So this is not part of the NMM Program, but I want you to have as many tools as possible to tackle your MD! Fasting can be incredibly beneficial for gut health and the gut microbiome. And it can help reset the microbiome by increasing symbiotic bacteria diversity. Remember, the root of your Morgellons Disease is in your gut! And if you haven’t already read my How to Treat Morgellons Disease posts, then be sure to start here!
When we talk about fasting there are basically two types.
1. Intermittent fasting – An eating pattern where you abstain from eating for a given period. Typically, people that do intermittent fasting eat all their calories within an eight-hour feeding window, and then consume only water for the other sixteen hours.2. Extended fasting – When you abstain from eating for one to five days and only consume water. I have personally noticed that the bad, sugar-loving bacteria do not seem to be able to live as long without food, which makes extended fasting so powerful.
Doing a 24 to 48-hour extended fast can have profound effects on your gut microbiome. Fasting can help rebalance your gut bacteria and help to heal your digestive system. Additionally, you get the added benefit of autophagy. Autophagy is when the body cleans out old, damaged cells and regenerates itself with newer and healthier cells. If you are not already familiar with all the benefits of fasting, then here are just a few.
- Promotes blood sugar control
- Fights inflammation
- Reduces cholesterol
- Enhances brain function
I could go on all day about the benefits of fasting, but for our purposes it will be used to help rebalance our gut bacteria. I try to do an extended fast at least two times a month.
And then there’s OMDAD…
OMAD – If there was one way of eating that I wish I could do long term, it would definitely be, One Meal a Day. One Meal a Day is basically a form of intermittent fasting where you would only eat one meal a day. For those that really want to jump start their healing I highly recommend it. But be sure to have your yogurt with that meal. It is also a great way to lose weight. Unfortunately, I have an extremely high metabolism and must work pretty hard to gain and maintain my body weight. Some of the benefits of OMAD include:
- Better cognitive abilities (it helps with that awful brain fog)
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Weight loss
- Improves digestion and boosts gut health
- Treating Morgellons disease!
If you are feeling like you need a little extra help or push to get rid of your MD and its symptoms, then please try OMAD.
How to do an extended fast
This is simple, do not eat! But do drink plenty of water. You can also drink herbal teas but no cream or sugar! Now if the thought of going for 24 hours without food seems overwhelming, slowly ease into it. You can start by going 12 hours, then 14, etc.
Your last meal prior to fasting
Your last meal prior to starting an extended fast should be rich in fiber with lots of fresh vegetables. We want to feed the good gut-friendly bacteria before we try to starve the bad ones.
Your first meal when breaking the fast
This meal should also be healthy and rich in fiber. I try to have a nice big salad with coconut oil to break my fast. Remember, we are trying to create a good environment for the bacteria we want to have in our gut now, while simultaneously starving the bad ones off.
I suggest you try both intermittent and extended fasting to see which one works best for your gut health and Morgellons disease symptoms!
And as always if you have a question or need help — just reach out!