In case it helps someone, I thought I’d share part of my journey with Lyme Disease. I’m specifically focusing here on what I believe was most helpful in restoring my health.
I won’t claim I’m 100% restored, but I’m dramatically better than I was. My guess is the Lyme is still there in the background.
I don’t think my success came from killing Lyme with drugs or herbs. Rather, I believe I had to strengthen my immune system, which brought my Lyme disease into remission.
What I Think Made the Difference
Addressing Mold
I fixed leak issues in our home and installed ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems. This approach was much cheaper and possibly more effective than full mold remediation. I also used a Push/Catch protocol to mobilize, then remove mycotoxins from my body. I continue to use this protocol much less aggressively to support overall health and remove many other types of toxins from my body.
Nutrition Overhaul
I switched to a low-carb, high-meat (primarily grass-fed beef), whole foods diet with no gluten. I mostly avoid “gluten-free” products too, and I’ve minimized snacking between meals. Note that my diet was relatively good before this journey, but I’ve improved it over the last couple years.
Sleep and Stress Management
I now prioritize sleep and rest while attempting to minimize stress. Easier said than done with a young family, but I do a much better job of it than I used to.
Moderate Exercise
I exercise moderately 2-3 times a week for a total of 2-3 hours. I focus on two days of zone 2 heart rate running (conversational pace) and one day of basketball or higher intensity running.
Targeted Supplementation
Based on my genetics and testing what works for my body, I take: B12 (Hydroxy-Adeno), B6 (extremely low dose since it can be dangerous), Folinic Acid, Probiotics (Bifido & Rhamnosus), and Ornithine. I am very cautious about supplementation as I believe supplements can be dangerous. I have seen certain supplements cause problems for me and tend to stick to lower doses. I like Chris Masterjohn’s work on supplements. He is very cautious in his approach as well.
Sunshine and Vitamin D
I don’t like to supplement with the synthetic form of Vitamin D so I try to get plenty of sun exposure on exposed skin when possible. During the summer months I don’t need to make a special effort. However, I schedule ‘Vitamin D Sessions’ from October 1 to November 20 and January 20 to March 30th. During these sessions, I try to spend time in the sun with as much exposed skin as I can during the peak sun hours of the day. Between November 20 and January 20th, producing Vitamin D from sun exposure is not possible so I supplement with a high quality cod-liver oil supplement.
Bee Stings
I am a beekeeper who gets stung regularly during the beekeeping season (March through September). Many people report relief from Lyme by using bee sting therapy. I don’t know if this has been helpful or not, but I certainly get my share of bee stings!
Final Thoughts
My most recent test results show all but one of my five Lyme and co-infections are in remission. I am so grateful to be feeling dramatically better. Previously, I felt like I was dragging myself through life which is a terribly difficult way to live.
Blessings on the journey to everyone who is still stuck in that difficult place of living with the pain of Lyme disease. I wish you success and healing!
I want to thank Tracey Long of Big Picture Health, my wife Carmen, and my friends and family who supported me on this journey.
Feel free to leave a comment or reach out if you have any questions.
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