130 Comments so far

1. Mark on July 1, 2008 7:36 pm

   I had lyme some years ago and treated it conventionally. I was not too happy about this but thought it was the lesser of the two evils.

   Some months later, I spoke with a friend, a homeopath, who said that it could have been treated homeopathically. That would have great as long as it worked. I would be willing to try, but on the other hand, like you said, lyme, left untreated, can get pretty nasty.

2. Jennie on July 1, 2008 8:13 pm

   Hi Kevin,

   I’d not heard of Lyme disease but it does sound pretty blerk! I personally believe that there is a time and a place for conventional western medicine. I have friends who would be dead now if it were not for anti biotics.

   However I do feel that this type of medicine is waaaaaaaaaay overused and definitely one of the less caring healing sectors out there and I definitely have a big lack of trust in the pharmaceutical companies.

   I’m not sure where I would draw the line. There are so many ways that it could be drawn.

   Good on you for doing what’s right for you. I hope you respond well to the treatment, which you should seeing as you’ve not had an antibiotic for 10 years.

   You are an inspiration. Thank you for all you do. And Ann Marie too!

3. Pat Lee on July 1, 2008 8:14 pm

   I am against pharmacutical drugs but sometimes as is the case with lymes disease or other very lethal bacterial infections antibiotics are needed. A lot of people in the old days died before antibiotics,The problem now is they are over prescribed and people eat them in their food if they eat conventional animal products. When they are truely needed they can save your life.

4. Lehi on July 1, 2008 8:15 pm

   I actually have a friend who got rid of Lyme disease naturally. I want to say he did it with diet and probably herbs, but I’m not 100% sure. I think what I’ll do is just e-mail him this video clip and perhaps he would be willing to share.

   As far as where I draw the line….if I have a broken bone or I’m losing profuse amounts of blood, I’d probably go the conventional route. Anything else (off the top of my head) I would try to treat naturally. Birth, for example, isn’t something I’d go to a hospital for. (I’m due in about a week and I’m looking forward to a natural home birth.) Even if I were diagnosed with cancer, I’d treat it naturally at first. Hopefully that would be the only treatment I would need. The list goes on: diabetes, depression, arthritis, ADD, heart disease, etc. can all be treated non-conventionally, in my opinion.

5. Dora on July 1, 2008 8:19 pm

   Kevin,
   There is a time for everything and yes, there are times to proceed with conventional medicine. Those times are during accideents and other emergency situations. Or, as in your case when one must make sure to protect against a more destructive disease development. It is wise to use an approach of combined conventional and natural medicine. Go for it…just fortify your system to withstand the side effects of the antiboitics, take your own advice and proceed as ususal.

6. Donna on July 1, 2008 8:20 pm

   Hello, Keven: May I make a suggestion!!! If you want to rid it from the body altogether, I would suggest a homeopathic, Lyme. I have a very succesful protocol for this problem. All natural. I cannot put it on the internet, but if you are interested , please let me know. I have had several people using this program with great success. Donna

7. Katy Brezger on July 1, 2008 8:24 pm

   Having had all of the iotrogenic problems a person can have, I do not take drugs, none, even if they tell me it is safe, I go completely with natural medicine. A healthy person need not fear disease. Just like bugs are for breaking down and returning sickly plants to the earth so are germs and parasites the agent to return us to the earth.

8. Alicia on July 1, 2008 8:30 pm

   Hi Kevin,

   Lyme disease is no joke. The tests are unreliable and the medical community doesn’t really have an answer.

   I’ve recently made a new friend who has suffered from Lyme for 2 years and has been on tetracycline for those two years. His first symptoms included chronic fatigue symptoms such as brain fog and derealization.

   After two years on antibotics all of the other symptoms he developed are gone but the chronic fatigue and derealization persist. He’s chronically tired and needs 10-12 hours of sleep just to be semi-rested and function. He’s a brilliant guy. The kind of person that upon meeting, you instantly know he was destined for greatness and its very difficult and terribly sad to see him limited by this illness.

   Because of him, I have been doing research and have tried to pass on some alternative info. to him but he’s not ready for it. He’s been on antibotics so long, I fear he has or will destroy his immune system but its his journey to make.

   Paul Pitchford, in his book Healing With Whole Foods recommends Oregano oil and Garlic. About maybe a month ago or so, one of your readers here also posted about a nutraceutical made from Garlic which seemed very promising.

   The best alternative info. I have found so far though was by way of Dr. Mercola who introduced me to Dr. Klinghardt. Dr. Klinghardt is a German MD who has a Phd in neurology. He has 30 years of med pracice and 15 years Bb cognizant. I have an audio of his interview with Dr. Mercola and I would be glad to make you a copy if you are interested. You can read some info he has on Lyme at this link: http://www.klinghardt.org/docs/Lyme-protocol%20Jan06.pdf

   Dr. Klinghardt has an office in Kirkland, Washington.

   Also, I might be mistaken but I believe Paul Pitchford had or has Lyme disease as well. I have been meaning to contact him but have not. You can contact him at The Heartwood Institute in California.

   Also, you might want to read the book “Lab 257″ if you haven’t already done so.

   Take good care Kevin and please keep us updated.

   Alicia

9. 4estgirl on July 1, 2008 8:34 pm

   Kevin,

   We’re in a forested part of northern Va. and deal with disease-carrying ticks on a near daily basis. My young daughter has had lyme disease and several moms in our natural families co-op are treating their children for tick-borne illnesses naturally. Here are some excerpts from my posts to our e-list - Lyme disease is a recurrent thread due to its prevalance in our area; perhaps some of the info will help you with your ongoing research & treatment decision making:

   For those who are dealing with Lyme in some form, or who would like to learn more and be more aware which may increase chances of protection or early detection; most of them have their own ‘resources’ page you can visit for addt. info:

   http://www.lymeinfo.net/alt.html - alternative treatments for lyme disease
   http://cassia.org/ - infoshare by late-stage lyme sufferer who came off antibiotics using natural treatments
   http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/3160 - non-prof discusses lyme co-infections, symptomology, recommended antibiotic treatment protocol, as well as immune support and complimentary natural remedies
   http://www.healthynewage.com/herbal-health-newsletter2.htm - lyme treatment w/focus on cat’s claw - haven’t tried this
   http://www.rhinebeckhealth.com/rhc/lyme.php - integrative treatment of lyme by Rhinebeck Health Center & Center for Progressive Medicine

   There are many books on newly emerging and innovative treatments for Lyme - I search amazon for what I want and then try to find it through the library if I can. This one is supposed to be one of the most recent & comprehensive, w/conventional and alternative in-depth treatments (I’ve not read it personally but have seen it recommended): http://www.amazon.com/Top-Lyme-Disease-Treatments-Conventional/dp/0976379716

   If you’re even suspecting lyme you might want to start using some of the alt. treatments from the articles right away to raise recovery odds or prevent co-infection complications.

