Healthy Diet for Gout

Posted by editor2 on Friday 27 Mar 2009

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Gout is a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints. It is usually related to an inherited abnormality in the body’s ability to process uric acid.

Chemical compound purines, which are found in some foods, are broken down into uric acid. A diet rich in that chemical compound can raise uric acid levels in the body, which may leads to gout. Dairy products may lower your risk, but seafood and meat may increase your risk of gout. It is proved that purines in vegetables do not cause the risk of gout. If you are at risk for gout, you should take, low-fat and low-cholesterol diet.

People suffering from gout have a higher risk for heart disease. This diet would not only reduce your risk for gout but also your risk for heart disease. Slowly shed your weight, this can reduce your uric acid levels. Losing weight too quickly can occasionally cause attacks. Avoid using or restrict your intake of alcohol, especially beer. Drink at least 1 liter water to hydrate your body.

Foods that are high in purines and must be avoided are beer, organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, brains, meats including bacon, beef, pork, lamb, exotic meats, any other meats in large amounts, anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops and gravy.

Certain foods that you can use occasionally are oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ, fish and seafood other than high purine seafood.

Foods that are low in purines and safe to eat are fruits and fruit juices, green vegetables and tomatoes, peanut butter, nuts, breads and cereals that are not whole-grain, butter, buttermilk, cheese, eggs, chocolate and cocoa , coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages.

Dairy products that may lower your risk of gout are low-fat yogurt and low-fat or nonfat milk.