Dr. Keith Berkowitz’s Controversial Take on Lyme Disease and Ivermectin Therapy

Lyme disease continues to puzzle both patients and healthcare providers. Despite decades of research, many people still experience long-lasting symptoms even after completing standard antibiotic treatment. Among the doctors exploring new possibilities for these patients, Dr. Keith Berkowitz stands out for his unconventional and sometimes controversial views — especially his interest in ivermectin as a potential support therapy for chronic Lyme sufferers.

Who Is Dr. Keith Berkowitz?

Dr. Keith Berkowitz is an internal medicine physician and founder of The Center for Balanced Health in New York City. Throughout his career, he has treated patients with complex chronic illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome, post-COVID conditions, and persistent symptoms of Lyme disease.

His medical philosophy leans toward functional and holistic approaches. Instead of focusing solely on infection, he examines how the immune system, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation interact. Dr. Berkowitz believes many chronic Lyme symptoms stem from a larger systemic imbalance rather than a lingering infection alone.

Why Ivermectin Entered the Discussion

Ivermectin became widely discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the drug has been used safely for decades as an anti-parasitic. Beyond that, research has explored its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. These properties caught the attention of practitioners treating chronic infections, including Dr. Berkowitz.

He suggests that ivermectin may help certain Lyme patients who continue to struggle with fatigue, pain, and cognitive issues even after antibiotics. According to his perspective, ivermectin may help calm immune dysfunction and reduce inflammation triggered by the original infection.

However, this idea remains highly debated. Major health authorities — including the CDC and IDSA — do not currently recommend ivermectin for Lyme disease, citing a lack of large, well-controlled clinical trials to support its use.

Why Some Patients Seek Out This Approach

For many individuals living with chronic Lyme symptoms, conventional treatment options can feel limited. When fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and neurological symptoms persist, patients often begin searching for integrative or holistic alternatives.

Functional medicine practitioners like Dr. Berkowitz offer personalized, closely monitored treatment plans that may include off-label medications such as ivermectin, alongside detoxification support, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle changes.

Some patients report improvement, but these experiences are anecdotal and vary widely. Without clinical trials, the results cannot be generalized — a key reason the topic remains controversial.

The Debate and Medical Concerns

Using ivermectin for Lyme disease divides the medical community. Critics argue there is not enough scientific evidence to justify its use and worry about patients relying on experimental treatments over proven ones.

Dr. Berkowitz emphasizes medical supervision, cautioning against self-prescribing or sourcing ivermectin from unsafe places. Like any medication, incorrect dosing can cause serious side effects. His approach is not about promoting ivermectin as a cure, but about exploring all possibilities safely within a broader, holistic plan.

A Holistic Approach Beyond Any Single Drug

While ivermectin attracts attention, Dr. Berkowitz’s chronic Lyme strategy is multi-layered and extends far beyond one therapy. His focus includes:

• Functional testing to identify underlying sources of inflammation
  
   
• Personalized nutrition to support immune and gut health
  
   
• Hormonal and metabolic balancing to restore energy
  
   
• Stress reduction and sleep optimization
  
   
• Careful use of supplements or medications to support recovery
  
   

He believes chronic Lyme represents a systemic imbalance, affecting multiple body systems — and therefore requires whole-body support rather than a single medication approach.

The Push for Open-Minded Research

What makes Dr. Berkowitz’s viewpoint unique is his call for scientific curiosity. He doesn’t claim ivermectin is a cure; instead, he argues that patients deserve more research, more treatment options, and less dismissal.

Many integrative practitioners agree: innovation in chronic illness begins with open discussion. Without research, patients suffering from persistent Lyme symptoms remain stuck in uncertainty, often feeling unheard in traditional medical settings.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Keith Berkowitz’s perspective on Lyme disease and ivermectin therapy highlights a growing divide — but also potential opportunity — in chronic illness care. His exploration of ivermectin remains unproven and controversial, yet it reflects the reality that many patients need more than conventional treatments currently provide.

For those living with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, his message offers both caution and hope: healing may require deeper investigation, comprehensive care, and collaboration with practitioners who understand the complexity of chronic Lyme.

Until solid research confirms ivermectin’s role in Lyme treatment, the safest approach is a balanced, medically supervised plan that integrates evidence-based medicine with thoughtful holistic support.