Stevia and Lyme Disease
The Connection between Stevia and Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a complex and often debilitating condition caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites and other methods. While conventional treatments exist, researchers are constantly exploring alternative approaches to support Lyme disease management. One such area of interest is the potential use of Stevia, a natural sweetener, and the groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Eva Sapi. In this blog post, we delve into the connection between Stevia and Lyme disease, shedding light on Dr. Sapi's work and its implications.
Understanding Stevia: A Natural Sweetener with Potential Health Benefits
Stevia, derived from the plant species Stevia rebaudiana, is known for its intensely sweet taste. It has gained popularity as a natural, calorie-free alternative to artificial sweeteners. However, recent research has hinted at huge potential health benefits beyond its sweetening properties for Lyme Disease patients.
Dr. Eva Sapi's Groundbreaking Research on Lyme Disease
Dr. Sapi's research has shown promising results regarding Stevia's impact on Lyme disease. Her laboratory experiments demonstrated that Stevia leaf extract, particularly its non-caloric component called Stevia rebaudioside A (stevioside), exhibited antimicrobial effects against Borrelia burgdorferi. The extract effectively inhibited the growth and replication of the bacteria in both its active and dormant forms.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Stevia's Action Against Lyme Bacteria
The mechanisms by which Stevia acts against Borrelia burgdorferi are still being explored. Some theories suggest that it disrupts the bacteria's biofilm formation, a protective shield that makes Lyme bacteria more resistant to treatment. Additionally, Stevia may enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, making them more efficient in eradicating the bacteria.
What are Biofilms?
Biofilms are not Lyme specific, but they have a general purpose no matter what the disease is- protect the bacteria. The foreign bacteria (in this case Borrelia burgdorferi), is protected by biofilms that allow it to hide from the immune system, herbal and antibiotic treatments. This is a large reason for relapse once medications or treatments are stopped.
This article describes how biofilms protects the bacteria: “In Lyme disease biofilms bacteria produce and cover themselves in a layer of sugar slime called mucopolysaccharides. To add structure, the bacteria recruit a protein found in blood called fibrinogen which they use to create a fibrin protein skeleton. Because the fibrin gives structure, the bacteria in biofilms can rid themselves of their outer protein coverings. This makes it harder for the immune system to react against them. In addition, the slime layer covers the germs so the immune system cannot see them. Antibiotics or antimicrobial supplements may have difficulty reaching the germs. In biofilms germs use efflux pumps to remove antibiotics creating antibiotic resistance.”
This verifies that treatment methods must include a way of destroying biofilms to be completely effective. Dr. Sapi’s research could be the first step needed to discover exactly what that is.
“Prior to the 1990s biofilms were thought to be blobs of goo containing bacteria randomly distributed throughout their sticky matrix. In reality, the bacteria and matrix are carefully organized into a complex three-dimensional structure. B. burgdorferi biofilms are no exception. The organization of B. burgdorferi is apparent even at the earliest stages of biofilm development. The images below show B. burgdorferi developing into a biofilm on a solid surface. Instead of randomly associating with each other, the spirochetes organize themselves into "nets" of the type you see hanging from basketball hoops. The spirochetes come together lengthwise to form the "strands" of the net. With time, the biofilm thickens as the bacteria form additional layers. Most of the spaces in the net close up with the rest probably ending up forming a network of channels. The remaining holes can be seen as pits along the surface of the mature biofilm. The pits appear to be entry points for the channels, which are thought to circulate nutrients to the members of the community and remove waste products.” (Image and Excerpt Ref: Spirochetes Unwound: Biofilms of the Lyme disease spirochete)
Dr. Sapi’s Findings on Stevia and Lyme Disease:
“Biofilms are complex structures made up of sugar slime in a protein skeleton where Lyme can hide. In biofilms Lyme evades the immune system and hides from antibiotics. In the experiments, Sapi and her colleagues showed Lyme biofilms decrease in size by nearly 40%. They also showed that stevia kills all of the Lyme germs living in the biofilm.
Dr. Sapi thinks stevia works by keeping nutrition transport tubes in biofilms open. When biofilms are exposed to antibiotics, these tubes shut down, keeping the antibiotics out. But stevia may keep the tubes open. This allows antibiotics to penetrate the biofilm.” (Ref: Stevia for Lyme Disease - Treat Lyme)
Implications and Future Directions: Stevia as an Alternative Lyme Treatment
Dr. Sapi's research on Stevia and its potential impact on Lyme disease treatment has opened up new avenues of exploration. While the findings are preliminary and further studies are needed, they offer hope for alternative treatment options and could potentially complement existing Lyme disease therapies. Her studies were so celebrated by Dr. Lee Cowden that he incorporated it into his protocol so this option can be available and affordable for patients.
Stevia can be purchased alone or as part of the Cowden Protocol through NutraMedix.
Learn more about the full Cowden Protocol here.
Conclusion:
Stevia, beyond its sweetening properties, has emerged as an intriguing area of research in the context of Lyme disease. Dr. Eva Sapi's work has shed light on the potential antimicrobial effects of Stevia extract against Borrelia burgdorferi. While more research is needed, these findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in alternative approaches to Lyme disease management. As research continues, we eagerly await further developments in this promising field.
Please note: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have Lyme disease or any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.