   Some homemade natural tick & insect repellant recipes:

   5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
   2 drops Geranium essential oil
   4 drops Lemon essential oil
   1 drop Peppermint essential oil
   1 Tablespoon Herbal Trim (this is a commercial product and you can omit)
   1/4 teaspoon massage oil
   1.5 ounces purified water (3 T.)

   Pour all ingredients into a 2 ounce spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray on exposed areas of the skin. This is also a very effective general bug repellant. Reapply every 2 hours. From “Is Your Home Safe?” by Larissa Jones.

   Also: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/custom-made-insect-repellent.html - make your own insect repellant (various recipes, including one for ticks).

   And: http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/alternative-therapies/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-recipes/make-your-own-natural-bug-repellents/ - more repellant recipes to try.

   Good luck w/your treatment, and thanks for the shows

   4estgirl in Virginia

10. GISELLE on July 1, 2008 9:03 pm

    My brother is 50 yrs old & he had a heart attack a couple of days ago. He was in the hospital for a couple of days. They prescribed blood thinner. Is there an altervative in natural medicine for blood thinner that he could take instead? I also have a couple of questions for mike adams does he have an email where I can ask him something about his book? Thank You Giselle

11. Jenn on July 1, 2008 9:11 pm

    I’m torn when it comes to things like this, but my personal feeling is that it should be a mix of both. Use the best there is!!

    I havn’t had Lyme myself, but my mother has(she also had West Nile 2 years ago and lived through it thankfully) and I saw her deal with it and be treated by the Dr’s very nonchalantly(sp?) for such a dangerous(both of them) disease. Too often a drug is given but then follow up is minimum. My brother in law was also diagnosed, but followed the limited info from his Dr and months later is still having problem from Lyme(all in CT too)

    I think the BEST way to deal with it is being aware of the issue, get the best of all meds to deal with it and then keep up yourself for a few months to follow for optimal health!!

    You are on the right track it seems! Good luck

12. Gaylene Kuintzle on July 1, 2008 9:14 pm

    I have a company you need to check out IMMEDIATELY. MaxamLabs.com 800-800-9119. They have a product for Lyme Disease, alternative method. I believe it is called Bsaid but you would need to check on the product. They have great products!!

13. Kyle Battis CSCS, NSCA-CPT on July 1, 2008 9:28 pm

    Hey Kevin,

    Kick Lyme Disease’s Butt and keep on hooking us up with great health information.

    To your health,

    Kyle Battis CSCS, NSCA-CPT
    http://www.BurnTheFat-InnerCircle.com

14. Dede on July 1, 2008 9:31 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    As you know, my knowledge of natural medicine alternatives is very very little - certainly not as schooled as the people that have already posted…..but I know what I would do.

    I would take the antibiotics right away - and without fail until you and the doc agree it is not neccesary any more. Your body is sooooo healthy and “clean” that it will take almost no time at all for them to be effective and get rid of the lyme bacteria.

    Well - that’s what I would do - and - tho it is certainly yours and Annmarie’s call - - i really hope you decide to do the same.

    OK - I’m stepping down from my soapbox now - Take care!! - hugs, Dede

15. Jeanne May on July 1, 2008 9:45 pm

    Hi Kevin…

    Sounds gruesome!

    My thoughts echo many of those expressed above… I’m all for natural remedies, and allowing nature to work her magic… but I also appreciate the power of traditional medicine. There has to be a balance… and I think we live in a very informed period of life where we can use both forms of healing. Throughout my life, I know neither traditional medicine or natural remedies give the complete answer… I use a combination of both and it works for me.

    Jeanne

16. Renee on July 1, 2008 9:49 pm

    Have you seen a doctor yet?

17. Becky on July 1, 2008 9:49 pm

    I myself use conventional and alternative medicines as needed with the addition of prayer. I also research my ailments, especially looking for alternative ways to handle the situation. As for Lymes disease, wow, think I would use both and prayer.
    I do enjoy your emails and messages you give. Thank you, Becky

18. Rene on July 1, 2008 9:54 pm

    As long as you are taking antibiotics, be SURE to take lots of C every day!
    C can help the antibiotic to work better, and minimize the toxic effects.

    That said, I would suggest you look into MMS.
    I did a quick Google search, and found this:
    http://www.healthsalon.org/366/mms-miscellaneous-testimonials-no-13/

    We use MMS for EVERYTHING, and recommend it highly.

19. kat on July 1, 2008 9:55 pm

    In the case of Lyme you’ve made a wise decision. One thing most people don’t realize is ticks aren’t the only thing you can get Lyme DISease from. I know far too many people who found out years later they had Lyme b/c it can mask as just about any DISease there is.

    On personal note i would only use western medicine for trauma or if i got bit like you did. I’ve heard too many horror stories not to. Years ago i got bit by something, never saw it and ended up with a very compromised immune system along with chemical sensitivities, and a grocery list full of illnesses.

    You’re very healthy, your body will heal quickly. I believe you made a wise decision and am glad you caught it so quickly! Be well! Thanks for a great show! k

20. Bridgette on July 1, 2008 9:58 pm

    Hey Kevin,
    You have some great advice here……I believe in following your intuition…..what does your body and soul say for you to do……I think you are doing it and then you believe in what you are doing……don’t second guess…..know that what you are doing is going to take care of the problem and you will be clear and free of any dis-ease very soon………Trust your inner voice and don’t let “fear” get in ur way…. : )
    smooches~

21. zoe healer on July 1, 2008 10:01 pm

    Read “Your Own Perfect Medicine: The Incredible Proven Natural Miracle Cure that Medical Science Has Never Revealed!” by: Martha M. Christy. & Trust your body’s innate intelligence. Enough said. zoe

22. Annie on July 1, 2008 10:08 pm

    Ditto the posters above. Lyme is no joke. I’m glad you’re taking the course of antibiotics. I hope you’re doing the full 30 days if not 6 weeks. You should also be tested for co-infections like babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, bartonella, mycoplasma, STARI, tularemia….

