Claire Foy, best known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, has revealed she gave up caffeine after being diagnosed with a parasite infection. The 41-year-old actress described the diagnosis as 'gross' and 'disgusting' during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast.
Foy believes she had been living with the parasite for at least five years, after likely catching it in Morocco. She chose to follow a strict diet rather than take 'really hardcore antibiotics', which included giving up caffeine as part of the regimen.
In addition to caffeine, the actress also avoids gluten and sugar due to an autoimmune condition. She explained that she should avoid anything that causes inflammation, though she occasionally makes exceptions when dining out.
Foy has faced health challenges since childhood, including juvenile arthritis at age 13 and a benign tumour behind her eye at 17 that required surgery and steroids. She previously admitted to fearing that she would not live past 40.
Reflecting on her early health struggles, she said: 'My thing was that I was never going to make it past 40 – ever.' Despite her fears, Foy has now exceeded that milestone and continues her acting career.
