Can a simple tick bite significantly increase your risk of cancer?

Lyme patients know that Lyme disease is not only just a single infection of the spirochete Borrelia, but rather a multitude of different diseases that ticks carry called "co-infections". Some co-infections such as the Powassan virus are more deadly than others (which kills around 33% of people it infects, whom the latest victim is Joseph Elone (1)), but then there are other chronic co-infections such as mycoplasmas. (2, 3) Mycoplasmas are Gram-positive bacteria's which are the smallest living cells we have ever discovered, so small that 4,000 mycoplasma bacteria's can fit inside a single red blood cell. The link between mycoplasmas and cancer is becoming well documented and depending on the species of the mycoplasma, a person's risk for developing many different types of cancers significantly increases which includes (4) ovarian, lung, prostate, breast, cervix, renal, gastrointestinal, (including colon, esophagus, stomach), and glial (brain, CNS) cancer. Mycoplasmas can increase the risk of cancer by causing the breakage of DNA, inhibit apoptosis (which means they prevent cells from dying) and they interfere with normal host cell DNA repair centers. A normal and healthy immune systems can generally kill cancer cells as they grow, but then some species of mycoplasmas such as the mycoplasma hyorhinis (5) are known to weaken the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells. This may be the reason why Lyme patients can also develop cancer, but because Lyme disease is not taken seriously, and tick born diseases are not well studied or understood, there may be many other factors involved in the development of cancer among Lyme patients.

My personal observations (opinion) on why Lyme patients are better off than others with cancer.
When Lyme patients becomes sick with Lyme disease and it becomes chronic, they are involuntarily entered into the Lyme disease wars whether they like it or not. Lyme patients (outside of the Lyme community) will generally go from doctor to doctor either being misdiagnosed, or be written off as faking their symptoms. This is occurring because the doctors they are seeing have strong faith in the guidelines of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and believe everything published by the IDSA is based solely on science. If the IDSA claims there are four trials that proves there are no benefits to long term antibiotic usage for Post Lyme, then we have to trust in their conclusions because their job is to interpret the scientific data, right? But then what happens when independent researchers decide to look at the scientific data cited to form the IDSA guidelines and discover that the scientific data actually contradicts the IDSA guidelines? (6) The actual findings of the four studies goes like this; 2 of those 4 studies had inconclusive results, and the other 2 showed significant improvement among Lyme patients (7) who receive long term antibiotics to treat chronic Lyme disease.

Many doctors have to still put their faith in these guidelines (and all other guidelines used in their medical practice) for a number of reasons including how busy their practice is, and the lack of time they have in their daily lives, but even if a doctor discovers that the guidelines they are using are wrong, they cannot deviate from the guidelines or they risk losing their medical license. But regardless, Lyme patients see this reality in our medical community and understand that truth is not correlated with either popularity nor the interpretations of a small minority of people. Many Lyme patients have learned how to go straight to the scientific research and see for themselves what the actual data says, rather than believing the top results of a simple Google search or a quick glance of Wikipedia. In a world that trusts the opinions of a small minority of doctors, Lyme patients have no problem asking for a second or third opinion, and they also have no problem going straight to the scientific studies on a given issue.

Books on cancer that everyone should:

1. Dr. Otis Brawley "How We Do Harm" chief medical and scientific officer of The American Cancer Society

2. Overdiagnosed by Dr. Welch, Dr. Schwartz, and Dr. Woloshin 

3. Dr. Brownstein's books on cell apoptosis and iodine. Dr. Brownstein was a licensed Medical Doctor who has many years of experience in hospitals and medical research.

4. Defeat Cancer: 15 Doctors of Integrative & Naturopathic Medicine Tell You How

How to search for a Complementary practitioner:

NCCAM search 

Disclaimer: Not intended for medical purposes. This is just an opinion of one person and all medical concerns should be directed to your licensed medical doctor.

Sources: 

1.) NBC New York, Deadly Tick Virus Eyed in Death of NY Teen Who Collapsed in Yard, August 19, 2013

2.) Real-Time PCR Investigation of Potential Vectors, Reservoirs, and Shedding Patterns of Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma, 2007 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1932730/

3.) Evidence for disseminated Mycoplasma fermentans in New Jersey residents with antecedent tick attachment and subsequent musculoskeletal symptoms, 2003 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17041434
 

4.) Mycoplasmas and Cancer: in search of the link, 2011
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248167/
 

5. p37 from Mycoplasma hyorhinis promotes cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis through activation of MMP-2 and followed by phosphorylation of EGFR, 2008 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18347140

6. Lyme retreatment guidance may be flawed, Brown University news, 2012
http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/08/lyme

7. A Reappraisal of the U.S. Clinical Trials of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease
Syndrome,
2012 http://benthamscience.com/open/toneuj/articles/V006/SI0078TONEUJ/79TONEUJ.pdf

 

8. How We Do Harm, A Doctor Breaks Ranks About Being Sick in America, Dr, Otis Webb Brawley

 

9. Overdiagnosed, Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health, by Welch, H. Gilbert, Lisa Schwartzl, and Steve Woloshin 

10. Dr. Brownstein, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It

Skin Cancer: Nonmelanoma skin cancer cure

Skin cancer
Disclaimer: Not intended for medical purposes. Show all skin lesions/growths and discuss all treatment options with your licensed physician.



What is cancer?  Today's definition of cancer is different from Dr. Weinberg's oncogene theory which he himself challenged over a decade ago. Cancer is now defined by cells that do not undergo apoptosis (cell death) which is caused by many different diseases that create abnormal cells [1]. In other words, cancer cells keep reproducing without dying, while normal cells have a programmed cell death. Cancer cells are generated in every person and the immune system on a daily basis seeks out cancer cells and kills them [2] [3]. When the immune system is hindered by an unhealthy lifestyle [4], the immune system has trouble keeping up with eliminating cancer cells and cancer cells begin multiplying.

What causes skin cancer?  The Ozone hole has shrunk to a record low, yet skin cancer rates are skyrocketing. Ph D. Casey Adams in his book Healthy Sun: Healing with Sunshine and the Myths about skin cancer [5] explains that skin cancer is not caused by the sun, but rather it is caused from an inability to convert either ultraviolet A (UV-A) or ultraviolet B (UV-B) due to an unhealthy lifestyle which includes an unhealthy diet. Our skin uses ultraviolet A (UV-A) to directly assist the immune system by aiding the repair of DNA damage and ultraviolet B (UV-B) allows for the production of Vitamin D [6].

