Functional Nutrition for Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in our country. Around 300,000 individuals are diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year in the United States alone! This chronic disease is transferred by infected black-legged ticks carrying the bacteria Borrelia mayonii. If caught early, Lyme Disease may respond with oral antibiotics. However, those who experience chronic Lyme Disease suffer from a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and neurological issues. In these cases, lifestyle habit changes are best to alleviate discomfort.
Dietary changes can help ease chronic Lyme Disease symptoms and supply you with lasting energy. The Holistic Wholeness Team provides practice members with an individualized nutritional plan to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
To expedite the patient’s healing process, some of the recommendations we cover in our nutrition plans may include:
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Reducing foods that trigger inflammation in your diet is the first step on the path to restoring health. Common inflammation-causing foods include:
- Gluten: bread, baked goods, beer
- Dairy: ice cream, milk, yogurt, cheese
- Processed Foods: chips, fast food, deli meats
- Refined Sugar: sodas/juices, cereals, candies, processed snack foods
Replace these culprits with anti-inflammatory foods packed with nutrition. Add antioxidant-packed berries, fatty fish, creamy avocados, and selenium-rich mushrooms into your diet! In addition, our team recommends seasoning meals with turmeric and cracked black pepper for extra detoxification.
Borrelia mayonii brings inflammation into the body. So when you regulate what you eat, you can ease your symptoms.
Immunity Boosters
Those with Lyme disease need to keep their immune system strong. Supply your body with foods that support healthy gut flora. A balanced microbiome can lead to decreased inflammation and increased energy. Fermented foods and a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and legumes feed a healthy and happy gut.
Fueling Energy
Fogginess, fatigue, and cognitive impairment are common side effects of Lyme Disease. Individuals should be sure that they are eating enough calories throughout the day to supply them with the strength they need. Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids like wild salmon are a great source of clean energy. Our team may recommend that you pair your salmon with a complex carb like sweet potatoes to provide you with steady energy throughout your day.
Treating Lyme Disease early with oral antibiotics can be beneficial for some individuals to avoid permanent symptoms. When this isn’t an option or is ineffective, lifestyle changes and good nutrition can balance inflammation in the body. Functional testing is crucial to uncover if Lyme disease is truly present as not everyone sees a tick or bulls-eye rash. Chronic Lyme is the most common type of Lyme that we see because it often does not show up on a traditional Lyme lab. The in-depth analyses we use find signs and symptoms of chronic Lyme and their co-infections that can mimic Lyme. Schedule a consultation with us today to relieve symptoms of chronic Lyme disease naturally!
