Lyme's Disease and Antibiotics

We have seen a number of Lymes sufferers get relief in a huge way by nutritional means. Please call A. at ###-###-####, we are up late, but not early.

Take this very seriously. My Aunt died from this and they didn't catch it until it was too late to treat. She had symptoms similar to alzheimers and they thought that she was getting early alzheirmers even though she was in her early 40's. Not to scare you, I just wanted you to take this seriously.
Thanks!

Lots of acidophilus (sp?). Go to a store like Whole Foods and talk to them about what the most potent form is..........You need to replace the good bacteria in his gut that's being destroyed by the antibiotics.............

Lots of yogurt with live and active cultures should help. I've heard that plain is better than fruit flavored since the fruit flavored is loaded with sugar. I think they probably have probiotics for kids too which should help if the yogurt isn't doing the trick. I would try a health food store or a vitamin store and ask what they have for kids.

just wanted to let you know we had a little scare with lymes disease this year and i learned a few things. first, the tick must be in for at least 24 hours and should be engorged. otherwise it is unlikely to have spread anything. also, it is not just the tiny tiny ticks that spread it. it is also the female ticks which are bigger (maybe a little smaller than a pencil eraser) and i dont remember exactly but think my pediatrician said it should have a red body to be the one that can infect. also, there does not have to be a red rash to indicate infection, though if there is one you should definitely run the course with the antibiotics. also, there is differing opinion on the length of treatment. it was always considered to be necessary to do the 4 week, but now there is evidence that 10 days is just as effective. we were concerned because our boy had a fever, loss of appetite, and general listnesness for a few days maybe a week after we found the tick. of course, all of these symptoms could be anything and it was very hard to know what to do. research on the internet was somewhat helpful but mostly pertained to advanced cases and those can be scary. my aunt in new york was diagnosed with it pretty late and it was really hard for her, so i am not trying to play down the reality of lymes, i am just trying to say that my pediatricians opinion is that it is so rare, especially in california, and that unless you really feel that something is not right with your kid or if there are certain high risk indicators asociated with the tick itself or the bite, then antibiotics are not just the normal course of events. also, the blood test is notoriously poor. our sons tick was in just about 24 hours, further complicating our decision. ultimately, we have not opted for antibiotics. my pediatrician said that anythime in the first 6 weeks after the bite it would be fine to start treatment if we wanted to and he would just fill out the scrip. we went home and let it all sink in, and our boy is in great health (we do know that symptoms can come and go) and we also found out that several other kids at a birthday party showed up with the same symptoms. speaking with lots of people has helped as so many people have had similar experiences and did not run the treatment with no ill effects. it is of my opinion that you may want to seek a second opinion or do some more research. at the very least you may not need to run the whole 4 weeks. good luck with your boy and try to get him to eat lots of probiotics -- especially in whole foods like yogurt and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchee (homemade is best for both of those!!)

Probiotics, probiotics and more probiotics!
I use the best ones from www.springboard4health.com check them out, they are called Russian choice Immune
I even take them when we travel, to prevent gastric infections; My cousin took her bottle to Africa on her last visit, and she says they are little jewels. They become sick, but these probiotics helped to recover very fast, and made the pain tolerable.
Avoid sugar, since it feeds candida which can develop with the administration of antibiotics.
good luck

Yes I have good advise. There are pro-biotics called "pearls" that get a ton of pro-biotics to your intestines. They look like little round hard marbles and they make it through the stomach acids. I took them while on anti-biotics and they really work. No more farts.

Hi P.,
It isn't bad enough that he has Lyme's disease, but now he has to deal with this ... He could be allergic to the antibiotic...I suggest that you call your doctor and see if there is an alternative solution ie another medication.

I hope he gets well soon.

Take care

Do you know he has lymes disease? Or are you doing this as a precaution? We live on a green belt, and have been bitten by ticks before...with no negative outcome. Lymes disease is not common around here. I would first find out if the antibiotics are even neccesary. If they are...you can switch to something else. My daughter had bad stomache trouble with antibiotics, so we switched to another type and she did fine! GOOD LUCK

Caprylic acid capsules and a probiotic at the same time. Stay away from dairy for a while.

Hi P.,

I know how you must feel. It is upsetting when your child has any kind of challenge and you feel like you are not doing enough to make it better.

