Question
Is it safe to fast in my situation?
19 June 2009. Related: All topics.
Am a christian who is HIV positive and not on treatment yet, with a CD4 count of above 1000.
Is it advisable to fast for 7 days? This is a fast where you drink a lot of water, juice and in some cases eat fruit. And then break off at 18:00 in the evening. You eat a meal in the evening. Is there any medical effect on my health as of my status? I don’t fast for more than 7 days.
The fasting is for spiritual benefit. Is it safe to fast for HIV positive people?
Answer
Your results are all right and as long as the fast is not the long one that nears starvation, then everything should be all right and you could do it.
It is more problematic for people with very advanced AIDS (CD4 count below 200), where hunger and starvation may further reduce the ability of the immune system to fight off intruders.
Hi Patty,
What do you mean by a water fast?
I am on a 2 week water fast and I am on day number 9 my meds are biktarvy and Prezcobix I wanted to do 3 but I think I should be pushing it to for
Hi mwana,
What medication are you taking? If its a medication that requires you to take you meds with food, then no this isn’t recommended.
I’m 48 years and have been on treatment for 16 years. my viral load is 0. is it ok for me to fast for 40 hours. in these 40 hours I just take water, tea and coffee. please advise
Hi Beryl,
Descovy and Tivicay can both be taken with or without food.
But it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first and make sure your meds are working well.
How is it going? If you have your viral load and CD4 results, please let us know.
What about Descovy and Tivicay can I fast? I eat first
Hi Estelle,
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about fasting. Some HIV meds need to be taken with meals to make sure they work properly.
However, It’s good to hear you eat healthy. And here’s the guide to a balanced diet and your health. There’s a lot of info about dietary sources of nutrients in this.
I would like to see more research on HIV and intermittent fasting ,I have had trouble with weight gain and lypodysrophy for many years .I also have had back problems and had very limited mobility at times.I have decided to start Intermittent fasting am now 7 weeks on and have lost 1/2 as. Stone.
I eat healthy when am not fasting and will take all my meds with my meals .Its also helped my stress levels and I feeling very energetic
Hi Gloria,
Biktavry can be taken with or without food, so fasting should be OK. Please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/13752
I would like to juice fast for 7-10 days.. .. Fruits and vegetables.. My CD4s are in the upper 500s .. I take Biktarvy…