It’s bad enough worrying about ticks every time you step into tall grass or go hiking. But those tiny bites can lead to Lyme disease, and that can do more than just cause fatigue and joint pain. If it spreads, it could even put your kidneys at risk. What is Lyme Disease? If you are …
It’s bad enough worrying about ticks every time you step into tall grass or go hiking. But those tiny bites can lead to Lyme disease, and that can do more than just cause fatigue and joint pain. If it spreads, it could even put your kidneys at risk.
What is Lyme Disease?
If you are lucky enough not to know and not to worry about Lyme disease, then here is a quick rundown.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. It often begins with flu-like symptoms and a tell-tale bullseye rash, but can progress to affect joints, the nervous system, and, less commonly discussed, your kidneys.
Can Lyme Disease Cause Kidney Problems?
Yes, Lyme disease can impact your kidneys, although it’s not the most common complication. Kidney involvement usually happens in the later stages or in cases that aren’t treated promptly. When Lyme disease reaches this level, it may trigger inflammation in the kidneys or, in rare instances, full-blown kidney dysfunction.
A retrospective study done in 2020 on dogs offers valuable insights because Lyme-related kidney damage is present similarly across mammals. The study showed that animals exposed to B. burgdorferi had a 43% increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). While this doesn’t directly translate to humans, it certainly raises a flag.
How Lyme Disease Might Damage the Kidneys
When B. burgdorferi infiltrates your system, your immune response may go into overdrive. This hyperactive state can damage tissues, including the sensitive structures in your kidneys.
Kidney issues related to Lyme disease may include:
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function, especially if Lyme disease progresses rapidly.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Persistent kidney dysfunction over time, often silent until advanced.
You might notice swelling in your legs, dark-colored urine, or increased fatigue, subtle signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
What Increases the Risk of Kidney Involvement?
There are several factors that can make kidney complications from Lyme more likely:
Delayed treatment after the initial infection of a tick bite.
Immune overreaction, especially in people with autoimmune tendencies.
Co-infections, like anaplasmosis(a group of bacteria transmitted by ticks that can infect white blood cells and cause flu-like symptoms), though one study found that Anaplasma spp didn’t significantly raise CKD risk compared to B. burgdorferi.
Symptoms of Kidney Trouble You Should Watch For
If Lyme disease starts to affect your kidneys, these symptoms may appear:
Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
Foamy or discolored urine
Reduced urine output
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue and confusion
These signs overlap with many other conditions, which is why Lyme-related kidney damage can fly under the radar. Always tell your doctor if you’ve had a tick bite or potential exposure.
Lyme Disease and Kidney Stones
While not directly tied to Lyme disease, kidney stones can sometimes appear in the aftermath of chronic conditions. Inflammation, dehydration, and imbalances in magnesium or calcium could be contributing factors that can be a result of Lyme disease. Stress may also have an effect, which is often high in people managing long-term Lyme symptoms.
What to Do If You Suspect Kidney Issues from Lyme Disease
If you’re dealing with Lyme and start noticing signs of kidney dysfunction, don’t wait. Here’s what you can do:
Get tested for kidney function: Blood tests like creatinine and BUN(blood urea nitrogen test), plus urine tests, can spot early signs.
Stay hydrated: This supports overall kidney health and flushes out inflammatory byproducts.
Limit nephrotoxic medications: Avoid overuse of NSAIDs(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen) and other kidney-straining drugs unless prescribed.
Monitor your magnesium intake: Whether through food or supplements, maintaining proper magnesium levels can protect your kidneys from long-term damage. Beelith magnesium is recommended because it also contains vitamin B6; this combination is designed to prevent kidney stones. Learn more about magnesium and kidney disease.
Can Chronic Lyme Disease Cause Long-Term Kidney Damage?
Yes, it can, though it’s rare and often preventable. Chronic inflammation may silently impair kidney function over months or years. In some cases, the damage only becomes clear when symptoms escalate or routine blood work reveals an issue. That’s why it’s smart to stay on top of your labs, especially if you’ve had a history of tick-borne illness.
Key Takeaways
Lyme disease can, in some cases, lead to serious kidney problems like CKD or AKI.
Early treatment is key to avoiding complications.
Kidney symptoms may include swelling, dark urine, and fatigue.
Magnesium supplementation may support kidney function and reduce stone risk.
Watch for signs and stay in regular contact with your healthcare provider if you’ve had Lyme.
FAQ
Can Lyme disease cause kidney stones?
