Lyme Disease, Autism, MS and Chronic Immune Disease Alert - Biofilms and Enzymes

According to Allergy Research Group's March 2009 Newsletter Issue of Focus, it has been discovered that biofilms may be responsible for protecting and hiding bacteria, including Lyme Disease bacteria. Biofilms are in essence a slimy covering that incorporates platelets, fibrin (protein), fibrinogen, polysaccharides, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. A kind of woven matrix is formed around bacteria that has grouped together. It covers the bacteria, allowing it to hide and go unnoticed by the body's immune system. Under this protection, the outer shell of the bacteria is shed, along with the identifying antigen that our body's immune cells normally use as a signal to identify it. The bacteria is then able to multiply or lay dormant, undetected.¹

As explained by Peta Cohen, M.S., R.D., in the above-mentioned Focus issue, "Bacteria build biofilms by first aggregating together, and then rapidly weaving this protective web or matrix around them. They build a polymeric matrix. It's a sticky, gluey, mucous-y goop and it's got fibrin in it to give it an intact structure. The bacteria recruit fibrinogen to create fibrin as part of that matrix. At that point they can shed their outer membrane, which has the proteins that serve as antigens and as a target of the missile of the immune system. They're very protected. They're very crafty in creating a way to survive and procreate and hide from the immune system. "²

Dr. Alan MacDonald and his collaborator, Eva Sapi, Ph.D. have done much research in biofilms. MacDonald discusses his biofilm hypothesis in the Lyme Disease documentary film, Under Our Skin. On the film's online blog, it suggests that biofilms "...may explain why these pathogens can be so difficult to eradicate with short courses of antibiotics. "³ Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics. Per the blog, "They are known to cause persistent, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections for a number of reasons. First, the polymeric "slime" protects the bacteria in the center of the medusa-like colony, and the inner organisms often shape-shift into energy-efficient forms that can survive months to years in a dormant state, only to reemerge when the host environment is free of chemical threats. Second, antibiotics typically don't work as well when bacteria are in a dormant state."⁴

Patients who experience Lyme Disease, Autism, MS, and chronic immune dysfunction are now being given a combination of supplements. They include strong proteolytic enzymes to help degrade the protein layer of the biofilm, herbal and prescription agents to address the hiding organisms, heavy metal mobilizers, and toxin binding agents. The basic theory is to degrade the slime, eliminate the hiding organisms, mobilize and bind the heavy metals that may be incorporated in the matrix, mop up the resulting toxins, create a more alkaline system, and re-mineralize the body when needed.

Peta Cohen is founder of Total Life Center in Northern New Jersey and a specialist in treating children with autism using a biomedical / nutritional model. She found interesting results when she began to analyze the stool and urine samples of her patients who were given proteolytic enzymes along with mineral chelating agents. In every case, heavy metals were being excreted in large amounts. Why? Because the biofilm matrix contains charged metal ions, it has been found to also contain high levels of heavy metals. When the heavy metals are removed / chelated, autism patients began to respond and recover. Because the discharged metals were being 'dumped' into the bowel and found in the stool, she explains that the biofilms must be attaching themselves to the gut. ⁵

In regard to Lyme Arthritis, Dr. Eva Sapi is researching agents that will prevent the formation of biofilms. "Her preliminary research has found that that Lyme biofilms are comprised of an abundance of calcium crystals, which she thinks could cause some of the joint irritation experienced by many Lyme patients."⁶

As I have reported in other articles, the combination and timing of supplements is critical to healing. Cohen uses supplements and prescription antimicrobials. She sets the appropriate dosage depending on the patient's age, and uses Lumbrokinase (from earth worms) and Nattokinase (from silk worms). Cohen recommends: "First do the enzymes along with EDTA(mineral chelating / mobilizing agent), then thirty minutes later, add in an arsenal of antimicrobials. I use formulations containing berberine, artemisinin, citrus seed extract, black walnut hulls, artemisia herb, echinacea, goldenseal, gentian, tea tree oil, fumitory, gentian, galbanum oil, oregano oil, neem, and pharmaceuticals as well when necessary, such as Vancomycin, Diflucan, Gentamycin. I use a different one every day. Then an hour later you come in with the binders to help mop up the debris. I use chitosan, citrus pectin, a special bicarbonate formula, organic germanium, chlorella (mineral binder and detoxifier) and others. I also use buffering agents, such as buffered vitamin C, since when the body is destroying bacteria it becomes acidic. Minerals must be assessed, and repleted (abundantly replenished) when necessary."⁷

The timing in Cohen's protocol for taking chlorella differs from the Klinghardt protocol - he recommends taking chlorella thirty minutes before meals, then taking Cilantro as a mineral mobilizer / bile stimulant). He also recommends that any Vitamin C be taken as far away from chlorella as possible.⁸ (I have recommended Zeolite powder to remove heavy metals, but one must take care to re-establish healthy mineral levels. Another important component of biofilm protocols is probiotics, as prescription antibiotics and antimicrobials can create an imbalance of gut bacteria.)

Key to the action of the proteolytic enzyme is its strength. I often recommend PRX by Theramedix. Label info:

Ingredients:
Protease Thera-blendTM 305,000 HUT (enzyme that degrades the biofilm)
Seaprose Blend 7 mg (enzyme + helps to break up mucous - the 'slime')
Catalase 50 Baker (enzyme + helps detox)
Serratiopeptidase 37,500 SU (enzyme from silk worm)
Nattokinase NSK-SD blend 700 FU (enzyme from soy)
Mineral Blend 40 mg
Contains no dairy, preservatives, salt, sucrose, soy, wheat, yeast, artificial colors or flavors, excipients or fillers.

SUGGESTED USAGE: For maintenance: take 1 capsule twice a day 1/2 hour before or 2 hours after a meal (empty stomach). For Chronic Issues: take 3 to 4 times a day. More capsules may be added, if needed."
CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN - If you are taking blood thinners, you should consult your physician. Proteolytic enzymes have been known to thin the blood, and are often used for their cardiovascular benefits. If at anytime you feel burning sensations, take 2 capsules of SGI. The burning will dissipate shortly. For support, continue to take SGI (enzyme that soothes gastrointestinal system) with your PRX with meals and when needed.

If you are taking many supplements, it is essential that the supplements themselves be properly digested and broken down. I recommend Zygest, a vegetarian enzyme complex.

Find the link to order these products via my web page at 20% off. www.paulaupton.byregion.net

Contact me for details on ordering. Related Articles by Paula:
The Shocking Truth about Toxins
Cilantro for Heavy Metal Detox
Why Enzymes are Key to Good Health
Earthworm Therapy for Lyme Disease?
Probiotics - How Much Should You Take After Antibiotic Therapy?

Sources:
1,2, 5, 7 Focus Newsletter, Mar 2009, http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/Mar-2009-Focus-Newsletter-Biofilms-and-Fibrinolytic-Enzymes-sp-90.html . Accessed 9.24.09
3,4, 6 Under Our Skin Film Blog, http://underourskin.com/blog/?p=459 . Accessed 9.24.09
8 The Klinghardt Neurotoxin Elimination Protocol, http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/new/9steps.htm Accessed 9.25.09