Dear Stephen,
I just finished your amazing book and am working with my lyme doc and will be adding some of your core herbs. Thank you so much for writing this book and for your detailed account of what happens with these bacteria and what goes on in our bodies. Really, what you wrote is remarkable and I now see my illness in a totally different (and manageable) light. I am writing because I believe I have chronic lyme. From 2004-2008 I was severely ill, but no doctor was able to diagnose me … not until I was tick-bitten THIS year and had many of my symptoms reappear. My biggest symptom–and the primary one that NEVER resolved from 2008–is high blood pressure. It is mostly normal when I am still, but when I move around or get busy, it goes 140s over 90s. I know this is NOT good, but I have adverse reactions to blood pressure medications. Have you come across any patients who have had HIGH and variable blood pressure issues due to chronic lyme, and what would you recommend to normalize it? I’d be most grateful for your suggestions.
I just finished your amazing book and am working with my lyme doc and will be adding some of your core herbs. Thank you so much for writing this book and for your detailed account of what happens with these bacteria and what goes on in our bodies. Really, what you wrote is remarkable and I now see my illness in a totally different (and manageable) light. I am writing because I believe I have chronic lyme. From 2004-2008 I was severely ill, but no doctor was able to diagnose me … not until I was tick-bitten THIS year and had many of my symptoms reappear. My biggest symptom–and the primary one that NEVER resolved from 2008–is high blood pressure. It is mostly normal when I am still, but when I move around or get busy, it goes 140s over 90s. I know this is NOT good, but I have adverse reactions to blood pressure medications. Have you come across any patients who have had HIGH and variable blood pressure issues due to chronic lyme, and what would you recommend to normalize it? I’d be most grateful for your suggestions.
Stephen’s response:
Juice fasting can help that immensely, alternatively I would recommend the use of motherwort tincture, ¼ tsp 3x daily for a month and see if that helps.
Juice fasting can help that immensely, alternatively I would recommend the use of motherwort tincture, ¼ tsp 3x daily for a month and see if that helps.
Stephen
Try nettle leaf tea. It has helped me.
I also am most appreciative of your work. Have had Lyme and most coinfections since I was four. I am almost 57 now. Would love to hear your thoughts on the hypertension issue. Losartan does not seem to do much anymore. I am under treatment with my LLMD/integrated osteopath for two years now.
Thank you, Stephen
Sheryl,
My blood pressure has been all over the place and I’m pretty sure I have had Lyme for the last 19 years. My doctor put me on a combo of Losartan and Amlodipine…that combo has worked well to bring my blood pressure back to a normal level. Juice fasting and exercise has caused my systolic pressure to go too low, so my doctor just took me off the Amlodipine. If you find the Losartan alone doesn’t work, ask your doctor about Amlodipine.
Use beet juice or capsules…that’s all I do….Dr. put me on Losarten and I never took a pill….good thing …now seen as cartogenic
Where can I buy very capsules? Is it dehydrated beets in the capsules?
Also have hypertension that spikes then all goes down to usual normal limits. Checked by a cardiologist just to make sure who ran tests and told me everything was normal.
Regarding the juice fast – any type of juice fast and for how long? All recommendations gladly taken! I am going to get some nettle leaf tea tomorrow.
Even though I’m sad to hear others have had high blood pressure problems, I am also relieved to know it is not an unusual symptom and can hopefully respond to treatment.
Lisa, do you still check in here?
I also have the same kind of blood pressure along with low pulse. What I believe is Lyme has affected my vagus nerve/ Heart due to which there is low pulse and to compensate blood pressure rises.
I am taking coversyl 2 mg a day and till I recover from Lyme I will continue to take it. Coversyl dialates the blood vassels but does not affect the heart rate.
If high blood pressure is not treated and continues it can lead to heart enlargement.
I seem to have the same exact symptoms. How are you doing now? Were you able to reverse?
My husband has been diagnosed with Lyme
Can it be transferred through sex? I have many Lyme symptoms, but tests come back negative twice.
I’ve heard it can be transferred through sex. Have you been tested by Igenex Labs?
Hi Connie,
Lyme bacterium Borrelia can be transmitted through sex, vaginal fluids and semen.
VV can you F-B me? Sharon Carruth
I too have reoccurring Lymes, for me it seem to occur when there is a change of season, anyone else? My BP was fine 120/72 a few months ago, but today 178/82. This is accompanied by malaise, lightheadedness, unable to find words, mild headache, which are my usual Lyme symptoms. Is there research that contributes elevated BP to Lymes? I never took my BP before when these symptoms occurred, but I will definitely do so in the future. Just an FYI, when my symptoms occur, I do start my Amoxicillin right away!