    If it were me, I’d also follow some of the alternative protocols for approx. 6 months after as well to be as sure the Lyme spirochetes are gone. Some people battle it for years if it really takes hold.

    Don’t forget to protect your gut during treatment with probiotics and lots of fermented foods. Pepita/sesame yogurt (cultured off kefirlac) is yummy.

23. Meridian Grace ND on July 1, 2008 10:13 pm

    There are 2 protocols that I combine with great sucess for my clients with Lyme. The first was developed by Dr. Lee Cowden MD and involves the use of Nutra Medix herbals. There is an exact protocol for this program, and the other is the phosphlipid/ fatty acid program of Patricia Kane in Havereford PA. If you would like to get more information on these protocols, please give me a call at 512 280-9621. Neither involve antibiotics…and can be taken in conjunction if you feel it would give you more peace of mind. When using probiotics…I prefer human micro flora products. Many blessings…wishing you radiant health. Meridian Grace ND

24. Andrea on July 1, 2008 10:14 pm

    I work in the medical field but still have a strong leaning to natural health, and have even found a doctor that does both…great as I can also use my insurance.
    What I want to say, is that I once read an article about Dr. John Bastyr. You may know that he started the John Bastyr Naturopathic School in Seattle…at one time the only accredited naturopathic institute in the country, and maybe still so. This article described someone who was explaining a number of different more natural treatments that were used on someone who I believe had pneumonia or some other respiratory infection but was not getting well. Dr Bastyr’s response to it all was…why didn’t you try an antibiotic? The theme of the article was that different treatment are appropriate for different conditions.
    I wholly support your use of antibiotics,especially for the reasons you describe and that you are adding the natural remedies along with it. The best of both worlds. Good luck.
    By the way, I happen to work in an Infectious Disease dept in one of the major hospitals in Boston.
    Andrea

25. Meridian Grace ND on July 1, 2008 10:16 pm

    When treating Lyme, I often combine the work Of Dr. Lee Cowden MD utilizing the nutra medix herbs…and Patricia Kane and her phosopholipid/fatty acid detox work. If you would feel safer combining anti-biotics that can be done as well. I always start with human micro flora probiotics along with antibiotics in continuous small doses. When done with the antibiotics, I then recommend very high doses. If you would like to speak about this in more depth. Please feel free to call 512 280-9621. Many blessings and wishes for radiant health. Meridian Grace ND

26. Karen McCoy on July 1, 2008 10:19 pm

    There is no ‘line to be drawn’. There is no separation. Use both. Use neither, but don’t make it either/or, or we’re no better than the people who are adamant that alternative is best, or that only allopathic will do.
    No separation, only ‘expanding to include’.

    karen mccoy
    personal trainer and nutritionist, BC Canada

27. linda on July 1, 2008 10:20 pm

    hi kevin…..

    please give jim walton for allimax nature’
    antibiotic a call……….he has a product
    called allimed and it is from the allison from garlic… itis grown in spain organically and harvested and freeze dried right away.
    you can look on http://www.allimax.us for information re this divine product. you can tell him linda from florida told you to call if you like. i found this when a friend was dieing from c-dif. she can no longer take antibiotics which caused the infection in the first place. levaquin was the antibiotic that killed the good flora in her colon despite pro and prebiotics orally as well as enemas 3x a day using probiotics. i know several people i have referred to jim and they have suffered for many many years from limes disease and this allimed had made them 99
    5 better. jim and had test run in texas i believe using it for limes disease. itis also taking care of MRSA and other infections.
    hope you wil at least contact jim and talk to him. 312-421-6132.
    my friends doctor told her if it was not for me finding this my friend would have died…and now when she gets sick the doctor says just used the allimed.
    good luck thisis nothing to fool around with
    as you know.

28. linda on July 1, 2008 10:25 pm

    one more thing……….i had the bacteria helicobacter pylori. and did not take any antibioics but the allimed and pro and prebiotics form allimax and my body is now clear of the h pylori.

29. KO on July 1, 2008 10:32 pm

    I agree with you about the use of antibiotics for lyme’s. The affects of the bacteria are severe and chronic if not put in check immediately. There are times when the conventional approach is the best………not often….but sometimes. And of course pumping up on the probiotics to keep the system strong. Love your information! Good job! KO New Hampshire

30. joanna/ RawTn 2 the Core on July 1, 2008 10:34 pm

    I have gone back and forth in my mind, and unless I got specific proven natural treatment, I may be more likely to take the antibiotic in this case as well as use what ever knowledge you can find out. You have to do what’s best for you at this moment in time.
    Get better quick!
    Joanna

31. Allen Adkins on July 1, 2008 10:36 pm

    Hi Kevin - I highly recommend checking out the hormesis healing stones from Jay Gutierrez ( http://www.nighthawkminerals.com ) as they will completely take care of your tick bite or any possible infection from the bacteria that causes Lymes disease. The stones cure cancer, as well as effectively take care of the toxin from Brown Recluse spider bites etc. You owe it to yourself to call him… and then make up your own mind. His number is on his website and here it is as well :
    Jay @ 303-475-7202. He is available usually after 6 pm Colorado (Mountain) time… Aloha and blessings, Allen

32. Dawn B on July 1, 2008 10:39 pm

    I think there are some things you just don’t take chances with. A friend of mine has a grown daughter with an enlarged heart and many chronic problems from untreated Lyme disease (15+ yrs ago).
    I wouldn’t trust bubonic plague or a compound fracture with just alternative medicine either, unless the doctors all dropped of the planet or something.

33. Elise on July 1, 2008 10:49 pm

    I am a little confused. Did you say in your video that you positively had Lymes? Did you have a blood test for it? I would only treat it if the test was positive. Doxycycline is a powerful antibotic and so I think I would have a positive test before I would subject my body to this antibotic.. I have heard that most ticks do not carry the bacteria for Lymes.
    Maybe you know this already, and I am sure your doctors know this..

34. RawGuy on July 1, 2008 10:50 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    First I trust you’re well and get over this asap.

