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Naturopathic Doctors in Idaho Falls, ID

Lyme & Infectious Diseases

Lyme & Infectious Diseases

Lyme disease can be a devastating illness with significant impact on quality of life. It can cause problems in nearly every system in the body, including the brain and nerves. One of the biggest challenges with Lyme disease is the diagnosis. Even though we know much more about Lyme than we did 30 years ago, the CDC criteria for diagnosis hasn’t changed since the early 1990s.

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A major contributor to the difficulty of diagnosis is the lack of adequate, consistent testing. Lyme disease is caused by tickborne bacteria, but there are many different species of the bacteria. Unfortunately, detecting the bacteria in the blood is challenging for many reasons (i.e. outdated technology, cost, complexity, human error). Even with advanced technology it is a complicated clinical diagnosis that must take into account a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and bloodwork. There are many different types of tests to choose from, some with greater accuracy and availability than others. Often one type of test will require an additional different test for confirmation, adding to the cost and difficulty of a correct diagnosis. Current research reveals that the standard two-tiered testing recommended by the CDC can lead to false positive or negative results and can miss up to 60% of Lyme disease cases. 

Lyme diseases can mimic a multitude of other diseases, leading to delayed diagnosis, but it can also occur simultaneously with other chronic debilitating viral illnesses such as Epstein Barr. There is a  wide array of co-infections that are often present with Lyme disease. This makes it very difficult to know which virus or bacteria to address first. Standard treatments for tickborne diseases typically involve prolonged courses of antibiotics, causing patients to become at risk for problems with the gut microbiome or increased susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions. Tickborne diseases have more than doubled in the past 13 years, and Lyme disease accounts for 82% of all cases.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease include the following:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Neck stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Chronic muscle & joints aches and pains
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, chronic abdominal pain
  • Brain fog or changes in cognitive status
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Appetite loss
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Enlarged, tender lymph nodes
  • Rash
  • Shortness or breath
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs

Because of the complex and debilitating nature of Lyme disease, it is important to utilize testing with our naturopathic doctors in Idaho Falls, ID at Wholesome Health & Aesthetics that will facilitate as early and accurate a diagnosis as possible. The Tickborne 2.0 test offers the most cutting-edge technology available for detecting even small amounts of Lyme infection in the blood and is currently the most comprehensive test available. Furthermore, because its methodology relies heavily on immunochip technology, the laboratory component of human error is decreased, making the test the most accurate and cost-effective of any on the market.

Lyme disease is caused by tick-borne bacteria, but there are many different species of those bacteria. Unfortunately, detecting the bacteria in the blood is challenging for many reasons (i.e. outdated technology, cost, complexity, human error). Furthermore, people infected with Lyme are also frequently infected with other chronic viruses, making it difficult to figure out what to treat first. 

The Tickborne 2.0 panel ($1400) is the most comprehensive test available, detecting 40 different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi (20 more Lyme markers than most competitors, with 100% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity), 23 opportunistic infections (i.e. Epstein Barr, Cytomegalovirus, West Nile, Herpesvirus), and 25 co-infections (i.e. Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma). 

For a complete list of pathogens detected with Tickborne 2.0 click here. 

For a sample report of the Tickborne 2.0 click here. 

For additional information on Tickborne 2.0 click here

Why You Should Have Naturopathic Doctors in Idaho Falls, ID Treat Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a serious and potentially debilitating illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Prompt and appropriate treatment is absolutely essential for several critical reasons:

  • Preventing Progression to Later Stages: Untreated Lyme disease often progresses through distinct stages, each with increasingly severe and complex symptoms. Early-stage Lyme typically involves localized symptoms at the site of the tick bite, such as a characteristic bullseye rash (erythema migrans), as well as flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. If left untreated, the infection can disseminate throughout the body, leading to more serious complications in the later stages.
  • Avoiding Chronic and Debilitating Symptoms: Late-stage Lyme disease can manifest in a wide array of chronic and debilitating symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. This can include severe joint pain and swelling (Lyme arthritis), neurological problems such as cognitive impairment, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, nerve pain (neuropathy), and even facial palsy. Cardiac involvement, though less common, can also occur. These chronic symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making daily activities difficult and potentially leading to long-term disability.
  • Reducing the Risk of Long-Term Complications: Allowing Lyme disease to go untreated increases the likelihood of developing persistent and potentially irreversible health problems. Chronic Lyme symptoms can be difficult to treat and may persist even after antibiotic therapy. Early intervention significantly reduces the risk of these long-term complications and improves the chances of a full recovery.
  • Minimizing the Impact on Daily Life: The symptoms of Lyme disease, particularly in its later stages, can have a profound impact on a person's ability to work, attend school, maintain social relationships, and engage in everyday activities. Treating the infection early can prevent the development of these debilitating symptoms and minimize the disruption to one's life.
  • Preventing Transmission to Others (Indirectly): While Lyme disease is not directly contagious from person to person, treating infected individuals helps to reduce the overall burden of the disease in the community. By effectively eliminating the infection in individuals, we can indirectly contribute to reducing the likelihood of further transmission by ticks.

Treating Lyme disease is not merely advisable but a necessity to prevent the progression of the illness, avoid chronic and debilitating symptoms, reduce the risk of long-term complications, minimize the impact on daily life, and contribute to broader public health efforts. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome and to protect long-term health and well-being. If you suspect you may have Lyme disease, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Contact Our Naturopathic Doctors in Idaho Falls, ID

For individuals seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness in the Idaho Falls area, our team of dedicated and knowledgeable naturopathic doctors in Idaho Falls, ID is here to help. Our experienced practitioners specialize in a range of natural therapies and offer personalized care to address your unique health concerns.

If you are looking for guidance and support in managing Lyme disease or other infectious diseases through natural and integrative methods, our naturopathic doctors in Idaho Falls, ID have specialized expertise in this area. We offer comprehensive consultations to understand your specific situation and develop tailored treatment plans that focus on strengthening your body's natural defenses and promoting long-term well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how our naturopathic doctors in Idaho Falls, ID can benefit you.

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