Gout diet foods

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sodium urate compounds to accumulate in the joints. These compounds can build up in any joint in the body but most patients are affected in the toes. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with gout or not it is very important to eat regular servings of gout diet foods. It takes years for sodium urate crystals to form and there are no symptoms until it is too late. It is advisable to start preventing gout as soon as possible.

What causes gout?

Our bodies produce and excrete uric acid every day. It is waste and should be passed out of the body. However, when it accumulates or there isn’t enough of it, urate crystals are likely to form. These crystals can either fall inside the lining of your joints or sink deeper. When this happens, joints as well as bone became damaged and you’ll experience as a series of “gout attacks”.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout attacks are characterized by excruciating pain, inflammation, redness and difficulty in walking. Long term gout can cause permanent, irreparable damage to the joints and bone affected. Gout and gout attacks can be prevented or symptoms can be eased by filling up on gout diet foods.

What are gout diet foods?

The best diet for managing gout is one that limits or eliminates the amount of purines you eat. Purines are compounds found in meat and many other foods. To prevent or treat this condition, it is best to stick to protein from plants instead of animals. Beans, legumes and low-fat dairy are great foods that give you the protein you need for healthy muscle and joints, while limiting purine intake. Whole breads, whole pasta, vegetables and fruit should also be at the heart of your daily diet because they are good sources of complex carbohydrates.

Drink plenty of water as this will help your body flush out impurities and help in the production and secretion of uric acid.

What are bad foods for gout?

If you’ve already been diagnosed with gout by your physician, fish, poultry and red meat should be avoided as much as possible. Their purine content is too high, which will worsen your condition and bring on more gout attacks in future.

Saturated fat and carbohydrates from sugary treats like sodas, juices, pastry, syrup and other processed food should be off limits. Although a glass of red wine is not as harmful as ciders, it is advised to steer clear of alcohol altogether.

All these foods can contribute to the buildup of uric acid or lessen it, which will only aggravate symptoms of gout.

Taking supplements

There are a few medications that your doctor can prescribe but eating gout diet foods can both prevent and help you control it. Gout attacks can go from mild to severe in less than 24 hours so keeping to a healthy diet each day can do wonders for your health.