My blood pressure has been extremely high, I have been hospitalized two times in one week, the high being 256/127, the Doc’s have no idea why. I am looking into an alternative Dr. To send my blood test to Igenx lab I, California.
I have just gone through my second bout of Lyme/coinfections and this time I am left with fluctuation BP, going up to 150/100 at times, then dropping dangerously low. Didn’t equate this to Lyme until I read this site. Stephen, any thoughts for us? Have you heard many complaints about this w/Lyme patients? I will try the tincture you recommended. Thanks.
My blood pressure 179 over 108. Usually know when its up do to headaches. Im on blood pressure meds tho
Yes, my BP will go up to 180/110 when I eat a food that my bacteria love. Then when it is regulating it drops really low 90/60 before normalizing. I was sent here from one of my other boards when someone said my food sensitivities and BP fluctuations sounded like Lyme. I don’t remember ever getting a tick, but we do live in a rural area.
Hi Laura: This is amazing. I, too, have Lyme and Babesia. My blood pressure has been really high lately. I’d love to know what kind of foods the bacteria love. It is especially dangerous for me right now since a recent brain MRI showed a cavernoma in my brain that has been causing brain bleeds off and on. My driving privileges have been revoked until I see a neurologist. But, there is a very real threat of stroke, so getting my blood pressure under control is very important.
My bp has been dangerously high for several weeks; the highest being 177/120 at the ER where I went in for chest pain. All tests came back normal, so now I am wondering if it is from my post treatment chronic Lyme. I am going to try the juice fast and see if that helps.
A Month ago I had a couple episodes of my blood pressure spiking and my heart rate spiked into the 100s and my side of my face went numb. I never had issue before with heart or no but I was having Lyme symptoms before this which I didn’t think anything of at first. Now I am on doxycycline things are a bit better my bp more stable but my heart rate spikes into the 100s every time I stand and/ or walk around then comes back down at rest in the 80s. Does this sound Lyme related? Waiting on my igenex testing since all others for Lyme negative and pretty much every other test under the sun negative. I started seeing LLND which uses a lot of herbs from the Buchner protocol but I have not started any yet because she was running a bunch of labs for coinfection and things then will start me on herbs and supplements. Any thoughts what I can do for my heart rate? Can’t live normal with this heart rate thing going on.
I too was diagnosed clinically with Lyme 3 1/2 yrs ago. I had the bullseye.
Was put on 60 days Doxy from day 9 of being bitten.
I have had recurring headaches, stomach issues, etc. Most of symptoms .
Now, for the past 6 months, my normally low blood pressure (100/60)
Has spiked to 200/150 and sometimes higher. It comes on suddenly, then it have gastric belching, nonstop for days on weeks. It is coming more frequent, like ever 2-3 days. And frightens me for fear of stroke.
This last time, this past weekend, I was hospitalized for Hypertension Crisis. I had blood labs, urine, echocardiogram and new lea treadmill stress test. I passed all except the cardiologist found small fluid around my heart. Pericardial Effusion. Was put on Norcasc 2.5 one a day. Was discharged 24 hours later. Went 2 days without having To take Norvasc as my BP stayed down and heart rate was in the 50’s. Was told to not take Norvasc if the BP and HR stayed low. Today, 2 hours after I ate a small breakfast of scrambled eggs, out of the blue, not doing anything but sitting, the BP shot up to 165/100 with HR of 80. I immediately took the Norvasc and it has come down to 117/76 HR 58, eight hours later . I also have been on Xanax .5 for 10 years. Is it the Xanax or the Lyme causing the BP spikes? It scares me when this happens. Today, it was really bad and I felt I was going to pass out as things looked very dark and the sensations resulted in numbness of body and vision problems.
Help!
