercise to promote blood flow without triggering fatigue.

Persistence: Immune dysregulation may persist even after treatment (known as PTLD), and recovery is often a gradual process.

Learn more about Lyme disease and other tick vectors at:

US Department of HHS Invisible Illness Lyme Disease https://www.hhs.gov/lyme/index.html

International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) https://www.ilads.org/

To schedule an appointment, contact meinhardtassist@amenclinics.com or 703-880-4000