The easiest studies that can be reproduced by anyone are plant studies which proves these facts. We can take 2 groups of plants of the same species and water and fertilize one group correctly, while poorly watering and fertilizing the other group and put them both under the same sun exposure. Plants that are watered and fertilized correctly remain green and healthy because they produce protective and neutralizing mechanisms and phytochemicals that prevent them from being damaged, but the poorly watered and fertilized plants will turn brown when exposed to the sun which is comparable on a cellular level to a poorly nourished human skin cells [7].

This is confirmed in human studies as well. The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health also studied 1,607 cancer outpatients and their diets were studied in detail revealing that when people eat a low alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and lycopene diet (all plant-based food nutrients), people have significantly higher risks of melanoma. They also revealed that alcohol consumption is also significantly associated with a higher risk of melanoma, as well as low vitamin D3 levels. [8] The University of California at San Diego in 2007 reviewed research from 107 countries and found that skin cancer was associated with lower levels of UV-B rays, obesity and animal diets. [9] The widely held myth that the sun causes skin cancer and that we should wear sunscreen and sunblock every time we go outside to reduce the risk of skin cancer is not true. If people never receive UV-B exposure, their risk for cancer will increase. Although it is important to note that when people go on vacation and are going to receive dramatic increases in sun exposure, their risk of skin cancer will increase because they did not let their skin develop enough melanin which is the skins natural sun protector for UV-A and UV-B rays. The type of sunscreen or sunblock that people use will also increase their risk of cancer as well. Most sunscreens and sunblock creams contain carcinogens that leak into the blood stream which increases people's risk of cancer. In order to be protected while going on vacations from a dramatic increase in sun exposure, people can buy sun protecting clothing, or find a sunscreen that is supported by the Environmental Working Group [10]

Symptoms of skin cancer:
A new growth on skin, a change in an existing skin growth, a sore that does not heal. A licensed physician should examine all skin growths.

Types of Skin Cancer:
Pictures can be found on medicinenet [11]
Basil cell carcinoma (BCC): Most common form of skin cancer, but can spread deep and cause scaring. It has an extremely low rate of metastasis which means it is not usually life threatening. 5 different common types of BCC exist, and some may even resemble psoriasis or eczema. An open sour that bleeds, oozes or crusts and remains open, a reddish patch or irritated area frequently on chest, shoulders, arms or legs that may itch or it hurts, a shiny bump, a pink growth or a scar like area.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Can look like a wart-like growth that crusts and bleeds, persistent scaly red patch with irregular borders that can crust or bleed, an open sore that bleeds and crusts, an elevated growth with a central depression that occasionally bleeds, a persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that can bleed or crust, and an open sore that bleeds and crusts and persists for weeks. They appear most common on face or neck and can look like a sore or pimple that does not heal.

Melanoma: Melanoma is a skin cancer that, if left alone, will spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma skin cancer will look asymmetrical where half of the mole or mark will be different in shape than the other, the borders will grow irregularly, it will be multicolored or change colors, and the mole keeps changing in appearance. Melanoma can be any size, but when it grows larger than 6 mm, it should be examined by a medical professional. Early stages of treating melanoma include surgery, but the more advanced stages may be difficult to treat using allopathic medicine because the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer cure 

Danger of nonmelanoma skin cancer: If left untreated for a long duration of time, 3 to 5% of nonmelanoma skin cancer can spread to distant organs and become life threatening. The vast majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers are not life threatening.

 

Traditional treatment: Cryosurgery, Curettage and electrodessication, micrographic surgery (moh's surgery), and laser surgery.

Recurrence rates of surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer are high (30 to 67 percent) and there are risks of infection, overtly expensive, and not all cancer cells are detectable when examining the skin which is the reason why there is a high recurrence of the cancer coming back in the same spot. Reconstructive surgery may also be required and a large scar on the patients face may be permanent.

 

100% cure rate treatment 



 

Name: Curaderm Bec5

How long has it been studied: over 25 years
Ingredients: Solasodine Glycosides (BEC) (active anti-cancer ingredient), Salicylic Acid, Urea.
Recent studies published in: Journal of Cancer Therapy, 2011, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Inc 2011, International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2012.
Read instructions for usage: If one is to use this product, one must fully read the instructions on how to use the cream and possibly buy the Curaderm Bec 5 book for more information.
Internal usage: currently in clinical trials in humans suffering from terminal internal cancers

 

Short summary of the clinical trials

Vigorous double blinded placebo trials indicated that there is a 100% cure rate for this product and patient follow up after 5 years indicates no recurrence of the cancer which means it completely killed all cancer cells by process of apoptosis. The cure works deep in all 3 layers of skin; the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue and is sugar bound which makes cancer cells want to feed on Bec 5 without realizing that it is poison to the cancer cells. This product does not harm healthy normal cells.

Pre-Clinical phase: Ex Vivo and In vivo studies
Ex Vivo: studies indicate BEC was effective against many cancers and it only kills cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
In vivo:  Terminal tumours in mice, rats and large animals (horses) were given the cream. Only 2 doses cured 42% of cancer, and 3 to 4 doses cured 92%. All untreated mice with the cancer died at age 20.

Phase I clinical trials: test for safety
Testing for dosage tolerance, metabolism, excretion, and pharmacodynamics
Result: BEC up to 50% concentration was still found extremely safe.

No changes before, during or after in white blood cells, red blood cells, Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpusscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, sodium ion, potassium ion, chloride ion, total Co2,Creatinine, Uric Acid, Urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, calcium, LDH, AST, GGT, ALT, AP, glucose, globulins, Albumin, Total protein. The half life of solasonine was 5.57 +- 1.27 h, and solamargine was 8.4 +- 2h.

BEC kills cancer cells, but leaves normal cells alone. Causes cell death by apoptosis. Effective at both proliferating and resting (non dividing) cancer cells. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed cancer cells have a specific receptor that recognizes and binds BEC while normal cells do not.

Phase II clinical trials: 129 human patients

Tests: precancer actinic keratosis, malignant skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (bcc), squamous cell carcinoma (scc)

Biopsies were taken before and after treatment with BEC formulations to ensure both clinically and histologically if the skin cancer was killed.

Result: Low doses of BEC in the presence of keratolytic agents were optimal for treating non melanoma skin cancers. No safety risks could be identified

 

Phase III clinical trials 232 human patients

• single and randomized double-blinded placebo controlled studies.
• Done in Australia and multi-centre hospitals in the United Kingdom and approved by the Medical Control Agency.

