Gout Diet

Gout is a painful condition that occurs due to deposition of uric acid in the joints. Often thought to be a disease of the kings, gout has been attributed to rich diets and obesity. We trace the relationship between gout and food diet. What constitutes a good gout diet? Can you control gout with low purine diet?

Gout diet

Gout is a condition that typically affects men and post-menopausal women. Usually, gout affects the big toe. This condition is caused by deposition of urate crystals in the joints. Purines are the source of urates. These purines originate from body synthesis and also from the diet. Uric acid levels are elevated and the kidneys do not eliminate the excess effectively.

Dietary alteration with low purine food can help in treating gout and avoiding complications. An American study noted that alcohol consumption increased the instance of uric acid buildup. The body produced more uric acid and the elimination was not sufficient. Beer is considered particularly detrimental for gout patients.

• Consume nearly 2 - 3 liters of fluid daily to help dilute uric acid.
  
• Limit fat intake
  
• Avoid high purine food
  
• Maintain healthy body weight
  
• Do not follow a high-protein diet as it can worsen gout conditions. Low fat dairy products and tofu can be taken.

Low purine diet and gout

Reducing purines in the diet was seen as a sensible way to tackle gout and lose weight too. Some food items containing very high purines are mussels, sardines, yeast and sweetbreads. Other high purine food items are anchovies, mutton, veal, bacon, salmon, pheasant and scallops. Low purine diet must not include organ meats such as liver, kidney and brains.

Foods that are low in purine are fruits, butter, cheese and eggs as well as green vegetables and tomatoes. Carbonated beverages, tea and coffee and low-fat skim milk are low in purines. It has been noticed that obesity is linked to high uric acid levels in the blood. Though peas, cauliflower, mushrooms and spinach are high in prunes, they are not considered risky for gout patients.

Gout diet food

A nutritionally balanced diet with reduced saturated fats is best for gout patients as it keeps weight and high cholesterol levels in check. Gout food diet that includes complex carbohydrates promotes a feeling of fullness and help in maintaining healthy body weight besides providing vitamins, minerals and fiber.

You can include foods like pasta, brown rice, broccoli and blackberries in your gout diet. Unsaturated fats may have a favorable effect on cholesterol and uric acid levels. These can be found in nuts, olive oil and avocados. Diet food for gout must also include foods high in Vitamin C and bromelain. Pineapples are primary sources of bromelain, which can limit the synthesis of inflammatory substances in the body. Stock up on Vitamin C by consuming cabbage, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, tangerines and oranges.