Gout is a type of arthritis common among diabetics. The condition occurs when too much uric acid in the blood crystallizes in the joints. Uric acid, a by-product of food digestion, often causes pain and swelling in the big toe, although it can affect other parts of the body. Because people with diabetes are more prone to kidney problems, they can have trouble excreting uric acid from the body. A build-up of uric acid then forms crystals that deposit into the joints. Eating a healthy diet is particularly important for preventing gout, especially if you have diabetes.
Step 1
Limit how much red meat and other animal protein you consume. This includes poultry and oily fish high in purines. These types of food cause uric acid levels in the body to rise. High-protein foods are usually those highest in purines, which are substances that metabolize into uric acid. According to the Purine Research Society, avoiding alcohol and limiting foods with high purine content in the diet are recommended for treating gout.
Step 2
Eat fish that are low in uric acid. A small serving size of 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of fish should contain no more than 170 mg of uric acid. Although most seafood is high in purines, salmon and mackerel are healthful choices for their omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease. Balance the meal by eating lots of low-purine vegetables on the side. Sardines, herring, trout, tuna and anchovies should be avoided because of their high purine content.
Step 3
Include more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. These foods have high water content, which helps prevent uric acid crystals from forming. Raw fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. Fiber absorbs bile acids that are produced in the liver and can contribute to the formation of uric acid.
Step 4
Choose low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and foods that contain essential fatty acids and are high in vitamin C. Certain vitamins can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Vitamin C contributes to uric acid breakdown into the urine so that it can be excreted from the body.
Step 5
Increase your potassium intake. Deficiency of this mineral can cause uric acid levels in the blood to rise. Foods high in potassium include potatoes with the skins on, cooked spinach and Brussels sprouts, bananas, beans, carrots, beets, apricots, cantaloupe and avocados. Drink orange juice and skim milk. Be careful about the foods you choose, as some foods rich in potassium are also high in purines (see Resources below).
Step 6
Drink water. Drinking at least eight or nine 8-ounce glasses of water each day keeps urine diluted and helps excrete it from the body before uric acid crystals can form. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to three of the glasses of water you drink to help dissolve uric acid crystals in the joints.
Step 7
Snack on a cup of grapes or berries between meals. Cherries and strawberries in particular have enzymes that help neutralize uric acid and eliminate it from the body.
Tips and Warnings
- When you do eat meat, select lean cuts and eat small portion sizes.
- Deficiencies in vitamins A, E and B5 also increase the risk of gout. Fasting and dieting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which may trigger gout.
