Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when the body produces too much uric acid. As uric acid accumulates, a condition known as hyperuricemia occurs that causes joint pain. Even though many things can cause gout, such as genetics and underlying health problems, your diet can directly affect how bad the condition is. Purine-rich foods typically cause greater gout symptoms and issues.
Red and organic meats, processed meals, alcohol, and foods high in sugar should all be avoided if you have gout. Eat whole grains, veggies, low-fat dairy, and foods high in vitamin C, as they are low in purines. In this article, you will learn more about purines and their functions. Knowing which meals to avoid when you have gout and how to spot foods that might reduce gout flare-ups will be helpful.
What is Gout?
Uric acid levels in the blood are abnormally high and trigger gout attacks. Overproduction of uric acid leads to the formation of painful crystals that accumulate in the joints. But eating less meat and other purine-rich foods can help lower uric acid levels. Cutting down on uric acid helps lessen the frequency of gout flare-ups by limiting the development of new crystals.
What is a Low-Purine Diet?
Purines are naturally occurring molecules found in some foods and beverages. One of the things that happen when protein breaks down is that uric acid is made. This is called the study of different body substances. A moderate diet limits the amount of purine-rich foods and drinks you eat and drink. That lowers uric acid levels.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Purine Diet?
Individuals with hyperuricemia (excess uric acid in the blood) can benefit from limiting high-purine meals. For those with hyperuricemia who haven't yet developed gout, this may be a helpful measure to take
What foods make gout worse?
The top five most common causes of gout are:
- Sugary drinks and sweets: The breakdown of fructose in regular table sugar results obtained in uric acid. The high sugar content of any food or beverage can bring on a gout attack.
- Alcohol: Alcohol, regardless of the purine content, prevents the kidneys from flushing out uric acid, bringing it back into the body where it can build up.
- Organ meats: They consist of such organs as the liver, tripe, sweetbreads, brains, and kidneys.
- Game meats: Specialties such as goose, veal, and venison are why gout was known in the Middle Ages as the "rich man's disease."
- Turkey: Unfortunately, the purine content of this reduced-fat meat is still relatively high. Processed deli turkey should be avoided at all costs.
What are the best foods to eat when you have gout?
Though diet alone won't cure gout, some foods and beverages have been shown to lower uric acid levels naturally.
For instance:
- Coffee: While it's true that coffee contains acid, it is unique from uric acid, despite popular belief. Regular coffee consumption has been shown to lower uric acid levels in several ways.
- Cherries: Researchers are optimistic about the numerous rewards of cherries and raspberry juice for treating gout symptoms. There is evidence that eating cherries can help lower uric acid levels in the body in addition to their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Water: People who consume between five and eight water bottles daily have a reduced risk of developing gout. That makes sense, given that the kidneys' primary mechanism for eliminating uric acid from the body involves utilization.
- Milk: Drinking skim milk has been linked in preliminary studies to lower uric acid levels and fewer gout attacks. It increases the rate at which uric acid is eliminated through the urinary tract and decreases the body's inflammatory response to crystallized uric acid in the joints.
Many medical professionals, however, prefer to advise patients on broad dietary patterns rather than single foods. That is what they recommend you do:
- Vary your protein sources: Some meats and seafood have more uric acid than others, but if you stick to a healthy diet and avoid the foods highlighted above, you should be fine.
- Enjoy fruits and vegetables: The purine content of most of these foods is low, and the few that are higher are not believed to alleviate gout. Moreover, the upsides are beneficial.
- Enjoy grains (except oats): Gout sufferers can eat rice, pasta, bread, and cereal without worry (except oats). Watch out for hidden fructose corn syrup in processed foods and opt for whole grains (regularly) to keep your blood sugar in check.
In Summary
Gout sufferers can control their condition and lessen the likelihood of painful attacks by avoiding foods rich in purines. In particular, you should avoid consuming foods containing organic meats, prawns, high-fructose corn syrup, or alcohol. You can improve your health with a few easy dietary tweaks centered on whole, healthy foods.
Taking this proactive approach can improve your health and lessen the severity of gout. Don't give gout the upper hand; take charge of your life by making healthy changes. You can control your gout and enhance your quality of life with the help of diet and lifestyle changes.
Remember that avoidance is vital and that wanting to avoid specified trigger foods can significantly lower the incidence and severity of systemic side effects. The time to begin making healthier decisions is now.