Lyme disease is an inflammatory illness that can sometimes be serious that is caused by the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that is transmitted from wild animals by tick bites (black-legged ticks/deer ticks). Lyme disease may affect many different systems in the body and thus create many symptoms throughout the body.

Lyme disease, a sometimes –serious illness transmitted by ticks, is on the rise in North America. Testing for Lyme disease is important to properly treat and prevent chronic symptoms linked to misdiagnosis, and or miss-treatments which can be debilitating. Blood testing with traditional Ontario OHIP labs may be inconclusive, as the test used in Canada captures only 38% of acute cases, according to Health Canada.  In addition in early Lyme disease, the initial testing is negative 50-65% of the time, Why? One reason is that it can take two- to three weeks for the antibodies to develop. Co-infections are often present with Lyme disease and thus it is important for a health care provider to assess your health to navigate proper testing for you.

You can have Lyme disease without getting a bullseye rash or experiencing flu-like symptoms. In fact, fewer than 50% of Lyme patients ever recall even being bit by a tick.
Source: International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society

Lyme can be transmitted sexually, in utero, by ticks and other insects.

It can remain dormant for years and activate at any time.

There are 32 known co-infections aka “stealth infections” that often accompany it… and add in the viruses, parasites and mold pathogens that move in due to a compromised immune system and it’s no wonder it’s one of the most complex diseases in the world which needs the support of a trained professional. Our Naturopathic and Nurse Practitioner team works together to bring you the latest diagnostics and strategies for care.

No. We believe the most accurate testing is done after your practitioner reviews your history and performs a physical exam thoroughly. Your health is individual to you and so should your testing versus a blanket approach. More tailored testing options are available.

Indirect Detection Tests

These tests are a detection of the antibodies in the blood which have formed in response to the B. burgdorferi spirochete. A positive test only indicates that a person has most likely been infected with the agent of Lyme disease in the past or quite recently. The immune response may last for many years after the infection is gone. A negative test early in infection may be a false negative, as the antibody response takes time to develop (one to three weeks). The biggest concern of these antibody tests is that they do not give information on whether the infection is present at the time of the test. (However if there is a dramatic increase in an ELISA or a 4-fold rise in titer on an IFA, then it is likely that an active infection is present). These antibody tests have poor sensitivity in early Lyme disease (35-50%) and inadequate sensitivity in some of the later stages of Lyme disease (75-89% in neurological Lyme disease).

• EIA or Enzyme: Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test: The ELISA test used most often to detect Lyme disease, is more quantitative and automated. ELISA detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi. But because it can sometimes provide false –positive results, it’s not used as the sole basis for diagnosis. This test may not be positive in the early stage of Lyme disease.
• C6 Peptide ELISA or VlsE ELISA: Enhanced sensitivity ELISA tests with the incorporation of synthetic or recombinant antigens into the assays.
• Western Blot Test:  If the ELISA test is positive, this test is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. In this two-step approach, the Western blot (the first generation of immunoblot testing for Lyme disease) detects antibodies to several proteins of B. burdorferi. It can be used to monitor the stage of the disease. The WB is specific, in that most often it will be positive only if a person has been truly infected.
• Western Blot IgM: Measures the body’s acute response.
• Western Blot IgG: Measures the body’s chronic response.

Note – Testing positive on one to three “bands” on the IgG Western blot may not be significant at all. For example, the 41, 66 and the 93 kDa bands are known as sites on the blots that can attract cross-reactive antibodies initially targeting other microbes.

• Immunoblot: The immunoblot is a test that looks for antibodies the body makes against different antigens that are part of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Immunoblot tests for Lyme disease testing can detect two different classes of antibodies: IgM and IgG. Antibodies can take several weeks to develop, so patients may test negative if infected only recently. Antibodies normally remain in the blood for months or years after the infection is gone; therefore, the test cannot be used to determine cure. False positive results may exist in those infected with other diseases including some tickborne diseases, or some viral, bacterial, or autoimmune diseases.  Western blots were the first type of immunoblot developed for Lyme disease testing. The IGeneX Immunoblot has improved sensitivity because it includes Lyme Borreliae-specific antigens from multiple strains and species. Improved specificity because pure proteins are sprayed at specific positions on the blot. Superior at all stages of Lyme disease.
• IFA or Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test: Detects pathogen specific antibodies in human serum. The IFA was the first test developed and is rarely used to day as there is considerable subjectivity in the technique.

