Intermittent fasting is an interesting topic when it comes to managing RA inflammation. Some myRAteam members have reported positive experiences, with one noting "remission-like effects when intermittent fasting is practiced." Another member expressed surprise that more people don't mention fasting as a way to find relief.
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Intermittent fasting is an interesting topic when it comes to managing RA inflammation. Some myRAteam members have reported positive experiences, with one noting "remission-like effects when intermittent fasting is practiced." Another member expressed surprise that more people don't mention fasting as a way to find relief.
Intermittent fasting, also called time-restricted eating, involves following a planned eating schedule — for example, only eating between noon and 8 p.m., or eating a restricted number of calories every other day. There are a few important things to keep in mind before trying intermittent fasting:
- Talk to your rheumatologist first — any changes to diet or lifestyle should be discussed with your care team, especially when managing RA
- Watch for nutritional gaps — fasting can sometimes lead to missing essential nutrients your body needs
- Consider your medications — some RA medications need to be taken with food, so fasting schedules may need to work around that
- Avoid it if you have a history of disordered eating — fasting can trigger overly restrictive behaviors
While the science is still catching up, an overall anti-inflammatory approach to eating — whether through fasting or food choices — is generally considered beneficial for managing RA symptoms.
September 3
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