Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur for a number of reasons, including genetics, dietary, or under- excretion of uric acid. The kidneys normally excrete uric acid through urination. Chronic renal or kidney insufficiency, diabetic ketoacidosis and certain drugs are a few of the causes of uric acid under- excretion leading to gout. Excess uric acid, a waste product from the breakdown of certain foods and proteins, builds up in the bodies' skeletal joints, forming crystals which may eventually cause pain, swelling, and joint damage. Diet changes, such as adding bananas to the daily diet, may aid in the treatment of gout. However, there is not enough evidence to support that diet changes alone can prevent or treat gout and its symptoms.
Diet and Uric Acid
The waste product uric acid is formed from foods containing purines. A diet high in purines may be a cause of gout, and continued consumption of purine-rich foods exacerbates gout symptoms. Red meat, game, organ meat, shellfish, and food products containing yeast are purine-rich; avoiding these foods may lead to decreased uric acid production. Diet changes, such as adding certain foods containing potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid/folate may also effectively aid in the treatment of gout. It is known that food sources containing these nutrients may be more readily absorbed into the blood stream than by taking supplements with these nutrients alone.
Banana's potassium content and gout
Potassium has been found to assist in converting uric acid into a solution that can be filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urination, which may decrease the build up of uric acid that causes gout symptoms. Bananas are potassium rich. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium.
Banana's folic acid content and gout
Folic acid, also known as folate, may provide tissue-repairing properties and may also aid in breaking down uric acid crystals. Bananas are not only a potassium rich food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that one medium banana also contains 24 mcg of folate.
Banana's vitamin C content and gout
A study conducted by Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2006 indicates that taking 500 mg of vitamin C per day orally for two months has a shown reduction of serum uric acid. This reduction may alleviate symptoms associated with gout. Vitamin C-containing foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli, tomato, and even bananas may aid in decreasing uric acid build-up in skeletal joints caused by gout. One medium banana contains 10.3 mg of vitamin C, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes.
Conclusion
A banana is one simple food source that contains beneficial nutrients that may treat gout symptoms. It is not advised to expect that a banana alone will treat gout. It is important to discuss further treatment plans with a doctor, dietitian, or health care professional.
References
- Epidemiology, risk factors, and lifestyle modifications for gout
- "Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Review" 7th edition, Chapter 23, Rheumatology page 945; Thomas M. Habermann, M.D. (2006-2007)
- Natural gout treatments
- Safe Foods for Gout
- USDA
