01/06/2026
Why fasting is not recommended right now while you are sick with Lyme disease
When you have active or chronic Lyme disease, your body is under significant inflammatory stress. This inflammation can disrupt the normal balance of hormones—especially the stress hormones made by your adrenal glands.
Lyme disease can affect the HPA axis (the communication system between the brain and adrenal glands), leading to low or poorly regulated cortisol levels. Cortisol is essential for:
• Maintaining stable blood sugar
• Supporting energy and stamina
• Helping your body respond to physical stress
When cortisol levels are low, fasting becomes too stressful for your body. Instead of healing, fasting may:
• Worsen fatigue and weakness
• Increase dizziness, shakiness, or crashes
• Further strain already stressed adrenal function
At this stage, your body needs steady nutritional support, not additional stress.
That is why I recommend:
• Regular, frequent meals
• Adequate protein to support healing and hormone production
• Healthy fats (omega-3s, olive oil, avocado, etc.) for energy and inflammation control
• Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, which are important cofactors for adrenal and steroid hormone production
Once inflammation is reduced, infections are better controlled, and hormonal balance improves, fasting may be reconsidered safely. Right now, however, the priority is stabilization, nourishment, and recovery.
