From the Guidelines
Nattokinase is not a proven or recommended treatment for Lyme disease, and antibiotics like doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime remain the standard treatment for 2-4 weeks as prescribed by a physician. Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from fermented soybeans that has shown some anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. While these effects could theoretically help with certain Lyme symptoms like joint pain or circulation issues, there is no solid scientific evidence that nattokinase effectively treats Lyme disease itself, as stated in the guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The standard treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics that target the Borrelia bacteria directly.
- Nattokinase may be considered as a complementary approach for symptom management, but it should not replace proper antibiotic treatment for active Lyme infection.
- The blood-thinning effects of nattokinase could potentially help with circulation and inflammation, but more research is needed to determine its impact on Lyme disease outcomes.
- It is crucial to consult a doctor before using nattokinase, especially if taking blood thinners or other medications, due to potential interactions.
Recommended Approach
- For Lyme disease, follow the standard treatment guidelines which recommend antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 2-4 weeks.
- If considering nattokinase for symptom management, ensure it is used under medical supervision and does not interfere with the primary antibiotic treatment.
- Be aware that while nattokinase has potential benefits for inflammation and circulation, its effectiveness for Lyme disease is not established, as noted in the clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
From the Research
Nattokinase and Lyme Disease
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as none of the provided studies mention nattokinase in relation to Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi infection) [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
Treatment of Lyme Disease
- The recommended treatment for Lyme disease is usually with antibiotics for 2 to 4 weeks [ 3 ].
- Doxycycline is preferred as the first-line regimen for erythema migrans and neuroborreliosis [ 5 ].
- Amoxicillin and ceftriaxone are alternative treatment options [ 3, 5, 6 ].
- There is no convincing evidence for antibiotic treatment longer than 4 weeks [ 3 ].
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
- Laboratory support, mainly by serology, is essential for diagnosis, except in the case of typical erythema migrans [ 3 ].
- The serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on a two-tier strategy: a screening test using an immunoenzymatic technique (ELISA), followed if positive by a confirmatory test with a western blot technique [ 5 ].