The symptoms of gout arise when uric crystals gather in soft tissues near joints in the body. These sharp-edged crystals can go unnoticed in some people, but in others, they cause the painful symptoms associated with this form of arthritis. Gout has long been associated with overindulgence, a circumstance that has earned it the colloquial designation "rich man's disease." Despite its nickname, gout doesn't discriminate based on economic circumstances. Rich and poor alike can consume the foods associated with its debilitating effects.
Frittata
Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the body due to the excess consumption of purine, a substance that is converted to uric acid during the digestive process. The University of Rochester's Medical Center urges gout sufferers to decrease their purine intake by substituting purine-rich meats with other protein sources, such as eggs and low-fat cheeses. A frittata or another egg dish prepared with low-fat cheese and chopped vegetables are viable options for those seeking respite from their gout symptoms. When choosing vegetables to add to any egg dish, remember that some vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach, contain moderate amounts of purines.
Vegetable Soup
Soups can be a soothing and filling source of nutrition, and soups that omit meat or meat stock can be safely integrated into the dietary regimen of gout sufferers, according to Boston University. Milk and milk products are also low-purine foods, so creamy or cheese-based soups should pose no problems in terms of exacerbating the painful symptoms of gout. In addition to asparagus and spinach, other vegetables that contain moderate amounts of purine include mushrooms and cauliflower. Beans and legumes also contain moderate amounts of purine, so exercise restraint when adding these ingredients to your vegetable soup.
Veggie Pizza
In most cases, whole-grain flours are the preferable choice for delivering optimal nutrition, but for those with gout, refined flours are more desirable, according to the University of Rochester. Pizza dough prepared with white flour can be topped with low-fat cheese and low-purine vegetables for a meal that's tasty and safe for gout sufferers.
French Toast
French toast, prepared with eggs and white bread, is a low purine breakfast option for gout sufferers. If you feel you must add a bit of meat to supplement your meal, the Ohio State University Medical Center suggests selecting a moderate, rather than high purine choice, such as pork or poultry, and limiting your portion size to three ounces, which is approximately the size of a deck of playing cards.
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