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Lyme Disease Rash

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, General Health, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Lyme Disease Rash

Even if you don’t have the Lyme disease rash, you may still have Lyme disease

Even if you don’t have the Lyme disease rash, you may still have Lyme diseaseThe Lyme disease rash is a telltale sign of the illness. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we emphasize the fact that 20-30% of people with Lyme disease develop the Lyme disease rash. It’s important that you understand this fact so that you can look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have Lyme disease.

What is the Lyme disease rash?

The characteristic Lyme disease rash occurs in 20-30% of people with the disease. Typically, the rash appears about a week after a tick bites you, but it may appear anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite occurs. The rash begins at the site of the bite and gradually expands. You may notice a warm sensation, but won’t feel pain or itching. If you are one of the people who does not have a Lyme disease rash, you need to learn about the other symptoms.

Early signs and symptoms occur in the first 30 days after the tick bite

During the first three to 30 days after a tick bites you, you may not develop a rash, but you may experience the following symptoms of Lyme disease.

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Aching muscles and joints
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Later signs and symptoms can occur months after a tick bite

The early signs of Lyme disease mimic so many other conditions that you may dismiss the symptoms, especially if you haven’t developed a Lyme disease rash. If you aren’t diagnosed and treated in the first month after a bite, your symptoms may change and become more severe.

  • Stiff neck
  • Severe headaches
  • Severe swelling and arthritic joint pain, particularly in large joints like the knees
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Drooping or loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of your face
  • Tingling, numbness or shooting pains in the hands and feet
  • Short-term memory issues

Our practitioners are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease

Even if you don’t have a Lyme disease rash, you need to seek help from an experienced Lyme literate practitioner as soon as you are able if you notice signs and symptoms. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we understand the complexities of Lyme disease. Contact us for an appointment.

Three reasons to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert

Seek Treatment from a Hormone Therapy Expert

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, General Health, Hormones. No Comments on Seek Treatment from a Hormone Therapy Expert

Three reasons to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert

Three reasons to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expertDue to the increasing amount of inadequately trained hormone providers, it’s imperative to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like the experienced hormone providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee. Our hormone providers, Debra Muth ND and Amy Hoffman NP, have the skill, knowledge and experience to administer bioidentical hormones.

Why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert

Our hormone providers want to explain why it’s so important to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert.

  • When you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert, you are receiving care from a practitioner who has specialized knowledge. Not all hormone providers are equally well-trained. Some may have received a minimal amount of training and information about hormones, while others, like Dr. Muth and Amy Hoffman, possess extensive credentials.

    For example, when you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like Dr. Muth, you are going to receive care from a leader in the field who has been administering bioidentical hormones to patients since 1988.

  • An expert in hormone therapy understands the various methods of administering bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones can be administered in several forms. Many providers use pellets, but the experts at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee do not use this type of hormone because pellets can cause many problems. When you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like our providers, you will discover that hormones administered in a transdermal form, or through the skin, are more controllable and less expensive. Oral medications, gels, creams and injections are also available.
  • When you purchase hormone supplements from an expert, you can rest assured that they only use accredited, reliable compounding pharmacies. The final reason why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert is the way hormones are created. Our bioidentical hormones are only created from the best raw materials, never ingredients grown in a toxic environment. They are created at accredited, reliable compounding pharmacies to ensure the highest quality.

The experienced providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee are the perfect example of why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert. Our clinic provides the standard of care you deserve. Contact us for an appointment.

Four benefits of IV nutritional therapy you should know about

Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Chronic Illness, General Health, Men's Health, Nutrition, Women's Health. No Comments on Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy

Four benefits of IV nutritional therapy you should know about

Four benefits of IV nutritional therapy you should know about

The skilled practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee want you to know about four benefits of IV nutritional therapy. During IV nutritional therapy, vital nutrients, minerals and vitamins are administered through an IV drip in our office. The process takes anywhere from a half hour to six hours, depending on your needs. This therapy is a valuable treatment that helps many of our patients improve their health and quality of life.

 

Learn more about the four benefits of IV nutritional therapy

If you have a chronic condition or other health problems, you need to know more about IV nutritional therapy.

  1. One of the main benefits of IV nutritional therapy is that it provides important minerals, amino acids, vitamins and nutrients directly to the bloodstream. Delivery to the bloodstream ensures that all the crucial nutrients are absorbed fully into the body where they can be used to improve your health.
  2. IV nutritional therapy allows nutrients to bypass the gastrointestinal (GI) system, so the body absorbs the maximum amount of nutrition. Many patients have a damaged gastrointestinal system that may be inflamed or harmed by viruses or exposure to toxins. Bypassing the damaged system and delivering the nutrients via the bloodstream means that you will receive the maximum benefits of IV nutritional therapy.
  3. IV nutritional therapy allows us to deliver larger doses of nutrients to your body than you could tolerate in oral doses. Higher oral doses of vitamins and other nutrients can enter the GI system and cause stomach problems. Delivery through an IV bypasses the GI tract, allowing us to deliver the maximum amount of nutrients your body needs.
  4. One of the most important benefits of IV nutritional therapy is that it can be used to treat several conditions and chronic health problems.
    • Immune deficiency
    • Damaged GI tract
    • Hydrochloric acid, or digestive enzyme, deficiency
    • Lack of friendly gut bacteria
    • Exposure to toxic metals
    • HIV infection
    • Hypertension
    • Asthma
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Congestive heart failure

If you are suffering from chronic health problems, and you are not getting relief from your current treatment plan, consider the benefits of IV nutritional therapy. The experienced team at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee can help you feel better. Contact us for an appointment.

