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 Esther, what treatment are you on? Some HIV medication requires that you take it with food.
IM ON ARVS 2nd LINE CAN I FAST
Hi Becca, thanks, it is okay to take your combination at your normal time in the morning. This is becasue the three meds in TLD can be taken with or without food.
It is important that anyone fasting for their religion know that meds are still allowed during the fasting period.
Good day, is it safe to drink arvs when fasting, i want to start Intermittent fasting. No food until 6pm i will only drink water when i feel dehydrated. I am on the morning tablet of tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD). Please advise.
Hi Zodwa, are you taking HIV medication? As long as you are currently in good health, fasting for 5 days will have a negative effect on your health. Would yo ube able to continue treatment while fasting?
Hi iam hiv positive for the past 15 years my immune system is good, i feel i need to fast and pray so i can be close to God. Iam planning to fast for 5 days, will this have any negative effect on my health?
Hi Molly,
As you’re new to medication you may find the following helpful: https://i-base.info/guides/starting
It’s great to hear that so far it’s all going well, this is a good sign.
Yes you can drink coffee whilst taking ARVs.
As for the fasting I’ll need to know what ARVs you’re taking.
I just started taking my Arvs 3days ago,I take one tablet in the night I have no pain or experienced any side effects,my questions are, Can I still enjoy coffee as before? and Can I do intermmitent fasting for weight loss?
Hi Nonky,
The meds that you’re taking can be taken with or without food, so yes, it’s OK to fast.
good day, is it safe to drink arvs when fasting, i fast from 6 am until 6 pm every week on wednesdays so i dont eat food i only drink water when i feel dehydrated i am on the morning tablet NUVACO. please advise.