Acclaimed British actress Claire Foy, renowned for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix's The Crown, has shared a startling health revelation that led her to abandon coffee entirely. The star disclosed she discovered she had been living with parasites, which she believes she contracted during a trip to Morocco, and this diagnosis necessitated significant dietary changes.
A Shocking Discovery After Years of Symptoms
Foy explained that she was initially puzzled by unexplained weight loss, which prompted medical investigation. The diagnosis, as she described it, was "gross, absolutely rank" and ultimately revealed the presence of parasites. Speaking candidly on the Table Manners podcast with hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware, Foy expressed her disgust at the situation, noting the parasites were likely with her for "at least five years" before detection.
Why Coffee Became Off-Limits
The actress detailed that giving up caffeine was a direct consequence of her treatment plan. To avoid harsh antibiotics, she opted for an alternative regimen that included "all this little gross stuff" and required eliminating caffeine from her diet. This explains her longstanding avoidance of coffee, a staple for many but a prohibited item in her daily life due to these health constraints.
Broader Dietary Restrictions and Autoimmune Concerns
Beyond caffeine, Foy has also cut out gluten and sugar as part of managing her health. She clarified that these eliminations are not due to intolerances but are precautionary measures linked to an autoimmune condition. "I don't actually eat gluten or sugar except when I go out for dinner," she admitted, emphasising that these foods can exacerbate inflammation, which she aims to minimise.
A Lifelong Battle with Health Issues
This recent disclosure adds to a history of medical challenges for the 41-year-old actress. In a previous interview with The Times, Foy revealed she developed juvenile arthritis at age 13, requiring crutches, and later had a benign tumour behind her eye at 17, necessitating surgery and steroids. These experiences contributed to a pervasive fear about her mortality, with Foy confessing, "I just presumed that it was going to happen, especially through my childhood. My thing was that I was never going to make it past 40."
Despite these daunting health woes, which she described as causing "horrible" and "debilitating" pain, Foy has adopted a resilient outlook. She reflected on advice she received, noting, "You know, most people live? They meant most people live quite a long and lovely life," indicating a shift towards optimism despite her ongoing health management.
