Lyme disease is a bacterial illness caused by a bacterium called a "spirochete." Deer’s carry certain ticks that contain the bacterium in their stomachs. When a person’s skin is bit by one of these ticks, Lyme disease spreads and infects the body. This can result in abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.

With Lyme disease, different parts of the body are affected and the severity varies as the disease progresses. The bacteria enters the body through the skin at the site of the bite and the skin will often have a reddish rash often associated with "flu-like" symptoms. As the disease progresses, abnormalities in the joints, heart and nervous system can begin to surface.

Medical experts describe Lyme disease in three phases:

1.) Early localized disease where the skin becomes inflamed.

2.) Early disseminated disease, which can involve the heart and nervous system and include palsies and meningitis

3.) Late disease where motor and sensory nerve damage, brain inflammation as well as arthritis can result.

In the early phase of the illness, the skin surrounding the bite develops an expanding ring of unraised redness. This usually occurs within days to weeks of the initial bite and may also include an outer ring of brighter redness and a central area of clearing which gives a "bulls-eye" appearance. This initial rash is known as "erythema migrans" and is often accompanied by generalized fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, swollen glands and headache. Bear in mind however, that more than 25% of people with Lyme disease never even experience the rash.

In about a month’s time, the redness resolves by itself but the bacterium and its effects spread throughout the body and can lead to disease in the joints, heart and nervous system.

In the later phases of Lyme disease, the heart muscle can become inflamed and abnormal heart rhythm and even heart failure can result. The nervous system can also be affected by:

Facial Muscle Paralysis (Bell's palsy)

Abnormal Sensation due to Disease of Peripheral Nerves (Peripheral Neuropathy)

Meningitis

Confusion

Arthritis, which can become chronic

Some of the best steps you can take to prevent Lyme disease are:

Always wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a hat and gloves when in wooded areas.

Check the body carefully for ticks after spending time outside.

Be sure to check children for ticks regularly before bed in the summer months.

Also inspect pets for ticks on a regular basis.

Keep lawns mowed and dispose of leaf litter.

Do not keep wood piles near the house in the summer.

Eat plenty of garlic.

If a tick is found on the body, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. Don't twist the tweezers or squeeze the tick's body.  Once removed, wash your hands and the bite area thoroughly.

Watch the area closely for the symptoms listed above. If symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.

In the event that you do become bitten, you should see a professional health care practitioner. Some natural supplements that you may find to be beneficial include:

Essential Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

Primrose Oil (1,000 mg 2-3 times daily) - Helps combat inflammation by producing prostaglandins.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - Natural antibiotic and immune-booster.

Multivitamin Supplement (take as directed on label) - Provides all needed nutrients. Be sure to use a high-potency formula.

Zinc Lozenges (1 15 mg lozenge every 3 hours for 4 days) - Support healthy immune function.

Samento (take as directed on label) - Decreases the symptoms of lyme disease.

Colloidal Silver (take as directed on label) - Natural antibiotic and immune system booster.

Alfalfa (take as directed on label) - Supplies needed minerals.

Echinacea (take as directed on label) - Natural immune system booster.

Selenium (200 mcg daily) - Destroys free radicals.