Lyme Disease - Part III - testing
Lyme Disease - Part III - testing
Lyme Disease – Part III - testing
The two most common tests for Lyme borreliosis are the Elisa and Western Blot (Healing Lyme). Both are unreliable. Some newer tests are more promising.
- Reverse Western Blot (RWB)
- The Lyme Dot Blot Assay (LDA) – available through IgeneX in Palo Alto, Calif.
- The Phillips/ Mattman test is, so far 100% accurate and best for patients with chronic Lyme disease.
- The Rapid Identification of Borrelia burgdorferi (RIBb) – check it out at www.Bowen.org
- Stricker NK Panel CD-57 test – It measures the effectiveness of treatment in chronic Lyme.
Getting the Most Out Of Lab Testing For Lyme Disease
It is important to know how to maximize the information from lab testing. Because the two most common tests used for Lyme testing are unreliable it is important to get testing done through a lab that has expertise on Lyme and its co-infections. Previously recommended: IGeneX Laboratory, www.igenex.com Palo Alto, Calif.
(ph) 1-650-424-1191, (fax) 1650-424-1196
A doctor’s written request is required for a blood test kit. Run as many different tests as possible, direct and indirect. Always do co-infection testing in conjunction with Lyme testing. Co-infections that go undiagnosed contribute to treatment failure. If the response to antimicrobial therapy is poor, another option for evaluation is through: Advanced Stain – Fry Laboratories www.frylabs.com
(ph) 1-480 292-8560 (fax) 1480 656 4932
Decide if antimicrobial therapy is necessary before testing in order to kill off some microbes to stir up the immune system to produce a better measurement for the test. Also, quantitative information is needed over the course of treatment in order to track the progress of the treatment.
What Is A Herxheimer Reaction?
The body works hard to clear the neurotoxins (endotoxins) released by microbes when they are being killed off by a new medication or supplement ( a Herx reaction) and are being released through the liver, kidneys, and skin, the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms . Thus, there is a temporary worsening of symptoms caused by the release of neurotoxins as pathogens are killed (a Herx reaction). This may also lead to new symptoms. People with chronic Lyme have compromised systems and Herxheimer reactions will be more intense. If Herxes are too intense, treatment will have to be slowed down because they become too dangerous. In the die-off reactions of pathogens there will be an elevation of cytokinesm, mediators of the immune system. Some cytokine will lessen symptoms such as inflammation, some will intensify symptoms.
It is especially important at this time to pay attention to good nutrition (an alkaline diet of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats) with supplements and herbs for detoxification. Good nutrition can be a great help in the ability of the immune system to detoxify. Fresh organic vegetables, in a broad range of colors, should be the main part of the diet. They supply vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that can facilitate cell growth and repair and all metabolic processes. Enzymes from vegetables speed up all biochemical reactions. Important also are high quality proteins which break down into amino acids, the building blocks of the body. Include (organic when possible) chicken, some red meat, organic eggs, nuts and seeds. Drink protein smoothies. High quality protein keeps blood sugar stable, supports adrenal function, and helps the immune system. It is most important, as part of the Lyme Diet to reduce sugars, including those found in fruit. (Eat one piece of fruit a day.) Sugar suppresses immunity and promotes yeast (Candida). Carbohydrates, including grains, should also be eaten in much smaller quantities. Of course, there should no pastas, gluten foods, or processed food in your diet.
The importance of Exercise
Exercise is a critical component of a complete anti-Lyme disease program but it should done with extreme caution. For patients with joint weakness or heart conditions, exercise should be increased slowly. Lyme related pain will lessen with exercise. Exercise will also ease depression, sharpen the mind, balance hormones, increase metabolism and raise body temperature, and repair fundamental imbalances in in the body. It will also increase production of CoQ-10 (good for heart problems), oxygenate tissues, aid digestion, reduce constipation, cause toxins to be shaken loose into circulation of the blood stream and lymphatic system. Like the difference between stagnant algae- infested pond water and a rushing, fresh water stream, exercise helps to refresh and purify all body systems. In healthy people it is better than vitamins.
