The treatment of Lyme disease involves different medical disciplines that must work together. But are the treatments for lyme really complete? We are committed to a holistic approach that helps patients regain their quality of life.

Lyme disease is a multi-organ and multi-system pathology, on diagnosis of Lyme in Spain is only carried out by specialists. We know that the bacteria borrelia bugdorferi is a kind of spirochete, which aggressively damages tissues. Because of their shape, these bacteria can move quickly and in all types of tissues, although the consequences of this spread - the symptoms of Lyme disease - can appear weeks or even months after infection. If we add to this the more than two years on average it takes for a person with Lyme disease to be diagnosed, we find that many patients have severe neurological, motor and organic deterioration of the organism.

The treatment of Lyme disease is based on the prescription of antibiotics, which are effective in eliminating the bacteria from the body, but what do we do to help patients recover their quality of life? A comprehensive treatment that progressively repairs the body in the face of multi-systemic multi-infection which may have affected, inter alia, the:

• The immune system
• Thyroid and adrenal glands
• The balance of microbiota and inflammation or permeability of the gut
• The functionality of different organs, which requires a physiological analysis of the patient.

Antibiotic treatment

At Biosalud Day Hospital we have developed a treatment protocol that has as a central part the antibiotic treatment. However, it is designed to improve efficacy and eliminate side effects. To achieve this, treatment begins by "preparing the body"; replenishing deficient nutrients and hormones, repairing the intestinal flora, promoting the formation of lymphocytes and activating the immune system or eliminating excess toxic chemicals that can block the immune system, as well as treating other viral infections that have been activated in the body. In short, it is improve the patient's general condition in order for the shock treatment to be effective.

The oral antibiotic has no side effects thanks to the pharmacological development we have carried out at Biosalud. This treatment is accompanied by other types of therapies that favour its efficacy and, at the same time, act on the patient's symptoms.

This comprehensive treatment, to be followed at home in subsequent stages, involves the neurology, environmental medicine, immunology, infectious medicine and even nutrition. The holistic orientation of our treatments is based on the individuality of the patient, on analysing the previous state of the organism that has allowed the infection to spread.

The role of nutrition in the treatment of Lyme disease

The Lyme disease cannot be treated without antibiotics, the immune system does not have the capacity to fight a pathogen that "hides" such as the Borrelia bugdorferi. What happens is that antibiotics do not act on immune response and tissue inflammation. Therefore, nutritional regulation is an important part of the patient's treatment at home.

On the one hand, the supplements including vitamin D, probiotics and omega 3 acids can help in specific ways. On the other hand, a change in lifestyle that embraces certain foods and rejects others:

• Recommended foods:

1. The non-starchy vegetables are rich in vitamins and fibre and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that you should incorporate into your diet at least three or four times a day: asparagus, broccoli, carrots or peppers are some of these recommended vegetables.
2. Organic meat. Animal proteins provide us with amino acids and vitamins. Meat raised organically and bought at the butcher's is a good alternative to processed meats.
3. Blue fish. Salmon and tuna are a source of omega 3 and also contain antioxidants. Although we must take into account the health recommendations that warn against excessive consumption due to the presence of mercury in species such as emperor, swordfish or dogfish, it is safe to eat salmon, sea bream, trout, sardines or pigeonfish.
4. Raw nuts and seeds. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and should be included as part of a healthy diet.

• Foods to avoid if you have Lyme disease.

Borreli bacteria cause severe inflammation in the body's tissues. Therefore, the first step to support treatment is to eliminate from the diet all foods that have an inflammatory effect. While inflammation is a natural response of the body, when inflammation becomes chronic, it increases the risk of other diseases.

1. Sugar: All foods containing added sugar, or sweeteners with high fructose content, often alter inflammation markers and cause inflammation themselves. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
2. Processed meatsSausages, bacon or processed meat products contain AGES, accelerators of glycation, a process that keeps meat safe to eat but is associated with chronic diseases.
3. Excessive consumption of oils high in omega-6 fatty acids
4. Refined carbohydrates. Not all carbohydrates are bad, in fact the consumption of fruit and vegetables is recommended. The problem is refined carbohydrates, which are stripped of all fibre and promote inflammation. The list of foods that contain refined carbohydrates is long and difficult to avoid, but basically it includes all the processed foods we eat for breakfast or lunch, pasta and ready meals.
5. Gluten and dairy. There is now much talk about gluten and casein allergy. Even if this is not your case, it is true that these foods promote intestinal permeability, which can provoke an inflammatory response. Not all people with Lyme have the same reaction, but they should be eliminated from the diet.

**This is a general information article and is not a substitute for a medical opinion or diagnosis to be made in a clinical consultation.