    My personal opinion is I wouldn’t use drugs unless it was an immediate life or death issue. I believe that’s where I would draw the line. I’ve given in to ‘antibiotics’ in the past by well meaning relatives, friends and doctors, but paid a high price. You only need to take antibiotics once to spark an entire slew of side effects that may haunt you in the future. I’ve spent years trying to figure out health issues I’ve had since and only now found relief. To me it’s not worth it… too high a price to pay.

    Here’s how I look at it. If my body is natural, an incredible temple provided to me, why should I look for man made toxic chemicals to combat something there is a natural alternative for? There are some great links to natural sources to treat in the comments here. (thanks to those that posted!) Of course, if my limbs are barely hanging from my body in an emergency room, I think that would be ok since it’s an emergency, life or death situation.

    The second way I look at it is that I personally feel if I build my own immune system well, issues like these and other bacteria, viruses, germs, invaders, etc will have a harder time affecting me. In my experience I’ve found this to be true.

    That’s also why I choose a 100% raw and organic diet. I do know that many including yourself don’t follow that. I look at the fact that our environment today is filled with so many ways to knock our immune system that one of the only ways to keep a strong immune system is to keep our systems as clean and free of blockages to health and healing as possible. Cooked food is one of those that attack our body as well (just look your white blood cell count after eating cooked food) so keeping a 100% raw diet in my opinion is one of the best health defenses.

    In my experience, I’ve been blessed with benefits that I can’t imagine and want to stay on a 100% raw diet because I not only feel better every day, I enjoy it and find it to be one of the simplest and fulfilling ways to live.

    I appreciate that many think 100% is not for them and respect that. We all pay a price for our decisions in one way or another, just depends what price we’re willing to pay in my view. It’s been said often that if you ‘think’ you can’t do something, you’re already correct, you can’t.

    All the best on your journey Kevin and hope you overcome this challenge quickly.

    RawGuy

35. Dave on July 1, 2008 10:54 pm

    Now is my chance to speak to the overall message of Raw Food and Alternative Healing. Consider that a truely healthy body does not need Alternative Healing but is capable of “healing” itself. And also consider that bacteria and virus live in healthy bodies without negative symptoms. For example, many many people have the bacteria responsible for strep throat in their body without having any symptoms of strep their entire life.
    The way a person can not need Alternative Healing is by maintaining the alkaline design of the body in which bacteria and virus cannot overgrow just like mould and fungus cannot grow in such an environment. Healthy red blood cells thrive and reparative work for things like bug bites, even with the introduction of a virus can be taken care of without any medicine of any kind, conventional or “alternative”. Taking acidic antibiotics is only a choice for me in a life or death situation after some type of massive external disturbance such as a car crash. One reader suggested “Even if I were diagnosed with cancer, I’d treat it naturally at first. Hopefully that would be the only treatment I would need. The list goes on: diabetes, depression, arthritis, ADD, heart disease, etc. can all be treated non-conventionally, in my opinion.”
    However, only an acidic body would ever do cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. These are simply symptoms of over-acidity and can be “treated” by simply respecting the alkaline design of the body.
    Which brings me back to Raw food. Raw veggies and raw low sugar fruits are the most alkaline foods of all. HOWEVER, being “raw” does not mean alkaline. In fact, raw fooders could be just as sickly as many that eat a SAD if:
    1) they consume only small quantities of green veggies and low sugar fruits, which is the majority of raw fooders i have ever met.
    2) they do not chew their food extremely well (equals a sore jaw often since our jaw bones are no longer up to the tast - compare to a chimp) and/or they do not blend their veggies to break down the cellulose and thus release the nutrients and “digest” the food.

    OK well that was a lot and i likely ruffled lots of feathers, but food for thought.

    Take your antibiotics, but get yourself alkaline and you wont have to worry about the question you pose.

    Dave

36. Dave on July 1, 2008 11:00 pm

    This is to Giselle;
    Eating alkaline raw veggies and low sugar fruits will do the same thing without creating a more acidic environment as blood thinners do. Blood thinners will only help ensure your brother will face more and greater health problems in the future.
    Get him eating raw veggies and low sugar fruits and have them blended as often as possible and he will no longer need blood thinners or any other meds they will end up prescribing to him after his next health challenge. Better yet, get him on this plan and he will not likely have a “next health challenge”. I have seen this many times with people i have worked with. Read “The PH Miracle” and focus on raw food. Green food and green drinks are the key (raw, of course)!

    All the best to your bro.

    Dave

37. Ken Rohla on July 1, 2008 11:16 pm

    Kevin, I have two natural protocols for getting rid of Lyme disease in a few weeks. It is not that hard to get rid of if you know how and what to use. I’ll see if I can contact you through your contact page, or if you actually read this, you can contact me via my web site, http://www.freshandalive.com. There are no “incurable” diseases, only incurable people. You absolutely do not need pharmaceuticals to get rid of it. Also, the conventional information about the nature of Lyme’s, how it is spread, how widespread it is, etc. is incomplete at best, and I’ve found, simply not correct. There are at least 16 different strains of Lyme disease. You can identify which ones you have with various quantum energy devices on the market.

    Ken Rohla
    http://www.freshandalive.com

38. Brenda Skidmore on July 1, 2008 11:21 pm

    Kevin,

    A year ago I was knocked down pretty hard with bacterial pneumonia. I know this is not the same thing as Lyme’s Disease. I was so very sick (my father had to drive me to two doctor office visits) I chose to take the antibiotics. The doc said I was so ate up with infection he wanted me to go to the hospital. I said NO WAY. After antibiotics were started I was feeling much better within a week, by the way.

    But, I knew what those antibiotics were doing to me. They are not discriminatory, they kill everything in your gut. I done a couple of months of probiotics too. Later, I stumbled onto Kombucha tea.

    I ordered a starter here kombuchaamerica and began making and drinking it. This is way cheaper than buying probiotics at the health food store. It’s fun, easy, and economical. I have been drinking this stuff everyday for 9 months and have not been sick with anything, not even a cold this winter. I also started drinking raw milk (for the added strains of different good bacteria) about this time too.

    Fermented foods and beverages help replace the good bacteria in your gut too. And of course, you have to feed this good bacteria (with prebiotics) to help it grow and spread to keep the bad boys from over taking them.

    Prebiotics are found in raw fruits and vegetables. I regularly eat 3 to 5 servings a day (sometimes more) and I take this supplement Juice Plus to boost my intake further.

