Gout is a common type of arthritis which affects a large number of people across the world. The usual symptoms of the disease are inflammation and swelling in joints and severe and sudden attacks of pain. Fortunately, gout can be controlled with proper treatment. Different medications are available for gout treatment, but maintaining a healthy diet and indulging in exercises are also important. A combination of all these methods will help to cure gout easily.
How Does Food Affect Gout?
Gout is a condition occurred due to the excess amount of uric acid in your blood. When our body digests certain foods, it produces uric acid as a waste product. However, if the level of uric acid increases in the blood, its crystals can get accumulated in the joints. This will result in inflammation, swellings and pain in your joints.
If you are suffering from gout, certain foods may increase the levels of uric acid and will cause gout symptoms to become severe. The foods that trigger gout symptoms will be high in purines, which is a substance found naturally in some foods. The digestion of purines will result in the production of uric acid in your body. It is also advised to avoid high-fructose foods which are another trigger for gout attack.
Foods to avoid for people with gout
The following is a list of foods to avoid with gout:
- Fishes like mackerel, herring, trout, sardines, tuna, anchovies, haddock etc.
- Other seafood items such as crab, shrimp, scallops and roe
- Organ meats like kidneys, liver, brain etc.
- Game meats including pheasant, venison and veal
- Yeasts such as brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, and other yeast supplements
- Sugary beverages including sugary sodas and fruit juices.
- Added sugars which include honey, high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar and more
It is also better to avoid refined carbs like cakes, cookies and bread. Even though they are not high in fructose or purines, they can also increase the amount of uric acid in your body.
Foods to eat for people with gout
Following are food items that are recommended for people with gout:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Beverages like tea, coffee and green tea.
- Plant-based oils
- Herbs and spices
People who are suffering from gout can eat these foods in plenty without worrying about triggering gout symptoms.
