Gout is a type of arthritis that attacks the joints and causes swelling and pain. A person can experience swelling and pain mainly in the big toe and fingers and sometimes in the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. The uric acid that builds up in the joints plays a role in frequent gout attacks. This uric acid is produced in the body whenever it breaks down foods that contain purine.
Gout has affected almost four percent of people in the country — this is said to be a consequence of unhealthy lifestyle and wrong food choices. Even though gout is quite serious, and can affect your day-to-day activities in various ways, you can control its symptoms by following some dietary tips. Many people have also reversed their condition by following dietary tips for gout. Given below is a list of some these dietary tips:
- Eggs are low in purine. However, eggs must be eaten in moderation. Four eggs per week is the recommended amount for patients suffering from gout. Walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, and cashew nuts contain low purine. Two tablespoons of either of these dry fruits act as an important dietary tip for gout.
- Cold-water fish, like tuna, contain essential fatty acids that can reduce inflammation due to gout. However, it is recommended to include only one serving of fish per day as it also contains purine.
- When it comes to dietary tips, refined carbohydrates are recommended rather than whole grain breads and whole grain pasta due to their lesser content of purine when compared to the latter. However, an excess amount of refined carbs can also cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Therefore, refined carbs should be consumed in limited quantities only.
- Low-fat yogurt and low-fat milk are very effective for gout patients as they top the list of foods with low purine. In addition to consuming yogurt and milk, sufficient consumption of water acts as an important dietary tip for gout. An adequate intake of water is said to flush out unwanted toxins, including excess uric acid. Therefore, drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily is recommended.
- Vegetables such as cabbage, red bell pepper, squash, and beetroot are highly recommended for people suffering from gout. However, vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, and mushrooms are supposed to be consumed in limited quantities as they contain a high amount of purine. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C such as tangerines and oranges, as well as cherries, papaya, apples, avocados, pineapple, and pear are low in purine. Therefore, they are safe to eat for people suffering from gout.
- A survey suggests that drinking coffee can be linked to the reduced risk of gout. Green tea is also said to reduce uric acid levels and lower the risk of gout.
- French bean juice is an effective diet tip for gout. Drinking this juice twice a day can help prevent the production of uric acid in the blood. Loaded with folic acid, pinto beans are proven to have lowered the levels of uric acid naturally, resulting in the effective treatment of gout.