Intermittent Fasting for Chronic Illness: Benefits, Safety & How to Start
What If One Lifestyle Shift Could Support Your Chronic Illness Healing?
If you’re living with chronic illness or fibromyalgia, you’ve probably tried everything to feel better — supplements, medications, special diets, or just trying to push through. But what if one simple lifestyle tool could help reduce inflammation, stabilize energy, and support your body’s healing process?
Let’s talk about intermittent fasting — and why it might help when done gently, intentionally, and with your body’s needs in mind.
What Is Intermittent Fasting — and Why Does It Matter for Chronic Illness?
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a way of eating where you cycle between periods of eating and resting (fasting). It doesn’t mean starving yourself — it simply gives your body longer rest periods between meals, especially overnight.
For those with fibromyalgia or autoimmune issues, intermittent fasting may help by:
🌬️ Lowering inflammation
🔋 Improving cellular energy production (mitochondrial function)
🍽️ Stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels
♻️ Supporting detox and autophagy (your body’s cleanup process)
🧠 Reducing brain fog and improving mood
Why This Matters for Chronic Illness Recovery
Chronic illness often involves immune dysregulation, inflammation, and impaired energy metabolism. Intermittent fasting — when done safely — may help your body:
✔️ Reset inflammatory cycles
✔️ Support adrenal balance and hormone regulation
✔️ Improve insulin sensitivity
✔️ Reduce digestive strain and give your gut time to repair
Many of my clients with fibromyalgia feel less bloated, clearer mentally, and more in control of their eating patterns when they use fasting in a supportive, flexible way.
Fasting Isn’t for Everyone
If you’re in deep adrenal fatigue, underweight, or dealing with nutrient deficiencies, aggressive fasting can backfire.
Your body may already feel depleted — so fasting could increase stress hormones or worsen symptoms unless your foundations are strong.
That’s why I never recommend fasting without first addressing:
Blood sugar balance
Mineral and nutrient status
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Fasting is a tool to use when your body is ready for it — not before.
How to Try Intermittent Fasting (Gently)
If you’re curious to experiment with fasting while living with chronic illness, start with a simple 12-hour overnight fast:
🍽️ Eat dinner by 7 PM
🌅 Eat breakfast around 7 AM
🥑 Include protein, fat, and fiber at each meal
💧 Stay hydrated with water and minerals
🧘 Don’t push through hunger or crashes — your body’s cues matter
As your energy improves, you may explore longer fasting windows — but only if they support your healing, not work against it.
My Holistic Approach: Bio-Individual & Root-Cause Focused
In my practice, I support women navigating chronic illness and autoimmune conditions through personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
I don’t just give generic food plans — I look at the root causes:
✔️ Gut health
✔️ Hormones & blood sugar
✔️ Detox pathways
✔️ Mitochondrial function
Intermittent fasting is one tool I sometimes use — but only if it fits your unique body and healing stage.
Ready to Heal from the Root?
If you’re living with fibromyalgia or chronic illness and you’re tired of guessing what your body needs…
I can help you find your rhythm again.
✨ Book a free clarity call or check out my 6-week root-cause healing program for women living with chronic illness.
Together, we’ll create a nourishing, doable plan that helps you feel safe, supported, and strong in your body again.
With heart,
Alexis Tanner | The Nutritionist Mama
Holistic Nutritionist | Root-Cause Practitioner
Helping women with chronic illness rebuild their health and reclaim their lives — one root at a time.