I,too, have post treatment chronic Lyme, and am on xanax- .5mg a day for several years and am wondering that, too, as it does bring my bp down when I take it, which is only at night to help me sleep
Hi All,
My blood pressure has spiked to 200/130 on several occasions. I was diagnosed with Lyme in January. Here’s how I understand it. The Lyme and co-infections give us waste products that clog up the arteries. My blood labs all came back showing both inflammation (from the infections), and lots and lots of fibrin in my blood. This is gunk from the Lyme and co-infections, in my opinion. I did some research, and found that Natto, Serapeptase, and Lumbrokinase are highly effective in “eating” the junk in our blood, like Lyme and co-infection wastes. I started on my own protocol, and my blood pressure began to drop! I now take a protocol of these pills on an empty stomach, so the enzymes go right into my blood stream and work on the dead organisms. I got my blood pressure back in normal range, around 140/90 (this used to be normal until the AMA lowered “normal” to 120/80, which is being lowered yet again…all to prescribe meds more easily). I started Cryptolepis two days ago, and my blood pressure spiked back up to 186/122, telling me that the crypto is killing off more of the bad stuff (YAY!), and it is again clogging up my blood. When the blood gets heavy and thick with this junk, the blood pressure has to go up to continue to move the blood. So, I just increased my enzyme protocol, and I expect my blood pressure to resume its downward movement in another few days. The key here folks is not to get afraid. Don’t succumb to western protocols of BP meds. Your body’s BP isn’t going up because you have a shortage of BP meds in your system, right? Figure out why it is going up, and then find your own treatment. All the info is out there. Stephen, thank you so much for your site. It has given me control over Lyme, not the other way around. I am on my way of being symptom free. If people are in crisis, try Stephen’s juice recommendation. I dropped my blood pressure to 132/80 in 3 days, just juicing veggies and fruits, any combination, it all works. Nothing but juice for 3 days…I felt wonderful by the way, and lost 8 pounds! Good luck everyone!
Thank you so much, James, for posting all this great information about getting BP down naturally. I totally agree with you that the AMA works closely with drug companies to sell more products (drugs) and services (doc appointments). And thank you for reminding me that I don’t have a shortage of BP medicines in my body!
Thank you James,
I have the same crazy spikes.
I take nattokinase and serrapaptae twice a day. How much do you take?
I have not tried cryptolepis
Yet but I will.
Where do you get nattokinase, serrapaptae, and cryptolepis? Are they specific enzymes? I was put on a BP patch Clonodine a couple years ago after fighting drs for almost 10 years against being put on any. Most give me horrible reactions. Even the patches leave marks for up to six weeks, after one week’s wear.
How much Nattokinase? I take 2/day but thinking to increase to 2 2xday?
Lumbrokinase has been found to be far more effective than nattokinase for dissolving fibrin associated with Lyme. Order online and take twice a day on an empty stomach. That’s what Lyme expert, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt uses.
thank you for this info. it tells me im a normal lymey and there is hope;)
Thanks for sharing this. My blood pressure has gone insane with 198/110. I have ordered what you shared and hopefully I will have similar results. One question, are you treating the Lyme through the high blood pressure. I was afraid to start treating the Lyme as my pressure was so high.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IO67FXC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I found this on Amazon. Are the amounts similar to what you take?
I too have Bp spikes, sometimes to 205/104 and I go to the ER. They never find anything except sometimes low electrolytes and this past time a sinus infection I did not know I had (no fever or symptoms but fatigue). I take zanax when it spikes and it brings it down quickly. It is a lifesaver. Wish I knew why this happens but I suspect decades of Lyme and coinfections including Babesia. Think it has affected my nervous system.
Susan, since this is an old post I am curious if you are still having BP spikes?
I have Bp spikes typically 160s/100 – taking Metoprolol 25 mg which helps in am Nighttime is when it spikes and I am awake for hours. Been to countless doctors, specialists, etc., all discount Lyme, however, I was on Doxy for 4 months…felt better after feeling terrible while possibly killing off Lyme?…One doc wanted me to continue with 6 additional months of Tetracycline then Clarithromycin but I am afraid to take so many antibiotics for such a prolonged period of time. I have been battling undiagnosed Chronic Lyme for 7 years and in Oct 2015 had a sudden onset of Peripheral Neuropathy in both legs for which I now struggle to walk. I own a juicer and will begin juicing today, however, I would like to know what juicing mixtures you recommend….Thank you for all your posts very informative…
Hi Debb H,
I have been to some meetings in London during 2015.
The main protercol is cycle and rotate antibiotics.
Which helps the cystic form to break down and the spirochetes go into hibernation by stopping them the spirochetes come out of hibernation in the blood cells. Then they get hit when you start taking them again.
The trouble I have is re infection.
I don’t build up any resistance.
They lump chronic and re infection together. I have been bitten for 10 years most days. I tried moving.
But nearby trees.
Harber Tick they fall into the house.
The council have no sense I live in the U.K. We didn’t used to have big trees in the middle of housing estates. We do now since they had a planting fresey about 20 years ago. No one looks after them. Then on top of that electropollution has killed off the Tick preditors as well as the bee.
