Chevy Chase functional medicine specialist, Dr. Tavakoli offers treatments for lyme disease that focus on optimizing health for patients suffering from lyme disease in Washington D.C. Metro.
Warmer months means it’s time to enjoy nature. When the sun comes out, many of us venture into the wild for hiking, biking, camping and more. While it may be fun to get out and play, it remains vital to protect ourselves from the more harmful elements of outdoor activities.
Lyme disease is an illness spread by blacklegged ticks (or deer ticks) carrying a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. When bitten, Lyme disease may be transmitted to humans, causing a slew of symptoms that, if left unchecked, can progress through three stages. Luckily, Chevy Chase patients who are seeking care for Lyme Disease are re-discovering their optimal wellness with Delara Tavakoli, M.D. of Tavicare.
Call functional medicine expert, Dr. Delara Tavakoli at (240) 425-4985 if you are experiencing symptoms of lyme disease. The sooner you call the sooner Delara Tavakoli, M.D. of Tavicare can help.
The Three Stages of Lyme Disease:
According to the CDC, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme Disease are reported each year, though it is estimated that a more accurate number of cases may be 476,000. Many times symptoms go unnoticed or ignored, allowing the disease to progress to stage two or three.
Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy for Lyme Disease
What is SOT Therapy for Lyme Disease?
SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy) is an advanced treatment designed to target and neutralize the underlying Lyme disease-causing bacteria in the body. By using a customized sequence of oligonucleotides, SOT therapy interferes with the bacteria’s ability to replicate, allowing the immune system to clear the infection more effectively. This therapy provides a non-invasive, cutting-edge solution for patients struggling with chronic Lyme disease.
Benefits of SOT Therapy
SOT therapy offers several key benefits for Lyme disease patients:
- Targeted Action: It specifically targets the Lyme-causing bacteria without affecting healthy cells.
- Non-Invasive: The treatment is delivered through an IV, making it a simple and painless option.
- Long-Lasting Effects: SOT therapy works continuously for several months, providing sustained relief from symptoms.
- Customizable: The treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique genetic makeup, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to combating Lyme disease.
Dr. Tavakoli’s Expertise with SOT Therapy
Dr. Delara Tavakoli at Tavicare is a recognized expert in the treatment of chronic Lyme disease, offering SOT therapy as part of her comprehensive care. With years of experience in functional medicine, Dr. Tavakoli provides personalized treatment plans that address the complex nature of Lyme disease. Her expertise with SOT therapy allows her to help patients regain their health and quality of life, even after years of battling Lyme disease. Tavicare, located in Chevy Chase, serves patients across the Washington D.C. metro area.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease
You Found A Tick:
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible. You can do this with a tick removal devise or a set of fine-tipped tweezers.
Should you opt for the tweezers, be sure to clean them first, then pull the tick upwards with even pressure, making sure not to twist or jerk the tick. Be sure to clean the bite area and your hands before disposing of the tick.
When to Talk to A Doctor
Unless the tick has been attached to you for an extended period of time (24 hours or longer) your chances of contracting Lyme disease is very small. However, be sure to watch the bite area for a rash, which will usually appear within 3 to 30 days.
Testing for Lyme Disease
If you detect a rash or symptoms, which usually occur around 3 to 30 days after the bite, go to see your doctor as soon as possible. Be prepared to answer questions about the likelihood or time of exposure as well as your general symptoms.
Your doctor may do a blood draw for antibody testing. If this is the case, they will go over the results with you and help you determine the best course of action from there.
Causes & Prevention of Lyme Disease
What Causes Lyme Disease?
The most immediate and well known cause of Lyme Disease is the bite of a Blacklegged, or deer, tick. Most often, it is the immature blacklegged ticks that carry Lyme after they have fed on infected animals.
A less discussed cause of Lyme Disease is when a pregnant woman is infected and she goes without treatment. Her placenta may become infected, which may lead to complications with the developing fetus.
Though very rare, there are reported cases of children being born with Lyme disease.
Preventative Measures
Lyme Disease is a more frequent occurrence during warm months, and these blacklegged ticks are most often encountered in areas with high grass. Ticks will go where the food is – so if you are going to an where you expect to see deer or small rodents, assuming ticks are there too is a best practice.
Here are a few tricks that can help you avoid tick bites.
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants and tucking your shirt into your waistline and pant legs into your socks give ticks fewer access points.
- Light-colored clothing provides a good contrast to the small black ticks, making them easier to spot and remove.
- Apply insect repellents such as DEET to your clothing and exposed skin.
- Walk in the center of trails, instead of near the tall grass.
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors, be sure to do a tick check.
- Don’t forget to check your children, pets, clothing, and gear for ticks.
- Learn about ways to prevent ticks from infesting your backyard.
More information about tick prevention, and how to do body-checks for yourself and your pets can be found on the CDC’s website.

The Sooner We Catch It, The Sooner We Cure It
It’s important not to wait if you are exhibiting symptoms of lyme disease! Call (240) 425-4985 and schedule your appointment with Delara Tavakoli, M.D. of Tavicare in Chevy Chase today.

Chevy Chase Functional Medicine Specialist
At Tavicare, Dr. Delara Tavakoli is a leading specialist in functional medicine, focusing on addressing the root causes of chronic health issues to promote long-term wellness. Her personalized approach integrates advanced diagnostics with natural, holistic therapies to treat conditions such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and digestive problems. By emphasizing patient-centered care, Dr. Tavakoli designs treatment plans that target the unique health needs of each individual. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tavicare serves patients throughout the Washington D.C. Metro area, helping them achieve optimal health and vitality.