Results: 78% success rate when applied 2 times daily for 8 weeks. Treatment extended to 12 weeks had a 100% success rate. Success was defined as zero presence of non melanoma skin cancer after histological examinations of samples extracted from lesion sites from punch biopsy. 5 year follow up studies: no recurrences of the treated lesions.

Phase IV post-marketing studies: 50,000 human patients

Out of 50,000 patients, 2 patients had adverse effects documented of a ten year period with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia. These 2 patients had dermatitis at the site of the Bec 5 application. Cessation of Bec 5 resulted in a remission of the dermatitis.

Does money play a role in mainstream medical guidelines?
It is clear that Curaderm has been proven to work far superior over surgery, and patients no longer have to spend thousands of dollars on medical procedures that leave scars when they can buy a pharmaceutical cream for $100 USD. American medical establishments will not carry the double blinded peer reviewed studies for this product even though the studies have been published in popular and trusted medical journals across the world, and if we ask doctors about this product, doctors are supposed to say that they just do not carry the information for this product. Some overtly prideful doctors will offer their opinion on this product before they look at the double blinded peer reviewed data which is why patients should review the data before discussing with a doctor so that the educated patient can correct the doctor on the studies and discuss the best treatment plan. The question remains, why has the American medical establishment not adapted this product and replaced existing treatment protocols? Does money play a role in the formation of treatment guidelines for patients in the United States?

Before we can answer this question, we have to determine how much money our medical establishments are generating on nonmelanoma cancers. In 2004, the total direct cost of nonmelanoma skin cancer was 1.4 billion dollars [12]. This is not including the indirect costs, and nonmelanoma skin cancer rates more than doubled from 1 million in 2007 [13]  to 2 million in 2012 [14]. Today it is a multi-billion dollar industry generating billions of dollars for our medical establishments. If we remove this income and replace the current treatment guidelines with Curaderm Bec 5, structural unemployment will occur with many health care workers losing their jobs. Although patients will have a 100% cure rate, not have to spend nearly as much money as they would have for surgery, and they would not be left with a scar, Curaderm Bec 5 only seems to bring advantages to the patients and not to the medical communities. This is why people who are independently studying treatment plans should take into consideration that there is a possibility that money may influence the guidelines that doctors use in treating diseases. There will always be propaganda against every topic we research and look into, but we must understand that it never hurts to ask other medical professionals for advice, especially for cancer.

Although Curaderm Bec 5 is a mainstream scientifically proven cream, it is not promoted by American allopathic communities, but rather it is currently being promoted by other medical communities. If we isolate ourselves from the entire medical community (which includes American naturopathic doctors, as well as mainstream and alternative European doctors), we become delusional into believing we know everything only because of the amount of knowledge we have on these subjects is extremely limited, and through this ignorance we will never learn about these cures that are supported by science. It never hurts to ask for advice and to research further the path suggested to you by medical professionals. You may not be convinced after reviewing the evidence, but if we never ask nor ever review the science, we will always be living in ignorance.



[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/DS01076
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1458507/
[3] http://f1000.com/prime/717960239
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515569/
[5] http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Sun-Healing-Sunshine-Cancer/dp/0981604587
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23094927
[7] Adams PhD, Case (2012-03-27). Healthy Sun: Healing with Sunshine and the Myths About Skin Cancer (Kindle Locations 3169-3174). Sacred Earth Publishing. Kindle Edition.
[8] Adams PhD, Case (2012-03-27). Healthy Sun: Healing with Sunshine and the Myths About Skin Cancer (Kindle Locations 3134-3139). Sacred Earth Publishing. Kindle Edition.
[9] Adams PhD, Case (2012-03-27). Healthy Sun: Healing with Sunshine and the Myths About Skin Cancer (Kindle Locations 3148-3151). Sacred Earth Publishing. Kindle Edition. "
[10] http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/infographic/
[11] http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
[12] http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
[13] http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/dermatology/nonmelanoma-skin-cancer/
[14] http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin

GMO basics

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Genetic modification of organisms (GMOs) involves the insertion of foreign genes into a native plants DNA.  The company that patented and owns over 90% of all GMO seeds worldwide today is Monsanto. Although Monsanto tries to claim that cross pollination (the process of transferring pollen from one plant to another of the same species) and genetic modification are the same and that farmers have been genetically modifying foods since the beginning of time, the definition of genetic modification requires an insertion of foreign genes or a deletion of genes in a DNA strand which cross pollination does neither. This means that GMOs were for the first time in history commercialized in 1996.

The one gene one protein theory that founded GMOs
The theory that founded GMOs was created in the 20th century when scientists believed that one gene can only produce one protein. When a foreign synthetic gene was inserted into a DNA strand, the gene would start producing one specific protein and get the desired trait they wanted out of the plant. Chemical corporations like Monsanto were interested in this technology because they could increase the sales of their chemicals by making plants create a protein that makes them resistant to their pesticides such as Roundup Ready. That way when people spray Roundup Ready over a plant, the GMO plant would not die verses a normal plant would. Although the science behind GMOs sounded safe in the 20th century, the Human Genome Project revealed a major flaw in the theory behind GMOs when they discovered genes produce more than one protein and can even produce thousands. Each GMO was found to have thousands of extra changes that were unplanned and this concerned scientists because the genes used in GMOs are synthetic (made in a laboratory) that are different than the bacteria genes they try to mimic.

What happens when we add introns to bacterial genes?
When scientists first tried putting bacterial synthetic genes in a foreign DNA strand, the production of the protein was low because most bacterial genes do not have introns so their solution was to add introns to these synthetic genes. We learned in the 21st century that introns also signal spliceosomes to cut up the RNA, rearrange it, and reassemble it. This means that the synthetic bacterial genes with added introns are now producing new additional unplanned proteins which can often times create toxic proteins, protein allergens and prions (chaperones of a native plant have never seen these foreign GMO proteins before which are a different shape and size than the native proteins. When chaperones try to fold them, they screw up and create prions.) If people are constantly exposed to these proteins, then the chances of developing serious diseases dramatically increases such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, food allergies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (Mad Cows Disease), and many more.

