(((Julie)))
I just dropped in here and haven't read the whole thread, but here are some ideas.
I know little about Lyme, but have listened to Tim Ferris and Dave Asprey on this. Some things to throw in the hopper. Tim says his mental function was greatly helped by ketosis.
Here is a podcast with Rhonda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3KuJVni5zQ The transcript is here
http://www.foundmyfitness.com/timtranscript. His Lyme discussion starts on p 13. Tim thinks that the reoccurring Lyme symptoms may be related to a devastated gut biome from the antibiotics used to treat the Lyme...
Dave interviews Tim here:
https://www.bulletproofexec.com/tim-fer ... iment-215/ and the Lyme starts at 23:44. Dave also mentions about fungus in the gut.
Dave thinks his mitochondria were damaged by mold exposure and he needs to be in mild ketosis to function (sound familiar?) He talks about this in his interview with Richard Veech (ketone expert at NIH).
https://www.bulletproofexec.com/exclusi ... veech-299/ Dave sells a caprillic acid (C8) supplement he calls "Brain Octane." From what I understand, C8 is the most potent of the MCT's, from a ketone perspective.
On the antibiotics, Theresa had surgery five weeks ago and was prescribed antibiotics. Rhonda says VSL#3 has the most data behind it and the sachets are the most potent for prebiotics. So I ordered two months worth of this for each of us. I've also had plenty of antibiotics, including a very strong one from the dentist not that long ago. I also think I was messing with my biome by consuming daily magnesium chloride water to keep my afib in line - did this for years. I subsequently switched to a form of mag that doesn't mess with the biome. In any case, VSL#3 is expensive and should be shipped on ice. The company I ordered from is
http://www.sundropsonline.com/VSL_p/745749017802.htm and they do ship with ice packs and they only ship Mon-Wed with two day shipping so it doesn't sit around over the weekend. We mix the VSL with water without chlorine and also mix in inulin, glucomannan, psyllium husks and modified citrus pectin as prebiotics to help feed the bugs.
Dr. Perlmutter, in "Brain Maker," suggests possibly using a probiotic enema. I've tried this with a couple of sachets.
TRY A PROBIOTIC ENEMA, WITH PERMISSION This won’t be for everyone, but I can’t tell you how many patients have benefited from this at-home procedure. It’s the best way to introduce probiotic bacteria directly into the bowel. Enemas, one of the oldest remedies on the planet and dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Mayans, are used to flush out the lower bowel by injecting fluid into the rectum. (The word enema is Greek for “inject.”) They are also used to administer certain medicinal therapies directly into the colon. It’s imperative that you get clearance from your doctor before using an enema so that you don’t harm yourself. Once you’ve gotten the go-ahead, here’s what you’ll need: • Enema bag • 3– 6 probiotic capsules or 1/ 8 teaspoon powdered probiotic (Make sure they include bifidobacteria, as these are the dominant flora in the colon, whereas acidophilus prefer the small intestine.) • Filtered (chlorine-free) water • Lubricant (optional) • Privacy Plan to perform your enema in the morning after having a bowel movement. Fill a large cup with 12 ounces of lukewarm, filtered water. Break open the probiotic capsules and empty the probiotics into the water, stirring to dissolve. Fill the enema bag with the probiotic mixture, and close the bag using the clamp that comes with the device. Lie down flat on your side (either side is fine) on a towel or in the bathtub. Insert the nozzle tip into your rectum (use a lubricant if that helps). Holding the bag higher than the nozzle, release the clamp so the water flows into the colon. Try to hold the enema for 30 minutes if possible. How often I recommend this procedure depends on the specific needs of the patient. In someone who has had aggressive antibiotic therapy, for example, I’d prescribe probiotic enemas as often as three times weekly for 4 to 6 weeks and then reassess the situation. Your personal treatment plan will depend on your own situation; ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
Perlmutter, David (2015-04-28). Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life (pp. 211-212). Little, Brown and Company. Kindle Edition.
My gut is better, and cutting out the MgCl2 in November 2015 did make a big difference, but the VSL has helped incrementally (I was taking other prebiotics before starting the VSL). I now feel like by bowels are fairly normal for the first time in a long time.