RECIPES FOR REPAIR: A LYME DISEASE COOKBOOK

Recipes for Repair: A Lyme Disease Cookbook

By Gail Piazza and Laura Piazza

http://www.recipesforrepair.com/

A crucial question which needs to be focused on with persistence is….why can some people remain healthy when harboring a certain pathogen while others become acutely or chronically ill while hosting the exact same pathogen? Coinfection with numerous pathogens does play a part in illness severity but more and more researchers, doctors and patients are beginning to realize that the condition or terrain of the body plays a very important role in determining who remains healthy and who becomes ill.

The foods that we choose to consume have a significant effect on our physical and mental health. Food plays a major role in determining the terrain of our body. Pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme disease microbe) actually change form in the body in accordance with whether the host body has a healthy internal environment or a sickly environment or terrain. Some forms of the germ are more pathogenic (illness causing) than others. Certain foods and infections can cause inflammation, which is capable of setting up a vicious cycle in the body. Which comes first…the chicken or the egg? The authors of Recipes for Repair express this important concept very well in relation to Lyme disease.

“ Lyme disease itself can trigger chronic inflammation, and any inflammation that exists BEFORE (emphasis mine) infection impairs the immune system’s ability to fight off the invading bacteria. The cycle of infection and increasing inflammation gives the bacteria an ever-stronger foothold in the body, causing increasingly severe health symptoms. This relationship between chronic inflammation and Lyme disease explains why the severity of symptoms for people with widespread Lyme disease can vary so greatly, with some people nearly incapacitated and others only mildly affected.”

The authors go on to say that when following the Lyme Inflammation Diet (formulated by Dr. Kenneth Singleton); one should experience powerful anti-inflammatory effects. When inflammation is reduced through diet, this will in turn reduce the overall burden on the immune system. When the immune system has less to deal with, it can more effectively target invading pathogens. Gail and Laura Piazza have based all of their recipes on this logical and important premise….to reduce inflammation and to support the immune system.

“Recipes for Repair” is full of helpful information to get the reader started on a healthier way of eating. In one section there is a very useful tool to aide readers in determining their risk for chronic inflammation. The recipe section of the book is divided into four phases. At the beginning of each diet phase there is a chart of foods that are allowed in that phase. I find this feature much more helpful and encouraging rather than listing only the foods which need to be avoided.

The first phase is the most restricted and it is suggested that this phase be followed for one week. The primary goal of phase one is to quickly abort the mechanisms of chronic inflammation and to detoxify the body. Phase one includes such delicious sounding recipes as Sautéed Salmon Cakes, Deviled Eggs, Sautéed Asparagus Omelet, Carrot Almond Pancakes, Pickled Beets, Moroccan Spice-Rubbed Salmon, and Stir Fried Rice and Vegetables.

 In phase 2 of the diet more healthy foods are added which makes following the diet less difficult. The object is to slowly reintroduce foods which have a higher probability of causing inflammation. This phase of the diet is followed for three weeks. You’ll discover such recipes as Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes, Chicken Salad, Carrot Pineapple Muffins, Lentil Soup, and Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken. I found the baked chicken to be absolutely delicious. My husband even complimented the dish!

Phase three is called the reentry phase and lasts for 4 weeks. More grains are introduced here, along with the nightshade vegetables. It is advised that the dieter proceed with caution and be alert to any symptoms which may occur and which foods may have caused them. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is one of the recipes from this section that I am looking forward to trying.

Phase 4 is the maintenance phase which can be followed for 6 months or indefinitely. Whole wheat flour is the most significant addition in this phase. In order to maintain health processed foods should never be added back into the diet.

I found the general personality of the book to be very appealing. The photos are gorgeous and they really make the reader want to try each recipe pictured. The information in the book was presented in a very clear and organized manner, which makes this inflammation control diet easier to implement. I am a firm believer in the age old adage that we are what we eat. Degenerative chronic disease is becoming more and more common. Diabetes, Chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune illnesses, etc., are reaching pandemic proportions. We need to address this situation by identifying and healing the underlying causes. Recipes for Repair: A Lyme Disease Cookbook does an excellent job of tackling this most dire health emergency and should be read by anyone who is experiencing chronic symptoms. The dietary guidelines put forth in this book are not just valuable for healing Lyme disease but they are for anyone who wants to promote overall health and wellbeing.
Visit the authors' website at http://www.recipesforrepair.com/




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