How Glutathione Helps Lyme Patients
For those grappling with Lyme disease, managing symptoms and seeking relief are daily challenges. Traditional antibiotic therapy fails to provide necessary relief for at least 20% of Lyme cases, and those patients often feel abandoned by the medical community. Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body, serves as a beacon of hope for many in this ongoing battle. It plays a pivotal role in detoxifying the body, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting the immune system—all of which are crucial for individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Glutathione’s ability to enhance cellular detoxification is particularly vital for Lyme disease patients, most of whom are faced with excessive inflammation, not only of their joints but of their internal organs and brain. The disease process can lead to a buildup of toxins and inflammatory byproducts in the body, exacerbating fatigue, brain fog, inflammation and pain. By boosting glutathione levels, patients can more effectively clear these toxins, reducing the severity and duration of their symptoms.
According to UCLA Dr Robert Ashley, glutathione deficiency leads to break down of red blood cells, enlargement of the spleen, gall stones and after many years can lead to mental deterioration. A study published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome found that glutathione supplementation helped reduce symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction in Lyme patients. Additionally, glutathione’s role in detoxification is critical for Lyme patients, as it aids in the removal of neurotoxins that can exacerbate neurological symptoms.
Intravenous (IV) Therapy: Many Lyme patients receive glutathione through IV therapy, ensuring rapid absorption and immediate benefits. This method can significantly boost glutathione levels, helping to combat the oxidative stress that is often rampant in Lyme disease.
Nebulized Treatments: Some patients may inhale nebulized glutathione, particularly those who struggle with respiratory symptoms due to Lyme. This approach delivers glutathione directly to the respiratory tract, where it can help reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
California has already used underground regulations to ban nebulized glutathione, which is actively harming patients all over the state. The latest proposed regulations by California's Board of Pharmacy (BOP) threaten to eliminate access to glutathione altogether, along with all 47 legal Category 1 sterile compounds. The move lacks justification and would make California the only state to deny patients access to these safe substances. The arbitrary nature of these regulations poses a direct threat to the health and safety of Californians, which is why we are fighting back.
At the recent Board of Pharmacy meeting on July 31, over 100 individuals, including Lyme Disease patients, voiced their unanimous opposition to the proposed regulations. This public outcry highlights the critical need to preserve access to these essential treatments for those suffering from chronic illness who are fighting for their lives.
Ensuring the health and safety of our chronic illness communities should be a top priority. Maintaining patient access to ALL treatment options available should not be up for debate. Category 1 compounds are essential for the well-being and longevity of many. The proposed bans disguised as regulations disregard the health needs of the most vulnerable populations in California.
For more information on Lyme Disease in California, visit the Bay Area Lyme Foundation or LymeDisease.org.