You should definitely get to a Lyme Literate doctor. You sound like you definitely have Lyme! I brought my daughter to Jemsek Specialty Clinic in DC. It’s not cheap but I feel we are in really good hands. Good luck!
Read the reviews on Jemsek Specialty Clinic “before” wasting your money. Unless you have a new Lyme infection Jemsek cannot help you.
Have had chronic lyme for years. About a month ago my systolic blood pressure spiked…..as high a 200. Cardiologist added 2nd BP med – metroprolol but it has not made a difference. (I’ve been on lisinopril for years.) Not sure what to do….restarted lyme protocol – BB1,BB2.
Am reall concerend
For blood pressure try felodipine it may also help with the infection. Read the following: http://mbio.asm.org/content/5/4/e01534-14.full.
Q fever also maybe?
Teasel…..started teasel for the lyme and my systolic blood pressure dropped at least 20 points. ….I was advised to go slow adding a drop a day…I am have been doing 15 drops morning and evening for several months….but if I stop the teasel, lyme itch returns and the systolic blood pressure soars again. So grateful for teasel.
Have had high blood pressure (150 over 100 without meds) since 2003 after receiving a blood transfusion which may be where I got my Lyme infection, was always 120 over 80 prior to this. Since starting protocol my blood pressure has dropped and I have stopped taking meds, am seeing readings lower than 120 over 80 for first time in my life. Thank you Stephen.
Duncan, may I ask which specific protocol you are referring to? Is it the basic Buhner protocol for treating Lyme, or something more specific for treating High blood pressure due to chronic lyme.
Thank you.
I’ve been dealing with high bp for years increasingly getting worse. Finally had a dr that would definitively say I have lymes. I am currently following the protocol and have watched my bp spike but am hopeful it will go down .
I too have hypertensive complaints which started when I was a kid ( I think it started after I got bitten but it was also made worse by the traumas i faced afterwards).
I too have bartonella. luckily my MRI ruled out brain lesions.. despite that I FEEL this horrible brain pressure almost
What I recommend is to buy a SPOOKY 2 Rife machine. It is quite affordable and can really kill of the spirochetes (but its not an easy fast route).
Hot baths help me alot with my BP spikes. Within minutes my bp can go from 190/100 to 130/80. I am assuming it has to do with dilating blood vessels to increase the blood flow.
Dr Buhner, since getting Lyme I have been having a problem with super high blood pressure readings it’s like my blood pressure could be 117/79 and 10 minutes later my face is hot hot beat red I retake my blood pressure and it’s 165/102 nobody can figure it out since 2013 what could be doing this ??
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013.I had tremendous neck pain and my liver was spilling Billirubin.I first was treated with doxy for 2 weeks,then about a month later when i was still feeling sick i demanded to be put on doxycycline for 30 days.Afetr a few months i was checked at the VA , with a test for the DNA of the Lyme bug and was told it was negative.I have had periods of weakness and almost passing out when i rise from a squat or seated.All through this time i have had bouts of diarrhea.A month ago while dealing with diarrhea i got up from toilet and walked into hall and passed out slamming the floor with my face. Next day went to emergency room and ,my BP was 80/60 and dehydrated.The diagnosis was gastroenteritis. I was give antibiotics and an anti vomiting, nausea med which also helps stop diarrhea. Ok, now presently i have had diarrhea for a week and i checked BP at night and am at 150/90.I never had high blood pressure and always ran at 120/70.The only thing i can conclude is that i still have Lyme disease and it flares up at times and causes these symptoms.I since have researched and found that many Lymes tests can be wrong.
What about this hypothesis: Chronic Lyme disease is a case of bacteria-induced vitamin D receptor (VDR) dysfunction. And according to a paper I found on the general subject (it wasn’t about Lyme disease per se), a suggested treatment approach is PULSED low-dose antibiotics in combination with ‘sartan ARB drugs such as Olmesartan or Irbesartan (which apparently are VDR agonists).
My first symptom of tick borne infections was severe chest pain and spasms with very high BP. These episodes would last for hours, and the high BP would make my legs heavy and cause tunnel vision and ringing in ears. I thought I would die. Docs could not figure it out. After a year, I was dx with Lyme, Bart, and Babs. I have had substantial improvement with IV abx and many other meds, but still have episodes of very high BP. I am able to treat these quickly with Labetalol, Clonidine, and a little Lorazepam. It seems like many people get this. I have read that the immune response can damage nerves so that they grow more receptors for epinephrine and norepinephrine.