Lyme Disease

Introduction: Why Lyme Disease Requires a Root-Cause Approach

Lyme disease—transmitted by tick-borne Borrelia burgdorferi—is often misdiagnosed or under-treated, especially when symptoms persist long after antibiotic courses. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond quick fixes. Our integrative approach combines infectious disease protocols with functional medicine, herbal support, and lifestyle optimization to uncover persistent infection, co-infections, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers.

We treat the whole person—not just the bacteria.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite, followed by potential spread of the bacterium throughout the body. If not treated fully, it can become a chronic, multisystem illness.

Key Stages:
  • Acute Lyme: Flu-like symptoms, rash (bull’s-eye), fever, headache.
  • Early disseminated: Joint pain, muscle aches, neuropathy, heart inflammation.
  • Chronic Lyme: Persistent fatigue, cognitive fog, mood changes, persistent joint pain, neurological issues.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Root Causes: What Drives Chronic Lyme?

From a functional medicine lens, chronic Lyme involves multiple overlapping factors:

  • Residual Borrelia infection or biofilm formation
  • Co-infections like Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia
  • Immune dysfunction, including cytokine imbalance
  • Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut promoting inflammation
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress
  • Heavy metal or mold toxin load impairing detox
  • Hormonal imbalances (adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues)
  • Genetic predispositions affecting detox and immunity

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize advanced diagnostics to understand the full scope of your Lyme disease infection and its impact on your health. We combine traditional testing with cutting-edge functional medicine assessments:

Lyme Disease Testing

Co-Infection Testing

Co-Infection Testing

Inflammatory Markers

Nutrient Deficiency Testing

Heavy Metal Testing

Integrative Treatments for Lyme Disease

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Diets rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein to reduce inflammation and support detoxification.
  • Supplementation for Detoxification: Including herbs and nutrients that support liver detox, like milk thistle and glutathione.
  • Gut Health Support: Probiotics and prebiotics to restore gut health, which can be compromised by both Lyme disease and its treatment.

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • High-Dose Vitamin C: To support immune function and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Magnesium and B Vitamins: To help alleviate fatigue and muscle pain.
  • Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant to help detoxify the body and support liver function.
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Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Andrographis: Known for its immune-boosting properties and effectiveness in treating Lyme co-infections.
  • Cat’s Claw: A potent herb shown to help fight Lyme disease and reduce inflammation.
  • Curcumin: An anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric that helps reduce pain and improve cognitive function.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
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Stress Reduction & Mental Health Support

  • Meditation and Mindfulness: To reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Acupuncture: Helps alleviate pain and support overall immune function.
  • Adaptogenic Herbs: Such as Rhodiola and Ashwagandha to balance stress hormones and improve energy levels.

Hormone Balancing

  • Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT): To balance hormones and restore energy levels.
  • Thyroid Optimization: To support healthy thyroid function, which is often impacted by chronic infections.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey with Lyme Disease

Sarah, age 45, came to us with severe fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues after being diagnosed with Lyme disease. She had been on antibiotics for several months but still felt unwell. After comprehensive testing, we discovered she had multiple tick-borne co-infections and nutrient deficiencies. We created a customized 4-month treatment plan that included:

  • Herbal support with Andrographis and Cat’s Claw
  • IV vitamin therapy with magnesium and vitamin C
  • Gut health restoration with probiotics
  • Cognitive therapy to address brain fog
  • Dietary changes to reduce inflammation

Three months later, Sarah reported significant improvements in her energy, cognitive function, and joint pain, and she was able to resume her normal activities.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Co-infections from other tick-borne pathogens can complicate the disease.

Lyme disease is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and testing for Borrelia antibodies or DNA. Co-infections may require additional testing.

Yes, Lyme disease can be managed with an integrative approach that combines herbal therapies, nutritional support, detoxification, and conventional treatments.

Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive impairment (brain fog), headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic bullseye rash (erythema migrans).

With early diagnosis and treatment, Lyme disease is often curable. Chronic Lyme disease may require a longer-term treatment approach.

Support your immune system through proper nutrition, supplements (like vitamin C, magnesium, and omega-3s), stress reduction, and IV therapy.

Co-infections are other pathogens carried by ticks, such as Babesia or Anaplasma, that can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment.

Yes, Lyme disease can lead to cognitive issues such as memory loss, brain fog, and anxiety, which can be addressed with targeted therapies.

If you suspect Lyme disease, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing long-term complications.

Long-term treatment can sometimes result in side effects such as digestive issues, herxheimer reactions (detox symptoms), and nutritional deficiencies, which can be managed with integrative care.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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