As I am finding out, Lyme Disease can be tricky! I was never bitten by a tick (to my memory), yet I was still diagnosed with Lyme Disease (apparently 10% - 20% of Lyme patients were never bitten by a tick). While early-stage Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics, some individuals experience persistent symptoms long after treatment, leading to a condition known as chronic Lyme disease.
Why aren't people able to get over Lyme? When I was first diagnosed with Lyme and began my research on the subject, I was intimidated by the number of people online who are saying that they never got better!
This is not the news I wanted to hear!
Lyme bacteria develops a "Biofilm" within your body, which leads to it becoming chronic. Biofilms are a form of bacterial shielding and can prevent treatments from reaching the bacteria and help them survive and thrive in the body. I became determined to find a way to break down the biofilms and get to the root of my chronic lyme.
When I learned this, I searched the internet for a complete list of what are called "Biofilm Busters". Soon after starting my treatment (with antibiotics as well) I began to experience the dreaded "Lyme Detox" reactions. I knew my body was beginning to remove the bacteria from its system!
Here is what makes the Lyme Biofilm so tricky:
Lyme disease biofilms are complex structures created by clusters of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria within the body. When the bacteria senses adverse conditions, such as exposure to antibiotics or a hostile immune response, it has the ability to aggregate and encase itself in a sticky protective matrix. This matrix, composed of proteins and polysaccharides, forms a biofilm that shields the bacteria from the immune system and prevents antibiotics from effectively reaching and eliminating the pathogens. The formation of biofilms is a survival mechanism adopted by Borrelia burgdorferi to evade eradication, enabling the bacteria to persist and cause chronic Lyme disease.
Research Insights
Protective Mechanism: A study published in the journal Pathogens in 2018 highlighted that biofilms provide protection to Borrelia burgdorferi against host immune responses and antibiotics, making treatment more difficult and contributing to the chronicity of Lyme disease [source: treatlyme.net].
Antibiotic Resistance: A review published in Frontiers in Medicine in 2018 delved into the concept of biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance in Lyme disease. It emphasized that the presence of biofilms can significantly reduce the efficacy of antibiotics, leading to treatment failures and relapses [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6287027/].
Treating Lyme Biofilms
Considering the crucial role of biofilms in chronic Lyme disease, finding effective treatment strategies is imperative. While standard antibiotic treatments may not fully eradicate biofilm-encased bacteria, several approaches have shown promise in addressing this challenge:
Biofilm-Busting Agents (listed below): Some natural compounds, such as essential oils, enzymes, and certain herbal extracts, have demonstrated potential in breaking down biofilms and rendering the bacteria susceptible to antibiotics [source: lymemexico.com/biofilms-culprit-chronic-lyme-treat/].
Combination Therapies: Combining various antibiotics with biofilm-targeting agents may enhance the effectiveness of treatment and disrupt biofilm structures more effectively.
Pulse-Dosing: Alternating between antibiotic treatment and treatment breaks may disrupt biofilms and expose the bacteria to antibiotics during their vulnerable phases.
Here is the list of every "Lyme Biofilm Buster" I found across the web. If you know of any more, please comment on this article!
Artemisinin
Biocidin
Stevia Leaf Extract (some studies say it isn't effective, others say it is)
Otoba Parvifolia Bark Extract (Banderilla)
Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Extract (Cats Claw)
Cistus Incanus (Rock Rose/Hairy Rock Rose)
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica, Resverstrol)
Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra)
Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis)
Cryptolepsis Sanguinolenta
Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia Annual)
Alchornea Cordifolia
Guo-Teng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla)
Sarsapanilla (Smilax)
Serrapeptase
BioPerine (Black Pepper Fruit Extract) [Helps Absorbtion]
Breaking down the biofilms that protect the bacteria is key to recovering from chronic lyme. A variety of plants and herbs have been found to be effective in breaking down the biofilms, allowing treatments to reach the bacteria and help kill them. It is important to work with a qualified and experienced healthcare practitioner to find the best combination of treatments for you.
I will be reporting back with updates on how my treatment is going. I hope this helps you in your own treatment for Lyme! Also, if you know someone who is struggling with Lyme please pass this information along to them!
Keywords: Lyme disease: Borrelia bacteria, tick bite, upper Midwest, northeastern states, mid-Atlantic states, Europe, south central Canada, southeastern Canada, grassy areas, brushy areas, wooded areas, Lyme supplements: antibiotics, herbal protocols, nutritional supplements, chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, gut imbalances, probiotics, stomach acid support, digestive enzyme support, Lyme biofilm busters: microbial biofilm, Borrelia burgdorferi, antibiotic resistance, reoccurrence of Lyme disease, Lyme biofilm: colonies of microbes, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, moisture and surface.