Insertion of the foreign gene with a 5% disruption of overall gene expression
Scientists attach an Antibiotic Resistant Marker (ARM) to their genes and coat them with gold or tungsen. They then use a 22-caliber gene gun and shotgun fire thousands of these shards into a foreign DNA strand aimed at the noncoding DNA, or "junk DNA." 20th century theories stated that junk DNA was left over debris from the evolutionary process that had no purpose. Since 97% of human DNA is considered Junk DNA, 20th century scientists believed that only 3% of DNA strands of humans had a purpose so they believed that creating unplanned mutations in the Junk DNA would cause no consequences. We eventually learned that Junk DNA does have important purposes (such as transcription and translation regulation) that are vital for the function of the DNA strand.

After the genes are fired, only a small percentage of these blasted genes survive. Antibiotics are then given to the DNA strand and those genes that survive this process are now part of the plants DNA. This causes a 5 percent disruption of overall gene expression and DNA chip technology shows that the DNA strands after genetic modification is unstable. A single foreign gene inserted also changes one out of every 20 genes that produces proteins to either increase or decrease their output. [1] Human studies have also proven that both the ARM and the GMO gene survive the digestive tract in humans which makes Horizontal Gene Transfer possible between GMOs and humans, as well as all other life forms [2].  If bacteria then are exposed to the ARM in this manner, they become completely antibiotic resistant. If a deadly bacteria is affected by the ARM and become immune to all antibiotics, and it infect humans and hospitalizes them, no existing antibiotic would be effective against their bacterial infections.  This is why the British Medical Association declared that the ARM is one of the biggest medical threats of the twenty first century and recommended banning the ARM. [3] Outbreaks of antibiotic resistant bacterias are on the rise across the United States and many of these super bugs are killing. These bacterias are linked directly to modern factory farming practices and a possible suspect of this outbreak is the ARM  [4], as well as the over usage of antibiotics on farms. Antibiotics are constantly being fed to animals because the animals would otherwise die due to the poor living standards they have, and because animals are fed GMOs which weaken their immune systems. 80% of all antibiotics sold in the United States are for animal feed [5] which is the other reason why new deadly super bugs have been spreading across the United States including the family Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) which has a 40% death rate and has already reached epidemic proportions in several major U.S. population centers [6].   

Activating the synthetic genes
The synthetic genes inserted into the foreign gene strand needs to be forced on and set to produce as many proteins as possible by a promoter. A common promoter is the modified Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV). Scientists genetically modified the CaMV and removed its protein coating which made the virus unstable. Since the original CaMV is found in plants and humans have been eating this virus throughout our history without having the CaMV affect any human cells, it was assumed that eating this newly created modified CaMV would not affect human cells either. Further research revealed that the modified CaMV is not only different than the original virus, it is also active in human DNA and cells, and it can also activate bad genes in DNA strands and can turns them on in overdrive which leads to cancer due to the over expression of genes. This is why the UK Government's Joint Food Safety and Standard Group has written to the FDA about the dangers of inhaling GMO pollen warning that the CaMV can be transferred to human cells through GMO pollen which has been proven highly active in GMO pollen [7], can increase the risk of serious diseases such as cancer, and [8]  is a pararetrovirus which is similar to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which depresses the immune system of the host it infects [9] which can infect humans [10]. To make matters worse, the CaMV can add foreign genes to foreign DNA strands all by itself which was confirmed in 2003 when the Norwegian Institute for Gene Ecology announced that 39 people living next to a GMO corn field in the Philippines developed respiratory, intestinal and skin diseases after breathing in GMO pollen. The GMO was found to have been gene stacked by the CaMV. Every time a new gene is introduced into a plant with the CaMV, thousands of changes occur in the plant which many changes can interact with each other and create dangerous toxins.

Further research on the CaMV revealed an additional hidden danger. An independent study done by the staff of the European Food Safety Authority, Nancy Podevin and Patrick du Jardin discovered a new virus gene named "Gene VI" which is similar to, and overlaps the CaMV. It is present in 54 out of 86 GM plants approved including the corn and soy GMOs in the United States. Gene VI can make plants, animals and humans vulnerable to pathogens such as viruses, interfere with messenger RNA and create novel proteins with unknown effects on plants, can switch on multiple genes downstream along the genome, as well as silences important genes that are normally on which could turn off the immune system that it infects. Depending on where Gene VI is inserted (it is randomly inserted) into the DNA, it could produce protein allergens, toxins, carcinogens, and even anti-nutrients [11].

GMOs increased pesticide usage by 404 million pounds:
There are two main GMOs worldwide. The first is a GMO that is Roundup Ready resistant and the second GMO produces a pesticide called Bt. The Roundup Ready GMOs have increased pesticide usage by 404 million pounds [12] and now high levels of Roundup Ready can be found in our air and water [13]. Roundup Ready has also been proven to be highly carcinogenic by preventing apoptosis in cells [14] which means anyone that drinks or breathes Roundup Ready and eats Roundup Ready GMOs is also increasing their chances of preventing apoptosis in their cells causing cancer. 

The GMO Bt pesticide works by breaking open the stomachs of insects which kills them. When humans eat this GMO, the production of the Bt pesticide may not stop once the GMO passes through the stomach and the Bt pesticide may continue to be produced in the gut. This explains why a majority of both Americans and Canadians have detectable levels of this pesticide throughout their body. 80% of Canadian babies have detectable levels of this pesticide in their blood as well as their mothers [15] and 93% of blood samples taken from pregnant women tested positive for this pesticide in their bloodstream. [16]

Monocultures and subsidies
All GMOs are monocultures which means that there can only be 1 specie of GMOs made at a time. Although there are different species of GMOs such as corn, soy and cotton, their only line of defense are the pesticides Bt and Roundup Ready. Farmers have always focused on making polycultures (cross pollination creates polycultures, meaning it creates multiple different species) which means they planted different species of crops on their land so that plant diseases nor insects can develop resistance to their crops and destroy them all. Now diseases, beetles, super weeds and insects only need to develop resistance to 2 different pesticides in order to be resistant to the majority of the American food supply. The corn rootworm alone became resistant to 90% of all corn (which is GMO) in the United States and destroys $1 billion dollars worth of corn each year [17] which infected 30 million acres of corn out of 80. The damages of the root worm will continue to increase because it has an unlimited supply of food which it is resistant to. Although the damages to GMO crops by nature should bankrupt farmers alone, the U.S. tax payers pay an average of $20 billion dollars each year in subsidies mostly going to GMO crops so that many farmers do not feel the failed policies of the GMOs. The top 3 subsidies are ethanol GMO corn (5.5 to 7.3 billion each year), GMO soy, and GMO cotton, each at risk of being destroyed by resistant weeds, beetles, insects, and diseases.

Monsanto cannot tell a lie?

