THE BEST PROTOCOL FOR CHRONIC LYME
& TICK-BORNE INFECTIONS
CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGY | FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Recurrent Stubborn Lyme:
Dr. Warren's insights into why it happens and his approach to breaking the cycle of recurrent Lyme
In this eye-opening talk, Dr. Warren challenges conventional wisdom about treating chronic Lyme disease and reveals why antibiotics alone might actually be making your condition worse.
Drawing from years of clinical experience and comparing his patients on both natural and antibiotic-based protocols, he shares a startling discovery about why some patients keep relapsing while others achieve lasting recovery. The answer isn't just about killing the bacteria – it's about understanding the critical role your immune system plays in finally beating this persistent infection.
Key points from Dr. Warren's video above on Recurrent Stubborn Lyme:
Introduction
One of the most disheartening experiences for Lyme disease patients is having symptoms return after believing they've overcome the illness. As a practitioner who has worked extensively with chronic Lyme cases, I'm frequently asked why this happens and how to prevent it. This article addresses these crucial questions and offers insights based on clinical experience and research.
1. Understanding Lyme's Different Forms: The first key to preventing recurrence lies in understanding that Lyme disease exists in multiple forms:
1. **Active spirochete form** - This is the form most responsive to conventional antibiotics
2. **Round body form** - A more persistent, chronic form
3. **Biofilm form** - Colonies of bacteria protected by a defensive matrixTim never noticed a tick bite or the classic "bullseye" rash
For patients with chronic Lyme (infection lasting more than two months), the round body and biofilm forms become the primary concern.
A pivotal study published in the Townsend Letter (2010) revealed something that transformed my understanding: while antibiotics effectively reduces the active spirochete form, it actually increases the round body form by 270%. This explains why many patients experience recurrence after antibiotic treatment—the medication may be driving the infection into a more persistent form.
My Clinical Observations: Natural vs. Antibiotic Treatments
My clinical experience includes treating two distinct groups:
- Patients using purely natural herbal protocols
- Patients combining high-dose antibiotics along with natural treatments
Initially, I expected the combination approach to yield superior results. Surprisingly, both groups demonstrated similar improvement rates. However, I observed significant differences in long-term outcomes:
- The natural treatment group had significantly lower recurrence rates.
- The antibiotic group experienced more side effects and higher rates of symptom return when treatment was reduced.
These observations gradually led me to recommend antibiotics in only about 10% of cases now, primarily for early-stage infections.
2. The Immune System: The Final Runner in the Relay Race: The second major factor in Lyme recurrence involves the immune system. As noted in the book "Conquering Lyme" by Dr. Fallon: "Antibiotics are expected to wipe out the majority of infection but not all of it. A healthy immune system is meant to conduct the final sweep to eradicate the infection from the body."
I often describe this as a relay race—treatments may run the first legs, but the immune system must run the final leg to achieve lasting recovery.
Several factors can compromise this immune response:
1. Prolonged antibiotic use - Extended courses of multiple antibiotics (lasting 6-24 months) can severely damage gut health, where much of the immune system resides, creating a counterproductive cycle.
2. Co-infections - About 93% of Lyme patients have co-infections that specifically target immune function:
- Anaplasma weakens neutrophils (bacteria-fighting cells)
- Ehrlichia compromises monocytes
- Bartonella disrupts the nitric oxide system
Each pathogen has evolved mechanisms to undermine specific aspects of immune function, making comprehensive immune support essential but often overlooked in treatment protocols.
3. The Parasite Connection: A third, less common factor involves parasites.
Microscopic evidence suggests Lyme bacteria can hide inside nematode parasites in the brain, potentially evading treatment. However, since many Lyme protocols already include anti-parasitic medications (particularly for Babesia, a common co-infection), this is typically the least frequent cause of recurrence in my experience.
A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Recurrence
To effectively prevent Lyme recurrence, treatment must address three critical areas:
1. **Target all forms of the infection** - Use treatments effective against round body and biofilm forms, not just the active spirochete form. Herbal protocols often demonstrate superior effectiveness against these chronic forms.
2. **Restore immune function** - Antibiotics may help state the process of killing Lyme, but a healthy immune system is absolutely necessary to finish the job. Comprehensive testing should assess immune system status, nutrient deficiencies, and cytokine activity. Targeted immune support is essential but often neglected in conventional treatment.
3. **Repair tissue damage** - Support healing in affected systems (joints, brain, heart) while addressing the root causes.
Conclusion
For patients experiencing recurring Lyme disease, the solution likely lies in shifting focus from simply killing bacteria to supporting immune function and using approaches that target all forms of the infection. Comprehensive testing and a balanced treatment approach that doesn't further compromise immune function offer the best chance for lasting recovery.
Message from Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP
"Thank you for watching this video on why Lyme disease recurs and how to prevent it. When dealing with recurring symptoms, remember that addressing the chronic forms of Lyme (round body and biofilm) and rehabilitating your immune system are crucial steps that are often overlooked. In my practice, I've seen that patients who incorporate comprehensive immune support and use treatments effective against Lyme's persistent forms experience significantly fewer relapses. Don't get caught in the cycle of temporary improvement followed by setbacks. Whether you're working with a Lyme-literate practitioner or exploring treatment options, make sure your protocol includes immune system testing and support alongside targeted antimicrobial strategies. For more information about our approach or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or contact our office. Your journey to lasting recovery is possible"
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Impressive, Smart, Top Notch. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at RHS. From my initial appt to my follow up. Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul were great to work with and both encouraged me to better health through testing, exercises and education. Also their support staff Katie and Randi are wonderful as well. Prompt, courteous, and always available for questions! I highly recommend RHS! Cheers to better health."
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I have been seeing Dr Warren for a few years and he has improved my health and my life greatly. I have many health issues and had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue 8 years ago, after I had to leave my career. I tried almost every traditional medical specialist and even a few naturalpathic specialist without any continued improvement in health. Most told there was nothing wrong with me. Dr. Warren has taken the time and done a vast amount of research to help me with autoimmune, thyroid, chemical sensitivities, and even my gallbladder. He truly cares, takes the time to hear you and your health challenges, and is always willing to try additional routes. I am back working and able to have a fulfilled life again! I am so thankful to have the best doctor!"
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I arrived at Restorative Health Solutions feeling extremely fatigued, had brain fog and not a high quality of life. I was just getting through the day.
After being treated I now have energy and a sense of well-being. I feel like I am now being proactive on having a healthy life. I am grateful for having found Restorative Health Solutions."
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I have been seeing Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul for about 10 months now for Lyme disease. Prior to this, I was searching high and low for answers and getting no where. I was feeling fatigued, brain fog, stomach issues, anxiety, light sensitivity, dizziness... just a multitude of symptoms that I couldn't piece together.
The team at Rhs has been instrumental in me reaching my goals. Lyme disease has been extremely challenging and Rhs has been there every step of the way.
Lyme disease doesn't go away on it's own and it is a marathon, but Restorative Health Solutions has a process that works, follow it, be open and communicate. This is a two way street, they can't read your mind, so come in with the mentality of a partnership.
I would recommend anyone go and see them if you need to find answers on your Lyme disease journey."
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