Affecting an estimated 476,000 Americans each year, Lyme disease is a prominent health concern in the U.S. With the potential for serious complications, Lyme disease must be diagnosed and treated promptly to protect your long-term health. 

Integrative medicine provides unique benefits in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. Read on to learn more about an integrative approach to this medical condition!

What is Integrative Medicine?

First, let’s provide a brief overview of integrative medicine. 

Integrative medicine combines complementary, alternative, and conventional medicine to address health concerns from multiple angles. It considers every aspect of your health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

With its inclusion of many medical modalities, integrative medicine can be helpful for individuals struggling with complex or difficult-to-treat conditions, including Lyme disease.   

Integrative Medicine for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a unique bacterial infection that can trigger immune system dysfunction, causing inflammation throughout the body. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the nervous system, joints, and heart, with many possible complications. 

With early symptoms that are indicative of many other conditions (including fever and fatigue), Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose. It can also be challenging to treat, as the bacteria can survive conventional antibiotics in some patients. 

Using integrative medicine to manage Lyme disease can grant the patient a broader range of therapies. With a greater degree of personalization and more treatment options than conventional medicine, an integrative approach to Lyme disease may provide superior results. 

Treatments that are typically included in integrative treatment plans for Lyme disease include:

• Herbs, supplements, and natural treatments to bolster the immune system, including antibiotics if appropriate
• Detoxification through methods like chelation and ozone therapy to rid the body of substances that exacerbate inflammation
• Nutritional plans that incorporate specific nutrients to strengthen immunity
• Stress management strategies, including yoga, meditation, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments
• Herbal remedies rooted in ancient medicine

To learn more about integrative medicine for Lyme disease, schedule an appointment at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine today!