You wake up in the middle of night. Your big toe is red, swollen and throbbing. You may have a gout attack. Gout is called a lifestyle disease because it has been associated with high intake of meats, seafood and alcoholic beverages, according to the Mayo Clinic. A gout diet helps kidneys to reduce the frequency and duration of gout attacks by reducing these high purine foods.
Significance
One of roles of the kidneys is to filter blood to remove waste products and excrete urine to keep various substances within safe limits. One of these waste products is uric acid, a key cause of gout. The effectiveness of kidney function is seen in the blood values when blood and urine tests are done. Elevation of blood uric acid is not a disease, but can indicate a problem. A gout diet reduces the production of uric acid in the body and increase the elimination of it by the kidneys. A gout diet works with the kidneys to reduce the frequency of gout attacks.
Gout Diet
The gout diet is a diet low in purines. Purines are found in differing amounts in foods particularly high protein foods. Breakdown of purine foods produce uric acid. High purine foods include organ meat, red meat, fatty fish, anchovies, asparagus and mushrooms which contribute to uric acid in the blood. The physician can tell you how restrictive your diet should be, but you should definitely limit high protein foods to 4 to 6 oz daily. Eat plant based proteins and vegetables. Drink six to eight glasses of water.
Eliminate alcohol especially during acute attacks.
Benefits
The gout diet is a well rounded diet suitable for most people. You should get your physician's approval before changing your diet as part of your treatment plan. Both the low purine foods and non-alcohol fluids will assist the kidney to function and reduce uric acid. Limiting animal protein reduces saturated fats in the diet assisting in weight control. Reduction of weight is also helpful to your joints.
Warning
If you do not follow the diet, you will have more and longer gout attacks. The disease may cause permanent damage to your joints and kidneys.
Fast or high protein weight loss diets can also pose a risk for increased gout attacks by raising uric acid levels or damaging the kidney. Dehydration increases the demands on the kidneys.
Research
According to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, current dietary investigation areas are enzymes that break down purines in the body, effects of foods and vitamins, and the effect of coffee.
