Mushrooms For Chronic Lyme

Taking regular doses of magic mushrooms for chronic Lyme may be the key to controlling inflammation related symptoms. Chronic Lyme is a debilitating yet poorly understood condition. The lack of clear understanding leaves sufferers marginalized and confused, unsure of where to look for real solutions. The medical community seems to have a callous disregard and contempt for anything related to chronic Lyme, and even go as far as to assert that the condition does not really exist and is purely psychosomatic. Many naturopaths and LLMD’s offer treatments that are drawn out, potentially damaging, expensive, and that often exacerbate symptoms.

Some researchers are convinced that the root cause of chronic Lyme symptoms is based in neuroinflammation. But this knowledge is not necessarily a solution, because neuroinflammation is an extremely complicated challenge to tackle. We do not have any good pharmaceutical options for it, and the few that do have an impact are not suitable for long term use. Steroids do a great job of lowering inflammation but are dangerous to bone health and could result in necrosis. Some antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties and can provide temporary relief, but long-term use is disastrous for gut health. Certain medications for autoimmune conditions could potentially reduce neuroinflammation and are being studied for treating conditions like Alzheimer’s, but they are very rough on the immune system.

Covid Longhaulers- Unlikely Allies

I am hopeful that the new influx of covid survivors with long term symptoms will eventually change this. The “Covid Longhaulers” seem to be struggling with similar symptoms, and the evidence  seems to also point towards neuroinflammation. They say there is strength in numbers, and the aftermath of a global pandemic may finally provide the support needed to find a viable cure for post infectious neuroinflammation. If the cure for the Longhauler’s neuroinflammation is found, it is likely that it will apply also to the chronic Lyme sufferer.

The Doxy Dilemma

Doxycycline is one of the common antibiotics used to treat both a recent Lyme infection and chronic Lyme. It has some strong anti-inflammatory properties, so the fact that people often feel better while taking it also supports the neuroinflammation hypothesis. Unfortunately, doxycycline is also very tough on the digestive tract and can lead to all sorts of unpleasant side effects with long term use.

TNF Inhibitors

TNF is an inflammation signaling protein, also known as a cytokine. By suppressing TNF, some medications treat the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, these medications can be a bit heavy handed in their TNF suppression and have a dramatic effect on our immune system, lowering our ability to fight infection. As we discussed in our article on mushrooms and Alzheimer’s, magic mushrooms have the ability to lower these inflammatory signaling substances.

Mushrooms For Chronic Lyme

Psychedelics are some of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to combat neuroinflammation. They also regulate TNF, but without the unfavorable effects on our immune system. The active compound in magic mushrooms stimulates the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating TNFa, making it a uniquely delicate and elegant solution. In fact, some researchers are looking to them as the future of treatment for this type of inflammation. Magic mushrooms are nontoxic and have a very favorable safety profile. The most concerning side effects of magic mushrooms are the psychoactive effects that occur for a period of about 4-6 hours after ingesting them. Large doses that result in intense psychoactive effects are not necessary to provide benefits from the mushroom’s anti-inflammatory properties. It is my opinion that a few larger loading doses spaced close together would be a good idea to start with for best results before switching to occasional minidoses for maintenance.