Medical Conditions - Acne and Glyconutrients
Lyme disease is a tick borne infection. It is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium called a spirochete that is carried by ticks. Once a tick is infected it can transmit the bacterium to humans when it attaches. Untreated, the bacterium travels through the bloodstream, establishes itself in various body tissues, and can cause a number of symptoms. Ticks will attach themselves to the human body almost anywhere, but seem to prefer body creases such as the armpit, groin, back of the knee and nape of the neck.
It used to be thought that Lyme disease was caused only by being bitten by a tick. However, it is now believed that the bacteria can be spread by other insects including fleas, mosquitoes and mites as well as directly between humans via blood, urine, tears, semen, breast milk, cord blood, and vaginal secretions.
Lyme disease was named in 1977 when arthritis was observed in a cluster of children in and around the town of Lyme, in Connecticut US.
Lyme disease manifests itself as a multi-system inflammatory disease that affects the skin in its early, localised stage, and then spreads to the joints, nervous system and, to a lesser extent, other organ systems in its later stages. The first symptom of Lyme disease is usually an expanding rash (called erythema migrans) which is thought to occur in 80-90 percent of Lyme disease cases. This rash usually radiates from the site of the tick bite, appears either as a solid red expanding rash or blotch, or as a central spot surrounded by clear skin that is in turn ringed by an expanding red rash (looks like a bull's-eye), has an average diameter of 5-6 inches, persists for about 3-5 weeks, may or may not be warm to the touch, and is usually not painful or itchy. Other symptoms can be mild and easily overlooked, and include:
- Swelling of lymph glands near the tick bite
- Generalised achiness
- Headache.
These symptoms are followed by other symptoms such as joint pains, chills, fever, and fatigue. As the bacterium moves throughout the body severe fatigue, a stiff, aching neck, and peripheral nervous system involvement such as tingling or numbness in the extremities or facial palsy can occur.
The latter, and more serious, symptoms appear in the latter stages of Lyme disease. This may be weeks, months or even years in some cases after the tick bite. These symptoms include severe headaches, painful arthritis and swelling of joints, cardiac abnormalities, and central nervous system involvement leading to cognitive disorders.
Lyme disease may be present in the body with no symptoms until a trauma weakens the immune system. Then Lyme disease can present symptoms that mimic over 350 other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, chromic fatigue syndrome and other degenerative diseases could have Lyme disease.
Glyconutrients are not disease specific nor are they symptom specific - they are not magical - but your body has an extraordinary ability to heal itself when supported by the proper nutrition. For a person with Lyme disease, glyconutrients support the body to heal, repair, protect, regulate and cleanse all cells, tissue, organs and systems. Glyconutrients provide an immune support, to ensure the body can fight the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.