5 Helpful Therapies For Chronic Infections

Treating Lyme disease and other chronic infections can be a complicated process. Optimizing nutrition and lifestyle is a major component, and there will likely need to be some antimicrobial therapy whether from herbs, other natural supplements, or prescription medications. Working with a functional medicine practitioner who can help you develop a protocol that fits your unique needs can be a great way to get started. However, there are some additional therapies that can play an important role in both treating the infection and alleviating the symptoms of your illness. Here are five of my favorite therapies to help treat Lyme, Lyme co-infections, long COVID, chronic EBV, etc.: 

1. Ozone therapy. Ozone therapy can be administered in different ways, but intravenously (IV) is probably the most common. IV ozone therapies include 10-pass, EBOO, or simply drawing a certain amount of blood, ozonating it, and putting it back in through an IV drip. Another form of ozone therapy is through a HOCATT, which is a sauna device that combines ozone and infrared therapy.  
   There are multiple different benefits to ozone therapy. It induces an oxidative reaction in the body which causes the immune system to release antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system. Ozone also has a direct effect on infectious microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Ozone therapy can improve mitochondrial function as well, helping alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue that come along with chronic infections. 

2. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which helps more oxygen reach the tissues of the body.  This increased oxygen can help kill off Lyme bacteria and other infectious pathogens, and it has other benefits as well. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, improve brain health, and enhance mitochondrial function. The traditional uses of hyperbaric oxygen have been for decompression sickness (such as from scuba diving), wound healing, and carbon monoxide poisoning, but it is showing promising results in treating many chronic illnesses as well. The effective protocols in research studies usually involve around 20-60 sessions for around 90 minutes done on consecutive days as much as possible, which can make adherence difficult if you don’t have easy access to a chamber.  
   There are potential contraindications and side effects from hyperbaric oxygen therapy that are important to be aware of. Some people can become claustrophobic due to the chambers typically being small and closed in. Ear pain and pressure headaches can occur as well, especially for those who get these effects with airplane travel. Contraindications to hyperbaric therapy include diabetes/hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, pacemaker, and certain medications. Discuss with your medical provider any contraindications before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

3. IV Nutrient Therapy. IV nutrient therapy involves administering nutrients intravenously, which has a number of potential benefits. First, it bypasses the gut and goes directly into the bloodstream, which is advantageous considering many patients with Lyme and other chronic infections often have significant digestive issues. It also allows for higher therapeutic doses to be administered, such as with Vitamin C, which would not be tolerated at high doses orally. Some IV nutrients that can be helpful for Lyme and other chronic illnesses include: 

   -Myers cocktail, which is a combination of vitamins and minerals that can help with issues such as fatigue, inflammation, and adrenal function. 

   -Glutathione, which is the body’s master antioxidant and helps with detoxification. 

   -High-dose Vitamin C for immune support, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and potentially direct killing of infections. 

   -NAD+, which helps with mitochondrial function and energy levels. 

4. Red Light Therapy. Red light therapy is another modality that can help with the symptoms of chronic infection due to its effect on the mitochondria. In red light therapy, wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are administered to the body, either in a smaller targeted application or over the whole body. There is no heat with the light therapy, so it can be more readily tolerated if heat intolerance is present. Red light therapy stimulates an enzyme in the mitochondria called Cytochrome C oxidase. The enhanced mitochondrial function results in benefits such as increased energy, better nitric oxide production, and increased production of antioxidants in the body. The downstream effects of this therapy can include reduced inflammation, better immune function, increased blood flow to tissues (enhancing regeneration), and even enhanced hair growth and skin health. Full body administration of red light can be helpful to improve symptoms of conditions such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, while smaller, targeted applications can be used for conditions such as joint pain and skin issues. There is also evidence to suggest that red light therapy can help with neuroinflammation and brain health, which is often an issue in Lyme disease and other chronic conditions.  

5. Infrared Sauna. Infrared saunas are another therapy that can enhance treatment and help alleviate symptoms of Lyme and other chronic infections. Because it utilizes infrared light, these saunas require lower heat to obtain the benefits, allowing it to be tolerated for longer periods of time. Despite being better tolerated, it is better to start slower and with shorter durations and build up over time. Some people may have trouble even tolerating low levels of sauna treatment, so monitor your reactions and report any negative effects to your practitioner. Some of the reported benefits of infrared sauna include: 

   -Pain relief 

   -Reduced inflammation 

   -Better detoxification 

   -Enhanced relaxation response/lowered cortisol levels 

   -Better blood circulation and cardiovascular health 

   -Improved sleep 

   -More energy 

If you want to see if infrared sauna could be beneficial to you, many wellness spas and functional medicine practices have this therapy at their offices. You can also buy an infrared sauna for your home. Look for low-EMF versions that fit your budget and space.  

These 5 therapies are some of my favorites for improving symptoms of chronic infections, but they are only part of a holistic treatment plan to address these challenging conditions. If you are struggling with symptoms of chronic infection and need help getting back on track, we would love to help! Schedule a free discovery call with us today.