Lyme disease: Why is Detoxification So Important?


By Dobrusia Szramowiak, Naturopath

Why can’t we just kill the Lyme disease pathogen and get on with life? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

The Complex Nature of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease pathogens release many toxins throughout their lifecycle, burdening the body’s detox systems. This leads to the build-up of not only pathogenic toxins but also environmental toxins like mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides. This accumulation weakens the body’s defences and allows Lyme to thrive.

Image shows the different detox therapies for Lyme

The Impact of Treatment
When starting treatment with antibiotics or herbal remedies, these pathogens release additional toxins into the bloodstream, known as endotoxins. These need to be eliminated effectively. If not, the higher load of Lyme toxins can trigger significant inflammatory responses, worsen symptoms, and slow down progress.

Inflammatory Response
It was once believed that this inflammatory response was beneficial, but this is no longer the case. High inflammatory cytokine responses create an environment where pathogens thrive and slow down or even disable treatment progress. In summary, successful treatment of chronic Lyme is a balance between antimicrobial protocols and ongoing detoxification.

Main Strategies for Detox Therapies in Lyme Disease

  1. Boost Detoxification
    o Support liver phase I and II detox pathways with nutrients like NAC, glutathione, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, cruciferous vegetables, and milk thistle.
  2. Bind Toxins
    o Address Herxheimer reactions with binding agents such as G3M, SBI (serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins), and chlorella.
    o Use binding agents like charcoal, zeolite, chlorella, modified citrus pectin, butyrate, humic and fulvic acids, chitosan, and fiber to bind endotoxins and other environmental toxins in the digestive tract.
  3. Enhance Elimination
    o Optimize toxin removal by increasing urination, defecation, sweating, and bile flow.
    o Techniques include far infrared sauna, Epsom salt baths, enemas, and colonics.
  4. Alkalinize the Body
    o Decrease inflammation and promote the excretion of many toxins, especially heavy metals, through supplements like chlorella, bicarbonate soda, and alkaline minerals like calcium or magnesium.
  5. Purify Diet and Environment
    o Follow an organic, anti-inflammatory diet and reduce chemicals in your household. Use air and water purification.
  6. Prioritize Sleep
    o The body naturally repairs and removes toxins during sleep, making this a priority.

Practical Considerations
This list might seem overwhelming, but remember you don’t need to do it all. However, the more toxic you feel and the more Herxheimer reactions you experience, the more detox therapies you might need.

In Conclusion
Detoxification supports overall health by reducing inflammation, supporting organ function, and promoting the elimination of metabolic waste and environmental toxins. This enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics, herbal protocols, and other treatments for Lyme disease. Incorporating detox strategies alongside specific treatment protocols is essential for overcoming Lyme disease effectively and supporting the body’s healing process.

NB. Herxheimer Reaction, or die-off, is relatively common when you start implementing therapeutic protocols to address bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. It is a temporary worsening of symptoms.


Dobrusia Szramowiak is an LDAA Board Member and qualified naturopath and lymph and organ drainage practitioner, passionate about helping people with chronic complex health issues. She has first-hand experience with Lyme disease and issues such as sensitivity to mould, chemicals and MCAS.
Find out more: www.healthyflow.com.au