Gout is a painful form of arthritis that develops from the deposit of uric acid crystals in the small joints of the body. The crystals are the byproduct of excess uric acid in the blood and urine, which is not eliminated by the kidneys. Gout causes pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness in the joints, especially the ball joint of the big toes. There are many causes for gout, with diet being a main factor. Controlling the intake of certain foods and adding medicinal foods to your diet may help relieve the majority of symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Step 1
Reduce the amount of animal proteins and fats in your diet, including red meat, shellfish and organ meats, and replace them with lean poultry, legumes, low-fat dairy products and fish, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Step 2
Eat foods low in purines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Purines are the byproduct of protein digestion, and their breakdown causes a buildup of uric acid in the system. Replace high-purine foods with whole grains, soy products, green leafy vegetables, fruits and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 3
Consume healthy fats, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, such as avocados, fish oil, flax seed oil, flax seeds, olives and olive oil.
Step 4
Drink tart cherry juice, which may stop a gout attack from occurring and may prevent additional attacks, says the University of Michigan Health System. Mix 4 to 6 oz. cherry juice in a glass with an equal part of water and drink two glasses of the juice every day during an attack. Drink one glass a day thereafter for maintenance to prevent future attacks.
Step 5
Stop drinking alcohol, including beer, according to the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics. Alcoholic drinks have been shown to cause and aggravate gout.
Step 6
Mix 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink two glasses daily, according to "The pH Miracle," to reduce gout symptoms.
Step 7
Add vitamin C to your diet, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Take between 4 and 8 g of vitamin C powder daily and consume foods high in vitamin C like citrus fruits, red peppers and leafy greens. High levels of vitamin C may help reduce gout symptoms. However, start slowly because sometimes vitamin C can trigger a gout attack. Begin by taking 500mg daily, and increase the dose every few days to avoid aggravating your gout. If you get diarrhea, lower the dose until your bowel movements return to normal and continue taking that dose.
Tips and Warnings
- Apple cider vinegar reduces the acidity of the blood and urine and stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate, alkalizing the body and preventing uric acid crystals from forming. Vitamin C helps to dissolve uric acid crystals and keeps them in suspension in the urine.
- If symptoms persist or get worse, consult your health practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Soy products
- Low-fat dairy products
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Fish and fish oil
- Flax seeds and flax seed oil
- Tart cherry juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Vitamin C
References
- University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics: About Diet and Arthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
