At the age of 20, I had Lyme Disease after a mission trip to Colorado and returned to California in very ill health for a few years.

Lyme Disease ravished my body — leaving me in a state of constant fever, disabling inflammation and pain in my knees and stomach, and always in a state of fatigue, lessened mental dexterity, persistent migraines, and depression.

Fortunately, after endless tests, a spinal tap, bloodwork, possible gallbladder removal, and more — I got better.

After conquering Lyme Disease — with a mix of antibiotics prescribed by a team of doctors — I was left with a lowered immune system and immense digestive problems. It was hard to keep food down, especially if the food was high in fat content.

I feel antibiotics are necessary to aggressively kill off spirochete (spiral) bacteria in your body from Lyme when needed — but I also believe it’s crucial to maintain good health while going through the antibiotic schedule. You must be your body’s best advocate and #1 fan.

To bring my body back to better health and strength, I had to make changes in my lifestyle habits and behaviors — creating better habits and practices in the process.

Take Steps To Improve Your Gut Health Biome To Fight Back Against Lyme Disease

Your digestive system’s biome includes the flowering bacteria that reside in your stomach, intestines, and more — and can foster either good or bad bacteria.

When you’re fighting Lyme Disease, the body is already taxed. Inflammation plagues your body, and your body is already in a fighting mode — taking up many resources.

To best succeed in beating Lyme Disease, you must do everything in your power to take care of your body, so it has a chance to recover and recuperate after giving so much to keep Lyme Disease spirochete bacteria at bay. 

  • Quit Smoking — My overall health majorly improved after I quit smoking years ago, with my stomach and digestive system being areas most improved. Smoking breaks down the muscles that keep food and acid from entering the esophagus and can cause heartburn and more.
  • Eat More Yogurt — Getting more beneficial probiotics is essential to improving your overall gut health. Eating foods like yogurt with friendly probiotic bacteria is a wonderful way to naturally eat your way to better health. Probiotic supplements are also available.
  • Get More Sleep — I’ve always had a bad relationship with sleep and a light sleeper, but I found that the more I slept when fighting Lyme Disease, the better chance I had. There’s a line between sleeping long and restfully and oversleeping due to depression or fatigue, talk to a doctor if you feel out-of-sync or not sure if your current sleeping schedule is healthy.
  • Exercise & Stretch — Although it may feel a bit uncomfortable, stretch and exercise when you can when you have Lyme Disease, and increase your stretching and exercise regimen if you feel more recovered, post-disease. Stop if pain is felt when working out or stretching.
  • Consume Less Sugar — One of the best things I did for myself while I had Lyme Disease to now, is cut down on the amount of sugar in my diet. I’m a big snacker and have worked from home my whole life — I can eat a whole huge amount of candy and sweets if I let myself. I’ve learned to only purchase sweets minimally on a day-by-day basis and reward myself with splurge days when needed to stay on track. When you’re eating sugars and carbohydrates, you increase the yeast in your body. Some yeast in your body is good, but if there’s an overgrowth, it can cause harm to your digestive system.
  • Cut Out Alcohol & Coffee — Alcohol and coffee introduce more acid to the stomach that eats away at any good bacteria living. Drinking alcohol and coffee makes your stomach create lots of acids, leading to gastritis — the inflammation of the stomach’s lining. Gastritis doesn’t help when you’re already fighting Lyme Disease.
  • Eat Simply — Eating more simply undoubtedly saved my life after having Lyme Disease. Foods like cottage cheese, avocado, and water with lemon have been daily staples to keep me going — being easy on my stomach and allowing it to heal after an intense regiment of antibiotics. Any foods high in fat, especially red meats, were most problematic on my stomach and often rejected. Now, I eat red meat occasionally and often substitute turkey. Additionally, I include a lot of garlic and bananas in my diet for prebiotic support.

I’m one of the lucky ones who is now healed of Lyme Disease with no trace of the bacteria in my blood after many years, but I believe my regimen in doing better for my body was part of my success.

It’s rough to have Lyme Disease. Your body hurts, your mind doesn’t feel right, and it’s often a long road to full recovery — sometimes staying with you for life.

Know that despite its difficulties — you too have a bright future, even if you’ve recently been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I have a body that’s a bit more weakened, especially in my joints and digestive system, but I’m now 30 and in better health both physically and mentally than I have been in over ten years.

Reach out to your loved ones if you ever feel in need of support while battling Lyme Disease — and face life day by day, little by little.

You are strong.