Numerous studies are showing that adding foods rich in vitamin C to your gout diet is very helpful because this vitamin is capable of lowering uric acid levels in your body and thereby preventing joint inflammation and swelling.
Many health experts these days are recommending vitamin C-rich foods like orange, broccoli, etc. to help with gout treatment. In this article, we will take a look at how vitamin C can help in managing uric acid levels and preventing gout.
Uric Acid And Gout
Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, anything that lowers uric acid levels in the blood should benefit gout sufferers. When the levels of uric acid become excess, it will get accumulated in the joints and cause inflammation in the joints that will eventually lead to severe pain and swelling.
Vitamin C For Reducing Uric Acid Levels
There are numerous studies showing that vitamin C helps in reducing uric acid levels in your body and may help in providing protection against gout flares. A study that spanned over 20 years and involved around 47,000 men showed that taking vitamin C supplements regularly helped in lowering the risk of gout by 44 %. Another study conducted in 2008 looked at around 1,400 men and found a significant reduction in the uric acid levels when they consumed foods rich in vitamin C regularly.
Gout Diet
You can lower your risk of gout flares by decreasing your intake of purine-rich foods such red meat, shellfish, organ/glandular meats, and so on, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. In addition to that, eating foods rich in vitamin C can also be beneficial. Some of the fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin C are oranges, kiwifruit, strawberries, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.
According to CDC, you may also have to limit your beer consumption and the intake of sugary foods and beverages for reducing the risk of developing gout.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin C has been shown in studies to lower uric acid levels in the blood, which may be beneficial to persons with gout. Vitamin C, on the other hand, has not been demonstrated to affect the intensity or recurrence of gout flares in trials. Once you’re diagnosed with gout, speak to your doctor about how to manage it and reduce your risk of flare-ups.