For over a decade Monsanto had been telling everyone that their GMOs were safe according to their own studies without having to reveal any data they collected on their GMOs to the outside world. When Monsanto tried approving 3 GMOs in Europe that were already approved in other countries (NK 603, Mon 863, and Mon 810), Green Peace and the Swedish Board of Agriculture wanted Monsanto to prove to them scientifically that these GMOs were safe, so they sued Monsanto to release their data and won the case. By 2009 the International Journal of Biological Sciences (IJBS) reviewed Monsanto's studies on their GMOs and discovered that Monsanto was lying about their data which indicated that these GMOs cause serious organ damage to the kidney and liver, and causes damage to the heart, adrenal, spleen, blood cells, and induces a state of hepatorenal toxicity. The IJBS also concluded that the 90 day study was too short to sufficiently determine the long term effects of GMOs and that Monsanto cut corners in their study [18]. Another peer reviewed study was published in the The Environmental Sciences Europe in 2011 which reexamined 19 GMO studies and indicated that the studies also proved GMOs cause liver and kidney damage. The study also explained that these GMO studies were not done thoroughly enough and that the 90 day GMO feed studies are too short to determine what  kind of long term effects there are that GMOs have on life. [19] By 2012, an independent group of French scientists at the University of Caen published the first 2 year animal GMO feed study in the Journal Food and Chemical Toxicology which was the first study to study GMOs past 90 days. This study almost mimicked Monsanto's 90 day study on NK 603, Mon 863, and Mon 810 by using the same exact rats Monsanto used for their study and similar processes that Monsanto also uses for all of their studies. The French study found the same conclusion as Monsanto's 90 day studies which stated that GMOs cause organ damage, but when the French study continued their study after 90 days, they discovered that most rats that ate a 100% GMO diet developed massive tumors and did not die of natural causes.


Soon after this study was released, every organization that Monsanto funds worldwide began trying to debunk the study using their channels to try to claim that the French study was not valid and used their media support to try to convince people to their side. The organization that backed the French study was the Committee for Research and Independent Information on Genetic Engineering (CRIIGEN) and explains that "most of the critics against the French study are not specialists in the area of pesticide toxicology or GMO risk assessment and do not publish papers on these topics." [20] They also stated that more than 300 scientists from over 33 countries across five continents sent statements to CRIIGEN in support of the French study. The propaganda against the French study did not add up either, but that is probably because the propagandists are not scientific experts on either GMOs or pesticides. The first criticism was that the rat the French study used was prone to tumors and so these rats according to them always will grow giant tumors regardless of what you feed them.




Ironically, the French study used the same exact species of rats that Monsanto uses in their studies which means that the critics of the French study are clearly uneducated on how all studies on GMOs are done. Other criticisms included that the French study only used 200 rats in their study which critics believed they needed more rats in order to get better accurate results. Monsanto's study on these 3 GMOs only examined 80 rats on a 90 day GMO diet, and only tested 10 per group for blood and urine parameters which means the French study had a larger test group. The IJBS also points out that in Monsanto's study, they have 320 rats that ate a non-GMO diet and statistically compare them with 80 GMO fed rats which is extremely unproportional. Monsanto also only examined the differences between rats using the method of eye balling. If the GMO diet rats look like the other non-GMO fed rats after 10 days to 90 days of GMO feed studies (never exceeding 90 days), then that is enough science according to Monsanto to prove there is no difference between GMOs and food crops. People who understand how GMO studies are conducted will clearly understand that the French study is by far the most scientific, valid, long term, peer reviewed study on GMOs ever conducted, but because the general population does not know much about GMOs nor the studies behind them, they are easily persuaded by the propaganda in the mass media.

How do animal studies relate to humans?
Although Americans have been eating GMOs since 1996, our diet is not yet even close to a 100% GMO diet. Rats are also different than humans, but we can conclude that GMOs will have a negative effect on our health. The lifetime of rats is also much shorter than humans which means that the effects that rats have after 2 years of being on a 100% GMO diet may take a few decades for humans. Animals studies also suggest that the damage GMOs cause is worsened in second and third generations of animals causing serious side effects including infertility which means that we still do not know the long term dangers associated with GMOs, although we can already see in observational studies that many diseases have skyrocketed since the introduction of GMOs in the American food supply. We know that correlation does not equal causation. The correlation between GMOs and diseases warrants a real in-depth "non-tobacco science" study on the effects that GMOs may or may not have on human health.

Currently 80% of all processed food in the United States contain some GMO ingredients in it, and it is unlabelled. California tried passing a law that would label GMOs that mimicked the European label laws which was supported by 90% of the population until Monsanto and others spent $46 million dollars on propaganda to convince people otherwise that they do not need to know what exactly is in their food. [21]
People who wish to avoid GMOs can visit the non-GMO project and learn how to avoid GMOs. They also have apps for tablets and for the iphone that can help educate people on how to avoid GMOs. They also have a non GMO shopping guide that people can download.

According to the non-GMO project, crops that are at high risk for being GMOs in the United States are:

• Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
• Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
• Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
• Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
• Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

If people wish to still eat these foods without eating GMOs, they can buy organic which has to be non-GMO, although because pollination can be spread by the wind, even organic of these species are at some risk for including GMOs. There are also other hidden GMO ingredients in many processed foods that one would need to learn more about to fully accomplish a free GMO diet in the United States. The vast majority of countries throughout the world have already either labelled GMOs or banned GMOs completely which is why Americans who wish to follow suit with the rest of the world will have to study on how to avoid GMOs themselves and take an active participation in protecting their health.


[1] Smith, Jeffrey. Seeds of Deception. Fairfield: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2003, book, p58

[2] GM genes found in human gut, The Guardian  http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2002/jul/17/gm.science

[3] Smith, Jeffrey p. 59

[4] Antibiotic Resistance Genes in GM foods
 http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/antibiotic_resistant_genes.html

[5] superbugs
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/15/supermoms-against-superbugs-antibiotic-resistance_n_1516520.html


[5] Antibiotics, livestock
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/us/antibiotics-for-livestock-will-require-prescription-fda-says.html

[6]Deadly bacterial infections
 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/29/bacteria-deadly-hospital-infection/1727667/


[7] The CaMV 35S promoter is highly active on floral organs and pollen of transgenic strawberry plants.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15048584

[8] Smith, Jeffrey. Seeds of Deception. Fairfield: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2003, book, p66

[9] CaMV 35s and HIV
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/CaMV35Spromoter_and_HIV.php

