Fasting and your arthritis.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims including those with arthritis will fast from sunrise to sunset. There has been some evidence of the benefits of fasting and detoxification diets helping arthritis. However, some general precautions should be adhered to. For patients with arthritis, it is always wise to check with your Rheumatologist as to whether you can continue to fast and take medications which may be immune suppressants, or irritant to the stomach. Also the timing of your medications may vary during Ramadan and hence check with your doctor. If you have gout avoid red meats and shellfish. With all forms of arthritis a healthy, balanced diet is helpful. It is important during Ramadan to make sure one does not get dehydrated so take at least 8 -10 glasses of water between iftar and suhoor. Dehydration can be especially bad for those with gout or high uric acid levels, those with multiple medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, or anyone with kidney problems due to lupus. Fruit juices can be consumed in moderation. In fact pineapples contain an enzyme bromelain, which is useful for arthritis. Cherry juice may be helpful for gout. Oily fish or omega or fish oil supplements, ginger, garlic, turmeric, soya bean, avocadoes are some foods which are helpful. Remember to get 1000 mg of calcium from dairy products (1 glass of low fat milk has 290 mg of calcium, 1 cup of yogurt has 250 mg) and enough vitamin D through sun exposure, or else take a calcium supplement with vitamin D. Exercise in moderation. If exercising during fasting it may be wise to reduce your usual exercise duration and intensity by 30%, and be sure to warm up and cool down. Fasting during Ramadan can have many health and spiritual benefits. The Emirates Arthritis Foundation and doctors at Dubai Bone and Joint Center wish you a happy and peaceful holy month.