Borrelia burgdorferi -- more often known as borreliaburgdorferi -- is the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, a serious disease that can affect your joints, spine and even your nervous system. While malic acid can be used in conjunction with magnesium to treat this naturally, it is not the most effective remedy. If you begin displaying symptoms of Lyme disease, consult a physician.
Borrelia Burgdorferi
The bacterium borreliaburgdorferi is responsible for causing Lyme disease in humans. It is transmitted through the bite of blacklegged ticks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shortly after being bitten by an infected tick, you will develop a red rash around the bite area, along with fatigue, fever, headache, aches and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, you can develop additional rashes, facial palsy or loss of muscle tone on your face, neck stiffness, swollen joints and heart arrhythmias.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occurring compound produced by processes in the cells of living things, including plants, animals and humans. It provides many foods with their sour taste; for example, many fruits, like green apples and grapes, contain malic acid. Malic acid is used in a wide variety of products, from carbonated beverages and candy to medicine and certain facial products. Malic acid is not typically used to treat Lyme disease, but does have some connections.
Malic Acid and Lyme Disease
While malic acid is not a standard treatment for Lyme disease, it can be used homeopathically, as a more natural remedy. Malic acid is usually paired with magnesium, and this combination may help your muscles relax, relieving the pain that can accompany Lyme disease and linger after the disease is treated. Unfortunately, there is insufficient scientific evidence to determine that malic acid and magnesium are effective in reducing the effects of the borreliaburgdorferi bacterium on your body.
Other Lyme Disease Treatments
Lyme disease should be treated by a medical professional, who will probably conduct blood tests to confirm you have the disease. If treated incorrectly, or too late, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and neurological problems for years after your initial infection. Your doctor will probably treat you with oral antibiotics, like doxycycline or amoxicillin. Depending on how far advanced the disease is, you may also need additional treatment, like intravenous penicillin. Most importantly, seek medical treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms following a tick bite.
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