Bartonella, Babesiosis, and Lyme, Oh My!

Bartonella, Babesiosis, and Lyme, Oh My!

Spring Awareness, Prevention, and What You Need to Know About Tick-Borne Illness

As the weather warms and we spend more time outdoors, it’s easy to forget that spring and summer also mark the beginning of tick season- and with it, a significant increase in exposure to Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesiosis, and other tick-borne infections.

At Peak Health Institute, we see firsthand how these infections can quietly disrupt the body and lead to long-term, complex chronic illness when not addressed properly early on. The truth is, for many people, there is no simple “cure” once these infections become chronic-making prevention and early intervention absolutely critical.

Why Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Matters

Tick-borne infections are not always straightforward. While Lyme disease is the most well- known, co-infections like Bartonella and Babesiosis are extremely common and often make symptoms more severe and more difficult to treat.

These infections can impact:

• The nervous system
• The immune system
• Energy production (mitochondrial function)
• Hormone balance
• Cognitive function

When missed or underrated, they can contribute to:

• Chronic Fatigue
• Neurological symptoms
• Joint and muscle pain
• Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
• Persistent inflammation

This is why awareness during peak exposure seasons is not optional- it’s essential

Prevention: Your First and Most Powerful Tool

The best way to avoid long-term complications is to prevent infection in the first place.

Simple but Critical Prevention Strategies:

• Perform full-body tick checks daily, especially after being outdoors
• Check high-risk areas: Scalp, behind ears, underarms, groin, behind knees
• Shower after outdoor exposure
• Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
• Use natural or conventional tick repellents when appropriate

Even a tick attached for a short period of time can transmit infection, so diligence matters.

What To Do If You’re Bitten by a Tick

If you find a tick attached:

Step 1: Remove It Properly

• Use fine-tipped tweezers
• Pull straight out-do not twist
• Avoid crushing the tick

Step 2: Save the Tick

• Place it in a sealed container or bag
• Consider sending it for testing

Step 3: Clean the Area

• Use soap and water or alcohol

Step 4: Take Action Immediately

Do not “wait see.”  Early action can make the difference between full recovery vs. chronic illness.

Supplements & Natural Support for Acute Tick Bites

At Peak Health Institute, we often recommend having a “tick protocol”  on hand, especially for families who spend time outdoors.

Key Supplements to Support the Body After a Tick Bite

• Astragalus– Supports immune system activation and resilience. A great first line of attack after a tick bite.
• Vitamin D– Critical for immune response
• Vitamin C– Antioxidant support and immune defense
• Ledum (homeopathic)– Commonly used immediately after insect bites in an effort to help prevent infection
• Biocidin LSF– Broad-spectrum botanical support
• Japanese Knotweed– Supports inflammatory balance and microbial defense
• Cryptolepsis– Traditionally used for microbial support, especially co-infections

These are not replacements for medical care—but they can be powerful tools when used early
and appropriately.

The Reality: These Infections Can Be Debilitating

Tick-borne infections are not always acute and obvious. Many patients we see were:

• Bitten years prior
• Never saw a rash
• Were told their labs were “normal”
• Received short or insufficient treatment

Over time, these infections can become deeply embedded in the body, contributing to chronic
inflammation and multi-system dysfunction.

The Problem with Conventional Testing

One of the biggest challenges in Lyme and co-infections is testing reliability.

• Antibodies can take up to 6 weeks to appear
• Early tests are often false negatives
• Many co-infections are not routinely tested for

Important: If symptoms are present after a known tick bite, treatment should be considered
even if testing is negative.

Clinical judgment matters.

Advocating for Proper Early Treatment

Many primary and urgent care providers are not fully up to date on evolving research around
tick-borne infections.

If you are bitten and symptomatic:

• Advocate for antibiotics that cover Lyme AND co-infections
• Discuss longer treatment durations (often 4–6 weeks) rather than short courses
• Monitor symptoms closely

Early, adequate treatment is one of the most important factors in preventing chronic illness.

Find a Lyme-Literate Provider

Even if you receive initial treatment, it’s critical to follow up with a Lyme-literate provider who
understands:

• Co-infections (Bartonella, Babesia, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, etc.)
• Immune system dysregulation
• Chronic inflammatory response
• Advanced treatment strategies

At Peak Health Institute, we take a comprehensive, root-cause approach to ensure infections are
fully addressed and the body is supported at a cellular level.

Why Early Action Changes Everything

When treated early and thoroughly, many patients can:

• Avoid chronic symptoms
• Maintain immune resilience
• Prevent long-term complications

When missed or undertreated, these infections can lead to years of frustration, misdiagnosis, and
complex healing journeys.

Final Thoughts: Awareness is Protection

Spring is a time for getting outside, enjoying nature, and making memories—but it’s also a time
to stay informed and proactive.

Tick-borne illness is preventable—and when caught early, manageable.

Don’t wait. Don’t ignore symptoms. And don’t assume a negative test means you’re in the clear.

Protect Your Health This Season

If you’ve recently experienced a tick bite, are dealing with lingering symptoms, or want to build
a proactive prevention plan:

Schedule a consultation with our team at Peak Health Institute.

We’re here to help you:

• Navigate testing and treatment
• Build a personalized prevention protocol
• Support your immune system and long-term health

Your health is too important to leave to chance—especially during tick season.

To your best health, 

Katie McManigal