Understanding the Complex and Chronic Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Aug 19, 2025
For some, the effects of Lyme disease can become chronic, complex, and profoundly life-altering.
Our team at Market Place Naturopathic in Seattle, Washington, has seen firsthand how Lyme disease can affect every layer of health: physical, mental, and emotional. We have extensive expertise in integrative medicine and naturopathic therapies. One of our specialties is diagnosing and treating vector-borne illnesses like Lyme.
We’re happy to provide information about the chronic symptoms of this complex illness.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted most often through the bite of a black-legged (deer) tick.
Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can be very effective, but sometimes symptoms linger or emerge much later. This characteristic can lead to what’s often referred to as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).
One of the challenges with Lyme disease is that it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. The bacteria can move throughout the body, impacting joints, the nervous system, the digestive tract, and even the heart.
Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which makes diagnosis difficult. Additionally, coinfections from other tick-borne pathogens can complicate the picture.
Borrelia is typically only player in complex chronic illness. A full evaluation for co-infections and other bacteria, viral infections, protozoal and intestinal parasites, and fungal dysbiosis is necessary to address chronic Lyme disease.
Common signs of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of infection. For instance, early symptoms may mimic a flu-like illness, including:
These early symptoms typically occur within three to 30 days of the tick bite and, with prompt treatment, may resolve within several weeks.
Chronic symptoms of Lyme disease may include:
Many patients describe feeling like their health is unraveling without explanation, only to discover that Lyme disease was a hidden driver.
At Market Place Naturopathic, we take an integrative naturopathic approach to treatment because Lyme disease is rarely just about the infection itself. The immune system, detoxification pathways, gut health, stress levels, and even emotional well-being all play roles in recovery.
Our care includes:
We use testing protocols looking for Borrelia, coinfections, and underlying imbalances that can have a significant impact on your health.
Our team often recommends antibiotics, botanicals, targeted supplements, and lifestyle strategies to help strengthen your body’s defenses.
Our comprehensive treatment approaches are targeted at reducing the burden on the body with gentle detoxification and inflammation reduction.
Supporting the brain and mood with natural therapies that address stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption are also integral to our treatment plans.
We direct therapy to optimize digestion and nutrient absorption to fuel recovery. For instance, you may benefit from nutritional IV (intravenous) therapy and dietary supplements.
Living with chronic Lyme disease can feel overwhelming, but healing is possible with the proper medical detective work.
Because symptoms can affect every aspect of life, it’s crucial to work with a healthcare team that listens deeply, looks at the whole person, and builds a personalized treatment plan.
At Market Place Naturopathic, we believe healing is not just about eradicating infection; it’s about restoring balance, resilience, and vitality.
Submit a contact form to become a new patient and request a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our doctors. We’re here to help.