Direct Detection Tests:

• Culture: The only way of knowing if a person is still infected with a living spirochete is if the organism can be cultured. Unfortunately culturing Lyme disease is nearly impossible after the initial infection because the infection doesn’t stay in the blood or spinal fluid very long.
• PCR Test:  This test looks for evidence of the DNA of B. burgdorferi in the blood or spinal fluid. This test however is not very sensitive for Lyme disease because the genetic material of the spirochete doesn’t stay in the blood or spinal fluid very long
• Antigen Detection: This test looks for pieces of the protein of B. burgdorferi. Tests that use this technique have focused on the urine primarily. The assumption is that if pieces of the protein are still present, then the organism has been there recently. This is still considered a relatively experimental test.
• MRI: MRI captures the physical structure of the brain and inflammatory abnormalities

Waddell LG, Greig J, Mascarenhas Metal. The Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests for Lyme Disease in Humans, A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of North American Research. PLoS ONE 11(12):e0168613

The symptoms of Lyme disease can mimic a number of other illnesses and diseases. During the initial, localized phase after a tick bite, one may experience symptoms such as:

• A bull’s-eye-type rash at the site of the bite
• a different kind of rash, that may be raised, reoccurring or spreading (though many Lyme patients report no rash of any kind)
• Mild-to-moderate, flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiff neck or swollen glands.

It is important to see a doctor and receive treatment promptly if you suspect that you may have Lyme. A round of antibiotics lasting 2 to 4 weeks is effective in most cases. Without treatment, more serious symptoms lasting months or even years may arise after one month or two, as the disease progresses which may include1-3 :

• Anxiety
• Bruising
• Conjunctivitis
• Headaches
• Heart Beat Irregularities
• Memory and Concentration Difficulties
• Sensitivity to Light
• Severe joint pain or arthritis
• Tremors
• Vision Problems

Most individuals with Lyme disease will also have co-infections or other tick-born infections that add additional symptoms. These can be transmitted through the same bite or prior bites.

+What are the risks of developing Lyme disease?

The principal risks of developing Lyme disease include:

• Exposure to ticks
• Lack of Sleep
• Poor Diet – standard American diet, which is low in fibre and high in sugar and saturated fats
• Poor Immunity
• Stress-reducing the good microbiome and digestive enzymes
• Weakened Overall Health

It is important to note why some people get Lyme disease when bitten by these ticks and others don’t. As with any health concerns, there may be a known microbe that is thought to be the cause of the condition (the Germ theory), however the microbe needs to have a weakened host’s body in order for it to become active or chronic. Considering that 70% of one’s immunity is found in the digestive system and that the microbiome (eco-system of microbes that actually make up 90% of human cells and carry genetic information) of a healthy individual is very different than one who is susceptible to becoming ill. The power of your immunity comes from a healthy lifestyle. When the body breaks down, weakened immunity, poor detoxification, and low cellular function are prime environments for Lyme disease to become chronic.

+How do I know which Lyme and or co-infections test is right for me? 

Your Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner will help assess which test is right for you, including an analysis of the most cost efficient path of testing. We recommend a New Patient Visit with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot prior to lab testing as there are many tests available.  Lab testing alone is a one-dimensional picture of your health. The expertise of a health professional is required to create a three-dimensional picture for proper selection, and interpretation of lab testing. To complete your care we recommend booking your Post-Lab consult 2 weeks after testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

+How is this test different than the tests done at my medical doctor’s office?

The traditional test offered by MD’s have many false positive results and thus we recommend advanced testing to ensure that you have proper assessment and care.

+How is Lyme disease and its co-infections treated?

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan to you based on your health status. A referral to a nurse practitioner or medical doctor who works with our team may be recommended for joint traditional medical and integrative care.

The use of tailored meal plans, nutrients, IV therapies, vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, stress management and or acupuncture that promote healing are often advised. The goal is to support the immune system, the liver, digestion, and any other areas of the body that the infection(s) may have impacted.

Quick Tips:

• Cover up when forested or grassy areas where ticks can attach themselves.
• Where light coloured clothing to make it easier to spot dark-coloured ticks
• Use an insecticide spray on your clothing containing DEET when hiking
• Don’t forget your pets. Put a flea-and-tick collar on your dog, and replace it when recommended.
• Do a close, full-body check for ticks every day in spring and summer, as ticks are found in city parts and suburban yards, as well as in the country and in the woods. Check your pets too.
• Throw clothing in a hot clothes dryer for 10 minutes when you come indoors. The heat of the dryer will kill any ticks that you have encountered.
• If you find a tick attacked to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

+Are these Lyme and co-infections tests covered under insurance plans?

Third-party insurance companies may cover all or a portion of your consultations. At this time specialized Lyme testing is not commonly covered by insurance companies. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims.

