Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment of Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

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We interviewed Lee Cowden MD, internationally known Lyme specialist, about the non-pharmaceutical treatment of Lyme disease and co-infections. You can watch the replay. Please note that you will be asked to enter your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing.


Lyme Disease Symptoms

Consider that your child may have chronic Lyme disease if he or she has:

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Sleep issues
  • Cognitive problems
  • Behavioral problems
  • Neuropathy
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

In This Webinar

In this webinar, well known Lyme specialist Lee Cowden MD taught us about ways to treat Lyme disease and its co-infections without the use of antibiotics. Chronic Lyme disease can appear without the classic “bull’s-eye rash” or even a tick bite. It can even be passed from mother to child. Because Lyme disease affects the neurological system of the body, it can be common in children with:

Key Discusssions

Traditional antibiotic treatments for Lyme disease have limitations and may not provide a complete solution, especially for chronic cases. An integrative, multimodal approach that includes herbal treatments, detoxification practices, managing the potential Herxheimer reaction, and addressing co-infections can be more effective. Education, community support, and continual research into the complexities of Lyme disease and its many presentations are essential for devising successful treatment strategies.

Limitations of Antibiotic Treatment for Lyme Disease

Antibiotics may not be effective for chronic Lyme disease, and their use can attenuate the antibody response, leading to negative blood tests that underestimate the presence of the disease. Doxycycline treatment in vitro does not always kill the bacteria, especially those in biofilm, whereas herbal tinctures like banderol may be effective.

The long-term use of antibiotics can also disrupt gut flora, impacting overall health and development, particularly in pregnant women. Antibiotics are less effective after the initial six weeks of infection, making early treatment and diagnosis crucial.

Antibiotic treatment may not lead to a complete resolution of Lyme disease, as the bacteria can re-emerge with stress or go undetected due to hiding in granular forms.

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions and Support Programs

The Cowden Support Program and various herbal antimicrobials can be used as an alternative treatment for Lyme and co-infections, focusing on detoxification, immune support, and use of natural antimicrobial agents. Rotation of antimicrobial agents and the incorporation of herbal extracts are intended to address biofilm-protected microbes and support organs during detox. Detox methods such as saunas, clay baths, and fasting are can be helpful in promoting recovery together with specific drainage remedies.

Adrenal and gut health support are essential, with adaptogenic herbs and probiotics being used to rebuild adrenal glands and restore gut flora. It’s important to consider environmental factors, such as exposure to electromagnetic pollution, and healing diets to support overall health.

Herxheimer Reaction and Detoxification

The Herxheimer reaction is a common occurrence after antimicrobial treatment, with symptoms that need to be managed effectively using drainage remedies and possibly berberine and pinella herbal remedies. Proper hydration and the use of lymphatic support techniques like gallbladder flush are important for managing detoxification pathways.

Detoxification is critical for treatment success, with an analogy of a bathtub being used to explain the need to open detox drainage pathways. Failure to address the Herxheimer reaction adequately can lead to treatment setbacks, making supportive care essential in an integrative treatment approach.

The Complexity of Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

Lyme disease can be caused by various Borrelia species, with co-infections like bartonella, babesia, and Rickettsia also contributing to the severity and persistence of symptoms. Misconceptions about the prevalence and detection of Lyme challenge effective treatment. The disease is not limited to the northeastern U.S., and not all patients recall a tick bite or develop a bull’s-eye rash, complicating diagnosis.

It is crucial to test for a variety of pathogens beyond the standard ELISA test, which is not entirely reliable, and to consider integrative treatments that address multiple microbes simultaneously.

Access to Educational Resources and Community Support

Dr. Cowden encourages individuals and health professionals to become members of acimconnect.com for access to educational resources on Lyme disease and other illnesses. The Academy offers an integrative medicine fellowship and online education programs to provide comprehensive knowledge and resources on treating Lyme disease. Joining a community of like-minded practitioners can provide support, share successful treatment protocols, and foster a collaborative approach to managing health conditions like Lyme disease.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Dr. Cowden introduction.
09:30 Lyme disease allows parasites to cause problems.
13:16 Biofilm shields bug, Lyme disease transmission complex.
17:53 Homeopathic treatment successful; ties between diseases discovered.
22:03 Early stress can trigger immune suppression and overgrowth.
28:35 Study tested natural medicine for advanced borreliosis.
37:02 Conquering adversity: From disability to PhD success.
38:53 Sent empiric program, saw 70% improvement. Analyzed failures.
45:11 Noni reduces inflammation, Nutramedix uses imprints.
48:39 Nutramedix products detoxify body systems effectively.
58:39 Critical organs for patient: lungs, liver, gallbladder.
01:00:28 Customize program to reduce environmental electromagnetic pollution.
01:09:59 Identify Lyme lookalikes, clear mold and fungus.
01:16:29 Avoid aspergillus-derived enzymes due to allergies.
01:24:29 Study found amantilla and babuna improved sleep.
01:32:05 Rotate foods every four days to avoid allergies.
01:37:01 Fungal sinusitis can be treated effectively.
01:42:47 Prioritize parasite treatment. Watch out for toxic fumes.

About Lee Cowden MD MD(H)

Lee Cowden is the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board and Academy Professor of the Academy of Comprehensive Integrative Medicine. He is a U.S. board-certified cardiologist and internist who is internationally known for his knowledge and skill in practicing and teaching integrative medicine.

