Nourishing Your Body During the Holidays with Lyme, Cancer, and Chronic Illness

No question the holidays are here and while everyone else is diving into cookies and eggnog, your body might be quietly whispering, “Can we get something that actually helps?” If you’re living with Lyme disease, cancer, or any sort of chronic illness, your body’s needs are a little different than they used to be. It’s now working overtime to heal, fight inflammation, and keep your energy up, on top of everyday “normal people” stuff, so what you feed it right now matters more than ever.

The good news? You’ve got allies in this fight called Superfoods and Supplements that can step in as your dynamic duo, helping to fill in nutritional gaps, power up your immune system and leave you feeling strong so today, we’re going to go over how they work together and why they’re super essential during the holidays. Let’s start with food because as the saying goes, let food be thy medicine. I know, we keep hearing that message but today I’m going to explain it just a little bit more.

For example, let’s take sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. These aren’t just colorful side dishes; they’re packed with beta-carotene and antioxidants that help your body fight oxidative stress. If you’re dealing with Lyme or cancer, this is huge because chronic inflammation and free radicals are like tiny invaders waging a constant war inside you and without enough antioxidants, you might notice slower recovery times, persistent fatigue or an increase in aches and pains.

But here’s the exciting part! When you pair antioxidant-rich foods with the right supplements like Vitamin D, you’re now supercharging your immune system because Vitamin D acts as a booster, helping your body absorb and utilize all of those nutrients more effectively. Think of it as turning up the volume on your body’s defenses. 

Next up are those leafy greens like good ol’ kale, spinach, swiss chard and arugula. They’re not just for trendy salads, these greens are loaded with magnesium, a mineral that’s critical for muscle relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep. Chronic illness often depletes your magnesium reserves, especially in us lymies and without enough, it can leave you dealing with Charlie horses so intense they feel like your muscles are staging a rebellion. Sound familiar?

By combining magnesium-rich foods with a high-quality magnesium supplement, you’re not just preventing cramps and easing up that non-death-related rigor mortis, you’re calming your entire nervous system as it’s often linked to managing stress, anxiety and even depression.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating mood and there’s a lot of research showing that magnesium deficiency can contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s well known for its calming effect on the nervous system and its ability to help regulate neurotransmitters that are involved in mood and emotional regulation, such as serotonin so in many ways it’s like giving your body a much-needed exhale, and let’s be honest, after everything your body’s been through and might still be going through, it definitely deserves that exhale. 

*Side note here as many people with chronic anything use cannabis products for relief,  there’s some research indicating a potential link between regular cannabis use, especially with THC, and magnesium depletion. While the direct relationship isn’t fully understood, there is evidence suggesting that cannabis use could influence magnesium levels in the body. This depletion may create or increase some of those side effects like anxiety, depression and/or muscle cramps. Therefore, individuals who use cannabis regularly may want to ensure that they’re getting adequate magnesium to support their overall health.  Further research is needed to clarify the exact connection.

Moving on to omega-3s from wild-caught salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts … these foods are rich in healthy fats that reduce inflammation and support brain and joint health. If you’ve got Lyme and you’re struggling with joint pain, or if cancer treatments have triggered inflammation, omega-3s are one of your best friends. Without it, you might notice your joints feeling stiffer (again, that rigor mortis), your thoughts get foggier, and your mood will be swinging like a pendulum in the wind. Pairing these foods with an omega-3 supplement, there are vegan options, ensures your body has consistent access to the tools it needs to fight inflammation.

To add to that, it doesn’t just stop at your joints! Omega-3s also protect your brain, keeping you sharp and focused even during the holiday chaos and let’s face it, the holiday extras can make you feel like your brain is running on 5% battery, and omega-3s help you keep that mental clarity and if that wasn’t enough, they’re also giving your heart some good loving too. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the body, which can have a major impact on your cardiovascular health. They’ve been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, and support overall heart function making them a multi-tasker for both physical and mental well-being.

Now, let’s talk about some of my favorites, garlic and onions. These might seem like basic kitchen staples, but they’re actually detox superstars. They boost liver function, helping your body to process toxins more efficiently and if you’re on antibiotics, other medications, or even just dealing with holiday indulgences, your liver could probably use some extra love and support. Without that, you might notice brain fog creeping in, persistent fatigue, or even skin issues popping up.

This is where pairing garlic-heavy meals with a good probiotic can make a difference. Garlic helps detox your system, and the probiotics step in to restore balance to your gut micro-biome, which is often thrown off by treatments or medications. Together, they create a foundation for better digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics are a huge game-changer for gut health, especially if you’re dealing with Lyme, cancer, or chronic illness. They support digestion and immunity, but not all probiotics are created equal.

Make sure your probiotics guarantee live delivery, otherwise, you’re just paying good money to swallow dead bugs. Did you know that the most expensive probiotics are the ones that don’t work? You want to look for strains that are guaranteed to be alive by the time they reach your gut. Speaking of probiotics, let’s touch on that gut health for a second. If your gut is out of whack be it from antibiotics/stress or illness, you might feel bloated, sluggish, have fluctuating bowel movement issues, and/or feel constantly under the weather.

This is because your immune system lives in your gut, did you know that? So keeping it healthy is really non-negotiable. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and miso can also help, but a high-quality, live delivery probiotic ensures you’re getting what you need to rebuild that delicate balance. Now that you know the why, let’s bring all of this together and look at HOW to ACTUALLY apply it to your holiday plate. 

Start with a base of nice roasted veggies, add in some colorful leafy greens that are also filling and packed with nutrients,  select yourself a yummy protein like baked salmon or turkey, and top it off with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of walnuts for those healthy fats and viola! You’ve got yourself a nourishing, holiday-friendly meal.

If you’re heading out to a gathering, bring a dish that works for you, like a big salad with kale, roasted root veggies, quinoa or brown rice, fresh fruits, maybe even a lemon-garlic dressing. This checks all the boxes and this way, you’ve got something that’s delicious, nourishing and in line with what your body needs.

Yes, go ahead and indulge a little with what’s there, but keep the balance in mind. Finally, I have to mention hydration because it’s the unsung hero of holiday wellness. Again, chronic illness means your body is working overtime to detox, and hydration is key to keeping things moving. If plain water feels boring, add a splash of lemon or a handful of fresh mint. Herbal teas hot or cold like peppermint or ginger can do triple duty for hydration, inflammation, and digestion, and if you’re feeling extra run-down, add a pinch of Himalayan salt to your water for natural electrolytes.

So, here’s the bottom line. When you combine nutrient-packed foods with the right supplements, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to feel stronger and more balanced, even during the chaos of the holidays. This isn’t about depriving yourself or becoming the health police at family gatherings. It’s about nourishing yourself so you can actually enjoy the season without feeling completely isolated or wiped out. 

This year, chronic illness doesn’t get to call the shots, you do and remember, it’s all about taking back control. Your body is doing the hard work, and your job is to give it the best fuel possible. It’s like having and being a trusty sidekick with yourself in this holiday battle. 

We all know the holidays can bring some stress, and that stress can ramp up inflammation, but here’s where magnesium, omega-3s, and calming herbs like chamomile can really make a difference. They’re not just good for your body, they’re good for your mind, helping you to manage the extra pressure without it taking a further toll on you. 

I’d love to hear how you’re nourishing your body this holiday season. What’s your go-to superfood or supplement that’s been a game-changer for you? Drop a comment and let’s share our favorite tips! Together, we can all thrive this holiday season.

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