I am introduced to a Child's Wellness Expo on Aug 2 in Sunnyvale. It is exciting to see 13 doctors coming from around the country to put this event together. It is the first time in the states. They have these events in Europe all the time.

If this is something that interests you please let me know and I will send you a flier and put you on the guest list. As there is limited seating.

Wish you well.

N. Marie
____@____.com

Probiotics or acidophilus will help with the GI upset. It is time to listen to the doctor and take the antibiotics--Lime disease can affect one for life, so take the meds now to prevent complications that could affect your son's quality of life. You have done a great job keeping him healthy thus far, and fed him organically, but now is the time for heavy duty medical care. Do not stop the antibiotics until the osteopath tells you, and you should probably see an infectious disease specialist asap. It really is your son's life to consider at this time. You are lucky that treatment was started quickly.

Some antibiotics are particularly rough on the gut. You should check with your osteopath to see if another antibiotic could be substituted-- one that would still deal with the bacteria from the tick and yet would be easier on the digestive tract. Most children can deal fine with a course of antibiotic treatment without the need for supplements. However, some people feel better if they give their children an acidophylus culture or something similar to what is found in yoghurt. Again, check with your osteopath. Best wishes.

I would recommend to give acidophilus - living bacteria for his stomach. My homeopathic doctor who also has an md recommended that to me. She said to give it apart from the antibiotics. You can put it into his food. Yogurt has the same bacteria but it might not be as effective. You can buy the bacteria at Whole Foods or the Elephant Pharmacy.

That's a rough one, four weeks. I took them a fair amount as a youngster, and the side effects are no fun. I would recommend a daily smoothie (and continue past his prescription a couple of weeks) made with Strauss plain yogurt (you can get a big container of it, often on sale, and it's made in West Marin cty) fresh or frozen fruit. Strauss makes a great product, all of their dairy products are great, and it's local. You might want to try encapsulated probiotics if you want to give an extra boost. Good luck.

Dear P.,
I'm so sorry about the tick bite. My sister got one on the back of her neck and it was the yuckiest, most horrible thing.
Ticks aren't anything to mess around with, and I know you don't like taking medicine, but antibiotics are a must.
Some antibiotics are to be taken with food, others on an empty stomach. I'm not sure which one your son is taking. Antibiotics can really upset your stomach so be sure that he is drinking lots of water so they aren't just sitting in his stomach and are better able get flushed through his system.
I have taken some that really bothered me and my physician said it was okay to break the pills in half and take them at more frequent intervals. One antibiotic I took made me so sick they ended up just giving me a shot in the butt instead. I had pneumonia, a kidney infection, an eye infection...I was a mess. I had to have something strong, but they were making me so sick, they weren't doing me any good. My tummy just couldn't take it.
Anyway, if you can't find a way to get him any relief, contact the osteopath. She may be able to switch him to something that he can tolerate better. Also make sure, because I believe with some antibiotics it's best to avoid dairy.
Just make sure he is getting plenty of liquids and some nice tea wouldn't hurt him either.
I hope he will be feeling better soon!

I would take him to a doctor and find out if he even has lyme's disease, chances are he does not and is taking medicine for no reason. What type of medicine is he giving your child? I, too, do not take or give medication to my kids unless necessary. I do believe that alternative medicine is fine, but sometimes you need a doctor to diagnos or to rule out other things, like lyme disease with a blood test. Don't turn your back on conventional medicine when it can be really helpful, like in this case, get a blood test. Good luck. I hope your son feels better soon.

yogurt is good, there is a product called Bio K that is a fermented yogurt tasting drink that is a probiotic power source and may help
good luck

Hi there,

Antibiotics can really disrupt the normal flora in anyone's tummy. You might want to try Florastor Kids - it's a probiotic for children that our MD has recommended. I've used this with my kids when they've had the stomach flu to restore their tummy health. It comes in a box of individual use packets. I'm sure your osteopath is familiar with this. You may want to ask him/her about dosage for your son. Good Luck!

