Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions today.
While many people associate it with a tick bite and a bullseye rash, the reality is far more complex. Symptoms can vary widely, testing is often inaccurate, and for some, the effects of Lyme linger long after treatment.
In this blog, we’ll uncover little-known facts about Lyme disease, explore its impact on mitochondrial health, and discuss holistic approaches that could make all the difference in recovery.
Whether you're battling Lyme or simply want to be informed, this is essential information you won’t want to miss.
For more on this topic, watch the latest episode here.
How Are Lyme Disease Symptoms Not the Same for Everyone?
Many people assume that Lyme disease presents in a predictable way, but symptoms vary widely from person to person. This variability is due in part to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular energy imbalances caused by the Lyme bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi).
For instance:
- Approximately 7% of people with Lyme disease experience no noticeable symptoms at all.
- One in six Lyme patients never develop the classic bullseye rash.
- Some may primarily experience fatigue and joint pain, while others may suffer from headaches, neurological symptoms, or cardiovascular issues.
This wide range of symptoms makes Lyme disease difficult to diagnose and often leads to misdiagnosis.
Antibiotics Don't Always Cure Lyme Disease
Borrelia burgdorferi is a highly adaptable bacteria. Once transmitted through a deer tick or black tick bite, it can evade the immune system and persist in different tissues and organs.
Even after antibiotic treatment, some people continue to experience chronic symptoms because the bacteria can relocate, survive, and multiply. This is one of the reasons why focusing on immune function and mitochondrial repair is critical to overcoming chronic Lyme disease.
What Is The Connection Between Lyme Disease and Mitochondrial Function?
According to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Education Foundation, restoring mitochondrial function is key to healing from chronic Lyme disease. Here’s why:
- Lyme bacteria hijack energy production: Mitochondria, known as the “powerhouses of the cell,” are responsible for generating the energy needed for cellular function. Borrelia burgdorferi can damage mitochondria, leading to severe fatigue and neurological issues.
- Oxidative stress: Lyme disease patients often have elevated levels of mitochondrial superoxide, a reactive oxygen species that damages cells and impairs mitochondrial efficiency.
- Neurological impact: Mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to cognitive difficulties, mood disorders, and neuroinflammation.
Additionally, Lyme disease disrupts the gut microbiome, impacting neurotransmitter production. Biofilms formed by the bacteria can deplete essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron—nutrients that play a crucial role in neurotransmitter function (dopamine, serotonin, and GABA). These disruptions may lead to cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and even symptoms resembling PTSD.
Lyme Disease: The Hidden Epidemic
Startling Lyme Disease Statistics
- The CDC estimates that 476,000 people per year in the U.S. develop Lyme disease, yet only about 60,000 cases are officially reported.
- The actual number of cases could be 6 to 12 times higher than reported.
- Many cases go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or autoimmune disorders.
Why Lyme Disease Often Goes Undetected
- Symptoms mimic other conditions: Many Lyme patients are misdiagnosed with other chronic illnesses.
- Stealth infections: Lyme bacteria can hide in tissues, avoiding immune detection.
- Inaccurate testing: Standard Lyme disease tests, like the ELISA and Western blot, are notoriously unreliable, especially in early or chronic Lyme.
- Delayed diagnosis: One study found that 54% of patients without a rash were misdiagnosed, and 23% of those with a rash were initially missed.
The Rising Threat of Lyme Disease
According to Johns Hopkins, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., and cases have more than doubled over the past two decades due to:
- Increased tick populations
- Ecological changes, including climate shifts
- Increased global travel
Many people live with Lyme disease for years without knowing it, mistaking symptoms for aging or other chronic conditions.
What Happens if Lyme Disease is Never Treated?
Untreated Lyme disease can have devastating consequences, including:
- Posttreatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): Up to 20% of treated Lyme patients develop long-term symptoms.
- Neurological Damage: Brain inflammation can cause memory loss, depression, anxiety, and even dementia-like symptoms.
- Lyme Carditis: In rare cases, Lyme bacteria infect the heart, leading to life-threatening complications like cardiac arrest.
- Autoimmune Activation: Chronic Lyme can trigger autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The longer Lyme disease persists, the harder it is to treat.
Top 6 Remedies for Lyme Disease Recovery
- Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant-Rich Diet
- Eliminate processed foods, added sugars, and inflammatory triggers.
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats.
- Support the immune system with vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D.
- Adaptogenic Herbs & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Herbs like ginseng, astragalus, and codonopsis boost immune resilience.
- Functional mushrooms (reishi, cordyceps) enhance immune defense.
- Acupuncture and Qi Gong improve energy flow and immune balance.
- Red Light Therapy
- Supports mitochondrial function, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation.
- Studies show it enhances tissue repair and immune function.
- Ozone Therapy
- Increases oxygenation, creating an inhospitable environment for Lyme bacteria.
- Enhances detoxification and immune response.
- RIFE Therapy
- Uses electromagnetic frequencies to target Lyme bacteria.
- Some patients report significant symptom improvement, though research is still developing.
- High-Dose Probiotics & Natural Antimicrobials
- Supports gut health and balances the microbiome.
- Natural antimicrobials like garlic, oregano oil, and berberine help fight infections.
- Herbal protocols like Buhner’s Lyme Protocol help disrupt biofilms and weaken bacteria.
Are There Real-Life Lyme Recovery Stories?
McKenzie Vath, a well-known wellness advocate, battled Lyme for years before turning to holistic therapies like ozone therapy and RIFE treatments, which significantly improved her symptoms.
Case Study 1: Jamie (28-year-old female)
Jamie suffered from anxiety, depression, and fatigue due to undiagnosed Lyme. After 18 months on a comprehensive treatment protocol, she regained mental clarity, left a toxic marriage, and took control of her life.
Case Study 2: Jessica (16-year-old with social difficulties)
Jessica struggled with severe depression and was often misinterpreted as angry due to Lyme-related cranial nerve dysfunction. Once on a Lyme treatment protocol, her energy and social skills improved, and she was finally able to connect with peers.
The Road to Recovery: Healing from Lyme for Good
Lyme disease is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leaving many to suffer needlessly.
While antibiotics are a common treatment, chronic Lyme often requires a more comprehensive approach focusing on mitochondrial health, immune balance, and gut restoration.
With the right combination of therapies—including diet, herbal medicine, detox strategies, and alternative therapies—many individuals have been able to regain their health and vitality.
If you suspect you may have Lyme disease or have been struggling with unexplained chronic symptoms, consider a holistic approach to support your recovery and long-term wellness.
For more on this topic, watch The Dr. Josh Axe Show “The Most Misdiagnosed Disease in America (How to Heal from Lyme Disease)”