    Brenda

    My Water 4 Life

    P.S. I love your newsletter! I am a big fan.

39. Dorothy Clark on July 1, 2008 11:39 pm

    Dear Kevin: I believe I have Lyme disease contacted 10 (?) years at the cottage. I
    didn’t know at the time and it was not treated. I have developed a lot of arthritis, frozen shoulders etc. Do you know of anything I can do now? thanks, Dorothy

40. Jonathan Silva on July 1, 2008 11:43 pm

    Kevin,

    I would definitely try some natural methods posted above. Personally, since the disease is pretty bad if left untreated, I would try the alternative methods along with the conventional method at the same time. This will probably be your best bet and would give you the best results in my opinion.
    It’s not like you’ll be taking the antibiotics for life, so you should be alright.

    As far as drawing the line between conventional and natural treatments, it’s very hard to say. Cancer and diabetes are both life threatening but they can both be treated naturally. And the conventional methods of treating those ailments are even more life threatening than the ailments themselves most of the time.

    Taking antibiotics probably won’t threaten your life like chemo or radiation would. I guess it depends on the nature of the disease, the severity of the disease and whether or not the information is available to cure the disease naturally along with comments from people who have actually tried those natural methods.

    Keep us updated on how your treatment is going and how you’re progressing! Take care!

    Jon

41. Janice on July 1, 2008 11:43 pm

    Kevin,
    Sorry you’re having to be challenged this way.
    First off, any path you choose for yourself is the the right one since this is your journey. I drink calcium bentonite clay every day just to stay healthy,and also use it for other medicinal puposes such as in poltices and such. It cleans my body of any infections due to bacterias or parasites. Maybe you could consider using it? I have had great success, I even used it on my grandson’s chicken pox which completely healed in two days! Keep us posted, I’m sure with all the caring thoughts coming your way from all of your readers, you’ll heal quickly. All that good Karma will come back to you!

42. Linda on July 1, 2008 11:58 pm

    Take the antibiotics! As you know, this is a very serious condition that needs to be addressed immediately and potently to avoid lasting unpleasant consequences. I admire your adherence to a natural lifestyle and homeopathic remedies but sometimes the responsible reaction to a medical threat needs to be to deal with it early and as completely as possible with antibiotics. My very best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery, L.

43. Hillary on July 2, 2008 12:00 am

    Hillary on July 1,2008
    Hi Kevin,
    I’m sorry to hear about your Lyme disease, my neice also was bitten this past weekend!!
    Has this happened to you before,if so what did the doctor treat it? Kevin, because doctors are not all knowing I would think all natural treatment would be the answer. Things usually happen in three’s not four’s like in the 2 weeks you & Annmarie worked through!!! Kevin & Annmarie, continue with your research into this disease because the patient knows best 100% of the time.
    Please let me know that you are in the best of health & that both of you are well!!!!!!!!
    Warmly,
    Hillary

44. John H. Gartner on July 2, 2008 12:11 am

    Kevin, you really are a character, but a good one. I will not bother to give you any more information on your unfortunate Lyme Disease.
    I have been reading all of your faithful fans’
    advice, and more would be more confusing.
    I would like to ask you if you would wear one of my T shirts with a real weird character that I have copyrighted with a logo about environment? Please answer this, and if you would like to receive one, I will send it.
    I hope that you read this.

45. Jim Igo, PT on July 2, 2008 12:12 am

    Hi Kevin,
    I grew up on an Indian Reservation & frequently came home w/ tics embedded in my skin,as well as my sisters brothers, cousins, etc. None of us ever contracted lymes symptoms. We were told by my uncle to use a hot match to burn the head out. We did not always do that & still no symptoms. Maybe it had something to do w/ heredity, as I also was never allergic to poison oak.
    I have practiced strict natural hygiene since 1971. Generally speaking putting mud or baking soda on any insect bite immediately after being bit helps draw the poison out. I knew of an old White woman who was head of an autobon chapter who died of lymes.
    Best Regards, Jim

46. Malia on July 2, 2008 12:26 am

    Hi Kevin,
    I agree with your chosen path of treatment. You are very healthy and will come out of this just fine because of the healthy way you choose to live your life. I know you believe in the mind-body connection as it relates to our health. You have so much going for you: You obviously enjoy your work-even when several things go wrong you never fail to send a video. We feel your enthusiasm for life and your love for your wife. You lift us up. As you reach us daily we will be watching and hoping for a speedy resolution to this. We have never met, but you seem like my most enthusiastic and knowledgable health-focused friend. You not only teach us about health - you also show us how to “Rock On”. We treasure people like you cheering us on every day. We’re here for you too.

47. K. Pirelli on July 2, 2008 12:32 am

    Kevin sometimes we can say what we would do and then when it happens to us we change our mind. I have some very important info. for you. Please go to the web site I sent you and click resell, it’s free and I DON’T MAKE ANY MONEY FROM IT. Please get the book and DVD with your order. This stuff is really inexpensive. In the book he tells you how to make it in your own kitchen. I will quote part of the page on Lyme. Chapter 10 page 7,…The information I recieved back is that everyone who has lyme and who is taking MMS is experienceing improvement.” I hope this helps. http://www.mmsmiracle.com/kandie

48. Astrid on July 2, 2008 12:36 am

    Sorry to hear you have to go on antibiotics, but sometimes they can save your life! Here’s a suggestion for next time you’re out in tick-infested areas. Use something I found called “Cedarcide,” an all natural anti-tick spray I found for my dogs. Nothing got rid of ticks on my dogs (Frontline…tick baths…that sort of thing) until I researched and found this stuff. It’s safe enough to use on humans as well and would be something you spray on yourself before jogging as a preventative–just smells like cedar. Do your own research at http://www.cedarcide.com. You shouldn’t ever have to go through this again. My dogs don’t have to be systemically poisioned any more–and I don’t have to get mosquito bitten either. I have no connection to this company–I’m just grateful to have found it. I wish you a speedy recovery & glad you found it in time.

49. Richard on July 2, 2008 12:41 am

    Kevin, sorry to hear about your predicament. Tough call, neither alternative is perfect so you doing what you think is right is the best option. Best wishes for a speedy recovery my friend.

