LIVER HEALTH and LYME
Updated: Oct 20
Lyme disease and its co-infections can affect the liver, and some medications may add stress to it. Here's what to know, so you can talk with your doctor and take good care of this hard-working organ.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
Looking for ideas to support your liver? See my LIVER SUPPORT - POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS post:
WHY THE LIVER MATTERS
-Glutathione, an antioxidant found especially in the liver, plays a big role in detox (Global Lyme Alliance).
-Global Lyme Alliance notes that Lyme can cause oxidative stress, which may use up glutathione.
-When treatment kills off bacteria, many of us go through a Herx. Supporting detox is a big part of getting through it. My Herx and Detox posts are linked at the bottom.
HOW LYME CAN AFFECT THE LIVER
-Many people with early Lyme have at least one abnormal liver test. The ones most often raised are GGT and ALT (Global Lyme Alliance).
-People whose infection has started to spread (stage 2) are more likely to have raised liver tests than people in stage 1.
-Raised liver enzymes may mean the liver itself is a site of infection.
-Possible signs include belly pain and hepatitis-like symptoms.
-Serious liver problems from Lyme are rare, and liver tests usually return to normal after treatment.
CO-INFECTIONS AND THE LIVER
-ILADS notes that Babesia and Anaplasma can both be linked to raised liver enzymes.
-Babesia: some people have an enlarged liver or spleen, along with nausea, vomiting and belly pain. Blood tests may show raised liver enzymes (National Organization for Rare Disorders).
-In severe Babesia cases, mostly in people with weakened immune systems, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) can happen.
-People who have had their spleen removed are at higher risk of severe Babesia.
TREATMENT AND YOUR LIVER
-Liver enzyme tests can be checked during infection to help your doctor keep an eye on things (Global Lyme Alliance).
-Ask your doctor whether liver blood work makes sense for you, especially during long treatment.
-Global Lyme Alliance suggests eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, getting enough rest, and avoiding medications that may add stress to the liver. Always talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
RELATED POSTS
Liver Support - Possible Solutions
Detox
Herx vs. Flare
Babesia
Gallbladder Issues
SOURCES
ILADS - Lyme Disease Basics for Providers (updated 2026)
Global Lyme Alliance - Does Lyme Disease Affect Your Liver? (November 2023)
Global Lyme Alliance - Utilizing Glutathione for Lyme Disease, a Patient's Perspective (March 2024)
National Organization for Rare Disorders - Babesiosis (updated October 2025)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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