How Intermittent Fasting Can Help Women with Autoimmunity
Do you live with an autoimmune condition and wonder if intermittent fasting could be part of your solution?
If flare-ups are interfering with your life and keeping you from the things you love—or if you’ve tried every conventional approach but still don’t feel relief—you’re not alone. You may have heard that intermittent fasting could be a game-changer for autoimmune conditions, yet you might wonder, is it right for you?
As a specialist in autoimmune health for women, I’ve seen how intermittent fasting can benefit many women with autoimmune conditions. Studies reveal that fasting can reduce circulating immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play a key role in managing inflammation and promoting immune balance.
Yet, I know firsthand that intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your unique health history, lifestyle, and symptoms should guide whether it’s a good choice for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of intermittent fasting for women with autoimmune conditions and provide some practical insights to help you make the best decision for your health.
Listen to Your Body: The Key to Effective Healing
When it comes to making dietary changes, it’s essential to start with a keen awareness of your own needs. There is no universal approach that works for everyone—especially in managing autoimmunity. Before jumping into any diet or trend, check in with yourself and see if it resonates.
Intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. However, if it increases your stress levels, disrupts your mental well-being, or triggers disordered eating tendencies, it may not be the best approach for you. Remember, a successful diet is one that you can maintain without increasing stress or compromising your mental health.
Some important exceptions:
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of disordered eating or mental health concerns, intermittent fasting may not be safe. Outside these categories, it’s wise to take a gentle, exploratory approach, perhaps with guidance from a healthcare provider who understands autoimmunity and dietary interventions.
And just as listening to your mind is vital, paying attention to your body is equally important. If you notice symptoms like shakiness, excessive hunger, brain fog, irritability, or difficulty focusing, fasting may not be a fit. Self-compassion and self-care should guide any dietary change. With this in mind, here are key considerations to help you decide if intermittent fasting could support your health.
Managing Stress and Autoimmunity: Avoiding Additional Stress
Stress can worsen autoimmune symptoms, and studies confirm that stress-related disorders can significantly increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. For some, fasting might add more stress rather than alleviating it.
If you’re sensitive to stress, I encourage you to focus first on gentle, calming practices—such as yoga, meditation, or light exercise. Reducing your cortisol levels can positively impact autoimmune symptoms and your overall well-being. If fasting feels stressful, consider alternative dietary strategies that align better with a calm, balanced approach to your health.
Blood Sugar Balance: Essential for Women with Autoimmunity
Blood sugar stability is often a challenge for women with autoimmune conditions, and fasting can sometimes disrupt this balance. Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is essential to avoiding fatigue, mood swings, and cravings.
If low blood sugar is an issue, fasting might not suit you. Instead, focus on a diet rich in protein and healthy fats, and try starting your day with a protein-centered breakfast to stabilize your energy levels. Frequent, balanced meals could be more supportive for your blood sugar needs. You can learn more in my article Understanding Metabolic Health: A Guide for Women.
Insulin Resistance: A Potential Area of Improvement with Fasting
For women with high blood sugar or insulin resistance, intermittent fasting may offer benefits by reducing insulin levels and improving insulin sensitivity. However, moderation is key—if fasting causes persistent stress, it could worsen inflammation.
Approach fasting gradually, paying close attention to how your body responds. Any stress signals might indicate that a slower, modified fasting approach could be better for you.
Taking It Slow: Navigating Fasting with Care
If you decide to try intermittent fasting, start gradually and consult with a qualified healthcare provider—especially if you have an autoimmune condition. Fasting can affect your health significantly, and personalized guidance can make a world of difference.
Regularly check in with your body’s responses and remain open to adjusting your approach. Listening to your body and moving at a comfortable pace can maximize the benefits of intermittent fasting while minimizing potential risks. To learn more about fasting safely, see my article The Benefits and Risks of Fasting for Optimal Health.
Your Road to Remission: Holistic Support for Autoimmune Health
If you’re facing an autoimmune condition, know that relief is possible. Dietary changes, stress management, and lifestyle shifts can create a strong foundation for healing and even remission.
As an autoimmune specialist, I invite you to explore my holistic, 4-month Road to Remission program designed specifically for women ready to reverse their autoimmune conditions and regain control of their health.
With the right support, you can find relief from autoimmune symptoms and restore your energy and vitality. Take the first step to wellness—relief is within reach.
Dr. Laura Paris is a women’s health specialist who provides Acupuncture and Functional Medicine care at her two clinics in Capitola and Monterey, California. She also works with women remotely in the United States through telehealth appointments. Learn more about Laura here, and message her directly here.
1 Okawa T, Nagai M, Hase K. Dietary Intervention Impacts Immune Cell Functions and Dynamics by Inducing Metabolic Rewiring. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 4;11:623989. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623989. PMID: 33613560; PMCID: PMC7890027.
2 Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, Arnberg FK, Mataix-Cols D, Fernández de la Cruz L, Almqvist C, Fall K, Valdimarsdóttir UA. Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease. JAMA. 2018 Jun 19;319(23):2388-2400. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.7028. PMID: 29922828; PMCID: PMC6583688.
