Lyme disease continues to challenge both patients and doctors. Even after years of research, there’s still no clear answer for why so many people struggle with symptoms long after treatment. Among the growing number of physicians exploring new ways to help these patients, Dr. Keith Berkowitz has emerged as a bold and sometimes controversial voice — especially for his interest in ivermectin therapy as a potential support for chronic Lyme sufferers.
Who Is Dr. Keith Berkowitz?
Dr. Keith Berkowitz is an internal medicine specialist and the founder of The Center for Balanced Health in New York City. Over his career, he has worked with patients dealing with complex, chronic conditions — from chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID illness to persistent Lyme disease.
Rather than focusing only on traditional medical treatments, Dr. Berkowitz takes a holistic and functional medicine approach. He looks at how the immune system, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation interact — and how restoring balance across these systems may help the body heal more naturally.
When it comes to Lyme disease, he believes that what many patients experience after standard antibiotic treatment isn’t just an ongoing infection — it’s a multifactorial imbalance affecting the immune system, gut, and nervous system.
Why Ivermectin Entered the Conversation
Ivermectin became a hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its history goes back decades as a safe and effective anti-parasitic drug. Beyond its original use, studies have explored ivermectin’s anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. These effects caught the attention of some practitioners who treat chronic infections, including Dr. Berkowitz.
He believes ivermectin could have potential benefits for certain Lyme disease patients, particularly those who experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive fog after standard antibiotic therapy. According to him, the drug’s ability to influence inflammation and immune signaling might help the body reset some of the dysfunction triggered by long-term Lyme.
However, this theory remains controversial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) currently do not recommend ivermectin for Lyme disease due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials proving its effectiveness.
Why Some Patients Are Still Interested
For those who have lived with chronic Lyme symptoms for months or even years, conventional options can feel limited. When fatigue, brain fog, and pain persist despite antibiotics, many begin looking for integrative or functional medicine solutions.
Dr. Berkowitz and other holistic practitioners offer these patients a sense of hope by exploring carefully monitored, individualized treatments. In some cases, that includes considering off-label medications like ivermectin alongside lifestyle changes, detoxification, and nutritional support.
While some patients report feeling better, the outcomes vary widely. It’s important to recognize that these results are anecdotal, not yet supported by clinical research.
The Controversy and Medical Caution
The idea of using ivermectin for Lyme disease divides the medical community. Critics argue that there’s insufficient scientific evidence to support its use and worry that patients may delay proven treatments in favor of experimental ones.
Dr. Berkowitz himself urges responsible use and medical supervision, emphasizing that ivermectin should never be self-prescribed or obtained from unreliable sources. Overuse or incorrect dosing can lead to serious side effects. His approach prioritizes safety, patient monitoring, and comprehensive care rather than single-drug solutions.
A Holistic Approach Beyond Medication
Although ivermectin draws attention, Dr. Berkowitz’s Lyme disease strategy goes far beyond one therapy. He emphasizes that true healing often requires addressing the whole body — restoring gut health, balancing hormones, supporting detoxification, and calming the immune system.
His clinical philosophy focuses on:
- Functional testing to uncover root causes of inflammation
- Personalized nutrition plans to support immune recovery
- Hormonal and metabolic balancing for energy restoration
- Stress management and sleep optimization
- Careful integration of supplements or medications as needed
This multi-layered approach reflects his belief that chronic Lyme is not just an infection — it’s a systemic imbalance that needs comprehensive care.
The Need for Open-Minded Research
What makes Dr. Berkowitz’s work stand out is his call for scientific curiosity rather than dismissal. He advocates for more research into how drugs like ivermectin might interact with chronic infections or immune dysfunction. His argument isn’t that ivermectin is a cure — but that patients deserve more studies, more answers, and more options.
Many in the functional medicine community agree: while caution is vital, innovation begins with open discussion. Without research, patients with chronic Lyme remain stuck in uncertainty, often feeling dismissed by traditional medicine.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Keith Berkowitz’s take on Lyme disease and ivermectin therapy highlights the growing divide — and opportunity — in chronic illness care. While his exploration of ivermectin remains unproven and controversial, it reflects a larger truth: many patients need more than conventional medicine currently offers.
For those struggling with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, his message offers a blend of realism and hope — healing may require looking deeper, staying informed, and working closely with compassionate practitioners who understand the complexity of the disease.
Until more research confirms the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin for Lyme, the best path forward is a balanced, medically supervised approach that integrates both evidence-based and holistic care.
