Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCan Diet Affect Lyme Disease?Anti-Inflammatory DietAdditional Considerations
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Can Diet Affect Lyme Disease?
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Additional Considerations
There’s no specific “Lyme disease diet.” And, fortunately, most people fully recover from Lyme disease aftertaking antibiotics.
Preliminary laboratory research suggests that certain plant oils have antibacterial effects that might hypothetically supportLyme diseasetreatment andreduce lingering symptoms.Additionally, anti-inflammatory compounds in certain foods may boost your immune system to help you recover from Lyme and other infections.
This article explains how an anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial, the way it works, what foods to eat, and whether it might be a good choice for you.
Verywell / Danie Drinkwater
Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugar can contribute to inflammation and have adverse effects on the immune system.
Inflammation happens when your body recognizes something harmful (such as infections, injuries, and toxins) and triggers a response to fight it. While inflammation is a natural part of fighting an infection, excessive or chronic (long-term) inflammation may lead to a variety of health issues.
Choosing anti-inflammatory foods can help slow down the inflammatory process.However, there is no direct research proving an ideal dietary pattern for Lyme disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Lyme Disease
Dietary patterns that have been shown to support the immune system overall include:
Not eating enough protein is a known risk factor for infection. However, this issue isn’t common in the United States.
In addition, garlic cloves, essential oils from cinnamon bark, myrrh trees, thyme leaves, allspice berries, and cumin seeds demonstrated “strong killing activity against dormant and slow-growing forms of the Lyme disease bacterium.”
Essential oils are concentrated liquids from plants that are often used in aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, the oils are inhaled through a diffuser or diluted in oil and applied topically (to the skin).
Although this initial research is promising, essential oils are not a replacement for standard antibiotic treatment. The essential oils listed are not considered safe to ingest in high quantities. Clinical studies examining the effects of essential oils on human subjects are needed to inform future recommendations.
Foods to Eat With Lyme Disease
Rather than seeing an anti-inflammatory diet, also known as theMediterranean diet, as a short-term choice to help your bodyrecover from Lyme disease, consider adopting it as a long-term eating plan that may improve your body’s ability to fight off future diseases as well.
Anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes and green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale; fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and cherries; fatty fish such as salmon and tuna; and healthy oils like olive oil. Nuts and coffee, which contain polyphenols, an anti-inflammatory compound, may protect against inflammation as well.
Foods to EatAll fruits such as berries, peaches, cherries, and apricotsBeans, lentils, tofu, and tempehDried herbs and spicesExtra-virgin olive oil, avocado, and olivesMilk, plain Greek yogurt, and cottage cheeseNon-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, artichokes, and dark greensNuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and cashewsStarchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and root vegetablesWater, coffee, and teaWhole-grain bread and other whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and brown riceFoods to AvoidRefined grains such as white bread, white pasta, and pizza dough containing white flourRefined oils, like soybean oilFoods with added sugar such as cookies, cakes, and sodasDeli meats, hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meatsTable sugarSoda, fruit juice, and sweetened coffee drinksIce cream and processed cheeses such as American cheese
Foods to EatAll fruits such as berries, peaches, cherries, and apricotsBeans, lentils, tofu, and tempehDried herbs and spicesExtra-virgin olive oil, avocado, and olivesMilk, plain Greek yogurt, and cottage cheeseNon-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, artichokes, and dark greensNuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and cashewsStarchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and root vegetablesWater, coffee, and teaWhole-grain bread and other whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and brown rice
All fruits such as berries, peaches, cherries, and apricots
Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh
Dried herbs and spices
Extra-virgin olive oil, avocado, and olives
Milk, plain Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese
Non-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, artichokes, and dark greens
Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and cashews
Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and root vegetables
Water, coffee, and tea
Whole-grain bread and other whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and brown rice
Foods to AvoidRefined grains such as white bread, white pasta, and pizza dough containing white flourRefined oils, like soybean oilFoods with added sugar such as cookies, cakes, and sodasDeli meats, hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meatsTable sugarSoda, fruit juice, and sweetened coffee drinksIce cream and processed cheeses such as American cheese
Refined grains such as white bread, white pasta, and pizza dough containing white flour
Refined oils, like soybean oil
Foods with added sugar such as cookies, cakes, and sodas
Deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats
Table sugar
Soda, fruit juice, and sweetened coffee drinks
Ice cream and processed cheeses such as American cheese
Healthy Habits
Focus on choosing fresh foods over packaged foods which tend to be more processed, and make vegetables the central part of your meal.
