There have been countless actions I’ve had to take, as a part of my healing journey, and choosing the right protocols for my body is key. I always tell people, that what works for me, does not necessarily mean it will work for them; every “body” is different. However, being involved in the incredible Lyme Disease community, I have connected with many people who strive to share the protocols which have worked for them, and turns out, it’s quite similar to what I use! These Protocols and tinctures have not by any means, “cured” me, because friends, as of now a cure DOES NOT EXIST, and if you have Lyme Disease, I’m sure you have this subconscious deep understanding, and I won’t have to explain any further (grin). If anything they have boosted my immune system and kept me on the right track, so that I can function, without antibiotics (I’m not shaming antibiotics, but that’s a whole other story).
Friends, in order for any of my protocols to “take action”, detoxification is essential, I cannot emphasize the importance! Without detoxing, whatever toxins are “stirred up” in your body as a result of using certain detox protocols, will sit in your body, being reabsorbed, just making you sicker.
Signs Your Body Is Screaming Out For a Detox?!
Of course there are many tell-tale signs that your mind and body are in desperate need of a good detoxification. Now, I’m no doctor, but one thing I believe is that you should never really stop detoxifying. I’m not big on doing a “3 month detox” if you know what I mean? You should constantly be striving to keep your body in “detox-mode”, as we are constantly exposed to and bombarded with toxins ~ CONSTANTLY, from the pesticides in the environment (daily environmental toxins in the air and soil), heavy metals, toxic chemicals in the foods we consume, toxins in the products we use, mold, and yes, I could go on and on…
Your body is continuously “cleaning out” toxins within your body (you can thank the liver, gallbladder, skin, kidneys and colon!) However, these organs eventually become burdened, unless you aim to aid them. Feeling fatigued, stressed, experience constant headaches, brain fog, have constant skin breakouts, get sick easily, or have trouble digesting just to name a few??? These are just some simple signs your body is crying out for a major detox! Remember friends, your body is not the enemy, and wants to work with you just as much as you’d like it cooperate! A detox is your opportunity to give your body a break and allow your own self-cleansing and self-healing processes to kick into gear. Our bodies are innately intelligent and a period of cleansing Is the perfect way to hit the reset button and start on a path to a healthier, happier, more vibrant you! Personally, detox is a critical part of me being able to simply function (of course Lyme Disease complicates matters).
Yes, while many people consider what I’m about to mention, actual detox, I consider them “essential aids” while you’re detoxing. Hydration, Adequate Sunlight (Vitamin D), Healthy amounts of realistic exercise, Proper Sleep (this means at least 8 hours, of deep rest), Fresh Air, and my personal favorite, REAL FOOD (of course, I consider my food to be “powered by the power of plants”) ~
Here are just some of the benefits of a holistic, natural detox:
- Prevention and aiding chronic diseases/illnesses
- Stronger immunity
- Assistance in losing stagnant weight
- Improved quality of life
- Increased energy
- Radiant, glowing skin
- Bright, clear eyes
- Mental clarity
- Balanced emotions
- Improved self-confidence and empowerment
- New healthy habits and routines
- Improved longevity
When you have a chronic illness, your body is already consumed with harmful bacteria, parasites (in the case of “Lymies” co-infections), and so on. This being said, detox is a bit different for us, because it is simply critical ; in order to attempt “treating” or disease or suppress our symptoms enough to simply function, we must detox first, eliminating toxins, and boosting the immune system enough so that it can handle treatment (whatever “treatment may be for the individual).
Got Vitamin D?
In more elaborate terms, vitamin D is essentially, “a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects”. What makes vitamin D unique compared to other vitamins, is that when your body gets its vitamin D, it turns vitamin D into a hormone. This hormone is sometimes called “activated vitamin D” or “calcitriol.” This is an essential hormone, which balances another hormones, regulating calcium, and maintaining phosphorus levels in the blood, two factors which are extremely important for maintaining healthy bones ~ Vitamin D has been an essential part of my healing journey (at lest 30 minutes- 1 hour of natural sunlight a day), not to mention sweating, is also a HUGE part of detoxifying for anyone, and where I currently live in “the valley of the sun” in Scottsdale, Arizona, I know there isn’t a better place to reside for excessive amounts of constant sunshine (even though I cannot stand the heat!). However, on top of this, I also take 5,000IU of Vitamin D drops a day; while I’ve been told by countless amounts of doctors, that drops are not absorbed as much, or even at all, I take them just to give my body an extra “safety boost”.
Unload The “Heavy Metals Train”
“Bioray” NDF Plus, is a “gentle heavy metals detoxifier” (as I am incredibly sensitive, “gentle” is also a necessity”). “NDF Plus safely removes toxic heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, organochlorides and BPA while balancing nutrient and mineral levels. NDF Plus® is a gentle detoxifying formula for sensitive individuals with assimilation, immune and/or digestive issues.” When you eliminate toxic heavy metals, you begin to experience the following ~
- Improved memory and immune function*
- Inhibited excessive histamine response*
- Eliminating brain fog*
- Increasing vitality, energy & focus*
- Improving tolerance of environment*
That is not to say that NDF Plus “is intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease”, instead aiding in the detoxification of heavy metals, and it has made a world of difference in my life
Liver Load
If there is one thing a Lymie knows, it’s the importance of detoxing the LIVER! Your liver is basically like the friend that’s got your back, 24 hours a day, is a shoulder to cry on; the friend you can rely on for anything (maybe I’m getting a bit carried away), but the liver is one of the vital organs that processes all of the toxins and “crap” in your body; in other words, without your liver, we wouldn’t last very long. So why not give that vital organ a boost, and help it doe it’s job, right? I have been using “Herb Pharm” Liver Health for a few years now, gradually working my way up in dose. Liver health supports gallbladder and liver health, with a proprietary extract blend containing Dandelion plant, Oregon Grape Root, Milk Thistle, Fennel, Artichoke Leaf, and Schisandra Berry.
