What does “The End of Gout” say about intermittent fasting?

The End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning The program, End of Gout, provides a diet set up to handle your gout. It is a therapy regimen for gout sufferers. It incorporates the most efficient techniques and approaches to be implemented in your daily life to heal and control gout through the source.

What does “The End of Gout” say about intermittent fasting?

In “The End of Gout,” Shelly Manning discusses the potential benefits and considerations of intermittent fasting (IF) for managing gout. While she acknowledges that intermittent fasting can be a useful tool for improving overall health and supporting weight management, she emphasizes that it must be approached with caution by individuals prone to gout. The guide provides insights into how intermittent fasting influences uric acid levels, metabolism, and inflammation, and offers guidelines for implementing it safely.

Shelly Manning’s Perspective on Intermittent Fasting:

Potential Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Shelly notes that intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Better insulin regulation can also lower the risk of metabolic syndrome—a condition that often coexists with gout.
- Reduction in Systemic Inflammation: Fasting periods give the body a break from constant digestion and may help lower levels of inflammation. Reducing chronic inflammation is a key aspect of managing gout and preventing flare-ups.
- Weight Management: Excess weight is a risk factor for gout, and intermittent fasting can support weight loss by promoting fat burning and reducing overall calorie intake. Losing weight in a healthy manner can decrease uric acid levels and reduce gout symptoms.
- Enhanced Autophagy: Shelly explains that fasting can stimulate a process called autophagy, where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates healthier ones. This process may help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with inflammation and gout.
Potential Risks of Intermittent Fasting for Gout Sufferers:
- Temporary Increase in Uric Acid Levels: Shelly cautions that during the initial stages of fasting, there can be a temporary spike in uric acid levels. This happens because fasting or prolonged periods without food can lead to an increase in ketone production. As ketones rise, the kidneys prioritize their excretion, which may temporarily reduce the clearance of uric acid, leading to higher serum levels.
- Risk of Triggering a Gout Attack: If uric acid levels rise too quickly, it can potentially trigger a gout flare-up, especially in individuals who already have high baseline levels. Therefore, she advises monitoring uric acid levels closely and being mindful of how the body responds to fasting.
- Risk of Rapid Weight Loss: Shelly warns against rapid weight loss, which can occur with extreme fasting protocols. Rapid weight loss can lead to an increase in uric acid production due to the breakdown of muscle and fat tissue. This sudden spike in uric acid can exacerbate gout symptoms.
Guidelines for Safe Intermittent Fasting: To minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of intermittent fasting, Shelly Manning offers the following guidelines:
- Start Slowly: Shelly recommends starting with shorter fasting windows, such as 12:12 (12 hours of fasting and 12 hours of eating) and gradually increasing to 14:10 or 16:8, depending on individual tolerance. This gradual approach allows the body to adapt without causing a sudden spike in uric acid levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential during fasting periods, as dehydration can increase the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, or broths can support kidney function and help flush out excess uric acid.
- Avoid Prolonged Fasting Periods: Shelly cautions against prolonged fasting periods (24 hours or longer) for gout sufferers, as this can lead to ketone buildup and significantly increased uric acid levels. Instead, she suggests sticking to intermittent fasting protocols like 16:8, where fasting lasts no longer than 16 hours.
- Include Alkalizing Foods During Eating Windows: To counteract potential acidity from fasting, Shelly advises including alkalizing foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, and berries during eating periods. These foods can help balance the body’s pH levels and reduce the risk of uric acid crystal formation.
- Monitor Uric Acid Levels: For individuals with a history of severe gout, she suggests working with a healthcare provider to monitor uric acid levels before, during, and after implementing an intermittent fasting regimen.
Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting:
- Shelly warns that not everyone is a good candidate for intermittent fasting, especially individuals who have experienced recent gout attacks, are underweight, or have pre-existing kidney issues. She recommends consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any fasting protocol.

Types of Intermittent Fasting Recommended:

For those interested in trying intermittent fasting, Shelly Manning highlights a few protocols that are less likely to trigger gout symptoms:

12:12 Fasting:
- This is a beginner-friendly approach where fasting lasts for 12 hours, followed by a 12-hour eating window. It mimics a typical overnight fast and is less likely to cause significant changes in metabolism or uric acid levels.
16:8 Fasting:
- In this method, fasting lasts for 16 hours, with an 8-hour eating window. Shelly suggests this for individuals who have successfully managed shorter fasting periods without experiencing a flare-up.
5:2 Fasting:
- This protocol involves eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calorie intake (usually around 500–600 calories) for the remaining 2 non-consecutive days. Shelly mentions that this method can work for some individuals, but the reduced calorie days should not include high-purine foods to avoid a spike in uric acid.

Nutritional Considerations During Fasting:

Shelly emphasizes that during eating windows, it’s crucial to maintain a nutrient-dense diet to support overall health and uric acid management. The key is to focus on foods that:

Support kidney function (e.g., plenty of water, celery, and cucumber)
Provide anti-inflammatory benefits (e.g., ginger, turmeric, berries)
Include moderate amounts of lean protein to support muscle health (e.g., chicken, tofu)
Avoid high-purine foods during fasting to prevent excessive uric acid production

Summary:

In “The End of Gout,” Shelly Manning sees intermittent fasting as a potentially beneficial tool for managing gout, but one that must be used carefully. By focusing on shorter fasting periods, staying hydrated, and paying attention to the body’s response, individuals with gout can potentially leverage the benefits of intermittent fasting without triggering flare-ups. However, the key is to listen to your body, monitor uric acid levels, and ensure that intermittent fasting is part of a broader strategy that includes a balanced diet, proper hydration, and an overall healthy lifestyle.