With the COVID-19 pandemic becoming increasingly serious, it’s been widely suggested to take the COVID vaccine to fundamentally stay immune against the virus. However, when it comes to those implementing intermittent fasting, or all users of the Fastyle app that helps all users track and monitor their fasting journey, there are still some questions that expect to be replied to concerning the COVID vaccine and intermittent fasting.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up these questions and answers that you might have regarding the issue.
Is It Safe to Get the COVID Vaccine while Fasting?
No matter fast or not, everyone seems to be worried about the side effects of the covid vaccine. According to a report by UAE Health, Dr. Menon advised people to take the vaccination for COVID-19 while they are fasting. “First, they (fasting people) must not miss the opportunity to be vaccinated for fear of some side effects. Second, the immune response is said to be twice as effective when people are fasting.” he further indicated.
Based on Dr. Menon’s explanation, through the autophagy phase, people’s immune system works quicker because all debris or diseased or dead cells have been cleared out after intermittent fasting.
Therefore, it is theoretically safe to get the COVID vaccine if you’re doing intermittent fasting. However, different people have different body effects, and the same vaccination might lead to different side effects on different people.
Keep in mind that DO TALK to your doctor before vaccination.
During Which Window should I get the COVID vaccine, fasting or feasting window?
If you’re allowed to get the COVID vaccine after talking with your doctor, here comes another question about the vaccination time.
According to Dr. Menon’s explanation, fasting drives your immune system to be sensitive and effective so that the fasting window is possibly the right time to get the COVID vaccine.
However, the side effect of intermittent fasting should be also considered if you’re currently suffering from one or some. Now that you’re suffering from the side effects of intermittent fasting, it’s not suggested to get the COVID vaccine during your fasting window because that may further worsen the side effects.
Will the COVID vaccine break my fasting?
The vaccine is directly injected into your arm muscle without entering your gut, so it won’t break your fast.
If you stick to scheduled doses and medication, however, you should ask your doctor for specific advice about the vaccination.
What food should be eaten and avoided before and after I get the COVID vaccine?
There’s no food limit before vaccination. Nevertheless, since you’re doing intermittent fasting, the food that isn’t friendly with intermittent fasting should be avoided:
- Added sugar
- Saturated fat
- Sodium
- Alcoholic beverages
- Processed meat
- Refined grains
After getting the COVID vaccine, some limits should be set to your diet after your vaccination, including spicy foods or seafood that may strengthen the severity of side effects of the COVID vaccine.
Bottom Line
- It’s generally safe to get the COVID vaccine during intermittent fasting.
- No difference is available between vaccination during fasting or feasting window but the latter is strongly suggested if you’re suffering from side effects of intermittent fasting.
- The COVID vaccine won’t break your fast since it’s shot into your arm muscle instead of your gut.
- Some food limitations should be kept in mind to stop extra worries.
