Expert Q&A: Can fasting cause gout?
Learn about the link between fasting and this inflammatory form of arthritis.
Certainly, dehydration that can result from fasting increases the risk of gout flares in a patient with gout . Fasting is frequently used by people to conform to their beliefs and for weight loss. Weight loss is beneficial for gout .
Rarely, frequent or prolonged fasting may lead to some metabolic changes that could possibly contribute to a higher risk of flares, although this is far less plausible and not well studied at all. A healthy diet and adequate hydration are the best ways to keep gout flares at bay.
Jasvinder Singh, MD, MPH
Rheumatologist
Director, Gout Clinic, University of Alabama Health Sciences
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