Dietary Guidelines for Lyme Disease: Recommended Foods, Foods to Steer Clear Of, and Useful Tips
In the fight against inflammation and Lyme disease, making small changes to your diet can make a significant difference. An anti-inflammatory diet, often referred to as a Mediterranean diet, promotes eating nutrient-rich, whole foods that may reduce inflammation in the body.
Foods with added sugar, excess salt, processed carbs, and excess alcohol should be avoided in an anti-inflammatory diet. Instead, focus on foods that are full of antioxidants, rich in nutrients, and contain "good" fats. A wide variety of foods should be included, rather than relying on a few anti-inflammatory foods.
A diet that supports the immune system, as suggested by a 2020 review, contains adequate amounts of protein, more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids, high amounts of fiber from whole grains, micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, iron, phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, and certain vitamins (A, D, C, E, B).
Lyme disease, caused by a bacterium, is transmitted to humans by ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Untreated Lyme disease can impact a person's joints, heart, and central nervous system. Diet alone cannot cure Lyme disease, and people will need to speak with a doctor to receive a course of antibiotics. Oral antibiotics typically cure most cases of Lyme disease within 2-4 weeks.
For those with persistent symptoms even with treatment, Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) may be a possibility. Around 10-20% of people with Lyme disease experience persistent symptoms, and there is no specific treatment for PTLDS. Some people choose to try an anti-inflammatory diet for recovery.
Studies have identified certain foods and natural compounds with strong activity against the dormant Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease. Key foods and herbs shown to have potential activity include Cat’s Claw, a potent herb demonstrated to help fight Lyme disease and reduce inflammation, and Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric that also supports reducing infection-related inflammation.
The evidence mainly comes from integrative and functional medicine approaches, which focus on immune balancing, detoxification, and targeting persistent stealth forms of the bacteria. These herbal supplements are often part of protocols aimed at suppressing dormant and active Borrelia forms by modulating host immunity and bacterial survival mechanisms.
Certain plant oils, such as allspice berries, cinnamon bark, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, myrrh trees, and thyme leaves, have shown strong activity against dormant Lyme disease bacterium. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can also help reduce inflammation. Supplements may be considered with the guidance of a healthcare professional to help reduce inflammation.
In conclusion, an anti-inflammatory diet, along with certain natural agents like Cat’s Claw and Curcumin, can play a role in managing Lyme disease and reducing inflammation in the body. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or starting any new supplement regimen.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, can be managed through an anti-inflammatory diet similar to the Mediterranean one.
- The anti-inflammatory regimen needs to limit foods with added sugar, excess salt, processed carbs, and excess alcohol.
- Instead, foods rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and "good" fats should be emphasized in an anti-inflammatory diet.
- A diverse array of foods, rather than relying on a few anti-inflammatory foods, should be included for a balanced diet.
- Adequate amounts of protein, more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids, high fiber from whole grains, micronutrients, phytochemicals, and certain vitamins are essential in an immune-supportive diet.
- Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, is transmitted through ticks and causes symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash.
- Untreated Lyme disease can affect a person's joints, heart, and central nervous system, requiring antibiotic treatment for cure.
- Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) may persist after treatment in around 10-20% of patients, with no specific treatment available.
- Some people with PTLDS choose an anti-inflammatory diet as part of their recovery process.
- Studies have found certain foods and natural compounds, like Cat’s Claw and Curcumin from turmeric, to have strong activity against the dormant Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Integrative and functional medicine approaches focus on immune balancing, detoxification, and targeting persistent stealth forms of the bacteria.
- Herbal supplements containing ingredients like Cat’s Claw and Curcumin may be part of protocols aimed at suppressing dormant and active Borrelia forms.
- Certain plant oils, such as allspice berries, cinnamon bark, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, myrrh trees, and thyme leaves, have demonstrated strong activity against dormant Lyme disease bacterium.
- Regular exercise and adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation in the body and may support recovery from Lyme disease.
- Supplements can be considered with the advice of a healthcare professional to aid in reducing inflammation.
- In addition to anti-inflammatory diets, there are several chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis, cancer, hepatitis, and degenerative eye conditions that benefit from various therapies and treatments.
- Macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.
- The science behind the predictive value of genetics in developing bipolar disorder and depression is still under debate.
- Obesity is linked to many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
- Food and food benefits programs can provide financial assistance to lower-income individuals for purchasing healthy groceries, promoting a healthier diet.
- Besides Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis is another type of inflammatory arthritis that requires careful management.
- Psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, causes skin inflammation and joint pain.
- A dry, itchy skin condition called psoriasis may also benefit from a specific diet, such as a gluten-free diet or one low in sugars and processed foods.
- Spinal osteoarthritis can cause discomfort and chronic pain, affected by factors such as aging, lifestyle, and genetics.
- Science has shown a correlation between chronic mental health conditions like depression and anxiety and chronic physical health conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Workplace wellness programs are designed to promote employee health and wellness, addressing issues like stress management, exercise, and nutrition.
- Medical conditions, including chronic diseases, often require long-term management and self-care, such as maintaining healthy habits, attending regular check-ups, and taking prescribed medications.
- It is crucial for employers to prioritize workplace-wellness to improve employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall mental health.
- Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women globally and is treatable when caught early.
- Cancer treatment and therapies have evolved to include various methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Skin care is essential for protecting the skin from environmental factors like pollution, UV radiation, and harsh weather conditions.
- The environment plays a significant role in overall health and wellness, with climate change affecting food security, water quality, air quality, and housing.
- Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
- The manufacturing industry should prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency in its operations to minimize its environmental footprint.
- Mental health is increasingly being recognized as an essential aspect of employee well-being, with employers offering resources like counseling, stress management workshops, and employee assistance programs.
- In the realm of environmental science and finance, investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly industries can yield positive financial returns while promoting a more sustainable world.
