This is a companion piece to this week’s article, for anyone working with Lyme and the co-infections that tend to travel with it. These are the microbial subspecies that are antagonistic to Lyme and its co-infections, in humans and in dogs.
I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. This is information to sit with, pray over and take to your own discernment as you build your personal plan.
Remember that we are not chasing the infection here. We are building the terrain so the body can do what it was made to do. The foundations we have laid so far, the food, the stock, the sun, the rest and the nervous system work, are still the medicine. These microbes are a nuance on top of that foundation, not a replacement for it.
Introduce one at a time, keep a journal and watch for changes, just as we do with everything else.
For humans
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
Transient, which means it passes through rather than settling in. It produces bacteriocins and lactic acid and acidifies the gut environment. It likes prebiotics such as inulin and oligosaccharides, and it does well with animal collagen and gelatin. You can find it as a single strain in Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus and Metagenics Urex.
Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis
A coloniser, so it will settle in and stay. It produces acetic acid and short chain fatty acids and modulates the immune system. It feeds on human milk oligosaccharides and on collagen rich animal foods like bone marrow and chicken feet. Look for Gerber Soothe or Evivo.
Lactobacillus casei Shirota
Transient. It stimulates the NK cells and macrophages. It feeds on lactose, so raw dairy and kefir suit it well. You can find it in Yakult.
Bacillus subtilis HU58
Transient and temporary. It produces subtilisin, which suppresses competing organisms. It prefers protein rich sources such as shrimp shells, fish skin and collagen. Look for Microbiome Labs MegasporeBiotic.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
A transient yeast rather than a bacteria. It supports the gut barrier and reduces inflammation. It feeds on simple sugars, and animal fats support the environment it lives in. Look for Florastor or Jarrow Formulas.
Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1
A coloniser. It produces lactic acid and bacteriocins and it inhibits Borrelia directly. It feeds on plant fibres, with meat stock collagen as a support. Look for Probi Select.
For dogs
Our animals carry this with us, and if you have a dog who has been through the same ticks and the same yard, they are worth supporting too.
Enterococcus faecium SF68
A coloniser. It enhances antibody production and reduces gastrointestinal symptoms. It feeds on animal proteins such as chicken and beef. Look for Purina FortiFlora.
Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL-60
A coloniser. It regulates the gut microbiome and reduces inflammation. It feeds on lactose, so raw milk, yoghurt and cheese suit it. Look for Nutramax Proviable DC.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B94
A coloniser. It supports immunity and reduces gastrointestinal disturbance. It feeds on prebiotic fibres and does well alongside animal protein. Look for Purina Canine FortiFlora.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
Works for dogs as well as for us, at an adjusted dose. It supports gut health and reduces diarrhoea and inflammation.
A quick reference
| Microbe | Type | What it does | What it feeds on | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 | Transient | Bacteriocins and lactic acid, acidifies the gut | Inulin, oligosaccharides, collagen, gelatin | Jarrow Fem-Dophilus, Metagenics Urex |
| Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis | Coloniser | Acetic acid and SCFAs, immune modulation | HMOs, bone marrow, chicken feet | Gerber Soothe, Evivo |
| Lactobacillus casei Shirota | Transient | Stimulates NK cells and macrophages | Lactose, raw dairy, kefir | Yakult |
| Bacillus subtilis HU58 | Transient | Produces subtilisin | Shrimp shells, fish skin, collagen | Microbiome Labs MegasporeBiotic |
| Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 | Transient | Supports gut barrier, reduces inflammation | Simple sugars, animal fats | Florastor, Jarrow Formulas |
| Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 | Coloniser | Lactic acid and bacteriocins, inhibits Borrelia | Plant fibres, meat stock collagen | Probi Select |
| Enterococcus faecium SF68 (dogs) | Coloniser | Enhances antibody production | Chicken, beef | Purina FortiFlora |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL-60 (dogs) | Coloniser | Regulates gut microbiome | Raw milk, yoghurt, cheese | Nutramax Proviable DC |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B94 (dogs) | Coloniser | Supports immunity | Prebiotic fibres, animal protein | Purina Canine FortiFlora |
Go gently with this. One at a time, with plenty of stock and plenty of rest in between.