To be successful with an anti-inflammatory diet, these healthy habits can help:
While somealternative medicine treatments(like essential oil therapy) come with potential risks, an anti-inflammatory diet is a nutritious way of eating that focuses on whole and natural foods. Herbal remedies may not be safe and could interfere with Lyme disease antibiotics or other medications you’re taking.
Always talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet or taking supplements, especially when you’re undergoing treatment for an acute condition like Lyme disease.
General Nutrition
TheDietary Guidelines for Americansrecognizes the benefits of a “healthy Mediterranean-style eating pattern,” which places greater emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and seafood than the healthy U.S.-style dietary pattern.
The nutrient content is similar, but, since theMediterranean-style eating patterncalls for a lower intake of dairy, calcium and vitamin D intakes may also be lower.
Sustainability and Practicality
Flexibility
An anti-inflammatory diet allows for a wide variety of palatable foods. Making the transition away from high-sugar processed snacks or fast food can be an adjustment, but with some practice and creativity, an anti-inflammatory diet is flexible enough to suit most taste preferences and budgets.
Cost
The Mediterranean diet centers around home-cooked food rather than restaurant meals or processed foods. Cooking your own meals can be a money-saver, depending on how you shop.
Purchasing fruits and vegetables in season and taking the time to prepare them yourself (rather than choosing precut items) can help to stretch your food dollar on the Mediterranean diet.
Summary
In addition to antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, an anti-inflammatory diet might be beneficial and can be used long-term to support your immune function.
Diet is not a key factor in Lyme disease treatment.Seeking early care for suspected infectionsand following through on your doctor’s recommended antibiotic treatments are crucial to reducing your risk of severe symptoms.
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8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Feng J, Shi W, Miklossy J, Tauxe GM, McMeniman CJ, Zhang Y.Identification of essential oils with strong activity against stationary phaseBorrelia burgdorferi.Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):89. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040089Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al.Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: considerations during the COVID-19 crisis.Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1562. doi:10.3390/nu12061562Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A.The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes.Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968Adkison H, Embers ME.Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1183344. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1183344Johns Hopkins University.Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Diet review: Mediterranean diet.International Food Information Council.The healthy dietary patterns highlighted in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.University of Idaho Extension.Shop smart.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Feng J, Shi W, Miklossy J, Tauxe GM, McMeniman CJ, Zhang Y.Identification of essential oils with strong activity against stationary phaseBorrelia burgdorferi.Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):89. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040089Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al.Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: considerations during the COVID-19 crisis.Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1562. doi:10.3390/nu12061562Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A.The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes.Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968Adkison H, Embers ME.Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1183344. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1183344Johns Hopkins University.Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Diet review: Mediterranean diet.International Food Information Council.The healthy dietary patterns highlighted in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.University of Idaho Extension.Shop smart.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Feng J, Shi W, Miklossy J, Tauxe GM, McMeniman CJ, Zhang Y.Identification of essential oils with strong activity against stationary phaseBorrelia burgdorferi.Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):89. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040089Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al.Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: considerations during the COVID-19 crisis.Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1562. doi:10.3390/nu12061562Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A.The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes.Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968Adkison H, Embers ME.Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1183344. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1183344Johns Hopkins University.Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Diet review: Mediterranean diet.International Food Information Council.The healthy dietary patterns highlighted in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.University of Idaho Extension.Shop smart.
Feng J, Shi W, Miklossy J, Tauxe GM, McMeniman CJ, Zhang Y.Identification of essential oils with strong activity against stationary phaseBorrelia burgdorferi.Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):89. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040089
Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al.Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: considerations during the COVID-19 crisis.Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1562. doi:10.3390/nu12061562
Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A.The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes.Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968
Adkison H, Embers ME.Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1183344. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1183344
Johns Hopkins University.Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Diet review: Mediterranean diet.
International Food Information Council.The healthy dietary patterns highlighted in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
University of Idaho Extension.Shop smart.
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