Adjunct Chronic Lyme Disease Care
Compassionate, ND-led support designed to help you feel and function better while you work with your primary healthcare team.
For education only. Not a substitute for urgent medical care or antibiotic therapy when indicated. Individual results vary.
Natural Support for Ongoing Symptoms
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, can lead to persistent symptoms for some people. When symptoms continue after initial care, this is sometimes referred to as Post‑Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Common challenges can include fatigue, joint or muscle pain, cognitive changes, sleep disruption, headaches, and digestive concerns.
Our clinic offers adjunctive, whole‑person care that aims to support comfort, function, and quality of life—while coordinating with your existing medical team.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic medicine looks at the whole picture—medical history, lifestyle, stress, nutrition, and goals—to build a personalized plan. Care may include:
- Support for detoxification: nutrition, targeted botanicals, sauna guidance, and adjunct IV nutrients when appropriate.
- Immune balance: botanicals and nutrients selected to help maintain immune resilience.
- Inflammation modulation: lifestyle strategies and adjunct therapies aimed at easing day‑to‑day discomfort.
- Gut integrity: assessment tools and protocols to support the intestinal barrier and microbiome.
- Neurological comfort: antioxidants and lifestyle strategies to support clarity and focus.
- Whole‑person wellness: stress management, acupuncture, movement, and sleep hygiene.
Commonly Reported Symptoms We Aim to Support
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and an essential nutrient involved in immune function and tissue repair. In an adjunctive context, high‑dose IV Vitamin C is used to support overall resilience, energy, and recovery. Some patients also report improvements in day‑to‑day comfort as part of a comprehensive plan.
Provided following an ND assessment and screening to determine candidacy. Not presented as a cure or replacement for antibiotics where indicated.
Glutathione—often called the body’s “master antioxidant”—plays a central role in redox balance and hepatic detoxification. As an adjunct therapy, IV glutathione is used to support detox pathways, liver function, and overall recovery during complex or prolonged health journeys.
Therapy is considered after clinical review and appropriate lab work when required. Individual response varies.
Additional Naturopathic Modalities
- Botanical medicine to complement symptom management and overall resilience.
- Homeopathy tailored to the individual presentation.
- IV nutrient therapy (e.g., B‑vitamins, magnesium) when appropriate to address specific needs.
- Acupuncture for relaxation, pain relief, and nervous‑system balance.
- Nutrition & lifestyle coaching to align daily habits with recovery goals.
The Role of Nutrition
Nutrition underpins every plan we build. We focus on nutrient density, stable blood sugar, hydration, and foods that support digestive comfort and immune balance. When helpful, we may outline phased plans and personalized supplementation.
How We Work With Your Healthcare Team
Our care is collaborative. We encourage ongoing communication with your family physician, infectious‑disease specialists, and other providers. Naturopathic care can complement conventional treatments and help you navigate side‑effects, recovery, and long‑term wellness planning.
Lyme Co‑Infections — Interactive Guide
Click a co‑infection to see key features. This is an educational overview and not a diagnostic tool.
Babesia
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, night sweats, marked fatigue, headache, myalgia, anemia; “air hunger”.
- Notes: Malaria‑like parasite infects red blood cells; may intensify fatigue and detox burden.
Bartonella
- Symptoms: Bone/shin/sole pain, tender lymph nodes, neuropathy, anxiety/irritability, cognitive changes, striae‑like skin streaks.
- Notes: Neurovascular inflammation possible; neuropsychiatric features in some cases.
Ehrlichia
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, malaise, myalgia; labs may show low WBC/platelets and ↑ liver enzymes.
- Notes: Similar to Anaplasma; affects white blood cells; often flu‑like presentation.
Anaplasma
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, myalgia, headache, nausea; labs may show low WBC/platelets and ↑ liver enzymes.
- Notes: Overlaps with Ehrlichia; frequently presents as non‑specific “flu‑like” illness.
Lyme Disease in Ontario — Snapshot
- 2015–2022: 7,762 reported cases (confirmed + probable) in Ontario; ~93% confirmed.
- Incidence increased roughly three‑fold over this period.
- 2017: 959 cases; incidence 6.7 per 100,000 population.
- Canada 2022: 2,525 cases nationwide; most reports from Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia.
- Under‑detection: Canadian analyses estimate that only ~3.6%–9.8% of true Lyme cases are formally detected, implying the true burden could be ~10–28× higher than reported.
- Early test sensitivity: The standard two‑tier serology used in Ontario has low sensitivity in early infection (≈29–40%), so early cases may test negative.
- Negative ≠ ruled out: Public health guidance notes that a negative Lyme serology does not rule out infection—particularly in the first weeks after exposure.
- Implication: Given expanding tick ranges and diagnostic limitations, reported case counts likely underestimate the true incidence in Ontario.
This section summarizes findings from Canadian peer‑reviewed research and Ontario public‑health guidance.
FAQs
Is this a replacement for antibiotics?
No. When antibiotics are clinically indicated, they remain essential. Our care is adjunctive and aims to support comfort, function, and overall wellbeing alongside your primary treatment plan.
Do I need an initial consultation?
Yes. A consultation allows your ND to review your history, symptoms, current therapies, and goals, and to determine whether adjunct treatments such as IV nutrients are appropriate for you.
What about testing and monitoring?
Testing and monitoring are individualized. Your ND will discuss whether any labs or assessments are appropriate to help guide your plan.
Is this a cure for chronic Lyme disease?
No. We do not claim cures. Our focus is on supportive, patient‑centred care to help you feel and function better in daily life.
Get Started
If you’re ready to explore adjunct naturopathic care for persistent Lyme‑related symptoms, our team is here to help. We’ll meet you where you are and build a plan that matches your goals.