No matter how small infected ticks are, their alarming effects can cause peril to one's life. In fact, in severe cases of Lyme disease, people experience more neurological symptoms.
And today's episode must not be missed by many as we talk about Lyme disease and how it is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, which can mess up a life.
What is Lyme Disease? How does it impact the brain?
I have had my personal experience with Lyme disease since my son was bitten by a tick, impacting him negatively. To better understand its impacts, we must understand it as a whole.
Typically, Lyme disease develops when an infected tick bites a person, and it empties the contents of its stomach to the host. The effects can happen instantly. But there are cases wherein there are no signs or symptoms for months or years after getting bitten.
You don't have to have joint symptoms, and it can attack the brain or the body. Sometimes, it starts with terrible headaches, fever, or dizziness. Other times, it's more serious.
The connection between tick-borne illness and mental health
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease significantly impact one's mental health, considering that they can cause difficulties in learning processes, concentration, memory, and attention. It can also cause mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
I have a colleague who is a psychiatrist specializing in adolescent bipolar. She had a client who went on antibiotics for known cases of Lyme disease, and his bipolar went away!
Her research found that 89% of the population with bipolar disorder had one or more tick-borne illnesses. It prompted her to start antibiotics treatment, and she has witnessed how those kids got better.
Lyme disease is an infection with toxic components. So, people with neurological Lyme tend to have infections.
The number one thing you can do to prevent Lyme disease
In preventing Lyme disease, knowing the signs and symptoms is essential. They often appear as anxiety, depression, OCD, brain fog, memory problems, headaches, autism, and more.
Based on research, the most common age groups affected by Lyme disease are boys aged 5 to 10, boys aged 10 to 13, and their fathers aged 45 to 51. However, it doesn't matter what your age is. Many older individuals with Lyme disease come to me, and we support their nervous system. We tackle all issues for all ages.
The main thing you can do to prevent Lyme disease is to take a shower immediately after being outside for any reason. We've noticed a 59% reduction in the risk of catching Lyme disease if you shower immediately after being outside.
The BLAST Prevention Program protocol by Lyme Connection highlights evidence-based recommendations to avoid potential tick-borne illnesses. Other than taking a shower, it's also recommended to use DEET-based spray.
It's also important to immediately wash the clothes that you wear outside. If not, leave them in a sealed container. Then, wash the clothes in high heat since heat kills the ticks.
Another tip is not to use a chemical-based spray with essential oils that can act as carriers. It's also beneficial to clear your outdoor space as much as you can. It would help if you also were careful with your dogs since dogs are one of the biggest carriers of ticks inside the house. You want to protect your pets because there are also cases wherein dogs die from Lyme disease.
What is psychoneuroimmunology, and how does it work?
I've repeatedly emphasized in my other podcast episodes the importance of calming the brain and regulating the nervous system. My job is to support the nervous system through psychoneuroimmunology to regulate the nervous system for faster and optimum healing.
No matter where you are in your journey, we have resources to help you:
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
