Gout Diet: Foods to Eat and Those to Avoid
If you’re suffering from gout, your diet is essential to preventing flare-ups. There are several types of diet, including an alkaline diet and a high-purine diet. Here are some foods you should avoid, as well as some foods that are safe to eat.
High-purine diet
Foods high in purines include organ meats and liver, as well as fish, poultry, and shrimp. Those with gout should limit these types of meat, although moderate portions can be included in a gout diet. Seafood and eggs also contain high amounts of purines, but these foods should be consumed in moderation. Organ meats, such as the brains and liver, are the most dangerous for people with gout.
People with gout can use a low-purine diet to prevent uric acid accumulation in the body, and it may also help to prevent flare-ups and prevent kidney stones. It is important to follow a doctor’s advice on any diet changes you make to help treat your condition. Also, you should never stop taking your medications without a doctor’s permission.
The problem with a high-purine diet is that it increases the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. High levels of uric acid trigger inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. Therefore, limiting foods high in purines can help prevent gout attacks.
Alkaline diet
An alkaline diet for gout is a diet rich in low-fat, healthy foods. It can help a person lose weight, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and maintain strong bones. It can also improve the overall health of a person, including preventing gout flare ups. But an alkaline diet requires discipline and self-control.
It is important to drink plenty of water, particularly alkaline water. It is best to drink this water one hour before or after meals. Drinking alkaline water can neutralize residues from food and pesticides and dissolve kidney stones. While it can be difficult to drink 100% alkaline, a diet that is 60% alkaline can help.
An alkaline diet helps to raise the pH of the urine, which promotes the elimination of uric acid. It also reduces the consumption of animal products, which cause uric acid build-up in the body. Additionally, an alkaline diet can benefit kidney function, which is responsible for removing uric acid from the body.
Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks are often associated with gout, but there are alternatives to these drinks. Adding cherries to your diet may help lower your uric acid levels. Avoid organ meats, such as turkey, duck, and goose, which are rich in purines. Also, steer clear of some seafood juices.
Sugary drinks have a high level of fructose and can increase your risk of gout. Research suggests that reducing the consumption of these beverages can significantly reduce your gout risk. In addition, sugary drinks are associated with metabolic syndrome, premature death, and diabetes.
While gout is usually associated with the big toe, other joints can become affected by flares of the disease. This can be a cause of pain and limited mobility. Ultimately, gout is a chronic disease that affects people of all ages. Generally, it is found in men more often than women. While genetics plays a role in developing the disease, environmental factors can also contribute to it. Some foods and drinks have high levels of purine, which can lead to gout.
Avoid sugary drinks altogether. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the health benefits of drinking sugary beverages, they can increase the risk of gout by up to 20%. The researchers recommend avoiding sugary drinks and opting for water as a substitute for soft drinks. However, switching to water can be difficult if you are accustomed to drinking soda. If you can’t go without your soda, try natural, flavored sparkling water instead. You can also try sparkling tea with fresh herbs.
Seafood
When a person has gout, the diet must be adjusted accordingly. They should avoid foods high in purine. This is a compound that prevents the kidneys from eliminating uric acid from the blood. Organ meats should also be avoided. They contain high levels of purine, such as liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads. Seafoods also contain high amounts of purine. However, fish and poultry can be part of a gout diet, if eaten in moderation.
Although a diet is not a replacement for medication for gout, it can help manage symptoms. It can also help reduce the number of attacks that you experience. The best approach is a combination of medication and diet. The foods to eat and those to avoid may not be enough to treat the underlying cause, so pay attention to what you’re eating.
The best gout diet for the prevention of gout is one that limits fructose. Foods high in fructose are not only high in uric acid but they can also increase the risk of weight gain or obesity.