Managing holiday stress – Tips for 12 or more days of bliss-mas

Managing Holiday Stress

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, General Health. No Comments on Managing Holiday Stress

Managing holiday stress – Tips for 12 or more days of bliss-mas

Managing holiday stress – Tips for 12 or more days of bliss-mas

Managing holiday stress can help you experience more of the joy of the season and less of the humbug. The staff at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee has some tips to help you survive and thrive during the holiday season.

Your guide to managing holiday stress

It’s probably unrealistic to say that you can get through the holidays without any stress, but we believe managing holiday stress is within your reach.

  1. Take a cue from the partridge in a pear tree, the turtle doves, the French hens and the maids a milking. Focus on a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy and whole grains. Don’t go overboard on sweet treats.
  2. Mimic the four calling birds and call a friend. Get together with people who make you happy, but don’t cause you stress. Do it because it’s fun, not because it’s an obligation.
  3. The geese a laying weren’t really lying around, but you should be. Rest is a wonderful way of managing holiday stress. Short naps are good for your health, and it’s also very important to get good sleep each night.
  4. Imitate the swans a swimming, the ladies dancing and the lords a leaping. Even though you think you’re too busy to exercise, it’s important to make time for some form of stretching, cardio or strength training each day.
  5. Take a hint from the pipers and the drummers. Play, sing or listen to music. Music is a proven way of managing holiday stress and calming your nerves.
  6. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the sparkling beauty of golden rings, silver lights and the other beautiful sights of the season. A positive attitude and feelings of gratitude can help alleviate stress.

We’re here to help with holiday stress

If you are having difficulty managing holiday stress, see the providers at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee. We provide treatments and therapies that can help.

Our alternative medicine providers work with people who need help managing holiday stress or daily anxiety. Contact our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee for an appointment.

Tips for food allergies and the holidays

Food Allergies and the Holidays

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Allergies, Blog, General Health. No Comments on Food Allergies and the Holidays

Tips for food allergies and the holidays

Tips for food allergies and the holidaysAt our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee, food allergies and the holidays are a big concern for parents. Holiday celebrations mean more homemade treats, more meals out and more worries. If your child has food allergies, our tips can help you navigate this time of year.

Food allergies and the holidays at school

You might be especially concerned about food allergies and the holidays when your children go to holiday parties at school. It’s important to have a conversation with your child’s teacher about food allergies and ways to keep your child safe.

It helps to provide written guidelines that the teacher may copy and provide to other parents. You can also provide treats that are allergy-safe to ensure that your child will have something they can enjoy during parties. You should also talk to your children about food allergies and the holidays, emphasizing that they should not eat other children’s snacks or treats.

Tips for hosting a safe celebration at home

Hosting holiday celebrations at home can give you peace of mind because you can ensure that the food is safe and has not been cross-contaminated. Cooking at home makes it easy to provide safe food for the celebration. You can place dishes from family and friends in a separate area to ensure that children with food allergies do not eat those foods.

Important information for parents and children who are away from home

Meals eaten away from home raise additional concerns about food allergies and the holidays.

  • You should discuss your child’s allergies with the host, detailing the trigger foods.
  • It helps to offer to assist the host by bringing dishes that are safe for your child to eat or helping to create an allergy-safe menu.
  • To ensure your child’s dinner is safe, ask to make your child’s plate before other guests fill theirs to ensure that there is no cross-contamination.

Food allergies and the holidays do raise concerns, but with proper precautions, families can enjoy themselves and stay safe. For diagnosis and treatment of food allergies, contact our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee. Parents can also go to Serenity’s Kitchen to find allergy-safe recipes.

Fall Happy Breasts Events

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health. No Comments on Fall Happy Breasts Events

Coming up in September and October we will be holding our annual Ins & Outs for Happy Breasts event.

Do you know any women that have received repeat breast biopsies? Do you know women that are looking for alternatives to traditional breast health? If so, please consider sharing this information with them. If not, please consider having copies of these flyers in your office for women to take. Our goal with this event is to 1. Be proactive in breast health and 2. Educate as many women on their options for breast health.

This event is a 2-part series, but you don’t need to attend both. The first part is our Girls Night Out. This is a time to get a group of girls together, enjoy a glass of wine with some snacks as we provide an educational evening on breast health.

Dr. Muth Talks to Kenosha News About Lyme Disease

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health. No Comments on Dr. Muth Talks to Kenosha News About Lyme Disease

Nancy Carlson: ‘The little bite cost me quite a lot’ says Hawthorn Hollow naturalist.

