If you like to camp, hike or go walking in the woods, you need to be mindful of Lyme disease. Named after the Connecticut town where it was first diagnosed, Lyme disease is transmitted via the bite of the deer tick, Borrelia burgdorferi. If not treated, Lyme disease can cause serious medical problems, including arthritic joints, nerve damage and heart problems. Lyme disease requires a course of antibiotics prescribed by your physician, but there are some vitamins that may help boost your immune system. Consult your doctor about which vitamin supplements are best for you.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the water-soluble vitamins, meaning it needs replenishing daily as it is excreted in your urine. Vitamin C plays a part in a number of important functions, including synthesis of collagen, protein metabolism and production of several neurotransmitters. It is also a potent antioxidant that helps remove free radicals from your system. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," supplementation with 6,000 mg to 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily can enhance the functioning of your immune system when fighting Lyme disease. Talk to your doctor about taking additional vitamin C.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a term that refers to a number of retinoid compounds, including retinal and retinol, collectively referred to as vitamin A. It is a fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamin needed for you to maintain healthy eyesight, bones, teeth, mucous membranes and skin. Vitamin A is found in a variety of orange, yellow and green vegetables, including carrots, squash and broccoli. Vitamin A also helps boost your immune system. Oregon State University states vitamin A is referred to as the "anti-infective vitamin" because of its important role in activating infection-fighting cells of the immune system, including macrophages and T-lymphocytes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements may also bolster your immune system while battling Lyme disease. Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant vitamin, is needed to prevent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, cholesterol fats by damaging free radicals and helping maintain your cell membranes. Additionally, vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol appears to enhance your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies. When taken daily, it may also increase your resistance to infections. Consult your physician regarding your need for vitamin E supplementation.
Other Immune-Boosting Supplements
Some other dietary supplements may help boost your immune system function with an illness such as Lyme disease. The herbal supplement garlic has some potent immune-system-stimulating properties, as well as being a natural antibiotic. Balch also recommends taking an additional taurine-plus antioxidant supplement that activates white blood cells and protects nervous system functions. Lozenges containing zinc, plus copper for balance, may also help boost your immune system. Consult your own health care provider to formulate a complete treatment plan for Lyme disease.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Lyme Disease
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute; "Vitamin A"; Jane Higdon; December 2003
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute; "Vitamin E"; Jane Higdon; November 2004
