The last few Lyme Support Group meetings that I have held via Zoom reminded me how many people are suffering in this province. There were new people at the last three and listening to their stories made me want to cry. I don’t know how any health care professional can listen to these people and not want to help, in any way that they can. I only wish I could do more to help but we are at a standstill right now due to COVID. They cannot leave the province for treatment and there are very few health care practitioners in this province (or country) with a good handle on Tick-borne diseases. As far as I know, none of them are accepting new patients.

Unfortunately, many cannot afford most of the “alternative” treatments for Lyme and Tick-borne diseases that are presently available. The alternative/complementary health care field is not cheap and is generally out of pocket. Although there is some financial assistance available, most of the people without hefty savings accounts, or other means, are left to their own devices. Most are getting steadily sicker and losing hope.

Fortunately, there are a few things people can do that do not cost a lot and should help build up the immune system to help fight any illness:

• Getting a good night’s sleep – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better

• Exercise. Any type. Don’t overdo it though. Baby steps at first. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/chronically-me/201807/exercise-and-chronic-illness

• Dietary Changes – It is generally recommended to eat as “clean” as possible. No processed foods. Limit or remove sugar. No artificial sweeteners. Gluten may become an issue. Limit or remove dairy. Red meat may cause gastrointestinal issues for some. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. www.drrajpatel.net/index.php/lyme-m/lymediet-m 

• Many, including myself, add a lot of immune boosting things to smoothies, such as Hemp hearts (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds), Chia seeds, Flax seeds, blueberries, etc. Lots of great advice out there on what to add to your diet to boost your immunity to help rid yourself of illness.

• Adding turmeric to your diet – http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-turmeric

• Drinking warm lemon water first thing in morning – http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html

• Oil Pulling – I have personally been doing this for over five years. Love it! –  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131773/

• Apple Cider Vinegar – A tablespoon in a glass of water before meals – This one was suggested to me by a Naturopath to aid digestion. – http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a48500/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/.

• Garlic – Rumour has it that ticks don’t like the smell of garlic. It has actually been used by pest control companies by spraying it on the perimeters of lawns in an effort to keep them off. I have been told by some that eat garlic regularly that they have never found a tick on themselves, even when they spend a considerable amount of time outdoors. Hmmm  –  “Garlic Can Fight Chronic Infections” – http://healthsciences.ku.dk/news/2017/11/garlic/

• Vitamin D Supplementation – There is mixed info regarding this one. Although nobody seems to be against supplementation, there is a lot of variety regarding how much, and who needs it. Do your research and consider getting your levels checked by your doctor prior to adding.

• Vitamin A Supplementation – “Vitamin A Deficiency Exacerbates Murine Lyme Arthritis” – https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/174/4/747/812942

• Samento – http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/sammain.html

• Cannabidiol – http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00065.x/full

• Colloidal Silver – http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/never-consume-colloidal-silver/ and, for a different opinion https://nccih.nih.gov/health/silver

• Grounding/Earthing – https://wellnessmama.com/5600/earthing-grounding/

• The WIM HOF Method – https://www.wimhofmethod.com/

• Cistus tea – https://klinghardtinstitute.com/articles/sardinian-cistus-incanus/. An interesting research article on a number of natural and botanical medicines – “Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity Against Growing and Non-growing Forms of B. burgdorferi” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7050641/. It does mention Colloidal silver as well and notes that it wasn’t effective.

• Thymus Tapping – https://myremedy.co.nz/articles/thymus-tapping/. I go to an Energy Healer who recently told me about this. She said if you do it just as you are starting to feel a cold coming on you can stop it in its tracks. It actually worked for me. You can do it other times as well. She suggested you tap counter clockwise around the Thymus area and then tap clockwise.

• Energy Healing – I have tried this myself over the last few years with varying results. I have always gone to the same Energy Healer as she came highly recommended and I have experienced improvements each time, some visits more than others. As is the case with just about every alternative/complementary health care provider, Energy Healers are not created equal. They all have different training and some may not be as reputable as others. Always do your research.

• Muscle Testing – https://discoverhealing.com/muscle-testing-articles/what-is-muscle-testing-and-how-does-it-work/. This is pretty odd at first. If you are not open to Energy Healing and other out of the box treatments, this one may not be for you. However, I did have this done in the past and it’s quite interesting and seems to work. I am also aware of someone who does it on herself with good results.

• Acupuncture – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2019/07/26/lyme-treatment-success-with-chinese-medicine. Although not cheap, acupuncture is generally less expensive than a Naturopath and may be covered, at least in part, by some health plans. Unfortunately, I am only aware of one Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor in Nova Scotia that has taken an interest in Lyme and tick-borne diseases. She is Dr. Fronie LeRoy at BAIDU TCM in Bedford.

There are many more things out there that people have tried. Something that works for one, may not work for another. Some may interact with other things that you are doing so do your research and ask questions.

Lyme and tick-borne diseases seems to be a very individualized illness. There doesn’t seem to be anything that works for everybody. Listen to your body and only do what YOU can do. Please don’t compare yourself with anyone. We are all different.