H98
You stated:
"Something else that has intrigued me is that many people who treat for Lyme get better to about
70-80% or so and then can't seem to get past that. Can it be possible that this is because the rest (30%) are yeast symptoms that overlap Lyme symptoms and so treating with abx just doesn't get us past that threshold? maybe what we are missing at the end is treating the yeast?"
I think there is something to that theory. Partly because MDs and NDs aren't looking for y/f overgrowth sx so they aren't informing patients or asking the pertinent questions about
sx. And partly because, very simply, antibiotic/antimicrobial Rx or herbs most often used in treatment can/will eventually disrupt the flora and cause an imbalance.
Also, wanted to add that the CNS sx you described are common due to the neurotoxins that the presence of high volume of yeast colonies creates… and they are also what is released in higher volume in die off. Depression is a very common sx of lyme. But I think depression is one of those very popular sx because it's usually caused by neurotransmitter imbalances, which are caused by GI trouble, hormone imbalances, or if you're like me, you're born with imbalances (I have learned SO MUCH from getting my DNA data interpreted). So, depression could be directly related to the y/f off gassing of neurotoxins or triggered by the transmitter issues, and I'm sure there is a direct causal link but my brain cannot recall it right now. Sorry.
Again, only one pill of diflucan CAN cause that kind of y/f die off throughout your body, carried by the blood to all the yeast colonies causing short circuits galore. It is not at all uncommon. Look at the "warnings" on the packaging. And this chain reaction could have caused other symptoms in a domino effect. Remember, "lyme" doesn't always directly cause sx. Often, the infection attacks certain parts of the body, causing your body to malfunction, misfire, and havoc ensues. And the same havoc can be created when some other force disrupts normal functioning within your body, namely the immediate release of toxins from y/f die off.
I also read something awhile back about
how the colonies communicate, similar to biofilm? Can't recall details but that would also account for a very strong reaction to die off, like a city wide power outtage.
Monolaurin might just be a little less effective against your dominant strain of y/f, compared to the diflucan. Many, many, countless strains exist. Unfortunately, but commonly, tests are only looking for certain strains and unreactive to most. But the good thing about
a stool test like Doctor's Data is that it identifies the strains it finds, and also gives you a list of antifungals (natural AND pharmaceuticals) and indicates how effective they are against that particular strain. Another reason monolaurin might not have been working as effective as the diflucan is simply that the y/f has grown resistant to it. Most recommend that natural antifungals (best used as preventative measures, not in addressing existing y/f overgrowth) as well as the systemic anti fungal pharmaceuticals be rotated. I've read that y/f rarely develops resistance to Nystatin and unfortunately, I cannot recall why.
Definitely interested in your progress so please keep us up to date!
tickbite666
NOW brand might do the trick. But if you're still concerned about
y/f issues, try a different systemic, like ketoconazole. You might have a strain that requires a different anti fungal… there are others, too. Also, see my post to DancingBear* below:
DB*
I have not used NOW. While it is easier to obtain than a prescript
ion, which some people won't be able to obtain, I believe it is weaker than the straight 200mg systemic anti fungal dose, so it depends on your level of overgrowth. Also, ingredients in NOW include Pau D'Arco, Black Walnut, Oregano Oil, Biotin, Caprylic Acid.. all good natural antifungals. But these often are not strong enough for a significant overgrowth issue. AND, the NOW product will need to be rotated on/off because I've read that y/f often become resistant over time. So, if you split your regime up into 4 tx over 1 month, switching out antifungals each week, you could alternate NOW w/ coconut oil, a systemic Rx, xylitol, etc…
However, the difference in these products (generally) and the Nystatin powder is that the powder has a few advantages:
> it does not penetrate the mucosal lining so it does not enter the bloodstream, and therefore does not disrupt liver function;
> you can swish it around your mouth, and as you swallow it, it coats the entire alimentary canal (throat, tummy, small and large intestine and all the way out "the door", which is beneficial to those who are experiencing rectal itch, but even for those who aren't, it still is the only thing that can coat that kind of mileage in the gut). Systemic Rx won't kill much in the gut, so it always puzzles me when MDs only prescribe the systemic when patients are suffering GI problems;
> and it is far less prone to resistance by the y/f than just about
anything else. Everything else has to be rotated, and if you use a product like NOW, which has several antifungals in one, you still have to rotate NOW with other antifungals… using it consistently will likely lead to a reduction in efficacy.
> and, it takes awhile to figure out what combination of naturals is effective against your particular strain(s)… I wasted PRECIOUS time fiddling around with this, and allowed quite a bit of damage to occur. So, when people clearly have significant overgrowth, I suggest they jump to Nystatin but that doesn't mean the naturals don't work… time is of the essence w/ leaky gut and y/f damage, particularly when you're struggling in the midst of lyme & co treatment and effective gut/immune system functioning is non negotiable.
Hope this helps...
p
Post Edited (Pirouette) : 6/5/2015 10:35:14 AM (GMT-6)