The Case:
- Juliette is my healthy, happy 3 year old daughter.
- One morning, I discovered that what I thought was a little pimple at the nape of her neck was actually a tick.
- Juliette had no idea it was there which is how so many people are shocked to develop Lyme disease because they never knew they were bitten.
Lyme Disease and Hashimoto’s: How They Intersect
I invited Dr. Darin Ingles back to the podcast to dig deeper into the issue of Lyme disease and its connection with Hashimoto’s. Dr. Ingles, a naturopathic doctor and expert in Lyme disease, is the author of The Lyme Solution and has helped countless patients with Lyme and related conditions, including Hashimoto’s.
Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the world, with thousands of cases often going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, especially when symptoms overlap with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. In our conversation, Dr. Ingles shared insights on why Lyme disease can trigger thyroid issues and other chronic conditions, like Hashimoto’s, and why it’s essential to address these root causes early.
Why Lyme Disease Often Goes Undiagnosed
Dr. Ingles explained that Lyme disease can be a catalyst for Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions. Often, people who never had thyroid issues before begin to show symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and joint pain after exposure to Lyme.
In cases where patients develop Hashimoto’s after contracting Lyme, doctors sometimes fail to connect the dots. As Dr. Ingles mentioned, conventional medicine often attributes thyroid antibodies to “bad luck” or genetics, without exploring the underlying causes, such as infections.
Lyme Disease Symptoms vs. Hashimoto’s Symptoms
Lyme disease symptoms show up as both acute and chronic. Many of these symptoms mirror the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s. Acute Lyme often involves high fever, joint pain, headaches, and neurological symptoms like burning sensations or numbness. In contrast, chronic Lyme may lead to lingering issues such as brain fog, low-grade fever, fatigue, and sleep disturbances—symptoms all too familiar for those with Hashimoto’s.
Dr. Ingles emphasized that the overlap in symptoms makes diagnosis even more complicated, especially when Lyme is mistaken for Hashimoto’s or vice versa.
What To Do If You Get a Tick Bite
After finding a tick, the first step is to carefully remove it using tweezers (avoid burning or using Vaseline, which can worsen the situation). Dr. Ingles recommended sending the tick to a lab like TickReport.com for testing, which can quickly confirm if the tick is carrying Lyme or co-infections.
Immediate action is key. While the CDC recommends a single dose of antibiotics, Dr. Ingles stressed that longer treatment, especially using herbs like artemesia and Japanese knotweed, is more effective in preventing chronic Lyme disease. In my case, I began Juliette on herbal tinctures as a preventive measure while waiting for the lab results.
The Herbal Approach to Lyme Disease
Dr. Ingles discussed various herbs, such as cryptolepis, Japanese knotweed, and cat’s claw, which he says have been proven effective against Lyme disease and its co-infections. These herbs not only target Lyme but also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, support the immune system, and promote better circulation, making them a comprehensive approach to healing.
I used Nutramedics products like Banderol, Samento, and Cumanda for Juliette, which are also part of Dr. Ingles’ recommended protocol. The herbs are gentle enough for children and can be administered easily as tinctures.
Co-Infections and Testing
Lyme often comes with co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia, which can further complicate diagnosis. Dr. Ingles explained that different infections can cause specific symptoms, such as Bartonella’s characteristic stretch marks or Babesia’s “air hunger” and intermittent fever. Testing for Lyme and co-infections can be done through various labs (MDL and iGenix are reliable options).
How Juliette Recovered
After the tick was removed and sent to the lab, I took immediate action, giving Juliette herbal tinctures to support her immune system. When the tick test results came back negative, we were relieved but continued the herbs for three weeks as a precautionary measure. Juliette showed no signs of illness or symptoms, and I’m grateful we caught it early.
Prevention and Early Detection
It’s important to take precautions when spending time outdoors. As Dr. Ingles mentioned, treating shoes and socks with the insecticide Permethrin and using natural tick repellents can help reduce the risk of tick bites. Keeping an eye out for signs of Lyme, like the bullseye rash or joint pain, can also ensure you catch any issues early.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Juliette, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and prevent any complications from the tick bite. If you or a loved one are dealing with mysterious symptoms or have concerns about Lyme disease, I hope this episode helps you take action.
Resources Mentioned:
Thanks to my guest Dr. Darin Ingles. You can connect with him through his website: https://dariningelsnd.com/ where you can also find his book The Lyme Solution.
If you’ve experienced a tick bite (or think you may have been bitten), visit TickReport.com for testing and more information on tick bites.
Podcast Episodes:
The Case of the Unlikely Lyme Disease w/ Dr. Darin IngelsMy Son’s Unbelievable Health Mystery: Insights Relevant for All Parents and Caregivers
The Underlying Causes of ADD and the 10 Things You Can Do to Improve Concentration with Darin Ingels
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