Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms and lead to serious complications if left untreated. While there is no diet that can cure Lyme disease, eating the right foods and avoiding inflammatory foods may help relieve symptoms and support the immune system’s efforts to fight off the infection.
The Importance of a Nutritious Breakfast
Eating a nutritious breakfast is important for everyone, but especially for those with Lyme disease. A good breakfast helps jumpstart your metabolism, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide energy and focus to get through the day. For those with Lyme disease, a nutritious breakfast may also help reduce inflammation and symptoms.
Some of the key nutrients to focus on for breakfast include:
- Protein – Helps maintain muscle mass and gives you lasting energy.
- Healthy fats – Helps control inflammation and keeps you feeling full.
- Complex carbs – Provides sustained energy.
- Fiber – Promotes gut health and reduces inflammation.
- Vitamins and minerals – Supports immune function and metabolic processes.
Eating a breakfast with a balance of these nutrients can set you up for success in managing Lyme disease symptoms throughout the day.
Inflammation is believed to play a key role in Lyme disease symptoms. Choosing anti-inflammatory foods for breakfast may help reduce joint pain, fatigue, headaches and other symptoms.
Some top anti-inflammatory foods to include in a Lyme disease breakfast are:
- Berries – Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins which reduce inflammation.
- Leafy greens – Kale, spinach and swiss chard are rich in vitamin K which regulates inflammatory processes.
- Avocado – Contains healthy fats that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tomatoes – Provide lycopene, an antioxidant that may lower inflammation.
- Nuts and seeds – Sources of omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation.
- Turmeric – Contains the compound curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
- Ginger – Known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Garlic – Contains sulfur compounds that may inhibit inflammatory enzymes.
Try combining several of these foods together for an anti-inflammatory breakfast. For example, a turmeric egg scramble with spinach, avocado and berries provides a mix of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods
While loading up on anti-inflammatory foods, it’s also important to avoid pro-inflammatory foods that may exacerbate Lyme disease symptoms. These include:
- Refined carbs – Foods like pastries, muffins, cereals and white bread promote inflammation.
- Processed meats – Bacon, sausage and deli meats contain inflammatory compounds.
- Fried foods – Heavily fried foods contain oils that trigger inflammation.
- Sugar – Excess sugar drives up inflammation and should be minimized.
- Alcohol – Can directly increase inflammation so limiting intake is wise.
Being mindful of foods that promote inflammation and limiting intake is recommended when dealing with Lyme disease.
Nutrients for Combating Lyme Disease
Certain nutrients have properties that may support the body’s efforts to fight off Lyme disease bacteria and manage symptoms. Getting adequate amounts of these nutrients from whole food sources or supplements may benefit some people with Lyme disease.
Key nutrients to focus on include:
- Vitamin D – Essential for immune regulation. Low levels are linked to increased Lyme severity.
- Vitamin C – Boosts immune cell function and has antioxidant effects.
- B Vitamins – Play a role in immune response. Deficiencies are common with Lyme disease.
- Magnesium – Supports immune system defenses. Low magnesium associated with chronic Lyme symptoms.
- Zinc – Needed for immune cell development and communication. May help fight Lyme bacteria.
- CoQ10 – Potent antioxidant that may reduce inflammation and fatigue.
- Probiotics – Support gut immunity and intestinal barrier function.
Incorporating foods high in these nutrients or taking quality supplements can provide nutritional support for combating Lyme disease.
Sample Anti-Lyme Breakfasts
Based on the nutrition tips above, here are some example anti-Lyme breakfasts:
1. Avocado Turmeric Smoothie
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Provides healthy fats, antioxidants, curcumin and probiotics to fight inflammation and support immunity.
2. Veggie Egg Scramble
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 avocado
- Pinch turmeric and garlic powder
Scramble eggs with vegetables, spices and avocado. Excellent source of protein, nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds.
3. Lox Bagel with Tomatoes
- Whole grain bagel
- 2 oz sliced lox salmon
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp cream cheese
Smoked salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids. Together with tomato, onion and minimal cream cheese this is an anti-inflammatory take on a classic breakfast sandwich.
4. Lyme-Fighting Smoothie
- 1 cup probiotic yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen berries
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tsp flaxseed
- pinch cinnamon
Provides protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, probiotics and omega-3s to support immunity against Lyme disease.
5. Veggie Frittata with Sweet Potato Hash
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
Sweet Potato Hash:
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrient and protein-packed breakfast with anti-inflammatory vegetables. Sweet potato hash provides vitamin A and fiber.
Other Tips for an Anti-Lyme Breakfast
- Choose organic foods when possible to avoid pesticides.
- Hydrate with warm lemon water to flush toxins.
- Take Lyme disease supplements with breakfast.
- Drink green tea for antioxidant benefits.
- If dairy sensitive, use non-dairy milks and yogurts.
- Limit caffeine which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Avoid highly processed breakfast foods.
- Include prebiotic foods to feed probiotics.
An anti-inflammatory breakfast rich in nutrients can be an important part of managing Lyme disease. Focus on incorporating foods like avocado, berries, leafy greens, nuts and anti-inflammatory spices. Avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbs and processed meat. Tailor your breakfast to provide protein, healthy fats and micronutrients to support your body’s efforts to fight Lyme bacteria and reduce symptoms. With some mindfulness of optimal food choices, breakfast can set the tone for reducing inflammation and promoting healing all day long.