Lyme Disease: A Large Scale Overview to Understanding it More

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and I didn’t know just how profoundly inadequate our general (and medical) understanding was until I came face to face with it myself just 2 years ago.

The bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can affect multiple body systems and so closely mimics other diseases — often leading those infected to be misdiagnosed or mistreated. Additionally, this spirochete bacteria can embed itself into organ tissues and create biofilms around themselves, easily escaping detection by the immune system and making it even more difficult to diagnose or treat. The undetected bacteria can then persist through the body, leading to a chronic Lyme disease infection.

Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted by the blacklegged (deer) tick. The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi then moves through the bloodstream and has the ability to infect different organs and tissues, including the heart, nervous system, joints, and skin. This can result in a range of symptoms, (like, over 300 known symptoms linking to Lyme itself!) — some of the most common are fatigue, joint pain, neurological problems, and skin rashing.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease can be challenging to detect and diagnose because its symptoms so closely overlap with those of many other conditions. And because most people don’t remember getting a tick bike, and few end up developing the characteristic bull’s-eye rash shortly after becoming infected, identifying Lyme early on can be extremely difficult.

The initial diagnosis of Lyme disease is usually based on symptoms, medical history (including a tick bite or exposure to ticks), and physical examination. Blood tests are also commonly ran in order to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi.

Two common blood tests used in conventional medicine to detect Lyme disease are the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Western blot. These tests look for specific antibodies to the Borrelia bugdorferi bacteria in the blood. However, these tests are rarely credible to detecting a Lyme infection as most people carrying the disease either don’t have immune recognition (ie: no antibodies are created due to the biofilms formed around the bacteria), or don’t have immune systems strong enough to be able to create antibodies to combat the infection. Because of this, false-negatives are a common result.

Though these blood tests are considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing Lyme disease, they are both grossly indirect in measuring Lyme infection. Because they are detecting the body’s immunologic response to the bacteria infect, rather than detecting the bacteria itself, it can miss up to 60% of cases for early-stage Lyme disease (ie: “Acute” Lyme disease).

Lyme Co-Infections & Other Tickborne Illnesses:

Though Lyme disease is most commonly known, there are many additional tickborne illnesses widely identified as “co-infections”. Like Lyme disease, these typically enter the body through a bite from a tick or other infected animal/insect. Once in your bloodstream, the bacteria moves throughout the body and affects different organs and tissues. The exact path of any of these infections can vary greatly depending on the type of tickborne illness it is, and the infected individual’s immune response — adding to the complexity of detection once symptoms arise.

One common co-infection of Lyme disease is Babesiosis. This is a type of parasite that infects red blood cells and is transmitted by the same tick species that transmit Lyme disease. Babesiosis can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as anemia in some cases. The parasites tend to accumulate in the spleen and liver of its infected host, leading to enlargement and dysfunction of those organs.

Another common bacteria causing tickborne illness is Bartonellosis. This is a type of bacteria that can cause several different illnesses, including cat scratch disease and trench fever. Symptoms of Bartonellosis can include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Cat scratch disease, which is caused by Bartonella henselae, can affect lymph nodes, while trench fever, caused by Bartonella quintana, can affect bone marrow.

Anaplasmosis is yet another tickborne illness that is often linked to those suffering with Lyme disease. Like many of the other co-infections, symptoms of Anaplasmosis can vary from fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, anaplasmosis can even cause organ failure, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Though this is not a comprehensive list of tickborne illnesses, what I can summarize is these forms of tickborne bacteria can move throughout the body and affect different organs and tissues, causing a range of symptoms with little to now clues as to what’s instigating them. If left untreated, any of these infections can lead to more serious health complications, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Treating Lyme Disease and other Tickborne Illnesses through a Holistic Approach:

It is vital for the treatment of Lyme and other tickborne illnesses to be done through a comprehensive approach — looking at the underlying causes of the illness and addressing them through a personalized treatment plan. This holistic approach focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, while identifying and removing obstacles to optimal health. The most utilized way of finding this kind of care is through Functional Medicine — an individualized, patient-centered approach, seeking to optimize health by addressing the unique needs and circumstances of each patient.

One of the key aspects of Functional Medicine when treating Lyme disease (& other tickborne illnesses) is addressing the immune system. Having a robust immune system is crucial in fighting infections, and Lyme disease can cause significant immune dysfunction. This can result in chronic inflammation, leading to a host of health problems. By supporting and optimizing the immune system, we can help the body better fight the infection and reduce overall inflammation.

Another important approach Functional Medicine uses in treating Lyme disease is addressing the gut. The gut plays a pivotal role in immune function, and imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to significant dysfunction when it comes to your immune system. By addressing gut health through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, we are able to support the immune system and improve overall health.

I also can’t overlook Functional Medicine’s assessment of lifestyle factors when addressing Lyme disease. Stress, poor sleep, and a lack of physical activity can all contribute to immune dysfunction and your body’s ability to combat chronic inflammation. By addressing these factors, we can support the body’s natural healing process and improve overall health outcomes.

*Please note: each patient is unique and their treatment plan should reflect their individual needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, Lyme disease and its common Co-Infections are serious and complex illnesses that can have a profound impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. While it’s quite controversial on if there’s a cure for Lyme disease, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications. Additionally, incorporating natural and holistic approaches, such as a healthy diet, stress reduction, and exercise, can also help to support the immune system and aid in recovery. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to Lyme disease management, patients can improve their quality of life and regain control of their health.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this post, as well as all of the #SimplyRootedBlog, is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical treatment.