| Description | | | | Loss of mental acuity |
| Lyme disease was named after Lyme, | | | | Irregular heartbeat or chest pain |
| Connecticut, where the disease was discovered. | | | | Conventional Medical Treatment |
| The disease is spread by ticks, though only a few | | | | If you suspect you may have Lyme disease, visit |
| species of ticks carry the bacterial organism that | | | | your doctor immediately. If it is detected and |
| causes Lyme disease. One species is the deer | | | | treated early, the disease often causes no lasting |
| tick, or black-legged tick, which lives in the | | | | harm; if, on the other hand, it is left to worsen, it |
| Northeast Southern, and Midwestern United | | | | can cause permanent complications involving the |
| States. Another is the Western black-legged tick, | | | | joints, heart, and brain. Your doctor can diagnose |
| which inhabits the Pacific coastal states. Victims | | | | the condition with a blood test. Treatment for |
| rarely feel the insect's bite because it injects an | | | | Lyme disease includes antibiotics to fight the |
| anesthetic (which numbs the area of skin) both | | | | bacteria and aspirin to help relieve any joint |
| when it punctures the skin and when it withdraws. | | | | inflammation. |
| Many experts believe that the tick must be | | | | Complementary and Alternative Treatments |
| attached to the body for at least 24 hours for | | | | Nutrition and Supplementation |
| infection to occur. | | | | Garlic is a natural immune booster, so you would |
| The first symptoms of Lyme disease appear | | | | benefit from eating it in its natural state or taking |
| anywhere from 3 to 32 days after infection. One | | | | it in supplement form. "Green drinks" provide |
| of the most recognizable early signs is a circular, | | | | chlorophyll, which detoxifies, along with vital |
| red "bull's-eye" rash at the site of the bite (though | | | | nutrients and enzymes. These can be found in |
| the rash does not appear in many cases). In its | | | | your natural foods store. |
| initial stages, other symptoms of the illness | | | | To improve your condition, follow these |
| resemble those of the fluintermittent fatigue, | | | | recommended daily guidelines: |
| fever, nausea, headache, and chills. If the condition | | | | Most Importantessential fatty acids (as directed |
| is not treated in its early stages, serious | | | | on label)-reduce joint stiffness and |
| secondary symptoms can occur weeks or | | | | inflammationpancreatin and bromelain (as directed |
| months later. These include arthritis, joint disability, | | | | on label)-aid digestionevening primrose oil (1000 mg |
| muscle problems, and heart, nervous system, and | | | | 2 to 3 times daily)-combats pain and inflammation |
| even brain disorders. | | | | Also Recommendedgarlic (as directed on label)kelp |
| Signs and Symptoms | | | | (1000 to 1500 mg)-detoxifies the bodyselenium |
| Circular "bulls eye" rash, often with a red border | | | | (200 mcg)-a free radical scavengermultivitamin |
| and clear center, at the site of a tick bite | | | | and mineral complex (as directed on label)-use a |
| Headache | | | | high-potency formula for necessary |
| Fever and chills | | | | nutrientsglutathione (600 mg)thymic extract (as |
| Body aches | | | | directed on label)maitake D fraction (as directed |
| Sore throat | | | | on label)-boosts immunity |
| Joint pain and inflammation | | | | (Consult your healthcare provider regarding the |
| Fatigue | | | | duration of treatment. |