He has co-authored many books and articles on integrative medicine and has pioneered successful treatments of cancer, autism, Lyme disease and many other illnesses. He received his MD degree from the University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas in 1978. He completed his internal medicine residency at St. Louis University Hospital from 1978 to 1981.

Lee Cowden MD MD(H)

He also completed a fellowship in cardiology & critical care medicine at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center and St. Louis University Hospital from 1981 to 1984. You can find out more about his organization at ACIM Connect.

Disclaimer

This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.

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Sources & References

Bransfield, R.C., et al. The association between tick-borne infections, Lyme borreliosis and autism spectrum disorders. Medical Hypotheses. 2008;70(5):967-74.

Brorson, O., et al. Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful in vitro agent against motile and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Infection. 2007 Jun;35(3):206-8.

Cantorna, M.T., et al. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol inhibits the progression of arthritis in murine models of human arthritis. J Nutr. 1998 Jan;128(1):68-72.

Cantorna, M.T., et al. Vitamin A deficiency exacerbates murine Lyme arthritis. J Infect Dis. 1996 Oct;174(4):747-51.

Feng, J., et al. Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity Against Growing and Non-growing Forms of B. burgdorferi. Front. Med., 21 Feb 2020.

Feng, J., et al. Selective Essential Oils from Spice or Culinary Herbs Have High Activity against Stationary Phase and Biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017 Oct 11;4:169.

Ferreira Maya, M., et al. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Malar J. 2011; 10(Suppl 1): S11. Published online 2011 Mar 15.

Hutschenreuther, A., et al. Growth inhibiting activity of volatile oil from Cistus creticus L. against Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. in vitro. Pharmazie. 2010 Apr;65(4):290-5.

Javid, A., et al. Hyperglycemia Impairs Neutrophil-Mediated Bacterial Clearance in Mice Infected with the Lyme Disease Pathogen. PLoS One. 2016 Jun 24;11(6):e0158019.

Kepka, A., et al. Serum carnitine concentration is decreased in patients with Lyme borreliosis. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2016 Mar 4;70:180-5.

Lee, S.H., Vigliotti, J.S., Vigliotti, V.S., Jones, W., Moorcroft, T.A., Lantsman K. DNA sequencing diagnosis of off-season spirochetemia with low bacterial density in Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi infections. Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(7):11364–11386. 2014 Jun 25.

Lovegrove, M.C., et al. US Emergency Department Visits for Adverse Drug Events From Antibiotics in Children, 2011–2015. Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, piy066. 2018 Aug 23.

Lubke, L.L., et al. The antimicrobial agent melittin exhibits powerful in vitro inhibitory effects on the Lyme disease spirochete. Clin Infect Dis. 1997 Jul;25 Suppl 1:S48-51.

Socarra, K.M., et al. Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Venom and Melittin against Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibiotics (Basel). 2017 Nov 29;6(4). pii: E31.

Theophilus, P.A., et al. Effectiveness of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against the Various Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Vitro. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). 2015 Nov 12;5(4):268-80.

Troxell, B., et al. Manganese and zinc regulate virulence determinants in Borrelia burgdorferi. Infect Immun. 2013 Aug;81(8):2743-52.

Resources

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Healing Lyme Disease Coinfections: Complementary and Holistic Treatments for Bartonella and Mycoplasma. Healing Arts Press, 2013.

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Healing Lyme: Natural Healing of Lyme Borreliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, 2nd Edition. Raven Press, 2015.

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections. Storey Publishing, 2013.

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-resistant Bacteria. Storey Publishing, 2012.

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Natural Treatments for Lyme Coinfections: Anaplasma, Babesia, and Ehrlichia. Healing Arts Press, 2015.

Chutkin, Robin. The Microbiome Solution: A Radical New Way to Heal Your Body from the Inside Out. Avery, 2016

Ingels, Darin. The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan to Fight the Inflammatory Auto-Immune Response and Beat Lyme Disease. Avery, 2019.

Zhang, QingCai, et al. Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine. Sino-Med Research Institute, 2006.

Websites

Ampcoil for Lyme Disease

Bill Rawls MD: How I Recovered from Fibromyalgia and Lyme

Buhner Healing Lyme Q&A

Center for Homeopathy: Treating Lyme Disease with Homeopathy

Children’s Lyme Disease Network

Cowden Support Program

Dr. Cindee Gardner: Treating Lyme Disease Naturally & Effectively

Dr. Jay Davidson: What’s the Connection Between Toxic Mold and Lyme Disease?

Dr. Jay Davidson: Removing Parasites to Fix Lyme and Chronic Illnesses

Gordon Crozier DO: How This Doctor Finally Diagnosed His Lyme Disease

Homeopathy Plus: Homeopathy for Late-Stage Lyme Disease

Joette Calabrese: Protocol for Lyme Disease Using Homeopathy

Kent Holtorf MD: Innovative “Alternative” Therapies for Chronic Lyme Disease

Klinghardt Academy: The Treatment of Lyme Disease with Bee Venom

New England PANS/PANDAS Association

PANDAS Network

Videos

Bose Ravenel, MD: UnderLyming Factors in Autism – A Functional Medicine Approach

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