Vitamin B12 for treating Lyme disease, plus 9 other Natural Supplements

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms similar to vitamin B12 deficiency– pain, tingling, numbness, brain fog, and anxiety. Once antibiotics have cured the infection, natural supplements such as vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients and herbs often benefit Lyme disease patients.

How is Lyme disease spread?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and it is spread by deer ticks. Anybody who lives in densely wooded grassy areas is at risk of being bitten by a tick carrying this bacterium. Once infected, antibiotics must be administered immediately in order to avoid lasting nerve damage.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease may occur several weeks after exposure to an infected tick. Because symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to autoimmune disorders like pernicious anemia-vitamin B12 deficiency, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease is sometimes not diagnosed until after severe nerve damage has occurred.

Common symptoms and comorbid conditions of Lyme disease are:

Red rash
Fatigue
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Nerve pain
Numbness
Tingling
Tremors
Stiff neck
Balance problems
Impaired concentration
Shortness of breath
Chest pains
Anxiety
Headaches
Photophobia
Arthritis
Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)
Bannwarth’s triad (lymphocytic meningitis, cranial nerve palsy and radiculoneuritis)

9 Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Beneficial supplements

Chronic Lyme disease occurs when people are recurrently infected by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In addition to taking antibiotics to cure the infection, many chronic Lyme disease sufferers may use the following supplements to enhance the immune system and and alleviate minor pain, fatigue, and anxiety.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Here are some ways that vitamin B12 protects you from Lyme disease symptoms:

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the nervous system by aiding in the production of myelin, a fatty coating that shields each individual nerve cell.
With vitamin B12 deficiency and Lyme disease, your myelin sheathe may become worn down, exposing you to harmful toxins that may kill or damage your nerve cells.
By sustaining healthy levels of vitamin B12 through supplementation, you lower your risk for demyelinating disorders such as vitamin B12 deficiency-pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, and Lyme disease.
Vitamin B12 also helps your body produce healthy red blood cells. Without sufficient stores of vitamin B12, your red blood cell count goes down, resulting in decreased oxygen flow to the brain, causing symptoms of fatigue and brain fog.
Because protein pump inhibitors (PPI’s) are often prescribed to treat Lyme disease, it is essential to include vitamin B12 as part of your treatment plan. PPI’s interfere with your body’s ability to digest vitamin B12 in the stomach, and long-term usage of protein pump inhibitors is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.
To prevent nerve damage from Lyme disease, doctors recommend 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 each week.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Taking 50-100 mgs of vitamin B6 each day is healthy for the metabolism, energy production, and increased healing.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

In order to further boost your immune system and eliminate toxins from your body, doctors recommend taking large doses of vitamin C daily.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Your body makes vitamin D3 whenever you are exposed to sunlight. Taking extra doses of vitamin D3 is beneficial for strengthening your immunity.

GABA (Gama Amino Butyric Acid)

GABA is an amino acid that your body produces to relax the muscles. Many Lyme disease patients find relief in taking GABA supplements to calm their nerves, treat anxiety, sleep peacefully, and prevent muscle spasms or seizures. The maximum recommended dose of GABA is 1500 mg, three times per day.

Probiotics

With regular antibiotic use, it is essential to take “friendly bacteria” in order to promote digestive health. Symptoms of indigestion include stomach pains, loose stools, and nausea. Many yogurts and kefirs are infused with probiotics. Additionally, probiotic supplements may be taken. Doctors recommend 5 – 10 billion CFUs of lactobacillus acidophilus each day.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract is a natural anti-inflammatory, in addition to having anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. Although alternative treatment is not recommended for Lyme disease, many people use olive leaf extract for enhances immune system functioning.

Oil of Oregano

Another natural anti-inflammatory, the oil of pressed oregano contains carvacrol, a chemical which researchers believe is also beneficial for maintaining the body’s natural defenses.

Raw Garlic

To support a healthy immune system, many Lyme disease patients swallow one or more cloves of raw garlic each day.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Followers of herbal medicine hold by 20 mg of Cat’s claw, three times per day, for optimal health with Lyme disease.

Please tell us…

Have you been contracted with Lyme disease? If so, what treatments did you use besides antibiotics to cure nerve pain?

Do you currently take vitamin B12 shots for neuropathy?

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, or offer suggestions. We would love to hear from you!

Spread the love…

Know anybody who could be helped by this information? Please share this article on Facebook, Google+, or by emailing a link. As always, we welcome your comments!