Hi P.,

So sorry to hear about your son's tick bite. Yes, be sure to use probiotic supplements since he's on antibiotics! Use a certified organic probiotic such as InLiven. It is a loose powder, containing prebiotics (food to get the bacteria growing & multiplying) and a full spectrum of friendly bacteria, not just one. InLiven is easily mixed into water, juice, smoothies, yogurt or sprinkled over cereal. Adding foods containing friendly bacteria (such as yogurt, kefir, raw sauerkraut, kim chee) to the diet will help, but an organic probiotic supplement is really needed with antibiotic use. You can order InLiven organic probiotics here:

http://aromatherapist.mionegroup.com/en/product/15101

Or, if you prefer a gluten-free probiotic, use the FAST TRACT liquid for a quick boost to re-colonize the gastrointestinal tract with the full spectrum of Lactobacillus (friendly) bacteria.

http://aromatherapist.mionegroup.com/en/product/15301

Additionally, drinking teas with carminative herbs such as mints, chamomile, anise or fennel will help ease the stomach discomfort & gas. Best of luck to you & your son in dealing with this!

K.

Hi P.:
Although lymne disease is serious it is extremely rare. You can only get lymne disease by getting bit from a deer tick, which is only about 1/8th of the tick population. Deer ticks are VERY small and dark black. And not all deer ticks are carriers of lymne disease, making chances even smaller. If your son truly has lymne disease, you would have seen a round rash (like a bulls eye) develop around the bite. Another thing is that lymne disease has a very specific treatment that doesn't usually include antibiotics. I would find a pediatrician to talk to.

You should try Acidopholis milk, when I was very young my Dr. gave me antibiotics that were too harsh for my stomach so he had my parents give me what I called "purple milk" and it really helped. To this day when I have to take antiobiotics and they hurt I go get my "purple milk" and feel much better. You might even be able to find it in the organic milk section but I'm not sure.

HI P.,
I would also get the little guy on some probiotics. If you go to a reputable health food store and ask them about probiotics for children, they can lead you in the right direction. Or if you see an alternative healthcare practitioner. Many of my patients children are on probiotics, so there are some out there that are easy and gentle. good luck.

Hi P.,

Probiotics (such as Probio 8) is what is needed to help replace the good bacteria killed by the antibiotics. Probiotics are a supplement that can be purchased at most health stores or at a chiropractor's that carries supplements.

Antibiotics can not desern between the good and bad bacteria in the system so, kills both. Yogurt and ascidolphilous milk are helpful but the probiotics are the best and will produce the best results in the shortest time. Whatever method you choose it should be done for no less than a month beyond when he finishes the antibiotics.

Hope this is of some help.
L.

I would first discuss what's happening with your osteopath. Next your son may need additional digestive enzymes. I have seen a barley product and Living water from Nikken help also.

Both suggestions are great. Probiotics and live culture yogurt. Look for something with Bifidobacterium. Lyme disease is very serious and nothing to mess with. Your Dr. is right.

My apologies if this is obvious to you, but make sure to take the medicine with food. You may want to give him some crackers with the yogurt a few minutes before giving him the medicine. Best of luck.

P. -
I have a couple of suggestions - staying away from certain foods like broccoli, cabbage, beans and (if you don't already)
taking enzymes and probiotics. Any health food store can direct you to the right kinds for your son.
Good luck!
K.

Haven't read through the responses yet, sorry if any of this is redundant...

I would recommend Kefir by Helios Nutrition (lifeway.net) if you can find it. The beneficial yeast in it will survive the antibiotics and keep candida and other pathogens in check. And continuing the kefir for awhile (or long-term even) after the antibiotics will help repopulate the gut with good flora. This is SO important! I also recommend giving a good broad-spectrum probiotic once the course of antibiotics is done. Your local health food store can steer you to a good one, although I recommend Garden of Life's Primal Defense.

One other thing, you can make your own kefir from starter culture. I use Body Ecology's starter (bodyecology.com) and I culture it in coconut water since my kids can't tolerate dairy. It is yummy!

Here's a website with more information about kefir:

http://www.kefir.net/index.htm

I would recommend that you go to Whole Foods or a health food store and talk to someone who can recommend the best pro-biotic for your son. At the least you should get him on a powdered pro-biotic for Children, I use one for my daughter from Nature's Way anytime she has had to have antiobiotics.

Also, I think you are doing the right thing by giving him the antiobiotics. A friend of mine was just diagnosed, after 10 years of being sick, with lyme disease. If not treated it can be a real health problem.

God bless.