Chronic Infections Asheville
Chronic infections are one of the most overlooked and misunderstood root causes of persistent illness. Unlike acute infections—such as a cold, strep throat, or food poisoning—which come on suddenly and resolve quickly, chronic infections linger. These stealthy, long-term infections quietly inflame the immune system, disrupt vital processes in the body, and often go undiagnosed for months or even years.
Because their symptoms are vague and mimic other conditions, chronic infections are frequently misattributed to stress, aging, depression, or autoimmune disease. Patients may visit multiple specialists, receive temporary relief from medications, or be told "everything looks normal"—while the underlying infection continues to drain their energy, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
What Are Chronic Infections?
Chronic infections are persistent infections that remain active in the body over an extended period—often months or years—without being fully cleared by the immune system. Unlike acute infections that cause sudden, intense symptoms and typically resolve with treatment, chronic infections are stealthy, slow-burning, and often subclinical. They may not produce a fever or classic signs of illness, but they keep the immune system in a state of low-grade, chronic activation.
This ongoing immune response can silently wear down the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms that seem unrelated but share a common root: inflammation. Over time, chronic infections can:
- Drain energy and cause persistent fatigue
- Trigger systemic inflammation and pain
- Contribute to brain fog and cognitive decline
- Disrupt digestion and hormone balance
- Exacerbate or initiate autoimmune conditions
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we frequently uncover hidden infections in patients with unresolved symptoms—even those who’ve been told their labs look “normal.” Here are some of the most common chronic infections Dr. Cynthia Libert identifies and treats:
Lyme Disease and Co-Infections
Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is often accompanied by co-infections like Bartonella, Babesia, and Ehrlichia, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include migrating joint pain, neurological issues, and debilitating fatigue.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
EBV is a common herpesvirus that can become reactivated later in life, especially under stress. Chronic EBV is linked to fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and autoimmune flare-ups.
Candida Overgrowth
An overgrowth of Candida albicans, a naturally occurring yeast, can lead to chronic bloating, brain fog, skin issues, and sugar cravings—especially when gut health or immune function is compromised.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO occurs when bacteria from the colon migrate into the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and nutrient malabsorption. It can trigger systemic symptoms and be linked to mood or cognitive issues.
Chronic Sinus Infections or UTIs
When infections in the sinuses or urinary tract recur or never fully resolve, they can contribute to ongoing immune stress, low energy, and systemic inflammation.
Hidden Dental Infections
Cavitations or infections in the jawbone from past dental procedures (like root canals or extractions) can harbor bacteria that silently burden the immune system and affect the entire body.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Infections
Because chronic infections operate beneath the surface, they often go unrecognized for years—yet their effects on daily life can be profound. Many individuals struggle with a wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms, unaware that a hidden infection may be at the root of their suffering.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC in Asheville, Dr. Cynthia Libert helps patients connect the dots between chronic infections and long-standing health concerns. If you’ve been searching for answers with no clear diagnosis, here are some of the most common signs to look for:
Persistent Fatigue or Flu-Like Symptoms
A hallmark of chronic infections is unrelenting fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Some people also experience low-grade fevers, chills, or a general “sick” feeling that comes and goes.
Brain Fog or Memory Issues
Difficulty concentrating, word-finding problems, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue can all stem from inflammation in the brain caused by chronic pathogens.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Aches that move from one joint to another—or that persist without clear injury—may be linked to immune system activation and tissue irritation from long-term infection.
Mood Disturbances (Anxiety, Depression)
Chronic infections can disrupt the gut-brain axis and hormone balance, leading to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort are all common in people with infections like Candida overgrowth, SIBO, or parasitic burden.
Sleep Disruption
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, night sweats, or waking unrefreshed may be related to immune and neurological dysregulation caused by a persistent pathogen load.
Hormonal Imbalance and Weight Changes
Chronic infections stress the adrenal glands and thyroid, disrupt blood sugar regulation, and interfere with metabolic function—leading to unexplained weight gain, loss, or hormone imbalance.
Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Infections
Conventional medicine often addresses chronic symptoms with prescriptions that suppress inflammation, pain, or mood—but rarely investigates why those symptoms are happening in the first place. At Caring for the Body, PLLC, Dr. Cynthia Libert uses a functional medicine model to get to the root cause of chronic infections and their wide-reaching effects.
This approach begins with the understanding that no two patients are alike. What causes fatigue and brain fog in one person may look completely different in another. That’s why our care is deeply personalized, data-driven, and holistic.
Comprehensive Intake and History Review
We take time to explore your full health history, including:
- Past infections or travel history
- Environmental or occupational exposures
- Long-term symptoms that may seem unrelated
- Antibiotic or steroid use
- Family history of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
Advanced Lab Testing for Chronic Pathogens and Co-Factors
To uncover the presence of chronic infections and their biological impact, Dr. Libert uses specialty lab testing from trusted functional labs, including:
- Tick-borne illness panels (e.g., IGeneX, Vibrant Wellness) to detect Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, and more
- Viral load testing, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and other herpesviruses
- Mold and mycotoxin screening to assess biotoxin illness (e.g., Great Plains/Mosaic Diagnostics)
- GI pathogen mapping using advanced stool analysis (e.g., Diagnostic Solutions, Doctor’s Data)
Holistic Treatment Strategies at Caring for the Body, PLLC
At Caring for the Body, PLLC in Asheville, Dr. Cynthia Libert provides comprehensive care for chronic infections by addressing not only the pathogens—but also the terrain in which they thrive. Healing requires more than a prescription. It involves restoring balance, building resilience, and supporting every system the infection has disrupted.
Our holistic treatment approach is organized around the following core care pillars:
Personalized Antimicrobial Protocols
Not all infections respond to the same treatment. Dr. Libert designs targeted antimicrobial protocols—herbal, pharmaceutical, or both—based on your unique lab findings, symptoms, and sensitivities. Treatment may be pulsed or layered to address biofilms, co-infections, and different life stages of pathogens.
Immune System Modulation
Rather than overstimulating or suppressing your immune system, we aim to rebalance and strengthen it. This includes:
- Replenishing key nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and D
- Using adaptogens to support adrenal function and immune resilience
- Employing immune-modulating botanicals to reduce overactivation or autoimmunity
Detoxification Support
Chronic infections often release biotoxins, mycotoxins, and endotoxins that burden your liver, brain, and immune system. We help you:
- Open detox pathways (liver, lymph, gut, kidneys, skin)
- Use binders, antioxidants, and drainage support
- Avoid Herxheimer reactions with gentle, stepwise detoxification plans
Gut and Mitochondrial Repair
Infections can damage the gut lining and deplete your cellular energy. We support:
- Microbiome restoration with probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients
- Mitochondrial support using nutrients like CoQ10, PQQ, L-carnitine, and magnesium
- Protocols to heal leaky gut and reduce systemic inflammation
Stress, Sleep, and Nervous System Support
Chronic infections often dysregulate the nervous system, keeping the body in fight-or-flight mode. We guide you in:
- Vagus nerve regulation through breathwork, bodywork, or neuromodulation
- Sleep optimization to support cellular repair and immunity
- Mindfulness, prayer, and emotional release to reduce neuroinflammation and promote rest
Start Healing Today
Chronic infections are real—and they’re often reversible with the right support, testing, and personalized care. If you’ve been living with fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, digestive issues, or symptoms that no one can explain, it’s time to dig deeper.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC in Asheville, Dr. Cynthia Libert combines compassionate listening with advanced functional medicine tools to uncover the root causes of chronic illness. You don’t have to accept a life defined by mystery symptoms or short-term fixes. Healing is possible—and it begins with understanding your body’s unique story.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Cynthia Libert Today
Contact Information: 📍 Caring for the Body, PLLC
1998 Hendersonville Rd, Suite #24
Asheville, NC 28803
📞 (828) 490-1545
📧 help@caringforthebody.org
🌐 www.caringforthebody.org