It started when she was a teenager. Before the runways of Paris and the magazine covers, Bella Hadid was a competitive equestrian with dreams of the Olympics. Then, the fatigue hit. Not just "I stayed up too late" tired, but a bone-deep, soul-crushing exhaustion that makes your limbs feel like lead. For a long time, people didn't get it. They saw a supermodel and assumed life was perfect. But behind the scenes, Bella Hadid was fighting a battle with chronic Lyme disease that nearly cost her everything.
Lyme disease is tricky. It’s caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, usually transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. For some, a quick round of antibiotics clears it up. For others, like Bella, her mother Yolanda, and her brother Anwar, it turns into a long-term nightmare.
The 100-Day Healing Journey
In 2023, Bella shared something raw. She posted photos of herself hooked up to IVs, covered in bandages, and looking nothing like the "glamorous" version of herself the world knows. She had just finished 100 days of intensive treatment for co-infections and chronic Lyme.
She wasn't just "sick." She was dealing with "brain fog" so thick she couldn't remember how to drive home. She had joint pain that made walking difficult. Imagine being at the height of your career, with every camera on you, while your nervous system feels like it’s short-circuiting.
She called it "invisible suffering." That's the thing about Lyme—you don't always look sick. You just feel like you're fading away.
Why Bella’s Case is So Controversial
There is a huge divide in the medical community. If you talk to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), they generally recognize "Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome." However, many patients and advocates, including those Bella has worked with, use the term "Chronic Lyme Disease."
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Mainstream medicine sometimes struggles with this. They see negative blood tests and tell patients they're fine. But the tests are notoriously unreliable. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Medicine highlighted how current diagnostic tools miss a staggering number of cases because they look for antibodies, not the bacteria itself.
Bella’s transparency changed the conversation. She didn't just say "I'm sick"; she showed the ugly parts. The needles. The exhaustion. The way her body reacted to "die-off" symptoms, often called a Herxheimer reaction, where the toxins from dying bacteria make you feel even worse before you feel better.
The Equestrian Connection
Most people don't realize Bella had to give up her Olympic dreams. She was a nationally ranked rider. But the physical toll of Lyme meant she couldn't keep her balance on a horse.
Ticks love stables. They love tall grass and the animals that live there. It’s highly likely she was bitten during her years spent in the barn. It’s a reminder that this isn't just a "celebrity" illness—it’s an environmental hazard for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Breaking Down the Symptoms
What does it actually feel like? Honestly, it’s a laundry list of misery.
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- Extreme Lethargy: You wake up feeling like you ran a marathon.
- Neurological Issues: Mood swings, anxiety, and that terrifying "brain fog."
- Physical Pain: Migraines that last for days and joints that ache for no reason.
- Skin Flare-ups: Bella often mentioned how her skin would react, which is a nightmare when your job depends on your appearance.
She’s been vocal about the "co-infections" too. Ticks aren't clean. They carry a cocktail of bacteria—Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia. Treating just the Lyme often isn't enough. You have to clear out the whole "zoo" of pathogens.
The Impact on Mental Health
You can't talk about Bella Hadid and Lyme disease without talking about the mental toll. When your body betrays you, your mind follows. Bella has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety, much of which she ties back to her physical health.
It’s isolating. People think you’re flaking on plans or being "dramatic." When you’re one of the most famous women in the world, that judgment is magnified by a million. She’s mentioned that she felt like she had to hide her pain to keep her jobs.
Holistic vs. Conventional Treatment
Bella's approach has been a mix. She’s used conventional IV antibiotics, but she also leans heavily into holistic support. This includes:
- Strict Diet: Many Lyme patients find relief through anti-inflammatory protocols (no gluten, no dairy, low sugar).
- Detoxification: Infrared saunas and lymphatic drainage to help the body process the bacterial waste.
- Supplements: High doses of vitamins and herbs to support the immune system.
It’s expensive. It’s exhausting. And it’s a full-time job just to stay functional.
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What We Can Learn from Her Story
The biggest takeaway isn't just that a celebrity got sick. It's about advocacy. Bella has used her platform to support the Global Lyme Alliance. She’s pushed for better testing and more recognition for those who are suffering in silence.
If you suspect you have Lyme, don't just take a "no" from one doctor. Find a "Lyme-literate" doctor (LLMD). They look at the clinical picture—your symptoms and history—not just a flawed lab test.
Actionable Steps for Prevention and Recovery
If you live in a tick-heavy area or spend time outdoors, you need a plan.
- The 24-Hour Rule: Ticks usually need to be attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria. Do a full body check every single night.
- Proper Removal: Never use matches or Vaseline. Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up.
- Save the Tick: Put it in a plastic bag. There are labs like TickReport that will test the tick itself to see if it was carrying anything. This is way more accurate than testing your own blood right after a bite.
- Watch for the Rash: Not everyone gets the "bullseye." Some people get a solid red patch, and some get nothing at all.
- Support the Gut: If you do take antibiotics, load up on high-quality probiotics. You need to protect your microbiome while you’re fighting the infection.
Bella Hadid’s journey is a testament to resilience. She went through a decade of "invisible" pain and came out the other side with a mission to help others. It’s not about being "cured"—it’s about management, listening to your body, and refusing to let a tiny tick define your entire life.
The most important thing you can do is trust your intuition. If you feel like something is wrong with your body, even if the tests say you're "fine," keep looking for answers. Your health is worth the fight.