Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing vector-borne illnesses in the United States, but for many patients, the story doesn’t end after a simple course of antibiotics. While early intervention is important, countless patients continue to suffer from persistent symptoms months or even years later. This lingering condition is often called chronic Lyme disease, and it can make patients feel frustrated, dismissed, and stuck without answers.
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we understand the complexity of Lyme disease and its long-lasting effects. That’s why we take a functional medicine approach, looking beyond the infection itself to understand how Lyme has affected the entire body. By identifying root causes and restoring balance, we help patients move toward real, sustainable healing.
What Is Chronic Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. In the early stages, it often presents as fatigue, fever, joint pain, and sometimes the characteristic bull’s-eye rash. When treated promptly with antibiotics, many patients recover fully.
However, some patients experience ongoing issues even after treatment. These may include:
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Joint and muscle pain that shifts around the body
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive upset or food sensitivities
- Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
This constellation of symptoms suggests more than just a lingering infection—it reflects the way Lyme disease impacts the immune system, gut health, nervous system, and inflammatory pathways.
A Functional Medicine Lens on Lyme
Functional medicine asks: why is this happening in your body, and how can we restore balance? Instead of masking symptoms with medication, Dr. Tara focuses on identifying and addressing the root imbalances triggered by Lyme disease.
Some areas we assess include:
- Immune system dysregulation: Chronic Lyme often leaves the immune system in overdrive, creating inflammation and autoimmunity-like symptoms.
- Gut health: Antibiotic use and chronic infection can disrupt the gut microbiome, weakening digestion and immunity.
- Nutrient depletion: Chronic illness often depletes key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for repair.
- Toxin burden: Lyme and its coinfections may increase toxic load, making detoxification pathways sluggish.
- Mitochondrial function: Energy production is often impaired, contributing to fatigue and brain fog.
Treatment Beyond Antibiotics
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, treatment for chronic Lyme is personalized and may include:
- Advanced testing to identify co-infections, nutrient deficiencies, and immune imbalances.
- Nutritional protocols that emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, gut support, and balanced blood sugar.
- Targeted supplementation to restore nutrients and strengthen immune defenses.
- Detoxification support to reduce toxic load and enhance healing.
- Integrative therapies such as herbal antimicrobials, IV therapy, or other supportive care to address lingering infections.
- Lifestyle coaching for sleep, movement, and stress management—since these directly affect the immune response.
Restoring Hope and Resilience
Chronic Lyme disease can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. When patients address the whole body—not just the infection—they often experience:
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- More stable energy levels
- Clearer focus and memory
- Stronger resilience to stress
- Improved overall quality of life
Healing is a journey, and every patient’s path looks different. With functional medicine, we partner with you to uncover the unique factors contributing to your illness and build a plan that works for your body.
If you’ve been struggling with lingering symptoms after Lyme disease, you don’t have to accept them as your “new normal.” Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tara and discover how functional medicine can help you move forward with renewed energy and hope.
