Monica Cassani, in her Beyond Meds blog, explores the “infection connection” between Lyme disease and tardive dyskinesia. She references a pubmed article on this topic, which details the extensive links between microbial-borne illnesses and psychiatric diagnoses.
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Thank you for this focus. Questions I would have during the reading of the 47-page, pubmed article would include: To what degree will the issue of inflammation be factored into the discussion of the microbial infections and their treatment? Both infections and antibiotic treatments may produce inflammation; the subsequent cortisol fluctuations may trigger psychotic mania. Therefore, it would seem that treatment protocols would need to be “inflammation-informed” and personalized. I would hope for evidence-based, Holistic adjuncts to be included in considerations for managing co-morbid inflammation. Genetics indicate that some of us are more vulnerable to inflammation; altered neuronal signalling and cellular damage may occur. Patients need better observation and special care to prevent them from falling through the cracks and becoming diagnosed with ” psychosis NOS”, etc. AND “treatment resistant” due to their vulnerability to either microbial infections or iatrogenic (medically-induced) inflammation.
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Inflammation is caused by TLRs (Toll-Like Receptors), transmembrane proteins expressed by cells of the innate immune system, which recognize common structures on pathogens, known as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and activate signaling pathways that launch immune and inflammatory responses to destroy the invaders.
TLRs can also be activated by bacterial products from leaky gut and by cortisol.
The liver is the first organ that encounters venous blood from the small and large intestines via the portal vein. So that makes the liver vulnerable to exposure of bacterial products coming from the intestines. Translocation of large amounts of gut-derived products is usually prevented by an intact barrier system made strong by intestinal epithelial cells. So in a healthy organism only minor quantities of bacterial products reach the liver. In general, the liver tolerates small amounts of bacterial products in order to avoid harmful responses, but damage of the intestinal epithelial barrier results in a leaky gut that lets large amounts of bacterial products reach the liver. When they reach the liver, they act as endotoxin and elicit a strong reaction from our immune system.Treating inflammation is tricky because you don’t want to completely shut off TLRs because they defend you against infections but if they remain active they can cause damage.
Prebiotics are a good option because they can heal leaky gut and help your immune system (obviously, don’t take anything without checking with your doctor)
“Postbiotic Fractions of Probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Show Immune-Modulating Effects”
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Monica,
I also wanted to mention that according to the literature, the chronicity of Lyme disease can be caused by MTHFR mutations, which cause low Folic Acid and that increases homocysteine. High homocysteine can then cause Tardive Dyskinesia.And many of the medications you took lower Folic Acid (I read some of your blog). You need Folic Acid to be able to recycle homocysteine, so if you don’t have enough Folic Acid, homocysteine stays high.
MTHFR mutations also cause histamine intolerance, leaky gut and some of the other things you found….and they can be treated.
