As Lyme illness sufferers, we’re usually instructed that if we are able to enhance the operate of our immune system, we are able to preserve Lyme illness and the myriad of coinfections that accompany it at bay. However how do we all know which merchandise to contemplate with out spending a fortune? With the enter from members of assorted Lyme assist teams and a splash of my very own expertise, I’ve gathered a lineup of 5 methods you’ll be able to assist your immune system all through your remedy.
Supporting the Immune System
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in america, and it’s frequent for Lyme sufferers to have low ranges of this vitamin as properly. Getting your vitamin D in a wholesome vary could bolster your immune system to combat off infections.
Vitamin D helps bone and coronary heart well being and immune operate. Regarding the immune system, a 2011 examine confirmed vitamin D switches on immune cells to answer overseas invaders, and it helps modulate the immune system in response to autoimmune points.
However there are some differing viewpoints within the Lyme group as to what’s thought-about a wholesome vary of vitamin D for folks with Lyme illness. Due to this fact, it’s essential to speak to your physician earlier than starting this complement. Today, the significance of vitamin D in general well being is gaining momentum in healthcare, so your major physician, along with your LLMD, can probably order the required lab check to see in case you’re missing on this important “sunshine vitamin.”
2. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Naltrexone is a prescription treatment that works by blocking the opioid receptors in your physique for brief intervals of time. When utilized in low doses (like 1.5 mg to four.5 mg), the physique responds to the opioid block by boosting the manufacturing of the feel-good chemical substances generally known as endorphins. Moreover sparking emotions of higher well-being, endorphins cut back irritation and enhance immune operate. When LDN is used persistently, endorphin ranges stay regular within the physique.
There are only a few unwanted side effects listed about LDN, however affected person stories recommend it could intrude with sleep throughout the first few weeks of beginning the treatment or when growing the dose. Since LDN blocks the opioid receptors, it can work towards any narcotics you’re taking for ache administration. To keep away from abrupt withdrawal signs, be sure you’ve tapered off your narcotics medicines earlier than starting remedy with LDN. Not like many prescription ache medicines, LDN doesn’t carry a threat of dependency or a lower in its effectiveness (generally known as habituation).
three. Bravo Probiotic
This probiotic product is available in a wide range of supply strategies like suppositories, DIY yogurt, lotions, and capsules. Elements corresponding to an sickness, food plan, environmental toxins, and medicines can disrupt the conventional flora in your intestine. A 2015 examine reveals, “The human microbiome consists of micro organism, archaea, viruses and eukaryotic microbes that reside in and on our our bodies. These microbes have super potential to affect our physiology, each in well being and in illness. They contribute metabolic capabilities, shield towards pathogens, educate the immune system, and, by means of these primary capabilities, have an effect on straight or not directly most of our physiologic capabilities.”
In different phrases, our intestine well being can affect our immune system, in addition to contribute to most different capabilities in our physique; a disruption in our microbiota can have an effect on our capacity to combat and get well from sure ailments.
Over time, Bravo works by supporting a wholesome intestine microbial steadiness, lowering immunosuppressive proteins/enzymes within the physique (particularly nagalase), and turning on components of the immune system which will defend towards viruses, micro organism, and different ailments. The draw back of this complement is that it’s expensive, and, like most sorts of remedies, it doesn’t work for everybody. Nonetheless, some sufferers have seen vital enhancements when utilizing Bravo as part of their remedy protocol.
four. Bone Broths
Bone broths are a staple in lots of Lyme diets. That’s as a result of bone broths are filled with simply absorbable vitamins like arginine, glycine, and proline. Plus, the gelatin in bone broths helps heal the liner of the intestine, making it extra hospitable to the helpful micro organism that assist your immune system. Analysis signifies almost 70% of your immune system resides in your intestine, so right here’s one other instance of the very important position intestine well being performs in constructing a strong immune response and enhancing your physique’s capacity to combat infections.
5. Medicinal Mushrooms
In her e book, The Lyme Food regimen, naturopathic doctor, Dr. Nicola McFadzean, says, “Medicinal mushrooms corresponding to reishi and maitake are helpful immune modulators and have been utilized in Conventional Chinese language Drugs for hundreds of years.” Moreover, medicinal mushrooms like reishi and maitake are adaptogenic herbs, which assist the adrenal glands. Moreover, they decrease inflammatory cytokines — molecules within the physique that promote irritation — and will assist your immune system self-regulate and ramp up pure killer cells to keep off pathogens.
When selecting immune assist, there are numerous choices so that you can attempt — that is certainly not an exhaustive record. Your physician could have his or her personal suggestions for you, so remember to seek the advice of together with your healthcare supplier to develop the very best strategy to Lyme illness remedy.
What dietary supplements, remedies, or life-style modifications have you ever discovered helpful in boosting your immune system? I’d love to listen to about it, so please take into account leaving me a remark.
References:
Aranow C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. Journal of Investigative Drugs. 2011 Aug; 59(6): 881–886. doi: 10.231/JIM.0b013e31821b8755
McFadzean N. The Lyme Food regimen. South Lake Tahoe, CA: BioMed Publishing Group; 2010.
Shreiner AB, Kao JY, Younger VB. The intestine microbiome in well being and in illness. Present Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2015 Jan; 31(1): 69–75. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000139
Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara D, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Medical and Experimental Immunology. 2008 Sep; 153(Suppl 1): three–6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x