Home : Diets & Meal Plans : Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid For Gout

Here’s what you should eat and avoid for gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. High uric acid results in the accumulation of urate crystals which cause inflammation and pain in the joints. In general, the symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, specifically of the big toe. This condition can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and his or her ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

Here’s what you should eat and avoid for gout

When it comes to the prevention and management of gout, your diet plays a crucial role. What you eat can influence the uric acid levels in the blood directly. Include gout-fighting food items in your diet and restrict the consumption of foods that are associated with gout.

Here is the list of foods to eat and avoid for a gout-friendly diet:

Foods you should consume

A nutrient-rich and well-balanced diet can help ward off gout flare-ups. Some of the food items that can help with this inflammatory condition, whilst keeping uric acid levels in check, are:

  • Fruits and vegetables
    Fruits like oranges and cherries are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps with gout by reducing uric levels. Vegetables such as red bell peppers and cabbage are perfect for a gout-friendly diet due to their high nutritional value.
  • Protein-rich foods
    The consumption of protein-rich foods like lean meat and low-fat dairy products can also help ease the symptoms of gout and keep it at bay.
  • Coffee
    Contrary to common misbelief, studies have shown that the consumption of coffee lowers the risk of gout in both men and women. It was also found that individuals who consume coffee moderately have lower uric acid levels.

Foods you should avoid

To prevent gout attacks, it is essential to stay away from food items that increase uric acid levels in the blood.

  • Organ meats
    Organ meats such as liver and kidneys are loaded with purine, a compound that breaks down and leads to a significant increase in uric acid levels in the blood. This, in turn, can exacerbate the condition and lead to a gout attack.
  • Sugary beverages
    Sugary beverages contain a large quantity of dietary fructose. Studies have found that fructose can increase the risk of gout attack. That is why, it is best to stay away from sugary beverages like soft drinks, store-bought fruit juices, etc.
  • Processed foods
    Processed foods like white bread, canned foods, and meats also contain a large amount of salts and sugars. This can lead to the development of a gout attack that is often accompanied by an increase in inflammation and pain in the joints.
  • Seafood
    Seafood like tuna and sardines are packed with purine. It is to be noted that a high-purine diet can lead to elevated uric acid levels in the blood.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.