[10]The 35S CaMV plant virus promoter is active in human enterocyte-like cellshttp://europepmc.org/abstract/AGR/IND43824510/reload=0;jsessionid=6GFClX7nPfyem1HpZmTf.0

[11] Viral Gene in Genetically Modified Foods might Promote Diseases
 http://www.responsibletechnology.org/posts/breaking_news_viral_gen/

[12] Pesticide use ramping up as GMO crop technology backfires: study
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/02/us-usa-study-pesticides-idUSBRE89100X20121002

[13] U.S. researchers find Roundup chemical in water, air
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/31/us-glyphosate-pollution-idUSTRE77U61720110831

[14] Cytotoxicity on human cells of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac Bt insecticidal toxins alone or with a glyphosate-based herbicide http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jat.2712/abstract

[15] GM regulators chose ignorance over science
 http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/15/gm-regulators-pesticides-safety  

[16]  Babies 93% found with GMO toxin
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1388888/GM-food-toxins-blood-93-unborn-babies.html

[17]  EPA confirms rootworm resistance in corn
 http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/01/18/environment/epa-confirms-rootworm-resistance-in-corn

[18] International Journal of Biological sciences, A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm#headingA11


[19]  Genetically modified crops safety assessments
http://www.enveurope.com/content/23/1/10

Lyme Treatment

Timing is everything when it comes to treating Lyme diseases. If a person is treated right away for Lyme disease and their co-infections (other diseases from ticks other than Lyme disease), the patient will have a very good chance of eliminating Lyme disease. The longer a person waits, the higher the risk will be for developing chronic Lyme disease. Chronic Lyme patients need to have a healthy immune system to effectively kill Lyme. This means that other medical problems should be solved as well as their Lyme. Some Lyme patients do not get better due to heavy metal toxicities, mold issues, co-infections or multiple opportunistic infections, auto-immune diseases or even food allergies.

 

Things to consider

1. Heavy metal toxicities are important to address because not only do heavy metals weaken the immune system, they can also feed fungi which is bad news for people who are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics also aid in fungi growth and can cause Candida overgrowth. Sometimes medical procedures can cause heavy metal poisonings in the long run such as dental amalgams which can release mercury vapor. A doctor who understands how to identify heavy metal toxicities and how to detox them should be sought out.

2. Mold should be avoided for those who are sensitive to mold. Around 25% of our population have trouble with mold and 50% of our buildings have been damaged by water. Mold cannot be smelt which means buildings should be correctly tested and the leading expert on this subject is Dr. Shoemaker who has written several books including "Surviving Mold". There are mold diagnostic tests as well.

3. Co-infections are other diseases that come from ticks. Since ticks carry multiple diseases, it is important to identify the diseases that a person has been infected with and treat them. This is why it may be important to save the tick(s) alive in a plastic bag discovered on a person and tested at a lab such as igenex for different co-infections. Look at the Lyme diagnosis page for a further evaluation on what co-infections a Lyme patient may also be infected with.

4. Food allergies can weaken the immune system. People who eat the food that they have food allergies to may not have any symptoms which means a blood test may be required to determine which foods the Lyme patient should avoid. The biggest 2 offenders are wheat and dairy which is why some doctors suggest that all chronic Lyme patients avoid wheat and dairy.

5. Taking the 23andme genetics test can be very beneficial in identifying problems with a persons immune system. Dr. Lynch wrote a short book on the importance of MTHFR and health titled MTHFR basics and people can learn more from his website at http://mthfr.net/.  Although 23andme cannot interpret the data they provide, anyone can use a 3rd party site and enter in the 23andme raw data to identify genetic mutations in the methylation and detox cycle which http://geneticgenie.org/ does for free. The website MTHFRsupport also has information on genetics, has a 3rd party app that can interpret the data, and also has integrative doctors that can respond to questions people may have. Some websites predict what future diseases a person may have, but these predictions should be avoided because the accuracy of these predictions are in question and these genetics tests are not meant to promote people into having unnecessary medical procedures. In my opinion, what they should be used for is which supplements a person needs to avoid, and which form of supplements a person should take. Nutrahacker can provide people information on this but you would have to pay for this feature.

If a person is waiting for their LLMD visit and wish to begin supplement treatment for their co-infections, they can research Stephen Buhners protocols or research Byron White's protocols. If a Lyme patient had been treated from one co-infection and the patient is still sick, try treating the Lyme patient with another co-infection. Opportunistic virus's can reactivate themselves such as the Epstein Barr Virus and further depress the immune system and will need to be treated as well.
Both allopathic and naturopathic Lyme experts agree that treatment should include both antibiotics and supplements to both strengthen the immune system and attack the spirochetes. Borrelia can learn how to become immune fast to specific antibiotics and Lyme patients should work with their LLMDs to keep cycling through antibiotics. Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions can occur when starting antibiotics which means that a Lyme patient may get sicker when they switch to a new antibiotic.

Connect with the Lyme Community:
Connect with the Lyme community for additional support and some great groups include:
Meet with your Lyme community (Make sure they are ILADS friendly)
On Facebook
Lymies
Under Our Skin

Diet:
Do not eat:
Wheat, GMOs, pasteurized dairy, sugar, artificial flavorings including aspartame, alcohol, caffeine, and reduce carb intake.
Can Eat:
Try to eat organic non-starchy vegetables, legumes (no peanuts), nuts, meats (organic grass fed), and eggs(organic grass fed). Some fruits can be added like organic berries, but fruits generally should be limited because of their natural sugar content that will feed the spirochetes. Xylitol (alcohol sugar) and Stevia are allowed for Lyme patients.
Try to get 80 grams of protein a day. Garden of Life has vegan protein shakes:  Other protein shakes will work, but the ingredients list of the protein shake must not include wheat, GMOs, dairy, or any of the foods that Lyme patients should avoid. The blog Tired of Lyme has pictures of what Lyme patients should eat.

Exercise:
Although patients that have a daily exercise routine before they get Lyme do better with treatment than those that do not, all Lyme patients should consider exercising each day without letting their heart rate go above 125 bpm because more spirochetes can pass through the blood brain barrier with faster heart rates. Moderate walking, lifting light weights, or light stretches will all work. Yoga and Pilates can both count for ways to get exercise for the day.

Supplements:
Dr. Burrascano is a leading expert in Lyme disease treatment and he lists several supplements Lyme patients should be on. He also has a description of each supplement as well, which is explained below.

