Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by severe pain and inflammation of the joints, most commonly affecting the base of the big toe. A gout flare-up can cause the joints to become swollen, hot and stiff, with a red or purple color. People may experience a fever with chills. Physicians will often recommend attempting to treat gout with diet before moving on to a medication approach.
Causes
Gout occurs when the body either produces too much uric acid or cannot excrete enough uric acid, which causes gout to accumulate in the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that an overproduction of uric acid causes needle-like crystals to form within the joint, resulting in painful swelling and inflammation. Often, people have a predisposition to gout.
Gout and Diet
When controlling gout, physicians recommend a low-purine diet. Purines exist in many types of foods and beverages. When these purines are broken down within the body, they produce uric acid. FamilyDoctor.org explains that following a low-purine diet can help reduce symptoms and may help avoid flare-ups. Controlling gout through diet also means maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity and rapid weight loss can cause an increase in uric acid levels.
Avoiding High-Purine Foods
Avoiding foods with excessively high purine levels can help avoid elevated uric acid levels. Organ meats such as liver, kidneys, brains and tongue have high levels of purines. MedlinePlus states that people with gout should also avoid anchovies, bacon, veal, venison, yeast and gravy. Some seafood such as mussels, scallops, trout and haddock also contain high levels of purine. Alcoholic beverages can increase uric acid levels as well, especially beer.
Limiting Certain Foods
People with gout should limit the consumption of some foods with moderate levels of purine as well. They should avoid ingesting too much chicken, duck, beef and pork. Crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp as well as fatty lunch meats should be eaten in moderation as well, according to FamilyDoctor.org. People can enjoy wine and coffee in moderation.
Foods to Enjoy
It is important to limit foods containing high and moderate amounts of purines. However, people with gout can still enjoy plenty of foods freely. Individuals with gout can eat unlimited amounts of vegetables and fruits. Low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are also low in purines. Those with gout can also eat certain carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, pasta and potatoes, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
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