“Inflammation is a bonfire produced by the immune system in reaction to allergies, infections, poor diet, chemicals, heavy metals, and intestinal dysbiosis. It is the inflammatory response that produces many of the symptoms of Lyme disease.”

So says Dr. Deborah Metzger, a gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in the treatment of women with challenging medical problems. (In some cases, she also treats men.) Metzger will speak on the topic of Inflammation: Taming the Fire at CALDA’s upcoming patient conference.

Dr. Metzger is recognized as a leading authority in the integrative and holistic treatment of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. As a necessity, she is also an expert in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and Lyme disease since these problems often accompany pain issues.

According to Metzger, Lyme disease contributes to inflammation, but is rarely the only source. “Until enough sources of inflammation are controlled,” she says, “the symptoms of ‘Lyme disease’ will persist.”

A low glycemic diet may help, but Metzger says diet alone is unlikely to do the job. Her talk will discuss a range of strategies for reducing inflammation.

CALDA’s second annual patient conference, “Getting Healthy Again in 2010,” will be held April 24, 1-4:30 p.m., at the Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA.

Other speakers include Dr. Dave Martz, Dr. Christine Green, and Dr. Ray Stricker. There is also a separate workshop for teens with Lyme disease, led by family therapist Kathleen Steele, LCSW. For registration information, click here.