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After Reading About The Benefits Of Fasting, Specifically The Research

Posted on Wed, 27 Mar 2019

Question: After reading about the benefits of fasting, specifically the research done by Valter Longo's team at UCLA which strongly suggests fasting promotes autophagy and even stem cell regeneration,, I am considering undertaking a series of fasts. I do take allopurinol however and am wondering if I should continue it during the fast. My concerns are as follows: Would allopurinol "break" the fast thereby negating the desired effects? Are there any risks (I read an old study which said something about neutrophils/fasting/allopurinol but didn't quite understand it) Finally in your opinion would stopping allopurinol for 3 days "be ok"....I take 100 mg daily. I am aware that fasting can increase uric acid levels. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take allopurinol while fasting

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

1. You can safely use allopurinol while fasting without the risk that allopurinol will have negative effect in fasting.
It will not stop the desired effects.
2. I read the article you did and it meant that in some patients (three) allopurinol caused low white blood count especially low neutrophils while fasting.
3.I don't think you should stop allopurinol for three days. You better take allopurinol while fasting because as you said fasting increases uric acid levels.
Also remember to drink lots of fluids and water in order to clean uric acid out of body.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Thank you Doctor Olgeta,

I also found this article online, however was not able to see the entire article. If you have access and time maybe you could look over the conclusions and summarize for me.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can safely use allopurinol while fasting.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear and thank you for asking again.
The article was about several patients developing neuropenia when underwent prolonged fasting periods acompained by allopurinol usage.
Allopurinol was either initiator or agreviator because neuropenia was seen even in patients which used fasting but not allopurinol.
The fasting was a long per up to three months.
So in your case I don't believe you will experience neuropenia if you fast for three days also using allopurinol. You can safely use allopurinol while fasting.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health.

Detailed Answer:
You can send it to me if you find it.
Wishing you good health. Have a nice day too.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)

Hi actually it was another study, but my copy and paste didnt work...I could see only the conclusions. Thanks for you assistance doctor, will close discussion. Have a nice dqy.