The debate of chronic vector-borne diseases (Lyme disease and coinfections) continues to this day. Surprisingly, some of the most recognized leaders in the infectious disease community still argue over the existence of chronic vector-borne diseases. However, I am here to tell you the argument should not be over the existence but the widespread prevalence and severity of chronic vector-borne diseases. The Western medical system has focused its testing and treatments around acute Lyme disease, which has generally proved effective if the patient recognizes a bite or rash early. However, if the disease becomes chronic, evaluation and treatment strategies in the Western medical system are inadequate and disappointing, to say the least.
Chronic vector-borne diseases are one of the most challenging diagnoses to confirm due to the pathogen’s variability and flexibility to change structure and location. Due to our poor screening efforts and inaccurate diagnostics used, practitioners are often unable to give patients clarity on the likelihood of an active infection. Even if a vector-borne disease can be identified, the treatment process can be even more challenging and complicated due to the unique capabilities of adaptation, growth, and the variety of organ systems a vector-borne disease can infect. But the good news is that if a comprehensive treatment approach is applied, most, if not all, patients can resolve the infection regardless of the duration and severity
of the illness.
Treating Chronic Vector-Borne Diseases
I have found significant success in treating chronic vector-borne diseases for two major reasons. First, it is imperative to treat and resolve all acute inflammatory conditions prior to treating vector-borne diseases like SIBO, viral infections, and toxicity exposure. I have found that if the immune system is distracted, depleted, or altered by additional inflammatory conditions, then it will not devote a full response against the vector-borne infection. The immune system will not function as efficiently with multiple inflammatory conditions, and the patient is much more likely to have adverse reactions to any antibiotic or antimicrobial treatments used.
The second reason I have had significant success with treating vector-borne disease is due to the consistent use of enzymatic therapy to treat biofilm formation. This may be the single most important variable missed when treating acute versus chronic vector-borne diseases. After a few short months, many of the microbes of vector-borne diseases have burrowed deep into connective tissue and formed a biofilm that encapsulates the pathogen, protecting it against antibiotic therapy. Without treating the biofilm and reducing that encapsulation, neither antibiotics nor alternative therapies will be effective for the full resolution of the infection.
Herbal Therapy
Left untreated or not properly treated, Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases can lead to chronic illness and immune system dysfunction, where the immune system becomes overactive, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms.
Herbal therapy can be very effective in treating multiple infections. Plants and herbs known for their antimicrobial properties can also support the immune system, helping restore balance to the immune system while addressing chronic infections.
After having used a variety of treatment strategies for many years while comparing treatment outcomes, I have found herbal antimicrobial therapy to be a far superior treatment for chronic vector-borne diseases over traditional pharmaceutical antibiotics. The research agrees that herbal treatments are much more synergistic with the immune response. They promote anti-inflammatory effects, penetrate deeper into the tissues where chronic disease manifests, and produce similar, if not greater, efficacy to treatment outcomes. Not to mention they are generally better tolerated by the patient.
Lastly, the gastrointestinal microbiome is less disturbed. Pharmaceutical antibiotics can be helpful in acute flares when the patient is in significant distress or with a recent-onset infection, but I do not recommend them for longer than a few weeks at a time. Treatment for chronic vector-borne diseases can take months to effectively resolve, and long-term pharmaceutical antibiotic therapies can cause significant distress.
Supportive Care
Often overlooked but just as important as “killing” the infection is supportive care therapies used to improve outcomes and reduce symptoms of vector-borne diseases. Boosting and regulating the immune response, improving lymphatic detoxification, as well as rebuilding the damaged tissue are all necessary components of treatment to regain optimal health and function.
If you are a patient dealing with symptoms consistent with chronic vector-borne diseases, the first step is an evaluation outside of conventional testing, using specialty labs and an educated provider within the vector-borne diseases community. Once you have confirmation of the infection, using a multifactorial and comprehensive therapy over multiple months can and often does result in complete resolution of symptoms.
Dr. Zach Moran of Roots Natural Medical Center is a board-certified and licensed naturopathic physician and has completed a medical residency program. He has an extensive research background and specializes in chronic infectious disease and environmental toxicity, which he believes to be at the core of most chronic diseases. Roots is a Naturopathic Medicinal Center that focuses on addressing foundational root causes of complex chronic diseases. The clinic aims to properly identify, diagnose, and treat patients with unexplained chronic illnesses. Our services are individualized and patient-focused, as medicine should be.
Visit: rootsmedicalcenter.com, email: info@rootsmedicalcenter.com, or call 860.471.1434 to learn more.