Be Your Own Health Advocate

Babesia

Babesia stands out as a prevalent co-infection accompanying Lyme disease. This intracellular parasite infiltrates red blood cells, eluding detection from the immune system. Statistics indicate that approximately 40% of individuals afflicted by Borrelia, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, also carry Babesia. This co-infection poses significant challenges, particularly for those already grappling with compromised immune systems.

Bartonella

Bartonella, a pathogenic bacterium, is transmitted to humans and animals, including pets, through ticks, fleas, lice, and potentially spiders. Pets, contracting Bartonella from fleas and ticks, can pass it to their owners through bites or scratches. Cats, in particular, are primary carriers, leading to the commonly known condition "cat scratch fever."

As the second most prevalent co-infection of Lyme disease, individuals seeking confirmation of Bartonella infection can opt for testing from the following laboratories:

1. Igenex Lab Bartonella Panel (blood draw)

2. Vibrant Wellness Tickborne Disease Panel (blood draw)

3. DNA Connexions (urine sample)

These laboratories offer highly accurate Bartonella testing, examining various strains and utilizing markers like IgG and IgM antibodies, ELISA testing, DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and more. While testing for Bartonella is not mandatory, as clinical presentation and health history can often identify the infection, a positive or negative test result can provide peace of mind as individuals progress on their journey toward optimal wellness.

Clostridia

Clostridia represents a category of bacteria commonly present in soil, air, water, and the digestive tracts of animals, including humans. While the well-known species within this group is C. difficile (C. Diff.), numerous other species can become pathogenic and induce illness under specific conditions.

Several distinct species include:

1. Clostridia Botulinum:

   • In 1919-1920, a significant number of Americans succumbed to a fatal outcome after consuming contaminated canned goods inadequately pressure-treated to eliminate clostridia.

2. Clostridia Tetani:

   • This bacterium is responsible for causing tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, typically stemming from wounds or injuries contaminated with soil or materials carrying the bacterium.

3. Clostridia Perfringens:

   • Known for causing gastroenteritis, or food poisoning, this bacterium can lead to symptoms like abdominal cramps and diarrhea. It is prevalent in soil and the intestinal tracts of humans and animals.

4. Clostridia difficile (C. Diff.):

   • C. difficile has the potential to cause a spectrum of illnesses, ranging from mild to moderate diarrhea, colitis, and/or megacolon. In severe cases, it can progress to sepsis and even result in fatality. This bacterium is commonly associated with healthcare settings and can thrive when the normal balance of gut bacteria is disrupted.

Epstein Barr Virus

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) affects a staggering 95% of individuals during their lifetime. Interestingly, symptoms associated with EBV tend to be more severe in adulthood and can persist for months. This virus has a crafty ability to conceal itself within immune cells, reshaping the cellular programming to induce a weakened immune system. This, in turn, leads to a cascade of havoc and diverse symptoms, including profound fatigue, body aches, compromised immunity, and impacts on the heart and brain.

Among young adults contracting EBV, 1 out of 4 will develop infectious mononucleosis, with symptoms typically emerging 4-6 weeks after acquiring the virus.

EBV has the capacity to hide and reside in immune cells, particularly B cells. It not only stores itself within these cells but also reprograms their functioning, resulting in a lowered immune system. This viral stealth can lead to periods of dormancy followed by reactivation, a cycle that may persist for years. Reactivation episodes may be asymptomatic or trigger significant flares.

Furthermore, EBV disrupts the host's immune response, making it a more favorable environment for viruses and hindering programmed cell death (apoptosis). This altered immune cell programming is linked to various autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and autoimmune thyroiditis. The reprogramming of immune cells serves as a common thread, connecting these seemingly unrelated health issues and causing them to co-occur.

Ehrlichia

Ehrlichia, ranking as the third most prevalent co-infection linked with Lyme disease, is a bacterium that infiltrates and resides within white blood cells. It can infect a diverse range of hosts, including humans and animals like dogs, goats, and wild animals. Interestingly, the veterinary field holds more comprehensive knowledge about Ehrlichia compared to human medicine. Veterinarians assert that ehrlichiosis can manifest as a chronic condition, a perspective not fully acknowledged in human medicine, which typically categorizes the infection as acute.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease stands as a genuine health epidemic in America, yet it regrettably lacks the widespread media attention and research funding it merits. Diagnosing Lyme poses a significant challenge for doctors due to its extensive symptoms, often resembling various other conditions. Individuals with Lyme may encounter symptoms that differ substantially from those of others grappling with chronic Lyme.

Dr. Jaban’s Personal Lyme Battle

In chiropractic school, Dr. Jaban’s own health journey commenced with a sudden physical decline at the age of 25, leaving him baffled with no apparent cause. Over the following year, he sought answers from various doctors, grappling with fatigue, joint pain, and low testosterone. Despite consulting multiple doctors, he found little resolution. It was at a functional medicine conference that he connected with a doctor who suggested the possibility of Lyme disease. Following testing and further investigation, Dr. Jaban tested positive for Lyme, marking the beginning of his journey to understand and treat it. After consulting with several doctors and exploring various treatments, Dr. Jaban experienced relief and has remained symptom-free for over 10 years.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial infection spread by specific tick species, potentially leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms and, in severe cases, proving fatal. Discover more about this relatively unknown yet significant infection below!

RMSF is attributed to a bacterial infection known as Rickettsia Rickettsii, transmitted through tick bites. Swift intervention is crucial, as the infection has the potential to be life-threatening.

Contrary to its name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is not confined to the Rocky Mountain region. Tick-borne RMSF infections are predominantly observed in central and southern parts of North America. Notable states with frequent RMSF reports include North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Various tick species capable of transmitting RMSF include the American dog tick (found in the eastern and southern US), the Rocky Mountain wood tick (predominant in the northwestern US), and the brown dog tick (common in the southwestern US and Mexico).

Strongyloides

Strongyloides, commonly referred to as the threadworm, is a minuscule parasitic intestinal worm afflicting an estimated 30-100 million individuals globally. In the United States, it is believed that up to 6% of the population carries Strongyloides, although this figure may be higher due to the inherent inaccuracy of testing methods. Notably challenging to treat, Strongyloides can endure for decades if not appropriately addressed, making it one of the most formidable parasitic infections to manage.