If you find a tick attached to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.
We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

To Book an appointment Click Here

The principal risks of developing Lyme disease include:

• Exposure to ticks
• Lack of Sleep
• Poor Diet – standard American diet, which is low in fibre and high in sugar and saturated fats
• Poor Immunity
• Stress-reducing the good microbiome and digestive enzymes
• Weakened Overall Health

It is important to note why some people get Lyme disease when bitten by these ticks and others don’t. As with any health concerns, there may be a known microbe that is thought to be the cause of the condition (the Germ theory), however the microbe needs to have a weakened host’s body in order for it to become active or chronic. Considering that 70% of one’s immunity is found in the digestive system and that the microbiome (eco-system of microbes that actually make up 90% of human cells and carry genetic information) of a healthy individual is very different than one who is susceptible to becoming ill. The power of your immunity comes from a healthy lifestyle. When the body breaks down, weakened immunity, poor detoxification, and low cellular function are prime environments for Lyme disease to become chronic.

Your Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner will help assess which test is right for you, including an analysis of the most cost efficient path of testing. We recommend a New Patient Visit with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot prior to lab testing as there are many tests available.  Lab testing alone is a one-dimensional picture of your health. The expertise of a health professional is required to create a three-dimensional picture for proper selection, and interpretation of lab testing. To complete your care we recommend booking your Post-Lab consult 2 weeks after testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

+How is this test different than the tests done at my medical doctor’s office?

The traditional test offered by MD’s have many false positive results and thus we recommend advanced testing to ensure that you have proper assessment and care.

+How is Lyme disease and its co-infections treated?

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan to you based on your health status. A referral to a nurse practitioner or medical doctor who works with our team may be recommended for joint traditional medical and integrative care.

The use of tailored meal plans, nutrients, IV therapies, vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, stress management and or acupuncture that promote healing are often advised. The goal is to support the immune system, the liver, digestion, and any other areas of the body that the infection(s) may have impacted.

Quick Tips:

• Cover up when forested or grassy areas where ticks can attach themselves.
• Where light coloured clothing to make it easier to spot dark-coloured ticks
• Use an insecticide spray on your clothing containing DEET when hiking
• Don’t forget your pets. Put a flea-and-tick collar on your dog, and replace it when recommended.
• Do a close, full-body check for ticks every day in spring and summer, as ticks are found in city parts and suburban yards, as well as in the country and in the woods. Check your pets too.
• Throw clothing in a hot clothes dryer for 10 minutes when you come indoors. The heat of the dryer will kill any ticks that you have encountered.
• If you find a tick attacked to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

+Are these Lyme and co-infections tests covered under insurance plans?

Third-party insurance companies may cover all or a portion of your consultations. At this time specialized Lyme testing is not commonly covered by insurance companies. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims.

If you find a tick attached to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.
We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

To Book an appointment Click Here

The traditional test offered by MD’s have many false positive results and thus we recommend advanced testing to ensure that you have proper assessment and care.

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan to you based on your health status. A referral to a nurse practitioner or medical doctor who works with our team may be recommended for joint traditional medical and integrative care.

The use of tailored meal plans, nutrients, IV therapies, vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, stress management and or acupuncture that promote healing are often advised. The goal is to support the immune system, the liver, digestion, and any other areas of the body that the infection(s) may have impacted.

Quick Tips:

• Cover up when forested or grassy areas where ticks can attach themselves.
• Where light coloured clothing to make it easier to spot dark-coloured ticks
• Use an insecticide spray on your clothing containing DEET when hiking
• Don’t forget your pets. Put a flea-and-tick collar on your dog, and replace it when recommended.
• Do a close, full-body check for ticks every day in spring and summer, as ticks are found in city parts and suburban yards, as well as in the country and in the woods. Check your pets too.
• Throw clothing in a hot clothes dryer for 10 minutes when you come indoors. The heat of the dryer will kill any ticks that you have encountered.
• If you find a tick attacked to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

Third-party insurance companies may cover all or a portion of your consultations. At this time specialized Lyme testing is not commonly covered by insurance companies. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims.

If you find a tick attached to your skin despite your precautions, grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze or crush it. Save it in a zip-lock bag or pill bottle for assessment. Wash the bite with soap and water, or wipe with alcohol. Seek medical attention.
We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

To Book an appointment Click Here

• “Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease”, cdc.gov. 11 January 2013. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013, Retrieved December 13, 2019
• Horowitz, R, MD. Classical and Integrative Medical Therapies For Lyme Disease and Associated Tick-Borne Disorders, PT, 2009 Apr;34(4):202-214
• Shapiro ED, Clinical practice. Lyme disease (PDF). The New England Journal of Medicine. May 2014, 370(18):1724-1731