Gout is a condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. A high level of uric acid is the result of excessive production by the body itself or non-optimal elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. In addition, uric acid is a bi-product of purine, which is found in many foods products, so eating large quantities of purine throughout the diet can also result in elevated blood uric acid. People that have gout present symptoms, such as joint swelling, discomfort and in some people severe pain. So, decreasing or limiting purine intake in the diet will help lower uric acid levels in the blood and subsequently relieve symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
Nutrition Therapy
The goal of nutrition therapy for people with gout is to help relieve the symptoms of the disease and also provide adequate amounts of nutrients and calories. Nutrition therapy will will reduce uric acid levels in the blood and help with you feel healthy overall.
Recommended Foods
The foods recommended for people who suffer from gout are those with little or moderate purine levels. Purine is an organic compound found in several food products. Foods that have little or no purine in them can be eaten freely and in any amount you chose. Foods that have moderate amounts of purine should be limited to the recommended amounts. Foods with little to no purine include breads, rice and pasta, all fruits and dairy products, eggs, nuts and peanut butter. Most vegetables, except those with moderate amounts of purine, which should be limited to the recommended amounts like cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, green peans and spinach, are also low in purine and can be enjoyed freely. Foods with moderate amounts of purine include oatmeal, which should be limited to no more than 2/3 of a cup daily; meat, poultry, and seafood that includes crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp, which should be limited to one or two servings per day; and legumes, such as dried beans, lentils or chickpeas, which should be limited to 1 cup per day.
Non-recommended Foods
Foods that are not recommended for people with gout are those that have high levels of purine in them. These foods will cause a rise in uric acid in the blood and exacerbate symptoms. Although these foods should not be eliminated completely, they should be highly limited. Foods high in purine include gravies and sauces made with meat products, anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, tuna, scallops, tuna, haddock and trout, bacon and organ meats, such as liver and kidney. In addition, avoid or limit your alcohol consumption as alcohol intake may worsen symptoms.
References
- "Nutrition & Diet Therapy: Evidence-Based Applications"; Lutz and Przytulsky; 2010