1. PROBIOTICS (required when on antibiotics)
Kefir: drink 2 to 4 ounces a day. Acidophilus: the best kinds are frozen or refrigerated to ensure potency.  Usual dose is two with each meal. Plan to mix together several different brands to broaden the spectrum. Acidophilus can be gotten from most vitamin stores but some generic brands are of unknown freshness and potency. An alternative that does not need refrigeration and can be taken only once a day is a high potency, patented product called “Pro Bio” from Pharmanex. The ultimate mix of pre- and probiotics with soil based organisms is a product called “PrescriptAssist Pro” from Researched Nutritionals. This too does not need refrigeration. In addition, have 4 ounces of sugar-free yogurt on occasion.
2. MULTI-VITAMIN (required)
I recommend the Life Pack family of multivitamins available through Pharmanex. These are unique
supplements- pharmaceutical grade and USP certified, they are the only products clinically proven in double blinded, placebo controlled crossover studies to quench free radicals and raise antioxidant levels in the blood and lipids.  Choose LifePak for males under 40, LifePak Women for hormonally active women, LifePak Prenatal when pregnant, and LifePak Prime for postmenopausal women and for men over 40. LifePak Teen is also available. Continue long term.
3. CO-Q10- required, but do not use while taking the prescription drug atovaquone (Mepron, Malarone). Deficiencies have been related to poor function of the heart, limitations of stamina, gum disease, and poor resistance to infections.  Heart biopsy studies in Lyme patients indicated that they should take between 300 and 400mg daily. I recommend the Co Q-10 from Researched Nutritionals. One caplet contains 400 mg, so the dose is one a day with food.
4. ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (required) This facilitates entry of CoQ-10 into mitochondria. Dose is 300 mg twice daily. Generic is OK.
5. VITAMIN B (required). Clinical studies demonstrated the need for supplemental vitamin B in infections with Borrelia, to help clear neurological symptoms. Take one 50 mg B-complex capsule daily. If neuropathy is severe, an additional 50 mg of B-6 can be added. Generics are OK.
6. MAGNESIUM (required)
Magnesium supplementation is very helpful for the tremors, twitches, cramps, muscle soreness, heart skips and weakness.  It may also help in energy level and cognition. The best source is magnesium L-lactate dehydrate (“Mag-tab SR”, sold by Niche Pharmaceuticals: 1-800-677-0355, and available at Wal-Mart).  DO NOT rely on “cal-mag”, calcium plus magnesium combination tablets, as they are not well absorbed.  Take at least one tablet twice daily.  Higher doses increase the benefit and should be tried, but may cause diarrhea. In some cases, intramuscular or intravenous doses may be necessary.
7. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: (required)
Studies show that when EFAs are taken regularly, statistically significant improvements in fatigue, aches weakness, vertigo, dizziness, memory, concentration and depression are likely.  There are two broad classes: GLA (omega-6 oils) and EPA (omega-3 oils), derived respectively from plant and fish oils.
Plant Oil: Use a refrigerated liquid product of mixed omega oils obtained from the local health food
store (always avoid capsules as the plant oils within may be rancid and you would never know). Take
one to two tablespoons of the liquid oil daily. May be mixed with food, put on salads, etc.
Fish Oil: Use “Marine Omega” by Pharmanex. Use four daily, taken on a full stomach (this brand is
required because it is made not from fish, but from Krill and is certified to be free of any measurable
amounts of heavy metals and organic toxins).
8. NT-FACTOR
This product addresses the mitochondrial damage thought to underlie the metabolic dysfunction associated with chronic diseases which, in patients with tick-borne illnesses, is manifest by fatigue and neurologic dysfunction. It is the single most reliable agent I have found that can give noticeably increased energy levels. When supplements known to support neurological function are added (see below), improved cognition and memory often result. Effects will be noted in two to three weeks. It also contains high quality prebiotics and probiotics. Available from Researched Nutritionals.
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR NEUROLOGIC SYMPTOMS- here, the goal is three-fold- supply the metabolic needs, replenish
what has become depleted, and protect the neurons and their supportive cells. The “required”
supplements, above, must be taken, and the items that follow below are considered “add-ons”.
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE- this is taken along with SAM-e. This combination can result in noticeable gains in short term memory, mood and cognition. The Acetyl Carnitine also is said to help heart and muscle function. Doses: Acetyl-L-carnitine- 1500-2000 mg daily on empty stomach; SAM e- 400 mg daily with the acetyl carnitine. Positive results may appear as early as 3 weeks; use for 2 to 3 months, but repeat or extend this course if needed. Available in most vitamin stores; Generic acetyl carnitine is okay, but I recommend “Nature Made” brand SAM-e (also available at most vitamin stores).
METHYLCOBALAMIN (Methyl B12) 
Methylcobalamin is a prescription drug derived from vitamin B12. This can help to heal problems with the central and peripheral nervous system, improve depressed immune function, and help to restore more normal sleeping patterns. Many patients note improved energy as well. Because the oral form is not absorbed when swallowed or dissolved under the tongue, Methyl B12 must be taken by injection. Dose is generally 25 mg. (1 c.c.) daily for 3 to 6 months. Long term studies have never demonstrated any side effects from this drug. However, the urine is expected to turn red shortly after each dose- if the urine is not red, a higher dose may be needed or the present supply may have lost potency. The injectable form of this is not available in regular drug stores. It must be manufactured (compounded) by specialty pharmacies on order.
GREEN TEA
Green, but not black or white tea contains some of the most potent antioxidants around (80-100 times more effective than vitamin C). I strongly recommend this to any patient with degenerative changes to the central nervous system. At least four cups daily are needed to reap this benefit, and the tea must be decaffeinated. A nice alternative is “TeGreen“ capsules by Pharmanex. They contain 97% pure tea polyphenols and each capsule is the equivalent of four cups of decaffeinated green tea. Take one to three daily.
CORDYMAX Cordyceps is a well-known herb from Tibet that has been shown in clinical studies to improve stamina, fatigue, and enhance lung and antioxidant function.  It also raises superoxide dismutase levels, important to prevent lesions in the central nervous system, which is why this (along with green tea) is essential if neurodegeneration is part of your illness. The positive effects can be dramatic; should be used long term. USP- certified cordyceps is available from Pharmanex as "CordyMax".
CITICHOLINEMany studies have shown benefits to cognition, especially memory. Benefits are slow to notice, so plan to use this long-term. Dose is 500 to 1000 mg twice a day. FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT
“REISHI MAX “ This enhanced extract from cracked spores of the Reishi mushroom has been shown in clinical studies to augment function of the Natural Killer Cells as well as macrophages. Recommended in all patients who have a CD-57 count below 60. Take four a day. Available only from Pharmanex.
TRANSFER FACTORS are the body’s natural signals meant to activate the pathogen-killing effects of the cellular immune system. Therapy with these agents consists of taking both a general stimulator, plus specific transfer factors for the infection you have. Personal experience made me a believer in transfer factor therapy. For Lyme patients, use Transfer Factor Multi-Immune as the general stimulant, and Transfer Factor LymePlus as the specific agent. Both are exclusives from Researched Nutritionals, and I have found them to be surprisingly effective in making the very ill respond better to treatment. Take as directed on the label.
FOR JOINT SYMPTOMS
GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine can be of long term benefit to the joints. Do not be misled into buying a product that also contains chondroitin, as this chemical does not add anything, but it can make the product more expensive. Look for a product that contains the herb Boswellia serrata- this is a non-irritative anti-inflammatory. Although many generics exist, the Pharmanex product, "Cartilage Formula" has the right ingredients and is of proven efficacy. Expect improvement only over time (several weeks), but plan to use this indefinitely to maintain joint health.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is important to aid in maintaining healthy connective tissues. High doses are recommended- 1000 to 6000 mg a day as tolerated (if the dose is too high for you it may cause acid stomach, gas and loose stools, so therefore dose titration is necessary). Consider using “Ester-C” (non-acid and longer acting), or “C-Salts” (very well tolerated). Start with a low dose and increase slowly to find your tolerance level.
FLEX CREAM This is an amazing liniment-like product that really works and has a money back guarantee. Use for any type of body pain- spread on a thick layer and do not rub in. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to work, then lasts many hours. A Pharmanex exclusive.
OTHER OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
VITAMIN D
Surprisingly, most people in America are vitamin D deficient. In the Lyme patient, low vitamin D levels can cause diffuse body aches and cramps that are not responsive to magnesium or calcium supplements. Some also believe that vitamin D is essential for normal immune and hormone function. I strongly urge you to have a fasting blood level drawn. It is recommended that the blood levels be in the upper half or the normal range. If it is not, then 2000 to 4000 units daily are needed for several weeks to make up for the deficit, and then a lower maintenance dose may be necessary, based on results from repeated blood level monitoring. If vitamin D is needed, improvements take 2 to 3 weeks to note, but are well worth the wait.
CREATINE Creatine has been shown to be of benefit in neuromuscular degenerative diseases such as Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS) and can be very helpful in supporting low blood pressure, as in NMH. It may also benefit strength, stamina, and heart function.  Important: To use this safely, you must have an adequate fluid intake. The creatine product should contain taurine, an amino acid needed to enhance creatine absorption, plus some carbohydrate to aid creatine entry into muscle.  You will need a 20 gram daily loading dose for the first five days, then 4 to 10 grams daily maintenance.  Try "Cell Tech" from the Vitamin Shop, and follow label directions.      
MILK THISTLE
Useful to support liver function. Take 175 mg daily- use an 80% Silymarin extract. Available from many vitamin stores.

