Diet for gout: what things are allowed and which are not

Diet for gout: what things are allowed and which are not

How to reduce uric acid with natural remedies
Fruits to lower uric acid
Why I have high uric acid
What is uric acid

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood cause crystals to form, which build up around a joint.

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down a chemical called "purine." Purine is naturally present in the body, but it is also found in certain foods. Uric acid is eliminated through urine.

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A diet for gout can help reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Although the diet for gout can not cure the disease, it can reduce the risk of recurrent and painful gout attacks, and cause the damage to the joint to progress more slowly. Medications are also needed to control pain and to reduce uric acid levels.
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A little history

Gout was associated for centuries with excessive consumption of meat, seafood and alcohol. The disorder was actually considered a disease of rich people, those who could afford those eating habits. And long before they understood the cause of gout, doctors observed some benefits of the restrictive diet for gout control.

For many years, the treatment for gout focused on eliminating all foods that had moderate or high amounts of purine. The list of foods that had to be avoided was long, which made it more difficult to follow the diet.
Current knowledge

The most recent research on gout provided a clearer picture of the role of diet in the treatment of gout. Some foods should be avoided, but all foods with purine do not have to be eliminated. Some foods must also be incorporated into the diet to control uric acid levels.

The goal of a diet for gout is to address all factors related to risk and disease control. Above all, the objectives are a healthy weight and diet, a message that serves to lower the risk of many diseases.
Details of the diet

The general principles of a diet for gout are basically the same as the recommendations for any healthy and balanced diet:

    Thinning Being overweight increases the risk of getting gout, and losing weight decreases the risk of having this disease. Research indicates that eating fewer calories and losing weight - even without following a diet restricted in purines - decreases uric acid levels and the amount of gout attacks. Losing weight also decreases the general tension on the joints.
    Complex carbohydrates. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which provide complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods such as white bread, cakes, candies, sugar-sweetened beverages, and products that contain high-fructose corn syrup.
    Water. Drink water to stay hydrated. The increase in water consumption has been linked to a lower amount of gout attacks. Try to drink between 8 and 16 glasses of fluids per day and try to make at least half of that amount water. One glass has 8 ounces (237 ml). Talk to your doctor about the fluid intake goals that are right for you.
    Fats Reduce consumption of saturated fats in red meat, fatty poultry and high-fat dairy products.
    Proteins Limit the daily intake of proteins that come from lean meats, fish and poultry to 4-6 ounces (113-170 grams). Add protein to your diet by incorporating low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as low-fat yogurt or skim milk, which are associated with reduced uric acid levels.

Recommendations for specific foods or supplements include the following:

    Vegetables with high purine content. Several studies have shown that vegetables with a high purine content do not increase the risk of gout or recurrent gout attacks. A healthy diet based on abundant fruits and vegetables can include vegetables with a high content of purines, such as asparagus, spinach, peas, cauliflower or mushrooms. You can also eat beans or lentils, which have a moderately high content of purines, and are also a good source of protein.

    Organ meats and glands. Avoid meats such as liver, kidney and gizzards, which are high in purines and contribute to increased levels of uric acid in the blood.

    Some fish and seafood Avoid the following types of fish and shellfish, which have a higher content of purines compared to others: anchovies, herring, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, haddock, mackerel and tuna.

    Alcohol. It is believed that the metabolism of alcohol in the body increases the production of uric acid, and that alcohol contributes to dehydration. The consumption of beer and, to some degree, of distilled beverages is related to an increased risk of gout and recurrent attacks. The effects of wine are still not well understood. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about what is appropriate in your case.

    Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help lower uric acid levels. Consult with the doctor if it would be appropriate to add a 500 mg vitamin C supplement to your medication and diet plan.

    Coffee. Some research indicates that moderate consumption of coffee, especially coffee with caffeine, could be associated with a lower risk of gout. Drinking coffee may not be suitable for other diseases. Ask your doctor how much coffee you can consume.

    Cherries Some evidence indicates that eating cherries is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks.

Sample menu

This is an example of what you can eat on a typical day if you follow a diet to treat gout:

Breakfast

    Whole grain cereals without sugar, with skim or low fat milk

    1 cup of fresh strawberries

    Coffee

    Water

lunch

    Sliced ​​baked chicken breast (2 oz. [55 g]) in an integral roll with mustard

    Green leaf salad with balsamic vinegar dressing and olive oil

    Low-fat or low-fat milk

    Water

Afternoon snack

    1 cup of fresh cherries

    Water

Dinner

    Roasted salmon (3-4 ounces [85-115 g])

    Roasted or steamed green beans

    1/2 cup whole wheat pasta with olive oil and lemon pepper

    Water

    Low-fat yogurt

    1 cup of fresh melon

    A drink without caffeine, like an herbal tea