Can Eggs Trigger Lyme Symptoms? Insights from ALDF

Lyme disease is an infectious disease, which is caused by the bacterium, “Borrelia burgdorferi”, and is spread through the bite of blacklegged ticks. The infection occurs when the ticks are attached to the host surface for more than 36-48 hours. According to the American Lyme Disease Foundation, it has been estimated that around 1-5% of tick bites can result in infection. 

Dietary modifications play a major role in relieving the clinical symptoms of Lyme disease and improving treatment outcomes. An anti-inflammatory diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds can promote healing. What about eggs? Does consuming eggs trigger Lyme disease symptoms? Together, let’s explore whether eating eggs aggravates clinical symptoms. 

What are the clinical symptoms of Lyme disease?

The disease can progress through 3 stages.

What are the dietary modifications for patients with Lyme disease?

Most patients are confused about the Lyme diet. They must follow a low-sugar diet. The sugar content in the foods can cause the weakening of the immune system. It can result in the overgrowth of Candida albicans and cause inflammation. It is also important to plan a personalized approach according to the needs of each patient. The following foods comprise the Lyme diet:

Foods to avoid:

Can eggs trigger Lyme disease symptoms?

Eggs cannot directly trigger Lyme disease symptoms. However, eggs can sometimes worsen the symptoms in patients with chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). In some cases, patients experience Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) after a tick bite. Alpha-gal is a sugar found in dairy products, beef, lamb, etc. 

Sometimes, AGS can result in anaphylaxis, where there can be a drop in blood pressure. There can be swelling of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Clinical symptoms:

The symptoms can occur several hours after the consumption of diary foods.

• Itching sensation
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the stomach region

Lyme disease can suppress the immune system. If the patient already has a preexisting egg allergy, intake of eggs can cause inflammation. Hence, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to get an individualized diet plan. 

What is the role of mast cell activation in egg sensitivity among Lyme disease patients?

Mast cell activation may lead to egg sensitivity in Lyme disease patients. Mast cells produce histamine and inflammatory mediators. The immune system is already weak in patients with Lyme disease. White eggs can cause the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to allergy-like symptoms. 

The intake of eggs in Lyme disease patients with a preexisting egg allergy can aggravate the clinical symptoms. Hence, it is important to identify the food sensitivities at an early stage for a proper treatment plan.

Is there a vaccination for Lyme disease?

The American Lyme Disease Foundation revealed that the Lyme disease vaccine was available in the early times. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the LYMErix vaccine in 1998. When the vaccine was administered in the patients, an immune response was generated against the bacterial proteins. The vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 76% in preventing Lyme disease. 

In the same year, inaccurate data came out, claiming that MMR vaccines were related to autism. This drove the increased attention towards adverse effects after the administration of the vaccine. As a result, individuals had a safety concern about the vaccine. But, adverse effects were not reported related to the vaccine. The marketing of the vaccine got stopped. This step got implemented because of safety concerns, and not due to lack of efficacy.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Due to the overlapping clinical symptoms, the diagnosis of Lyme disease can be challenging. Bull’s eye rashes can be considered a characteristic clinical sign of Lyme disease. These rashes appear at the site of tick bite.

 Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot test can be used to detect the antibodies that are produced against the bacteria. If the ELISA is positive, a Western blot test can be performed to confirm the results. If the infection has reached the nervous system, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture can be conducted to detect the presence of antibodies against the bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What are the treatment modalities for Lyme disease?

Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or doxycycline can be administered to treat the clinical symptoms of Lyme disease. Intravenous antibiotics can be administered in the later stages of the disease. 
Apart from antibiotics, supportive strategies comprise,

• Intake of an anti-inflammatory diet
• Stress level management
• Under the guidance of a healthcare expert, nutritional supplements can be taken.
• Physical exercises

Conclusion:

• Lyme disease is a complex infection that can lead to dysfunction of the immune system.
• Even though eggs do not trigger the symptoms of Lyme disease, they can worsen the response in individuals with preexisting egg allergies. 
• With growing guidance from organizations like the American Lyme Disease Foundation, patients can make better treatment choices that improve their overall health status. 

References:

1.  American Lyme Disease Foundation. Lyme Disease. American Lyme Disease Foundation; [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Available from:. American Lyme Disease Foundation 
2. Steere AC, Strle F. Lyme Disease. In: [Author or editor if available], editor. National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [date unknown] [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Book No. NBK431066. Available from: Steere AC, Strle F. Lyme Disease
3. Crystal J. The Lyme Disease Diet. Global Lyme Alliance blog. 2021 May 12 [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Available here Global Lyme Alliance Lyme disease diet
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Alpha‑gal Syndrome. CDC; 2025 Jun 26 [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Available from: About Alpha‑gal Syndrome