By JULIA FAIR Kenosha News.com Aug 22, 2017

A tick clung to Nancy Carlson’s hip after a workday spent outside in 2013.

It wasn’t abnormal.

“I pull ticks off all the time, it’s not a big deal,” Nancy Carlson, a naturalist at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum on Green Bay Road, said.

She was taught as a naturalist that a bull’s-eye rash should raise concern about contracting Lyme disease. When she was bitten, it never appeared.

Weeks later joint pains and flu symptoms took over her body. She tested positive for Lyme and was prescribed antibiotics.

“But it wasn’t enough,” Carlson said. “After that I was never better.”

Breathing and heart issues landed Carlson in the hospital twice during her treatment, due to symptoms caused by the toxins building up in her body as the Lyme-causing bacteria deteriorated.

She saw a rheumatologist, an endocrinologist and a neurologist, trying to get the best treatment for her Lyme.

“None of those knew the truth about Lyme disease,” she said.

The average patient sees five doctors over two years before being diagnosed, according to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public and doctors about proper Lyme treatment. It also states 40 percent of Lyme patients end up with long-term health problems.

Read the rest of the article in Kenosha News>>

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Chronic Illness, General Health. No Comments on Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

4 things you should know about Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Response SyndromeAsk a group of people if they’ve ever heard of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and the answer is usually no. Traditional medical practitioners may not take this problem seriously or they may misdiagnose its symptoms. Here are four things the practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee think you should know about this misunderstood condition.

  1. What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome?

    It’s a combination of illnesses or symptoms directly related to exposure to biotoxins like mold, bacteria, actinomycetes or mycobacteria. The exposure can occur through inhalation, a tick or spider bite, ingesting toxic substances or drinking contaminated water. Certain patients appear to have a genetic predisposition for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

  2. What are the symptoms?

    Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Here is a sampling of what people experience:

    • Weakness
    • Aches and pains
    • Fatigue
    • Headache
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Blurred vision
    • Respiratory problems
    • Gastrointestinal issues
    • Mood swings
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Night sweats
    • Increase or decrease in appetite
    • Vertigo
  3. What are the most common misdiagnoses?

    Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome who seek help from traditional medical practitioners are often misdiagnosed. These patients are commonly told they have fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few.

  4. How can I get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment?

    Traditional medical practitioners are not as familiar with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome as functional medicine doctors are. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we are experts in treating conditions caused by toxic mold and other problems that deal with biotoxins. We also provide many tests and treatments that the traditional medical community does not offer. For example, our clinic performs genetic testing to determine whether a patient is susceptible to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. We also test for the biomarkers that are the hallmark of the condition.

Patients who come to our clinic exhibiting symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome can expect a thorough diagnostic approach. Debra Muth, N.D., and her team are known for their medical detective work. They work together to explore every piece of the puzzle until they complete the picture and discover the true diagnosis behind your symptoms. This approach is critical when dealing with a complex problem like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Contact us for an appointment.

Dr. Debra Muth’s

Lyme disease in Kenosha

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Lyme disease in Kenosha

Debra Muth, ND, is a Lyme Literate Practitioner treating Lyme disease in Kenosha

Dr. Debra Muth’sLyme disease in Kenosha is a growing problem. The things we love about our state—the forests, farmlands and parks—provide a perfect environment for the infected tick population that transmits Lyme disease to people of all ages. People with Lyme disease in Wisconsin may also have to deal with co-infections such as: Babesiosis; Anaplasmosis; Tularemia; Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus. Dr. Muth was recently interviewed in the Kenosha News to discuss her expertise and knowledge about Lyme disease in Kenosha.

Treating Lyme disease in Kenosha

People who think that they or their family member may be dealing with Lyme disease in Kenosha should give serious consideration to a practitioner’s level of expertise. Choosing a Lyme Literate Practitioner is a smart decision because Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed by conventional M.D.s who don’t see the disease very often. Debra Muth has undergone training with ILADs, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating Lyme disease awareness and educating health professionals.

Acute Lyme disease vs. chronic Lyme disease

Patients who suspect they have contracted Lyme disease in Kenosha need to understand the difference between acute and chronic Lyme disease. “Acute Lyme disease means a patient has been diagnosed and treated in six months or less after contracting the disease,” according to Dr. Muth. “Chronic Lyme disease means that a person hasn’t been diagnosed or treated within the first six months after they contracted the disease.” Many people don’t receive a diagnosis for months or years, and that can lead to many complications for patients with Lyme disease in Kenosha.

How we treat Lyme disease at our functional medicine clinic near Kenosha

Our approach to Lyme disease is multi-disciplinary, and treatment plans are individualized. Dr. Muth says, “We use a combination of antibiotics and herbal treatments at the same time. We find that it’s more effective this way. We also use biofeedback and detox to treat Lyme disease in Kenosha.”

Patients who are looking for a completely non-traditional approach that doesn’t include conventional medications may choose our Lyme Free program that employs many alternative therapies.

We know that Lyme disease in Kenosha is and will continue to be a problem, and we’re nearby to provide help. Contact us.