Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. While early Lyme disease responds well to antibiotic treatment, chronic Lyme disease — or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) — remains a challenging and often poorly addressed condition in conventional medicine.
Understanding Chronic Lyme Disease
Approximately 10-20% of patients treated for Lyme disease continue to experience symptoms — fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment, and other debilitating symptoms — for months to years after treatment. The conventional medical community debates the mechanisms, but the suffering of those affected is real and significant.
Integrative Approaches to Chronic Lyme
Ozone Therapy
Medical ozone has direct antimicrobial properties against Borrelia and co-infections. EBO2 (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) and major autohemotherapy (MAH) are increasingly used by integrative practitioners for chronic Lyme, with some patients reporting significant improvement.
IV Nutrition Support
Chronic Lyme and its treatment deplete key nutrients. IV vitamin C, glutathione, B vitamins, and magnesium support immune function, reduce oxidative stress, and support recovery.
Herbal Antimicrobials
Herbs including Japanese knotweed (resveratrol), cat's claw, andrographis, and cryptolepis have shown antimicrobial activity against Borrelia in laboratory studies. Used as part of a comprehensive protocol, they may help address persistent infection.
Biofilm Disruption
Borrelia creates protective biofilms that shield it from antibiotics and immune attack. Biofilm-disrupting agents — including enzymes, EDTA, and specific herbal compounds — are used in chronic Lyme protocols to improve treatment effectiveness.
Immune Modulation and Inflammation Control
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN), peptide therapies, and targeted anti-inflammatory protocols help regulate the immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation that characterize persistent Lyme disease.
Working with an Integrative Provider
Chronic Lyme management requires an experienced integrative provider who understands both conventional and complementary approaches. At Alive and Well, we work with patients dealing with complex chronic illness including Lyme disease, creating individualized protocols based on comprehensive testing.
