The reason I advise against simple sugars and alcohol has to do with how the immune system is affected by Lyme disease. It seems like the immune system is overactive, the cytokines are active. As soon as one has sugar and alcohol, it seems like it drives the immune system to be too active, too over the top. People will find that their symptoms flare up. The symptoms will be more intense. They might not sleep very well, and they might even crave more sugars, and they’ll get in this endless cycle of chronic recurring symptoms.