Lyme Detoxification: The Most Effective Guide

Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases are challenging illnesses, and treatment can be difficult as well. The symptoms can get worse before they get better. A reaction known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is one of the causes of this.

After starting antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, also known as "herxing,” can occur. It is a temporary aggravation of Lyme disease symptoms that happens when the Lyme spirochete is wiped out by antibiotics, causing inflammation.

These Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions produce cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8), which cause inflammatory symptoms such as fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, cognitive impairment, and a general aggravation of the underlying symptomology.

Inflammatory cytokines and dying bacteria must be removed from the body to support healing. When the body is unable to remove these poisons quickly enough from the bloodstream, an acid imbalance occurs, impairing the enzymes required to maintain a normal pH (balance of acidity to alkalinity). The reaction will be stronger as more spirochetes die.

People will feel better and recover faster if they can eliminate dead bacteria from their bodies as quickly as possible. In patients with Lyme disease, this cleansing or detoxifying process is usually referred to as "detox." Lyme herx normally starts 48-72 hours after starting antibiotics and can continue for weeks, unlike syphilis, which starts within hours and usually finishes within days.

The worst reaction for patients with chronic or late-stage Lyme disease occurs around the fourth week of treatment and is very similar to "serum sickness," in which white blood cell loss (leucopenia) and a spike in liver enzymes occur. A robust reaction in week 4 suggests that the illness is still present.

The principles of Lyme detoxification

Lyme detoxification requires one to adhere to the following principles:

• Alkalize: restore pH balance in the body
• Detox: promote the elimination of toxins
• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Supplement with minerals that are lost in the detox reaction

17 methods of Lyme detoxification

Detoxification is the process of eliminating pollutants from the bloodstream. The liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin all help to eliminate toxins. The following help in alkalization, detoxification, reducing inflammation, and supplementation:

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar will aid in the alkalization of the body and the restoration of pH balance. To drink apple cider vinegar, two teaspoons of it should be added to a glass of water. In cases of Candida fungal infection, having apple cider vinegar may cause a herxheimer reaction instead of reducing it, so it should be avoided.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal binds to the toxins that cause herxheimer reactions and helps in detoxification by eliminating the toxins. It can be consumed within a few hours of completing a treatment or as needed. It comes in the form of a tablet, powder, or capsule. Take it with caution if you’re taking any drugs or supplements. It is better to consult a doctor.

Infrared saunas, biomats, and infrared mats

The body sweats out toxins, and infrared heat relieves pain. Infrared saunas and mats are highly recommended. If you have heat intolerance, such as dysautonomia, avoid full-body saunas.

Epsom salt

Epsom salt helps in detoxing. Mix two to four cups of Epsom salt (which can be mixed with ginger or pink sea salt to promote sweating) in a warm bath. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which relaxes muscles, and sulfur, which generates bile that carries toxins from the liver to the colon.

Foot baths

There are various types of special foot baths, and different people have varied results, but they use charged ions to help open detox pathways in the body by immersing your feet and eliminating toxins through the soles of your feet.

Alka-Seltzer gold

It aids in the alkalization of the body and the removal of pollutants. Two tables can be mixed in lemon water as needed for herxing, as directed on the box. It alkalizes when combined with lemon water.

Dry skin brushing

The lymphatic system is stimulated by dry skin brushing. To clear the pores, a natural bristle brush can help. This is usually done before taking an Epsom salt bath.

Lemon water

Lemons help to remove toxins from the body and detox. Two whole lemons can be squeezed into a cup of water and sipped for over 30 minutes.

Lymphatic drainage massage

This massage stimulates the lymphatic system's lymph flow and helps detox. Toxins are collected by the lymphatic system, which allows the body to eliminate them through sweat, bowel movements, and urine. It's critical to find a lymph massage-qualified masseuse before using this product.

These massages are recommended two to four times a month. Avoid deep tissue or deep muscle massages because they might cause toxins to be released from the tissue, making you feel worse.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids in the production of glutathione in the body, a natural antioxidant.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling entails swishing coconut oil around in your mouth gently. The oil draws toxins and microorganisms from your mouth’s mucous membranes. Coconut oil has a high absorption rate.

Light to moderate exercise

Muscle contractions stimulate the lymphatic system and promote sweating, which helps detox.

Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay has a high electrical negative charge that binds to the positive charge of toxins, allowing them to be removed from the skin and body. It can be mixed with water and applied to the face and armpits as a mask.

Coffee enema

It boosts the liver's glutathione S-transferase (GST) production. GST is a potent enzyme that binds to toxins, thus metabolizing and eliminating them from the body. In an enema bag, strain three tablespoons of organic ground coffee and mix with water at room temperature.

Inject the medication into the rectum. Allow 5-15 minutes for the coffee to settle in the intestines before removing it. If you keep the coffee in your cup for more than 15 minutes, it will be absorbed at a higher concentration than you want, which can be dangerous. Always seek the advice of an expert.

Increase fiber intake and hydration

Detoxification is aided by fiber and fluids. It is critical to drink half of your optimum body weight in ounces every day (i.e., a 150-pound person should drink 75 ounces of water a day). This aids in renal flushing and encourages regular bowel motions. Three or more servings of fiber every day are required to bind toxins in the intestines and encourage regular bowel movements. Beans, lentils, and whole grains are high in fiber. Apples are also a good source of fiber.

Nutritional supplements

In many cases, proper nutrition is insufficient to deliver the critical nutrients required to sustain the organs involved in detoxification. The foundation of detoxification is a well-balanced multivitamin with mixed amino acids taken on a regular basis. Alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine are used to make active glutathione in cells.

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that is produced by all cells and is used by the liver to cleanse fat-soluble pollutants. Unfortunately, most oral glutathione supplements are poorly absorbed. However, there are newer sources that microscopically wrap glutathione in fats called phospholipids for better absorption.

Methylcobalamin is also a good nutritional supplement to take. Nutritional supplements should not be taken without consulting with a doctor, as many supplements that are available over-the-counter are not FDA-approved.

Taking probiotics

Toxins are removed by probiotics (healthy bacteria) that coat the intestines. Because of herbal or prescription medicines and the stress of the illness, it is normal for Lyme disease to have harmful bacteria in the intestines. Detoxification can be aided by re-establishing a healthy lining with high-quality probiotics.

If the above methods don’t work and your symptoms are worsening or if you see new symptoms, it is advised to contact a doctor right away.

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