More than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year, according to the CDC. However, this number may be even higher due to a few reasons including:
1. Lyme disease can go undiagnosed for a long time. Many individuals do not get a bulls eye rash and don’t have strong enough symptoms that would warrant a doctor or hospital visit.
2. Lyme disease can mask itself as many other conditions and autoimmune disorders, making it difficult to diagnose. Because of this, misdiagnosis is common.
Lyme disease is a systemic illness that affects the whole body. It impacts the nervous system, intestinal tract, heart, immune system, and connective tissue like joints and muscles. Basically, inflammation occurs at the cellular level within the entire body.
Just like any other condition, if you don’t take care of yourself, symptoms can worsen.
With Lyme disease, a proper diet can make a tremendous difference in your quality of life. Western diets typically leave our bodies very acidic. It is overloaded in poor fats, over consumption of protein, not enough fiber and too much sugar and caffeine.
When the body becomes too acidic, it leads to inflammation and an increased risk for other diseases and disorders.
An alkalizing diet helps to balance your pH level, ultimately reducing acidity. The pH level at which your body works best is around 7.4. (This can be measured with pH strips purchased at most health food stores).
When you have a more alkaline environment your body is able to function at optimal levels. Alkalinity can aid in the reduction of inflammation and also mitigate chronic conditions like Lyme disease.
Alkaline foods to include in your diet:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Most fresh fruit
- Fermented foods such as kimchi & sauerkraut
- Plant based protein sources
- Cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Herbs
- Lemons
- Beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Radishes
- Beets
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Alkaline water
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green tea
In addition to alleviating inflammation, an alkalizing diet also inhibits the growth of yeast and bad bacteria which can coincide with Lyme disease. This also allows for better detoxification in general.
I have found many of my patients flourish when following the proper alkalizing diet and detoxification protocol. This reflects a lifestyle change that can make life significantly better, especially when dealing with Lyme. It is also important to identify specific food allergies or sensitivities that may also trigger symptoms.
Chronic Lyme disease can be a serious challenge and I have experienced it firsthand. With proper treatment, you can still lead a very rich life.
While there is no single treatment that helps everyone with Lyme disease, following a healthy, alkalinizing diet helps the majority of patients I treat. It’s not a difficult diet to follow and may be the next step for you in getting your health back!
You May Also Like...
The Dangers of Teflon
Nonstick pans have gained much popularity over the years as they have made cooking a breeze and…
Neurological Benefits of Exercise
Your body was meant to move. Your body is an energy burning machine. Our cooling systems were…
The Flu: 9 Ways to get Better Naturally
The flu has been receiving a lot of media coverage this year because of the troubling statistics…
The Flu & Vitamin D
Sean E. Heerey ND, MA, CCC/SLP There is a chill in the air. It gets darker earlier. We no longer…
Baked Cinnamon Apples
Although the holidays are over, the smell of fresh cinnamon always makes me think of Christmas. My…
Choosing a Healthcare Practitioner That’s Right for You
The human body is complex, so many different systems working together to achieve some sort of…
Clearing Out Your Toxic Environment To Overcome Lyme Disease
You've taken the prescribed medications, followed the herbal protocols, been religious with your…
Eczema: More Than Just a Skin Condition
If you have ever had poison ivy then you understand how extremely itchy it can be. Now imagine…
Chronic Illness: How to Thrive this Holiday Season
Holidays can bring about a lot stress. It is the time that we visit people outside of our normal…