50. Richard Gomez on July 2, 2008 12:42 am

    “if it comes from nature, then you must use nature itself to defeat it” someone once told me that, seeing that you know much about eating healthy and know what certain foods/herbs does to your body, i suggest you drop the pharmaceuticals and go the all natural way. rather then taking something that your not completely sure what the pills may contain, when some have been known to be empty sugar pills just to make some cash, aka “cheap pills”, some pharmaceuticals are experimental with out notifying you, so be careful

51. Jerusha on July 2, 2008 12:55 am

    Hi,
    Living in New Zealand, I have never even heard of Lyme disease, but am facing my own dilemna of conventional versus natural treatment, as I have had two excruciatingly painful attacks which have now been diagnosed as gallstones. Always one to seek out natural remedies first, I see that many who have taken the natural “flush” remedies, have suffered more attacks while undergoing that treatment. Also, it seems that one has to continue those treatments as the gallbladder keeps on manufacturing stones. I have no idea where to turn for advice?

52. Lola on July 2, 2008 1:05 am

    Last Friday I had an ‘Apicoectomy’ which is an endodontic surgery to remove the tip of a crooked root in a tooth that needed a root canal. The Dr. wanted me to start antibiotics the day before and continue for 10 days after.

    I questioned the ‘requirement’ for this and if I could hold off unless I developed an infection afterward. The office was somewhat aghast that I asked this, but the Dr’s response came back that I could. (which he then forgot the day of the procedure!)

    His assistant tried to intimidate me saying ‘the mouth is a really dirty place’ and ‘you know this is close to your brain’. And the prescriptive rinse was a ‘MUST’ (yes yes I have no problem using the rinse, LOL). My plan was to drink aloe juice frequently and continue eating as healthy as I have been.

    It is 4 days since the procedure, I have almost no pain left and certainly no sign of infection. I am so happy that I made my decision and so far I have had a successful result.

    Now then, my choice was to not take something I didn’t need, unless I needed it. Regarding Lyme disease, I know that antibiotics have been successful treating it so I would be more receptive to it. I don’t know how much time a person has for research once they know they probably have it, but if there was some window of time, I would want to look at natural methods too.

    Then again, it was my idea not to shock the pool this year since we were filling it with completely new chlorinated municipal water - and it developed an algae/excessive PH problem, LOL.

    Good luck with your treatment and thank you for sharing your personal story!!

53. Gayle on July 2, 2008 1:07 am

    Hi - if it were me for sure I would be on Natural Cellular Defense and Agarigold (www.detoxbiz.com/inspiredhealth) and use a zapper like crazy. And maybe MMS too. Those are just my quick thoughts. The first 3 things I do every day. Haven’t tried the MMS for anything yet, but I ordered it to have on hand for emergencies.
    Healing thoughts and Blessings to you. Thanks for all you do for the world.

54. Anne on July 2, 2008 1:17 am

    Kevin - you have a great website and great information. Thank you for your time and effort to help us become and stay well. I would draw the line at ‘whatever feels right for you, after you do your research’. I have not had antibiotics since I first attended a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, some 13 years ago. She mixed up Chinese herbs for me for everything I have suffered from that, from a Western medical point of view, would have required antibiotics (abscessed tooth, bacterial infections, for example). BUT, if she ever thought that a pharmaceutical antibiotic was absolutely necessary, I would trust her judgement and also follow your example, i.e. probiotics for sure. You caught this early, you are very healthy and I feel certain your body will get back to its natural state very quickly after you finish the antibiotics. All good wishes, Kevin and greetings to Annemarie.

55. Karen on July 2, 2008 1:19 am

    Great subject and comments too! How about next discussing tetanus?

56. Rawchi on July 2, 2008 1:19 am

    I would use an all natural approach. The MMS is good but the Bob Beck protocol is the best. It will kill all microbes including cancer & HIV.

    Bob Beck’s 4 step protocol contains the following 4 devices:

    1. Colloidal Silver, easy to buy or make.
    2. Blood Electrification with a silver pulser, can build your own
    3. Ozonate water. You have to make it just before use, can be made with aquarium ozonator, or purchase from other places.
    4. Magnetic Pulser. Build your own or purchase.

    This is one of many site explaining the protocol:
    http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer02/BobBeck.html
    You can purchase the devices here:
    http://www.sotainstruments.com/products.asp

    There’s some good videos on YouTube also.

57. Kimberly on July 2, 2008 1:33 am

    HI Kevin,

    I would definitely check out Samento that is TOA free. It is also known as CATS CLAW, and is very very good for Lyme Disease. You can do a search on Google for it.

58. Lori on July 2, 2008 1:36 am

    Hi Kevin,

    I had not treated my family for over 10 years either with conventional medicine. We took care of everything with herbs and a good diet but, I have had some health problems with my Thyroid and have had to go on some medication, boy was that ever hard to swallow! Ha! Well, sometimes we have to go the medical route and pray for the best! I pray you will be fine and the great thing is that your immune system is very healthy and will be able to fight this off well!

    Tata,
    Lori

59. linda on July 2, 2008 1:37 am

    So sorry to hear about the Lyme Disease. I would definitely go traditional on this one. I take no drugs or supplements, but I’d be at the doc as fast as I could get there if something like this happened to me. I am severely allergic to yellow jackets and you can betcha I carry my epi-pens with me. And you can bet I’ll be at the ER if I do get stung after I inject myself. Hope you do well, Kevin.

60. Cathy McFarland RN, BSN on July 2, 2008 1:46 am

    I’m an RN, who works in a Westerm medicine setting. I do not entirely believe (actually, mostly) in treating everyting, symptom, cause and side effect, with a pill. I myself do not take any pharmacuticals (right now) BUT I would, if I were in your situation. I think you made a good judgement call based on the seriousness of the situation. Healthy prevention is best but in your case, too late for that.(Not your fault, certainly) There are many situations where western medicine is good, more where not. Antibiotics for serious situations, like yours. vaccines for tried & true things like smallpox and polio for example. I respect you more for the choice you made. It is a mistake to be closed minded and you have shown that you are not. Good call! BTW I have learned so much from you. I became a raw foodist about 2 yrs ago and your information has helped me imensly!! Thanks! Cathy Mc

61. kanti on July 2, 2008 1:51 am

    Dear Kevin,
    I had Lyme’s disease. (I was bit in the stomach while gardening), and week later came down with fevers unlike the flu. My doctor prescribed antibiotics which almost killed me (as I was already ill with chronic fatigue syndrome…I know its hilarious…)but after taking the drugs I could think for the first time in 10 years so I decided to go to massage school so I could get regular massage and learn something new. I also went to Optimum Health Institue to cleanse and really get well, which is what I should have done in the first place! So I got so well, they hired me and so many great things have happened as a result of the blessed little tick, so don’t worry. You’ll be fine since you are already so clean!
    Love, Kanti

62. Yogi Suzi on July 2, 2008 1:54 am

    Hi Kevin.

