I'm not sure about the reasons for Benicar, since it is used to treat high blood pressure in the British National Formulary. However I found this about Questran. It is part of this page about treatment of Lyme disease, so the similarities are obvious:
http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htmTwo groups have reported evidence that Borrelia, like several other bacteria, produce neurotoxins. These compounds reportedly can cause many of the symptoms of encephalopathy, cause an ongoing inflammatory reaction manifested as some of the virus-like symptoms common in late Lyme, and also potentially interfere with hormone action by blocking hormone receptors. At this time, there is no assay available to detect whether this compound is present, nor can the amount of toxin be quantified. Indirect measures are currently employed, such as measures of cytokine activation and hormone resistance. A visual contrast sensitivity test (VCS test) reportedly is quite useful in documenting CNS effects of the neurotoxin, and to follow effects of treatment. This test is available at some centers and on the internet.
It has been said that the longer one is ill with Lyme, the more neurotoxin is present in the body. It probably is stored in fatty tissues, and once present, persists for a very long time. This may be because of enterohepatic circulation, where the toxin is excreted via the bile into the intestinal tract, but then is reabsorbed from the intestinal tract back into the blood stream. This forms the basis for treatment.
Synthetic fiber agents, available by prescription for the treatment of high cholesterol, have the ability to bind some bacterial toxins. When take orally in generous amounts, the neurotoxin, present in the intestinal tract, binds to the resin, is trapped, and then excreted. Thus, over several weeks, the level of neurotoxin is depleted and clinical improvement can be seen. Current experience is that improvement is first seen in three weeks, and treatment continues for two to four months. Retreatment is always possible.
Two prescription medications that can bind these toxins include cholestyramine resin (Questran), and Welchol pills. These medications may bind not only toxins but also many drugs and vitamin supplements. Therefore no other oral medications or supplements should be taken from one hour before, to three hours after a dose of one of these fiber agents.
Cholestyramine must be taken four times daily, and Welchol is prescribed at three pills twice daily. While the latter is obviously much simpler to use, it is less effective than cholestyramine. The main side effects are bloating and constipation, best handled with increased fluid intake and gentle laxatives.
And also this about Pangestyme, which you probably alreasdy have:
http://www.pangestyme.com/pages/pdf/58177002904_PIS.pdf
So, 'could do better'.
But I also thought to add this:
Copied from here:Yaeyama Chlorella is a single-celled algae, a whole food, containing zero binders, preservatives or fillers, but filled with 100% natural ingredients.
Millions worldwide are taking Chlorella because it:
Lessens the severity of an illness, and you recover more quickly from it
Relieves the effects of arthritis and fybromyalgia pain
Protects the brain from age-related memory loss
Normalizes blood pressure and promotes a lower 'bad' cholesterol count
Detoxifies the body, removing even heavy metals and pesticides
Protects against some cancer-causing agents found in food
Boosts the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to bacteria, viruses, and toxic chemicals
Regulates digestion and supports good bowel health
http://chlorella-europe.com/index.html
I don't think I have added it to my regimen page yet, but I do take between eight and twelve of these a day. They taste a bit like an accidental mouthful of seawater and they mean you need to take much less charcoal.
I hope this helps!
Sarah
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