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Lyme and Babesia are partners in crime. It seems no accident that the two infections are often found together. Babesia destroys red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the cells. Deprived of oxygen, the body has a tougher time fighting Lyme and Bb thrives in the anaerobic environment.
So what can we do to increase tissue oxygenation?
Consider increasing the body’s iron stores, for one. The body uses iron to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells. What’s more, the body requires that a certain amount of ferritin (iron stores) be present in order for it to utilize artemisinin, a commonly prescribed herb to treat Babesia.
Iron is a finicky mineral that can be difficult for the body to uptake, however. Dr. Schaller, in his book, The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Babesia, prescribes ferrous heme as a highly absorbable form of iron. Also, certain B vitamins are necessary for iron uptake and utilization, especially B-12, B-1, and B-6, so choose an iron supplement that includes these vitamins. Taking iron away from calcium and magnesium is advised, as these inhibit its absorption. Likewise, it’s a good idea to take it with vitamin C or orange juice. Taking iron with orange juice is thought to double its absorption in the body.
Finally, if you have Lyme disease but have not been diagnosed with Babesia, yet have low ferritin levels, suspect that the latter infection might be present.