How do you get Lyme disease?

Introduction: Why Lyme Disease Needs a Functional Approach

Lyme disease is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take a comprehensive, integrative approach that combines conventional diagnostics with holistic and functional medicine. Our goal is not just symptom management, but deep healing—by addressing underlying immune dysfunction, inflammation, and co-infections.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (commonly known as a deer tick). Early treatment is crucial to prevent chronic complications affecting the nervous system, joints, and heart.

How Do You Get Lyme Disease?

You can contract Lyme disease through:

Tick Bites: Especially from ticks in wooded or grassy areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast.

Outdoor Exposure: Activities like hiking, gardening, or camping can increase your risk.

Pets: Dogs and cats can carry ticks into your home.

Missed Infections: A tick can bite and fall off unnoticed; not all cases feature the classic bullseye rash.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Root Causes & Triggers (Why It Becomes Chronic)

Functional medicine helps answer why Lyme lingers in some patients:

  • Delayed or incomplete antibiotic treatment
  • Weakened immune system
  • Heavy metal toxicity
  • Chronic mold or environmental toxin exposure
  • Co-infections (e.g., Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia)
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Poor gut health and leaky gut

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:

Western blot and ELISA (traditional)

IGeneX testing for co-infections

CD57 immune marker

Inflammatory markers (CRP, cytokines)

Gut microbiome and leaky gut panels

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, 39, came to us after years of undiagnosed symptoms: joint pain, fatigue, and memory issues. Conventional tests were inconclusive, but advanced labs confirmed Lyme, Babesia, and mold toxicity.

Our 6-month integrative plan included:

  • Herbal antimicrobial therapy
  • IV ozone and glutathione
  • Mold detox and gut repair
  • Adrenal support with adaptogens
  • Emotional release through breathwork

Jonathan now reports 90% symptom improvement and is back to work and hiking again.

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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