A Holistic Approach to Treating Lyme Disease

Unexplainable lasting fatigue, joint pain, and/or muscle pain and stiffness could be the result of Lyme disease. These telling signs usually build over the years, eventually reaching a breaking point.  

Lyme disease typically begins with nondescript symptoms that can be attributed to numerous other conditions. It can start off mimicking the flu, but can turn into something much more sinister. Unless the bull’s eye rash presents itself, most people do not even notice the onset of the infection. This is one aspect that makes Lyme disease so dangerous. The longer these broad-spectrum symptoms go unchecked, the more damage can be created.

Catching it early is the key to full recovery. However, Lyme disease is well known for going undetected for decades before making itself known. The bacteria behind Lyme disease loves attacking joint tissue, which is why joint pain, weakness and stiffness are very common. More dangerous is when it travels through the central nervous system, reaching the brain. Almost 81 percent of adults have reported memory problems in the later stages. Cognitive decline is often excused, blaming stress or a lack of sleep. Many try to self-treat with caffeine or other substances. This usually has little effect and only allows the infection to continue untreated.

With early detection and the right physician, Lyme disease can be addressed. Conventional medicine will typically throw rounds and rounds of antibiotics at those infected with Lyme disease, because this is their standard of care. Antibiotics can weaken the immune system, hampering the body’s natural defenses unless other treatments are used in conjunction.     

Holistic treatment of Lyme disease focuses on the full infection, including any possible co-infections. The tick behind this disease carries much more than one particular bacteria. Ticks are often infected themselves with multiple diseases, which they pass on to unsuspecting victims. Lyme disease on its own is complicated enough, but when numerous co-infections are added, proper treatment becomes even more crucial. Taking a naturopathic approach encompasses multiple therapies, which may or may not include pharmaceuticals.

One such therapy is commonly referred to as ozone IV (intravenous). Officially speaking, it’s called a major autohemotherapy. It involves infusing the patient’s blood with medical-grade ozone. This ozonated blood helps to detoxify the liver; increase blood circulation; improve cellular metabolism; and, most importantly, kills viruses and bacteria. Depending on the patient’s infection and current health status, IV therapies can be customized to the patient’s specific needs. Other nutrients, like immune-boosting vitamin C, provide excellent support to help the body fight off a Lyme disease infection.

The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease can actually change shape. Shifting allows it to evolve, making it difficult to identify and treat. Relying on just one form of treatment just may allow this deadly bacteria to silently thrive for years. A naturopath can recommend supplementation support, homeopathic remedies, organ detoxification, and IV therapies to completely address Lyme disease.      

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments for each patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.