
07/26/2025
🦠 What Does Lyme Disease Do to the Lymphatic System?
A scientific look at how Borrelia burgdorferi affects your immune and detox network.
🔹 What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Early symptoms include a rash (erythema migrans), flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, it can affect joints, the heart, the nervous system, and the lymphatic system.
www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
🔹 What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is your body’s immune and drainage system. It includes:
• Lymph nodes (filters)
• Lymph fluid (carries waste and immune cells)
• Lymph vessels (transport system)
It plays a key role in inflammation control, immune defense, and detoxification.
🔬 How Lyme Disease Affects the Lymphatic System
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)
Early Lyme can cause regional lymph node swelling, especially near the tick bite.
www.hopkinslyme.org/lyme-disease/diagnosis-symptoms/
2. Immune Evasion & Lymphatic Travel
Borrelia avoids immune detection by:
• Changing surface proteins (antigenic variation)
• Moving through connective tissue and lymph
• Altering lymph node architecture
www.nature.com/articles/nri4136
3. Chronic Inflammation & Lymph Congestion
Persistent Lyme or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) may lead to:
• Lymph node fibrosis
• Poor lymph flow
• Immune waste buildup
www.jimmunol.org/content/189/10/4882
4. Neuro-lymphatic Impact (Late-Stage Lyme)
Advanced Lyme may:
• Disrupt glymphatic flow (brain’s lymph system)
• Trigger neuroinflammation
• Cause brain fog and neurological symptoms
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.720543/full
🩺 Signs of Lymphatic Involvement in Lyme
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Puffy face or eyes
• Joint swelling or stiffness
• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog or sleep disturbance
🌿 Lymph-Supportive Approaches (Adjunct to Treatment)
These are supportive strategies and not a substitute for antibiotics:
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
• Movement & breathwork
• Anti-inflammatory diet
• Hydration & trace minerals
• Castor oil packs (topical)
Always consult a Lyme-literate practitioner.
📚 Reference Summary with Links
1. www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
2. www.hopkinslyme.org/lyme-disease/diagnosis-symptoms/
3. www.nature.com/articles/nri4136
4. www.jimmunol.org/content/189/10/4882
5. www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.720543/full
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