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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