It takes a lot of hard work to create health. It takes even more work to reverse a serious chronic illness. Intermittent fasting was one of the most powerful adjunctive therapies that helped restore my health after a 20-year journey of chronic illness. I believe it is one of the best practices that I have adopted to keep Lyme Disease in remission for the last 9 years. You can read everything that I did to heal myself in this article.
Lyme Disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms affecting the nervous system, joints, and other organs. While traditional treatments often involve antibiotics, some individuals explore complementary approaches to manage their symptoms. One such approach gaining attention is intermittent fasting. I began intermittent fasting and low-carb eating in the summer of 2014 and have continued with this way of feeding and fasting for the last 10 years.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. It doesn’t prescribe specific foods but focuses on when to eat. Common IF methods include the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting followed by an 8-hour eating window). This was the fasting schedule that I maintained for the better part of 10 years. Occasionally if I need to lose a few pounds I will incorporate eating one meal per day. Otherwise known as OMAD. This eat-stop-eat method (24-hour fasts once or twice a week) is a powerful tool in weight loss and gut healing.
5 Ways Intermittent Fasting Can Help Lyme Disease and Chronic Illness
Intermittent fasting triggers various physiological changes in the body that may be beneficial for individuals dealing with Lyme Disease. Some potential mechanisms include:
- Autophagy: Fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular process that involves the removal of damaged or dysfunctional cells and cellular components. This may aid in the clearance of intracellular pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi and parasites.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Lyme Disease often induces inflammation in the body. IF has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved immune function, potentially assisting the body in managing the inflammatory response.
- Metabolic Flexibility: IF enhances the body’s ability to switch between burning glucose and fat for energy. This metabolic flexibility may support overall energy balance and could benefit individuals experiencing fatigue associated with Lyme Disease.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: IF may contribute to better blood sugar control, which is important for individuals with Lyme Disease as dysregulation can exacerbate symptoms and impact overall health.
- Cellular Repair and Regeneration: Fasting periods allow the body to focus on repair and regeneration processes, potentially aiding in the recovery from Lyme Disease-induced damage.
Scientific Evidence:
While research on the direct effects of intermittent fasting on Lyme Disease is limited, studies have shown its positive impact on various health parameters. Research suggests that IF may enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
A 2019 study published in the journal “Cell Metabolism” demonstrated that intermittent fasting can enhance the function of regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in controlling immune responses. Another study in the “Journal of Immunology” in 2014 indicated that intermittent fasting could reduce inflammation and improve outcomes in inflammatory diseases.
Considerations and Precautions:
Additionally, it’s essential to approach intermittent fasting with caution, as it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with a history of eating disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with certain medical conditions should seek personalized advice before attempting intermittent fasting.
Give it a try!
Intermittent fasting shows promise as a potential adjunctive approach for managing Lyme Disease symptoms. Its ability to stimulate autophagy, reduce inflammation, and promote overall cellular health may contribute to a holistic wellness strategy.
In my health journey, I found IF to be a powerful tool in balancing my blood sugar and maintaining my weight. My gut health was very compromised when I was sick with Lyme Disease and is no longer the case today.
If you are still sick
You can recover your health. The problem is most humans have strayed so far from a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are still struggling you may need to find the last pieces of your healing puzzle. There are many pieces to fix before good health can return. You have to take away all of the bad stuff and add in a bunch of good stuff. Take a look at this older article. It might give you some clues. Never give up and keep the faith!!
Blessings and Best of Health!
Brenda♥
Everything that I have done to regain my health is available for free on my blog. If you would like some extra help I offer health coaching and hair tissue mineral analysis. Please go to this page to book a consult.
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