    My lymes, perhaps in my body many years, got very obvious and severe in the spring of 2007.
    I had to take charge, take responsibility, as any and all visits to mainstream professionals sent me into a worse state of health right away.

    It came down to attitude and personal power.

    Lymes has been the largest physical challenge I have ever personally dealt with. I used:

    Electronic frequencies like Rife, a Zapper, a magnetic pulser. I used medicinal mushrooms, liquid zeolites, basically David Wolfe’s SITS program as much as I could. I would happily speak to you more on this if you like. Come by the Wild Bar booth at Raw Spirit Fest if we don not speak sooner. Kevin, my case of lymes was and is very serious. The antibiotics only drive the Lymes deeper into the body. I do use herbs, on and off, to zap the critters.

    E-mail me personally if you have questions. Overcoming lymes was one of the more difficult tasks of my life, and I feel empowered and not so bold to say I am completely over it. I may treat it lightly for life, yet it will not cripple me.

    I must add one more piece. My lymes went undiagnosed for many years, maybe 15 or more. It was too late for antibiotics. Antibiotics may be more effective when a person first is first aware that a particular bite carried lymes. There are no cut and dry answers.

    Here is to your success!!!! Yogi Suzi

    http://www.yogiraw.com

63. Lian on July 2, 2008 2:05 am

    I believe anyone would have the best success following Rawchi’s advice–colloidal silver and ozone. The whole Beck protocol is probably the best.
    If it happened to be a spider bite, you will be interested in the following treatment:
    http://www.spiderbitetreatment.com/minisguse.htm
    Good luck!

64. Colin Smith on July 2, 2008 2:40 am

    Miracle Mineral Solution (supplement) is`a product that is worth checking out for body pathogens. It has been available in Australia since late 2007. Two products are mixed together in the correct ratio, and then allowed three minutes to activate. There is a correct procedure. It was initially invented to treat malaria in the South American jungles. The inventor tested it on himself. his name is Jim Humble. His name and product are becomming well-known on the net in healing circles.

65. Sandy Halliday on July 2, 2008 3:10 am

    Hi Kevin
    Its lucky you caught it early. You have a much better chance of curing it with antibiotics at this early stage. They are not recommended for late stage Lyme as they can drive borrelia into its cystic stage. I only found out I had Lyme 2 years ago. I was bitten by ticks many years ago but don’t remember getting a bulls eye rash but only 50% of people do. Lyme can lie dormant for years until the immune system becomes weakened.
    I do not have many of the severe symptoms that many late stage sufferers have which I put down to all the detox I have done over the past 20 years. I recovered from chronic fatigue after going on a strict detox program for 6 months.
    You cannot go wrong with detox. We all need it these days. I highly recommend it.
    http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com

66. Richard on July 2, 2008 3:54 am

    In certain circumstances I believe the natural approach is . How ever the true medical way is most times better because they have been tested. Until I see more prof that the natural way is better I will put them in the category of OLD WIVES TAILS.
    sTay strong
    Rich

67. Margot on July 2, 2008 4:33 am

    Lyme desease is no joke. Neither is antibiotics. I see antibiotics as a blessing and a curse at the same time. They do a lot of harm, but at the same time they help you, in an agressive way, to get rid of your problem. We take it only if there is no other option.
    In this case I would treat it conventionally, but also go to my homeopath. She can help me to treat the damage done by the antibiotics.

68. abraham on July 2, 2008 4:39 am

    2.07.08
    1.from seeing the picture of your leg it looks
    like a “tropical sore” and therefore i would recommend antibiotic, to avoid poisoning.
    abraham lev
    from heart to heart health inst.

69. Gail on July 2, 2008 6:14 am

    Kevin I think you have been very sensible. There are so many things to be taken into consideration when deciding natural or conventional and a person’s belief in and trust in the conventional system is important. You are healthy and strong and probably have a good chance of overcoming it naturally but anyone not in such good health and less inclined to eat healthy foods is probably better to go the conventional way as they would probably fail the natural way. You’ve summed up the options and made a value judgement based on your own knowledge and experience and decided to take both treatments alongside each other. It’s good that you even considered it, as the majority of people would just go conventional and not know there are some dangers or a choice.
    Be guided by soul
    Cheers
    Gail

70. Linda Miller on July 2, 2008 6:22 am

    Kevin, several years ago my husband pulled out a tick from edge of my ear. The next day I had a red line working down my neck. He made me go to emergency care where the doctor was not sure if it was Lymes or not because of where it was located. She gave me a real strong antibiotic, probably what you are taking. I became so constipated from that medicine that I was in pain, and it messed me up for a long time. Now, I would know to take lots of probiotics. If there were alternatives I would want to check them out and take them too, but I may still end up take the antibiotic as well. It would be a really hard call for me. I’ve been told that colloidal silver is like a natural antibiotic. I wonder if that would work as well?

    Also, I have a friend who got Lymes but she was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She did find a more alternative doctor who told he he thought she had Lymes. It started her in a treatment that included antibiotics but also several other natural remedies like garlic, probiotics, etc. She found carrot juice helpful. She had also purchased a hyperberic pressure chamber. She, at one point, was about ready to go to a nursing home, and the chamber was a real life saver for her. I just got an email from her yesterday saying they couldn’t find any of the lyme organism in her body! And it been 2 years, 7 months since she found out she had lymes. I will forward your email to her, and perhaps she will make her own comments.

    I pray for wisdom for you and speedy recovery.

71. Meri on July 2, 2008 6:27 am

    Wow, who knew Lymes was so complicated? Good luck Kevin, I’m sure you will recover quickly and completely as you are already very strong and in excellent health.