Not directly, but chronic Lyme can create imbalances that may make stones more likely.
Is it safe to take magnesium with chronic Lyme and kidney risk?
Yes, but not all magnesium supplements are equal. Those designed for kidney support, like Beelith, are more appropriate. However, for people who have advanced kidney disease or are on dialysis, magnesium intake in any form should be strictly monitored or avoided unless prescribed.
Do magnesium supplements interact with Lyme antibiotics?
Some antibiotics may have reduced absorption when taken with magnesium. Always space them out and check compatibility.
What’s the best way to know if Lyme has affected my kidneys?
A combination of blood and urine tests ordered by your doctor is the most reliable way to check.
Can Lyme disease come back and affect your kidneys later?
Relapses are rare but possible, especially if the original infection wasn’t fully cleared. If it does return, it may again trigger inflammation that affects organs like the kidneys.
Steve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.
Can Lyme Disease Affect Your Kidneys?
It’s bad enough worrying about ticks every time you step into tall grass or go hiking. But those tiny bites can lead to Lyme disease, and that can do more than just cause fatigue and joint pain. If it spreads, it could even put your kidneys at risk. What is Lyme Disease? If you are …
It’s bad enough worrying about ticks every time you step into tall grass or go hiking. But those tiny bites can lead to Lyme disease, and that can do more than just cause fatigue and joint pain. If it spreads, it could even put your kidneys at risk.
What is Lyme Disease?
If you are lucky enough not to know and not to worry about Lyme disease, then here is a quick rundown.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. It often begins with flu-like symptoms and a tell-tale bullseye rash, but can progress to affect joints, the nervous system, and, less commonly discussed, your kidneys.
Can Lyme Disease Cause Kidney Problems?
Yes, Lyme disease can impact your kidneys, although it’s not the most common complication. Kidney involvement usually happens in the later stages or in cases that aren’t treated promptly. When Lyme disease reaches this level, it may trigger inflammation in the kidneys or, in rare instances, full-blown kidney dysfunction.
A retrospective study done in 2020 on dogs offers valuable insights because Lyme-related kidney damage is present similarly across mammals. The study showed that animals exposed to B. burgdorferi had a 43% increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). While this doesn’t directly translate to humans, it certainly raises a flag.
How Lyme Disease Might Damage the Kidneys
When B. burgdorferi infiltrates your system, your immune response may go into overdrive. This hyperactive state can damage tissues, including the sensitive structures in your kidneys.
Kidney issues related to Lyme disease may include:
You might notice swelling in your legs, dark-colored urine, or increased fatigue, subtle signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
What Increases the Risk of Kidney Involvement?
There are several factors that can make kidney complications from Lyme more likely:
Symptoms of Kidney Trouble You Should Watch For
If Lyme disease starts to affect your kidneys, these symptoms may appear:
These signs overlap with many other conditions, which is why Lyme-related kidney damage can fly under the radar. Always tell your doctor if you’ve had a tick bite or potential exposure.
Lyme Disease and Kidney Stones
While not directly tied to Lyme disease, kidney stones can sometimes appear in the aftermath of chronic conditions. Inflammation, dehydration, and imbalances in magnesium or calcium could be contributing factors that can be a result of Lyme disease. Stress may also have an effect, which is often high in people managing long-term Lyme symptoms.
What to Do If You Suspect Kidney Issues from Lyme Disease
If you’re dealing with Lyme and start noticing signs of kidney dysfunction, don’t wait. Here’s what you can do:
Can Chronic Lyme Disease Cause Long-Term Kidney Damage?
Yes, it can, though it’s rare and often preventable. Chronic inflammation may silently impair kidney function over months or years. In some cases, the damage only becomes clear when symptoms escalate or routine blood work reveals an issue. That’s why it’s smart to stay on top of your labs, especially if you’ve had a history of tick-borne illness.
Key Takeaways
FAQ
Not directly, but chronic Lyme can create imbalances that may make stones more likely.
Yes, but not all magnesium supplements are equal. Those designed for kidney support, like Beelith, are more appropriate. However, for people who have advanced kidney disease or are on dialysis, magnesium intake in any form should be strictly monitored or avoided unless prescribed.
Some antibiotics may have reduced absorption when taken with magnesium. Always space them out and check compatibility.
A combination of blood and urine tests ordered by your doctor is the most reliable way to check.
Relapses are rare but possible, especially if the original infection wasn’t fully cleared. If it does return, it may again trigger inflammation that affects organs like the kidneys.
Article by Steve JenkinsSteve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.