I actually did a fairly deep dive into this when I got Covid in December. The short answer is there’s not a ton of research on it and what research there is shows a history of IF is associated with better and faster outcomes but doing IF while you’re actually sick isn’t a great idea. Autophagy pauses your immune system so you don’t want to get into that state when you first get sick and are mounting your initial defense. Additionally some viruses —including Covid— are opportunistic and actually take advantage of a fasted state and replicate even faster.
So when I got sick a couple months ago I made sure to eat something nutritious— even when I had no appetite— every six to eight hours while awake. Then when I was feeling better I went back to my normal 18:6 routine with occasional longer fasts.
Hope you feel better.
I tend to think you should listen to your body when you are sick…
But I could see the advantage would be keeping to your normal schedule would help keep you on track so you don’t struggle to get back on the horse after a break.
It does depend on why you’re sick. I’d advise listening to your body and physician ultimately.
Now if you have a flu/vomiting, it may be beneficial because you aren’t contributing to upsetting your stomach.
Also just because you’re not fasting doesn’t mean you can’t consume things that are beneficial to getting better; bone broth or clear broth soups, lots of liquids with electrolytes, and lots of fibrous foods that are soft if your body can tolerate it.
Either way fasting will be there when you get back to full heath. Get well soon friend!
I believe this is the time to listen to your body. Eat if you are hungry, don’t if you aren’t. But choose simple, whole foods, avoid sugar, carbs and artificial anything. I think basics like chicken broth, eggs and vegetables are a good start. Stay well hydrated too and don’t forget electrolytes. I like to hydrate like I’m fasting to keep everything in good balance.