Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when excessive uric acid forms crystals in your joints, causing severe redness, pain and inflammation. Gout is a common form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the most common arthritic condition to affect men. If you have gout, you may experience bouts of remission and occasional flare-ups called gout attacks. Gout can also become chronic. Dietary measures may contribute to a gout-free lifestyle.
Dairy Products
Dairy products provide valuable amounts of protein and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. According to a study published by the "New England Journal of Medicine," increasing your dairy product intake may also help prevent gout symptoms. In the study, the dietary habits and the occurrence of gout were studied among 47,150 men who had no history of the disease. Within a 12-year period, 730 cases of gout were diagnosed. The men who developed gout consumed fewer dairy products than the men who did not. The researchers also found that the more dairy products the men consumed, the lower their risk became for gout. To potentially reap similar benefits, increase your intake of dairy products, selecting low-fat varieties most often to prevent excessive intake of saturated fat. Examples of nutritious low-fat dairy products include skim and low-fat milk, kefir and low-fat yogurt and cheeses.
Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils provide valuable amounts of protein, fiber and nutrients, such as B vitamins, zinc and iron. Opting for plant-derived protein sources in place of meat most often may help lower your risk for gout, according to the Mayo Clinic. Since beans and lentils are low in fat and cholesterol-free, they also provide a heart-healthy alternative to saturated fat sources, such as red meat. The fiber in beans and lentils enhances fullness between meals and digestive function. Incorporate a variety of beans, such as black beans, navy beans, garbanzo beans and kidney beans, and lentils into your diet routinely for maximum benefits. Nutritious dishes made with beans and lentils include black bean or lentil soup, vegetarian chili, chilled bean salads, bean patties, tofu stir-fry, edamame and low-fat bean and vegetable burritos.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Since they digest more slowly than simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary sweets, basing your diet on them can lead to improved energy levels, appetite control and blood sugar balance. The Mayo Clinic recommends replacing simple carbohydrates with complex varieties as a useful dietary tool for preventing or managing gout. To increase your intake of complex carbohydrates, incorporate fruits and vegetables into most of your meals and snacks. Opt for whole-grain bread over enriched breads, brown rice over instant rice and oatmeal or whole-grain cold cereals over enriched cereals. When you indulge in a dessert or snack food, keep your portion size modest or learn ways to prepare healthy whole-grain alternatives to conventional baked goods and snacks.
