In 2008, Dr. Warren Levin was interviewed for Public Health Alert about Candida Related Complex and how it affects patients with Lyme Disease.
As every Lyme patient knows, symptoms can vary from person to person. Headaches, fatigue, joint pain, digestive disturbance, vision problems, allergies and brain fog are common in patients with Lyme Disease.
But these same symptoms may also be caused by Candida, or yeast overgrowth in the gut. The complicating factor is in understanding and treating Candida in a patient with Lyme Disease.
Antibiotics May Contribute to Candida
Dr. Levin found Candida Related Complex (CRC) to be a significant factor in the presentation of many chronic conditions. He identified CRC as a common iatrogenic (caused by medication or a physician) complication in the majority of people with Lyme disease and believed that it must be adequately addressed in order to return one to an ideal state of health and wellness.
Candida, or yeast overgrowth, is a fungus in the digestive system. Many species of candida are found in the gut, but some such as candida albicans, can cause infection, especially in patients with a compromised immune system, those taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods. The treatment of Lyme Disease with antibiotics often contributes to Candida Related Complex where the growth of yeast can flourish.
Lyme Disease Treatment with Integrative Medicine
Those with Lyme and other chronic diseases who are taking antibiotics long term should be on probiotics and other protective therapies to minimize Candida overgrowth. Probiotics should always be taken away from antibiotics. Once the fungal infection becomes entrenched it will need a more aggressive treatment approach.
National Integrated Health Associates physicians have been treating patients with Lyme Disease and co-infections for over fifteen years, and heed the current International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) protocols for Lyme Disease treatment for adults and children. Dr.Lorelle Bradley, pediatrician, is ILADS certified for treatment of Lyme Disease in children.
More about an Integrative Approach to Lyme Disease.