Diet and Gout
We know that high uric acid is the reason behind gout and in most situations it’s often because the kidneys are ineffectual in getting rid of it or the body overproduces it. We also know that diet has a direct link to occurrence of gout attacks and lots of foods qualify as “gout triggers”. If you have gout, does this mean going through life carefully selecting everything you eat for fear of rousing a gout attack? Of course not!
So what then is a gout-friendly diet? Recall that less uric acid means less occurrence of gout. A gout friendly diet therefore is one that restrictions the introduction of high uric acid foods into the system helping the body; the kidneys particularly, better eliminate uric acid. It is one that avoids foods loaded in purine (as uric acid is the product of its breakdown), keeps fat and sugar content low and keeps fiber high. It really is like an overall healthy diet plan! You need not be too worried with each single food item in your diet causing gout flares. As long as the following general guidelines are followed together with maintaining a good weight, then you ought to be eating fine.
Limit meat, poultry and fish. The key word here is limit meaning you are still permitted to eat them so long as daily intake of these purine rich foods doesn’t exceed 170 grams. You might want to try not to eat them altogether at the height of a gout attack.
Consume more plant-based proteins. You can compensate for proteins by eating more from plant-based sources like beans and legumes.
Avoid alcohol. According to an internet survey on foods that trigger attacks in gout sufferers; the two most cited are red meat and beer. Beer contains yeast extracts that are rich in purine. Alcohol in general interferes with uric acid removal from the body as it causes the removal of water faster (you often urinate when you are drinking) than ordinary causing increased uric acid levels in the blood. Never drink alcohol during a gout attack. On other days, you may drink one or two 5-ounces of wine daily.
Hydrate. Help your kidneys function better by drinking lots of fluids especially water. Aim for 8 to 16 cups of water daily.
Eat low fat or fat free dairy products. Remember that fats overwork the kidneys. Actually there’s a link between drinking low-fat or skimmed milk and eating foods obtained from them helping lower the chance of gout.
Choose complex carbohydrates. Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead of refined carbs from processed bread, cake and candy. This also introduces more fiber into your diet.
Avoid sugar. It contains too many calories and burn up easily. It’s also linked to diabetes and obesity; two medical conditions frequently associated with gout.
These diet changes are vital to handling gout long term. They are actually a small price to pay for avoiding the agony of a gout attack. Rather than worrying over individual food items, focus on planning your diet to include these major elements!
