I have studied under two doctors who specialize in Lyme (Dr's Newman and Ambrose, see bottom for links). I haven't been tested, but I would not be surprised to discover that I too carry the spirochete that causes it. The fact of the matter is that lots of people have this parasite, but most of us don't have symptoms until we get run down or toxic, or otherwise challenged healthwise. The unfortunate thing about having an assortment of parasites on board is that you feel fine until you don't, and then you go downhill quickly.
Lyme is caused by Borrelia burgdorferii, which is a very small bacterium in a spiral shape, ie. a spirochete. Spirochetes are sneaky. They don't get inside our cells like Chlamydia does, instead they have an assortment of defensive mechanisms that make it hard for our immune systems to detect and eradicate them. They make slime barriers around themselves. They shrink back into little hard cysts. Once established in our tissues they are just about impossible to get rid of completely, even with intensive treatment. A person who has this parasite needs to keep themselves healthy enough that the parasite doesn't cause them trouble. And this is where naturopathic medicine comes in.
In naturopathic medicine, we may attempt to eradicate a disease-causing agent, but we are also interested in increasing the host's health so that such bugs are kept in check by our own bodies. The disease-destroying treatments that are used for Lyme---either longterm antibiotics, or longterm antimicrobial herbs---are not enough. If you have lyme, or if you think you have lyme, the best thing in the world you can do is get ahold of your diet and lifestyle. It's easy to say, and oh so hard to do. Believe me, I know. But to start with, eliminate, or at least reduce, sugar and refined grains in your diet. Eat a wide range of fresh organic vegetables. Exercise daily. Manage or avoid stress. These basics, if actually employed and not just talked about, may have more effect than all the doxycycline and cat's claw in the world.
Still, if you are struggling with severe symptoms, don't waste time, get help NOW. And if you just got a tick bite, get help NOW, because at the beginning of an infection the spirochete CAN be eliminated. Last but not least, if you have a way to do so, avoid getting deer ticks on you. I don't mean that you should not go in the woods, but be aware about ticks, and avoid deer tick bites. Learn when tick season is in your area. Prevention is better than treatment 10 times out of ten.
Look it up:
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society http://www.ilads.org/
Dr Satya Ambrose http://www.starfireclinic.com/#!about-us
Dr Daniel Newman http://www.rising-health.com/portland-or-holistic