Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks.  This type of infection can be fatal in one out of ten patients, with an increased risk of death in the elderly due to the fact that, if left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.  However, most cases of Lyme Disease can be treated successfully within a few weeks.

Untreated Lyme Disease can produce a variety of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection.  It is best to address the condition as soon as possible to avoid developing later symptoms.  Some common symptoms are listed below. 

Early Signs (3 to 30 days after tick bite):

• Erythema migrans (EM) rash – rarely itchy or painful, expands gradually, reaching up to 12 inches or more, may feel warm to the touch
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle and joint aches
• Chills

Later Signs (30 days to months after tick bite):

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Facial palsy
• Nerve pain
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
• Heart palpitations
• Arthritis with severe joint pain, particularly the knees and other large joints

Where you live or vacation can affect your chances of contracting Lyme Disease.  Ticks carrying the bacteria thrive in grassy and heavily wooded areas.  You must be bitten by an infected deer tick to contract this disease.  In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit it.  The bacteria enter your skin through the bite and eventually make their way into your bloodstream.  If you notice that an attached tick looks infected, it may have fed long enough to transmit the bacteria.  Remove the tick as soon as possible to help avoid infection. 

• Lyme Disease is able to successfully attack the body when the immune system is weak; thus, one of the best ways to overcome this disease is by boosting the immune system and lowering inflammation in the body.  Foods that are high in antioxidants lower the risk of nutritional deficiencies.  Additionally, foods rich in probiotics such as kimchi, fermented vegetables, kombucha, or sauerkraut help the good bacteria grow and kill off the bad bacteria.
• The bacteria of Lyme Disease, along with viruses and parasites, attack and weaken healthy cells.  That is why adding essential nutrients to your diet helps to build a bigger defense against this disease.  These nutrients include Vitamin D, B-Complex, Omega-3 fatty acids and Magnesium.  You can get a lot of these nutrients from plant-based foods, as opposed to taking supplements. 
• Getting enough rest and managing stress levels may not seem like much help when it comes to fighting diseases, chronic stress and fatigue have been proven to weaken a person’s immune system and increase the risk of getting sick.  Stress can also trigger inflammation and cause hormonal imbalances, which may worsen many Lyme Disease symptoms.
• Avoiding sugar, gluten and dairy is key in the dietary treatment for Lyme Disease.  Since inflammation is responsible for the majority of its symptoms, consuming these products only increases the chances of not getting better.

• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Leaf
• Ginger
• Apples
• Cranberry
• Kale
• Blueberry
• Onions
• Mushrooms