    As for where to draw the line…I’d like to do more research before deciding how to treat lymes if I had it myself, but sometimes you don’t have the luxury of time to mull it over. Maybe it’s best to do SOMETHING to start with rather than contemplate it for too long and end up with complications. Maybe there are fool proof natural treatments for lymes that are guaranteed to work. I don’t have that knowledge, but I think your approach of combining conventional and natural will work out due to the fact you are already in excellent health and you will no doubt be able to deal with any negative side effects of the antibiotics quite quickly.

    I usually avoid drugs on principal and I suffer very seldom from any health complaints (except minor things). The one area I get stuck is period pain. Usually in the first few hours after I get my period I develop agonizing cramps. I do not handle pain well and usually resort to pain killers. I hate to do this but I don’t know what else would stop the pain quick enough. In fact last time the pain killers didn’t even work and I didn’t know what to do with myself. That was very unpleasant. I never suffered with this problem until a couple of years ago when my health had gone down hill temporarily. I believe that my body is not in it’s natural balance and that’s why this problem developed. My health is a lot better now as I have been working on raw food to varying degrees for about a year and a half, and I’m making a concerted effort with my fitness and stress control. I’m hoping over time this will rebalance my body to eliminate this un-natural menstrual symptom. In the mean time I’m keeping the ibuprofen in the cupboard unless someone else has a better alternative?

72. Sylvia on July 2, 2008 6:36 am

    You seem to understand your own needs and I applaud you for that. For myself, I view conventional medicine to be used in an emergency. Perhaps yours was not an emergency now but it would become an emergency later on in life. You have chosen good protocols and yet I believe it is not complete. My suggestin for you is to consider therapeutic essential oils, which are taken internally and applied topically. I would suggest the following:
    1. Inner Defense 2 at am 2 at noon (take your probiotics at bedtime)
    2. Single oils of Blue Cypress, Melissa, Oregano, Thyme, Clove,
    Blended Oils of Melrose, Thieves, Exocdus 11
    Drop the single oils and or blended oils into a 00 size capsule and ingest 3x daily
    4.Digestive enzyme Polyzyme
    5. Immupro at bedtime

    I also live in a tick infested area and there is much misinformation abounding about the isuue. Perhaps more on this another time.
    I am a Natural Health Consultant of 31 years, Registered Aromatic Health Practitioner and currently working on my DNM- Doctor of Natural Medicine.
    Not bad for being 61 years young and having been given 3 months to live 10 years ago.
    My health and life saved without any pharmacueticals but being armed with truth, faith and knowledge that the body is an amazing gift that knows what to do when given the right tools and the time and effort required to allow it to do its work.
    Thanks for now. Be blessed
    I welcome inquiries.
    I welcome inquiries

73. Susie Beiler on July 2, 2008 6:41 am

    I have a colleague who treats Lyme homeopathically with tremendous success! I would probably use acupuncture and essential oils to treat myself.
    Be well!
    Best, Susie

74. Sherri on July 2, 2008 6:42 am

    Kevin…this is a very impt topic…when to choose conventional vs alternative treatments…I am a Holistic Podiatrist,incorporating both conventional and alternative treatments in my practice. I feel that the majority of people are trying to navigate both worlds, with all of the information that comes out daily from both sides…my personal belief is that anything that is an emergency nature ie trauma the medical community is most skilled and it best first line of defence. Afterwards alternative treatments can be incorporated to speed up healing tremendously as well as supportive to the whole body, mind, spirit. As far as Lyme’s disease, my Mom was one of the first group of people to contract it over 20yrs ago when it was not well-known, she was subsequently misdiagnosed for a long time and has gone through all of the various debilitating stages of the infection…she is 66 now and suffers from arthritic symptoms as well as many neurological symptoms. I believe
    that there is nothing that is good or bad (drugs, surgery, herbs etc) in this world it truely comes down to what you believe is best for YOU. Thanx for sharing this topic will all. Good Luck with your chosen treatment and Be Well!

75. Donna on July 2, 2008 6:46 am

    Antibiotics have been used to cure nasty (not to mention deadly) things like pneumonia, TB, and strep for years. Don’t be afraid of taking them when you need them.

    Conventional medicine is good. If you have a heart attack, who are you going to call? Our job, and the function of natural medicine, is to prevent the heat attack in the first place by taking care of ourselves.

76. Evelyn on July 2, 2008 7:03 am

    I’m a “use the best of what’s available” approach and agree with your decision to treat this with the hard-hit approach of antibiotics. You are fortunate that a generic antibiotic will treat the illness; I’ve had to pay for prescriptions costing over $100 for serious infections when my daughters were small.

    I do my homework. I had a rare form of cancer that even with the most “hard hit” after treatments of modern medicine (chemo and radiation therapy after surgery) is little affected. However, there was an herbal alternative based on oriental research (they take their mushrooms seriously in Japan and China) and, with my doctor’s okay, added that to the treatment methods recommended, which were based on ramping my immune system to fight any recurrence. Blending the best of both is possible. My doc observed the effect of the herbal addition on my outcome and just shook his head and smiled. His exact words to me were, “Just keep on going whatever it is you’re doing.”

    Evelyn

77. Joe M on July 2, 2008 7:11 am

    Hey Kevin, I live fairly close to you in Dutchess county NY and got Lyme for the first time a week before you did! I had a rash on my leg. I went through similar “thought war.” Hadn’t been on antibiotics in years.

    I upped garlic intake and was feeling fine, but then about four days later got another tick (had taken another hike) + rash on the other leg. Decided to do doxy (cost $18) + Florastor (the doxy shouldn’t touch that).

    Hope you do well. What are you going to do about sun exposure while on the doxy?

78. Paul on July 2, 2008 7:28 am

    I don’t think its either/or. Conventional and alternative methods compliment each other. They both have a place. I would do the same as you in your situation and I normally avoid the use of antibiotics if I can.

79. Barbara on July 2, 2008 7:52 am

    I have had Lyme disease a little over two year ago. I was treated naturally with success by a health practitioner with homeopathic drops. It took 3 months to put the disease in remission. It came back about 6 months later and it was again successfully treated with homeopathic drops in. I am checked periodically to be sure it is still in remission which it is. The natural doctors are learning now that Lyme disease can be dormant for as long as 50 years before becoming active. Scary huh?

    Another natural remedy can be a natural remedy called MMS. Although I have not taken this for Lyme disease it would be advantageous for you to look into. A free book can be found at miraclemineralinfo.com I would highly suggest reading the free b