Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in nerve roots after a childhood chickenpox infection. Reactivation occurs when the immune system becomes weakened, inflamed, or metabolically dysregulated. High-carbohydrate diets, insulin resistance, elevated glucose, and chronic inflammation suppress antiviral T-cell activity and weaken cellular immunity, creating conditions where the virus can emerge from latency. Stress-related HPA-axis dysregulation and chronically elevated cortisol further impair immune surveillance and directly promote viral reactivation in sensory nerves.

Systemic inflammation, leaky gut, and elevated cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) reduce the function of cytotoxic T-cells and NK cells, which are normally responsible for keeping varicella-zoster silent. When immunity drops, the virus travels along sensory nerves to the skin, causing painful blisters, burning pain, nerve inflammation, and sometimes long-lasting neuralgia. High blood sugar worsens nerve inflammation, slows healing, and prolongs symptoms.

Fasting, ketogenic diets, and carnivore diets strengthen antiviral immunity by lowering inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring proper T-cell and NK-cell function. Ketosis improves mitochondrial efficiency in immune cells, enhances autophagy (which removes virus-infected cells), and reduces the inflammatory state that drives viral reactivation. Stable blood sugar and low insulin reduce cortisol spikes, restoring strong cellular immune surveillance. Carnivore diets eliminate inflammatory triggers (sugar, gluten, seed oils, processed carbohydrates) and provide nutrient-dense foods rich in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and complete amino acids—all essential for antiviral defense and rapid tissue repair. Together, these metabolic interventions can shorten symptom duration, reduce nerve pain, and significantly lower the risk of future shingles outbreaks.