Uric acid is formed in our body by the breakdown of purine, a substance found in many foods. Excess uric acid build-up can lead to the formation of crystals in your joints. This would eventually lead to a very painful form of arthritis called gout.
What Foods Cause Gout?
Plenty of foods can trigger the onset and flare-ups of gout. Gout can be managed to some extent by avoiding foods containing purine, the substance that leads to uric acid build-up. It is better to avoid beverages like beer and liquors like whiskey and vodka if you are suffering from gout. Red meat is a prominent food group notorious for causing a uric acid buildup in people susceptible to gout. Equally problematic are organ meats like kidneys and liver.
Certain seafood can also be detrimental to the overall health of gout patients. Seafood to be avoided include shellfish, anchovies, sardines, etc. All processed foods can pose danger to people who tend to have frequent flare-ups. Foods containing high fructose corn syrup and anything with added refined sugar should be avoided. These include packaged juices, canned sodas, ice cream, cereals and candies.
What Foods To Include
A number of food groups can be beneficial to gout patients. These include non-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk and yogurt. A sufficient intake of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables can be helpful in maintaining the overall health of people with gout. Some vegetables like asparagus and spinach are good for gout patients in spite of their high purine content.
Starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, rice and bread are also beneficial. Gout patients are advised to have a healthy diet of nuts like peanuts and healthy grains. Lean meats like chicken and fish can help keep the disease in check while providing the body with enough protein and fatty acids to compensate for the nutritional deficiency caused by avoiding certain food groups. Eggs and red meat can be included only in moderation.
What To Drink?
Around two liters of water per day can help flush out toxins from the body. Freshly squeezed orange juice and caffeinated drinks can help if consumed in moderation. Make sure to include as many natural drinks as possible to avoid flare-ups due to chemical build-ups in your body.
Even though gout symptoms and flare-ups can be managed to a certain level through diet and exercise, none of these can be a substitute for medical treatments and prescription medications.
