10 Simple Dietary Changes to Deal with Gout

10 Simple Dietary Changes to Deal with Gout

Also known as inflammatory arthritis, gout can cause severe pain, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the joints. Gout patients are usually advised to watch their diet in addition to taking medicines to manage the symptoms effectively.

Higher uric acid levels in the body usually cause inflammation and severe pain in the joints, so one should know what foods to eat and which ones to avoid. This way, they can get adequate nutrition without triggering a gout attack.

Dietary tips for people with gout

  • Fruits
    All fruits are good for gout patients when consumed in moderation, but peaches, apples, pears, and prunes should be consumed carefully. Fruits like cherries can also help prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels in the body.
  • Meats and fish
    One of the most effective dietary tips for gout is for patients to consume chicken, beef, pork, and lamb in moderation as they are high-purine foods. Eggs and cold-water fishes are better options, and one can opt for seeds and nuts for proteins.
  • Plant-based oils
    Canola, coconut, olive, and flaxseed oil are plant-based oils, ideal for people with gout. These oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which is beneficial for joint conditions like gout.
  • Fresh vegetables
    All vegetables are beneficial for people with gout and should be included in the diet in plenty. However, spinach, mushroom, asparagus, and cauliflower have purine, so they should be consumed in moderation.
  • Beverages
    Coffee, tea, and green tea, when consumed moderately, are safe for patients of gout. Some studies have found that decaffeinated coffee can help lower the risk of gout, and one cal also choose decaf options in tea.
  • Whole grains
    Brown rice, oats, and barley usually help reduce uric acid levels in the body. They are also loaded with fiber and aid digestion, so another dietary tip for people with gout is to include these grains in their daily diet.
  • Lentils and beans
    All legumes, including lentils, soybeans, tofu, and beans, are recommended for gout patients as they are low in purine and don’t spike the uric acid levels.
  • High-purine foods
    These foods include anchovies, sardines, liver, kidney, sweetbreads, stock cubes, meat and yeast extracts, along with sugary drinks and alcohol. Refined carbohydrates like cakes and cookies are low in purine but are best consumed in moderation as they can increase blood sugar levels.
  • Saturated fats
    Saturated fats can slow down the body’s natural ability to eliminate uric acid, so one should go slow on saturated fats and switch to lean proteins and low-fat dairy products instead. Also, following a daily fitness regime is important for people with this condition.
  • Fluids
    One must increase their fluid intake as it lowers the risk of gout and also flushes out toxins from the body. Also, staying hydrated helps aid weight loss.