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A Diet For Gout Patients

A good diet for gout patients should not only specify which purine rich foods to avoid, but should also include which gout diet foods to eat to reduce the effects of gout.

What Causes Gout?

Gout is caused by a buildup of the metabolic byproducts of uric acid in the joints. The needle like monosodium urate crystals result in pain at the joints. The crystals damage surrounding tissue that becomes invaded with neutrophils causing redness and inflammation.

Low Purine Diets For Gout

Uric acid is formed from purines and overconsumption of purine rich foods produces more uric acid than can be removed by the body. Purines are abundantly obtained from high protein foods such as red meats. Furthermore, alcohol impairs the ability of the kidneys to excrete purines making the condition worse. A low purine diet for gout patients is therefore extremely important. In particular, the following foods should be avoided when following a diet for gout:
  1. Sweetbreads
  2. Certain fish including Anchovies , Sardines, Herring, Mackerel and Scallops
  3. Liver, Brains and Beef Kidneys
  4. Meat extracts (e.g Oxo, Bovril)
  5. Game meats
  6. Gravy
  7. Diet Sodas
Vegetables including asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas, lentils, dried peas and beans, meats such as beef, pork, poultry, some fish and seafood as well as oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ may be taken in moderation.

Recommended Gout Diet Foods To Eat

Cherries, blueberries, and other dark and red-blue cherries are helpful in relieving the symptoms of gout. These contain anthocyanidins and other flavonoids that reinforce the collagen matrix of cartilage and tendons. Additionally, these compounds also prevent the synthesis and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, compounds that cause the intense pain of gout. To ensure an adequate amount of protein in the diet, patients can consume low-purine protein foods including low fat dairy products, eggs and tofu. Other gout diet foods to eat include tomatoes, bananas, chocolate, coffee and foods high in Vitamin C such as oranges and red peppers. While it is important to eat low purine foods when following a diet for gout to prevent attacks, patients should note that eating foods such as berries will serve to treat attacks.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only, and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a diet or exercise program

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