Other supplements not in Dr. Burrascano's list:
Lugol's Iodine and Iodide: Dr Brownstein is a leading expert on halides and points out that iodine has anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungi qualities. Dosage should start out low such as 1 drop a day for the first week and should be increased to at least 4 drops a day by week 2 or 3 in case of detox reactions. When a person takes iodine for the first time, bromide and other toxic halides get replaced by iodine and if a person starts the dosage of iodine too high, high levels of bromide will be displaced from cells and be released throughout the body making a person sicker. Some Lyme patients that have been taking iodine daily take whole droppers full of iodine in the morning.

Nutribiotic Grapeseed extract
Since Lyme forms biofilms, all Lyme patients must use something that will break down the biofilm so that antibiotics can attack the spirochetes. Grapeseed extract has been shown to break down the biofilm of Lyme.

LB Core Protocol
Stephen Buhners 3 core supplement list to kill Lyme and expand blood flow to joints: Cat's Claws, resveratrol and andrographis.

Limit:
Limit the amount of unnecessary surgeries while patients have Lyme because anesthesia has been found to decrease Natural Killer cells which are vital to a Lyme patients healing process.
A Lyme patient should not receive any steroid shots because this also shuts down the immune system.


[1] http://healthrebels.blogspot.com/p/lyme-diagnosis.html
[2] http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/category/co-infections/
[3] http://byronwhiteformulas.com/
[4] http://www.lymenet.org/SupportGroups/UnitedStates/
[5] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lymies/382975361722659
[6] https://www.facebook.com/UNDEROURSKIN
[7] http://researchednutritionals.com/FactSheets/Burrascano's%20Advanced%20Topics%20in%20Lyme%20Disease%20_12_17_08.pdf
[8] http://greendragonbotanicals.com/products/lyme-protocols/lb-core-protocol.html
[9] http://www.aana.com/newsandjournal/Documents/effectsofanesthetics_0809_p287-292.pdf
 

Morgellons is real, new study published

A new study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology [1] (January 2013) confirmed that the fibers forming inside the lesions of Morgellons patients skin are composed of biological matter made out of keratin and collagen and are a "result from proliferation and activation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the epidermis" which proves Morgellons is a real disease. They also discovered spirochetes in the dermatological specimens from their patients which proves that Morgellons disease has an infectious process. Some spirochetes like the Syphilis spirochetes are known to cause lesions on the skin which makes spirochetes a possible cause for Morgellons, and they are very difficult to discover because of how well they hide. If this is true and the researchers discovered a new spirochete that causes this disease, the authors of this study will be able to name their spirochete.
 
Although Morgellons patients have visible symptoms of a disease with their skin forming lesions and fibers coming out of their skin, doctors will generally label these patients as hypochondriacs and send them to psychiatrists for the treatment of mental disorders. This is because of the culture of our medical industry, and from corruption. If doctors do not know how to cure a disease, it easier to blame the patient as being crazy instead of insulting the doctors ability in curing patients. There are also cost factors in our medical industry as well; companies (for the United States, it is our insurance companies) have to pay for newly discovered or returning diseases so they try very hard to disprove these diseases as being real. Morgellons patients can avoid this nonsense by seeking treatment from a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.


A short introduction to what Morgellons is can be found here: http://healthrebels.blogspot.com/2013/01/morgellons-disease.html



[1] http://www.dovepress.com/characterization-and-evolution-of-dermal-filaments-from-patients-with--peer-reviewed-article-CCID