This article was posted on ConnecticutLyme@yahoogroups.com.  This is very important information so I wanted to send it along to you:

“I recently came back from Corfu, Greece where I was awestruck with its
natural, lush terrain and warm- hearted people. A definite must for anyone
wanting island sun, blue skies and delightful Mediterranean cuisine. I
attended the 18th American Biologics Symposium. One of the best lectures
given was on the most recent Lyme disease research by Professor Garth
Nicolson. Here is what I learned from that presentation:

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness, caused by the Borrelia burgdoferi
spirochete. This infection results in flu-like symptoms, headache and joint
and muscle pain. If the disease is left untreated and infection spreads,
serious health complications can result. According to Professor Garth
Nicolson and the Institute of Molecular Medicine, these chronic conditions,
like fatigue, arthritis, neurological and heart problems are often mistaken
for other health issues. This can make treatment difficult if a late-stage
Lyme disease patient is misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Several laboratory tests need to be conducted to
assure a proper diagnosis.

New research from The Institute of Molecular Medicine has shown that Lyme
disease is often accompanied by other infections. The various strains of
the Babesia protozoan, like Babesia microti, Babesia divergens and Babesia
bova, can worsen the symptoms of Lyme disease in humans during the early
stages. Some of these symptoms include weakness, high fever,
gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and anemia.

Mycoplasmal infections are very common with Lyme disease. Research
indicates that 60 to 70% of individuals with Lyme disease also carry a form
of the Mycoplasma co-infection. It is difficult to identify Mycoplasmal
infections with lab tests. Mycoplasmas require very sensitive tests because
they are not detected freely in the blood, but in various tissues instead.
The symptoms of a Mycoplasmal infection are similar to the Borrelia
burgdoferi infection.

Various strains of Ehrlichia are known to cause a co-infection, resulting in
fever, headache, weakness and pain in the muscles and a low white blood cell
count, among other symptoms.

It is best to treat Lyme disease and the co-infections in its early stages
before the disease progresses. Those patients with Lyme disease and any
co-infections can undergo antibiotic treatment. Dietary changes can help
keep the immune system strong and fight off infection. Diets should include
whole grains, yogurt, wheat germ, cruciferous vegetables, and fish. Patients
should avoid junk foods, refined sugars, alcohol and caffeine. Patients need
to drink plenty of water and juices. It is also important to take vitamin
and mineral supplements. Levels of vitamin C, E, CoQ-10 and B-complex are
often poorer in patients with chronic disease due to absorption problems.
Zinc, magnesium, chromium and selenium stores are often depleted and can be
restored with supplements.

Overuse of antibiotics destroys the “good” bacteria found in the intestines.
This allows room for dangerous bacteria to harvest itself in the intestines.
It is recommended that Lyme disease patients undergoing antibiotic therapy
to add Probiotics to their diet. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus
bifidus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and several other strains can be taken in
a capsule or powder form. These healthy strains of bacteria replace the
bacteria destroyed by antibiotics and improve gut health. Herbal remedies
also help to improve the immune system. Professor Nicolson found that
ginseng root, herbal teas, bioactive whey protein and olive leaf extract can
help the immune system from relapsing.

Another herbal remedy for Lyme disease is Uncaria tomentosa, also known as
“Cat’s Claw”. Cat’s Claw is found in the product, SamentoR. Cat’s Claw
contains pentacyclic oxindale alkaloids (POA’s), which helps the immune
system fight infection.

This current research conducted by Professor Garth Nicolson
and the Institute of Molecular Medicine shows promising ideas in Lyme
disease. We hope that this research brings about more advancement in the
field to help those with this disease.

References:

1. Nicolson, Garth, Ph.D.”Diagnosis and therapy of chronic systemic
co-infections in Lyme disease and other tick-borne infectious diseases.”
“http://www.immed.org/reports/infectious_disease_illness/LYMETreat-01.9.25.h
tml.”

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