Gout is just another form of arthritis that causes pain, tenderness, redness, and inflammation in the joints. A high level of uric acid in the blood causes gout. Managing the uric levels by knowing what to eat and what to avoid when you have gout can help relieve or prevent the symptoms. It can also lower the risk of recurring gout attacks and slow down the progression of joint damage. Here is a list of what to eat and what to avoid when you have gout.
Foods to eat
- Coffee
Researchers suggest that drinking coffee in moderation reduces the risk of gout. Make sure you talk to your doctor to know the right amount of coffee you can have on a daily basis. - Water
A dehydrated body can spike your uric acid levels. So, stay hydrated if you suffer from gout. Drinking water helps the body to process purine in the foods you eat, helping the kidney to clear uric acid and preventing gout symptoms. - Complex carbs
Experts suggest that people with gout should consume complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, as they get digested slowly, disallowing the uric acid to spike. Include fibrous foods in your diet, such as whole wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat, and millet. - Fruits and vegetables
Fruits such as cherries, apple, mango, strawberries, banana, raspberries and vegetables like potato, carrots, beetroot, artichokes, collard greens, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are rich in nutrients and fiber that help control the uric acid levels and prevent gout pain and inflammation. - Legumes, nuts, and seeds
Gout patients can have nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds and legumes, including lentils, kidney beans, and soybeans.
Foods to avoid
- Meat
Some studies show that purine present in animal and plant foods get converted into uric acid inside the human body. Hence, animal-based foods, high in purine, can make a person more prone to gout. Avoid eating red meat and organ meat, such as liver or kidneys and seafood such as lobster, sardines, anchovies, tuna, trout, mackerel, and haddock. - Alcohol
Beer and distilled liquors increase the risk of gout and gout attacks, as alcohol makes it hard for the kidneys to flush out uric acid. Avoid or limit alcohol intake during gout attacks, especially beer. Moderate consumption of wine is still alright. - Refined carbs and sugary foods
Refined carbs like white bread, cakes, and cookies should be avoided. They hardly have any nutritional value and can increase your uric acid levels. Also, limit or avoid sugar-sweetened foods such as sweetened cereals, fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery goods, and candies.
With the above-mentioned diet helps you to understand what to eat and what to avoid when you have gout. Feel free to consult your doctor or a nutritionist for more advice or customized meal plans.