Byron White “A-L Complex”
~ Below is a detailed description of this very protocol, which has been a critical aid in my journey with Chronic Lyme Disease, containing Garlic, Horseradish, Onion, Clove, Artemisia, Usnea, Ginger, Astragalus, Black Walnut Hull, Lemon Peel, Sarsaparilla, Banana Peel, Gardenia, and Coptis ~
- This combination of herbs has a direct affect on the brain and nervous system. It reduces inflammation, lowering inflammatory cytokines levels to improve insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.
- A-L Complex has adaptogenic properties helping the adrenal system deal with the stress of chronic illness.
- This formula helps breaks up congestion and stagnation in the lymphatic and circulatory systems. It also helps loosen and break up catarrhal and remove it from the sinus and lungs.
- It is tonifying for the GI track as well as the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver. It removes waste from the body and allows the beneficial effects of the herbs to reach into deeper levels of these tissues.
- Most importantly it helps regulate the compromised methylation and other detox pathways as it works to excrete dead cells through the lymphatic and hepatic systems.
- The formula acts as a binding agent that absorbs toxins.
- The Lyme patient is often compromised nutritionally. The herbs provide easily absorbed nutrients including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
- The formula helps with the biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
- It counteracts hypercoagulation, thus reversing capillary stagnation.
- Modulates the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production.
- Has an adaptogenic effect that helps the body regain metabolic balance.
- Tonic rejuvenating effect on the heart, liver, and kidney.
- It balances the heat and cooling properties of the system having a constitutional harmonizing effect.
The Silent Killer
Please, if you have Lyme Disease, have been exposed to mold (that you know of), live in a damp environment, or are just simply a human that lives on planet Earth, I highly suggest and urge you to visit THIS LINK leading you to Dr.Jay Davidson’s article on the connection between Toxic Mold & Lyme Disease.
Mold is incredibly difficult to “eradicate” and knowing I could go into this, discussing mold and it’s effects all day, I’ll just talk candida (yeast). “Certain levels of Candida are a natural and ordinary part of the flora in the intestinal tract. When Candida levels are healthy, they aid in the absorption of nutrients, guard the intestinal tract against other pathogens, and support the immune system. However, when Candida levels become imbalanced and overwhelm the body–a condition known as dysbiosis–you may experience a whole host of symptoms in addition to those associated with Lyme disease.
Although it can be a challenge to distinguish the symptoms of Candida overgrowth from the complex expression of Lyme disease, some signs that your body is battling an upsurge of yeast include: digestive disturbances, bloating, fatigue, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, brain fog, vaginal yeast infections and itchy skin. In fact, yeast overgrowth can lead to a spike in inflammatory cytokines–potent inflammatory chemicals in the body–leading to a worsening of many of your Lyme symptoms. Food allergies and sensitivities may also develop as a result of this imbalance in your body.
The majority of Lyme patients are likely to encounter Candida overgrowth at some point during their treatment. Using a combination of prescription medications (when necessary), anti-fungal herbs, and dietary changes, you can bring balance back into your intestinal tract. As naturopathic doctor and Lyme expert Dr. Nicola McFadzean says, “Since the gut has its own immune and neurological systems, keeping the natural ecology in balance is key.” Below are six ways to help keep Candida in check throughout your Lyme treatment.”
Silver Spray
ACS 200 Extra Strength provides 200 parts per million of uniquely energized sliver molecules suspended in ultra-pure, deionized water; providing support for healthy immune and inflammatory responses (pretty awesome, right?)! Recent studies have shown how “Results’ RNA” products have provided comprehensive support to the body in order to optimize the body’s natural immune response, and support a healthy inflammatory response, also aiding in the ability to neutralize oxidative stress. I have only recently started 10 sprays a day (as suggested by my health care provider), and, as it’s difficult to tell it’s beneficial affects (as I take many protocols), I cannot tell you if it’s a miracle worker or another product fail. But do yourself a favor and go check it out!
The Amazing Wonders of Grapefruit Seed Extract
“Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a substance derived from the seeds, membranes, and the pulp of grapefruit. Used as a broad-spectrum, non-toxic, antimicrobial product, it is known to be highly effective for fighting infection and promoting health. GSE is used as a purifier, antiseptic, and preservative”. Just to name a few of it’s miraculous benefits…
- Fights Candida.
- Kills Antibiotic-Resistant UTIs.
- Remedies Fungal Infections.
- Relieves Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus.
- Treats Digestive Disturbances Associated with Eczema.
- Works as a General Antimicrobial.
The benefits of GSE are truly endless, and outside of using GSE as a part of my Lyme protocol, I have actually been using GSE since I was very young (even younger than 10 years old!) to help boost my immune system when I felt sick or like I might be coming down with an immediate illness.
So friends, I’m no doctor, I am just another human being infected with the harrowing disease that is Lyme, and I have been on a mission since infected, to share my knowledge and what works for me, with the world. That’s not to say that what works for my body, will work for yours, but please take this advice in a cautiously optimistic fashion, and ALWAYS consult with a professional before administering any protocols/herbal products/medications!
