Gout Diet: Recommendations And Prohibitions
A diet for gout can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood, but it does not cure the disease. However, it can reduce the risk of recurrent and painful gout attacks, and could slow the progression of joint damage.
People with this disease who are on a gout diet also need to take medications to control pain and lower uric acid levels. In this article we will show you the recommendations and prohibitions to improve this condition.
What is gout?
Gout is one of the most common metabolic disorders and a painful form of arthritis. It is produced by the increase of uric acid in the blood, which is known as hyperuricemia. It does not usually present previous symptoms, despite the fact that it can get deposited in the joints, giving rise to really painful inflammations that can be accompanied by fever.
Uric acid is made when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Purines occur naturally in the body, but they are also found in certain foods. Uric acid is eliminated through the urine.
To avoid gout attacks, or at least slow down the damage to the joints, certain foods can be used as a method to reduce the high levels of uric acid in the body.
Factors to consider in a diet for gout
The specific diet to reduce uric acid levels in the blood should be focused on controlling 3 main factors:
1.The pH of the urine : It is important to try to make a basifying or alkalizing diet to achieve a slight change in the pH of the urine and promote elimination. This is mainly achieved:
-
- Promoting the consumption of basic foods such as vegetables, potatoes, fruit, sweet potatoes, salads.
- Avoiding the consumption of foods rich in salt and its addition in home cooking.
- Completely avoid the consumption of alcohol, including beer and wine. These foods have been shown to increase disease progression.
2.The intake of purines : You have to watch the food you eat and also its preparation. When we boil a food that contains purines, a large part of them go into the cooking water. Therefore it is a good way to reduce the purine content of foods but broths should be avoided.
3. Fructose intake : Fructose, once assimilated by the body, is metabolized into xanthine, a purine that will eventually become uric acid. For this reason, it is recommended to consume only 1 piece of fruit a day and choose those that contain the least amount of fructose.
Allowed foods
- Proteins. Consume mainly red meat and lean poultry, low-fat dairy, and lentils as sources of protein.
- Complex carbohydrates. Eat more vegetables and whole grains, which provide complex carbohydrates.
- Vitamin C. Some studies show that it can help lower uric acid levels. Ask your doctor if it would be appropriate to incorporate a 500-milligram vitamin C supplement into your medication and diet plan.
- Coffee. Some research, such as that published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research , suggests that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk of gout. Drinking coffee may not be appropriate if you have other medical conditions. Check with your doctor how much coffee you can consume.
- Cherries There is evidence that eating cherries is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks.
Food not allowed
- Organ and gland meats. Avoid meats such as liver, kidney, and gizzards, which are high in purines and contribute to increased uric acid levels in the blood.
- Red meat. Limit serving sizes for beef, lamb, and pork.
- Seafood. Some types of shellfish and fish (such as anchovies, crustaceans, sardines, and tuna) are higher in purines than others. However, the overall health benefits of eating fish may outweigh the risks for people with gout.
- Vegetables high in purines. Studies have shown that high-purine vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach, do not increase the risk of gout or recurrent gout attacks.
- Alcoholic drinks. The consumption of beer and distilled spirits is associated with an increased risk of gout and recurrent attacks. Moderate wine consumption does not appear to increase the risk of gout attacks. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during gout attacks and limit consumption, especially beer.
- Sugary foods and drinks. Limit or avoid sugary foods, such as sweetened cereals, baked goods, and candy. Limit your intake of naturally sweet fruit juices.
Gout can be successfully managed through diet
Following a diet for gout can help limit uric acid production and increase its elimination. While dieting to lower blood uric acid may not be enough to treat gout without medication, diet can help decrease the number of attacks and moderate their severity.
