Gout is a form of arthritis that causes debilitating pain in the small joints of the feet and sometimes the hands, ankles, knees and elbows. Gout has several causes, including heredity and obesity; however, the primary reason people develop gout is because of the way they eat. Research indicates that changing your diet may have a significant effect on your gout symptoms. If you wish to make major changes to your diet, consult first with your health practitioner.
Uric Acid and Gout
Gout is the result of uric acid crystals being deposited in the body's small joints causing inflammation and pain. Uric acid levels are increased in the body after you eat certain proteins, which break down first into compounds called purines, then further break down into uric acid, according to The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. The kidneys normally handle the elimination of uric acid; however, when levels become too concentrated, crystals are formed and excess uric acid cannot be properly cleansed from the blood, where they are then released into the joints to crystallize. The big toe is traditionally the first place where most people experience their first gout attack.
Foods Causing Gout Foot Pain
The first step to reducing symptoms of gout is to eliminate or greatly reduce certain foods that have been identified as those causing the problem. Avoid all red meats, animal fats, organ meats, shellfish, high-fat dairy products and alcohol, recommends the University of Michigan Health System. Although several legumes are also high in purines, they are not associated with increased symptoms of gout.
Foods That Relieve Gout
While you are in the process of reducing your intake of these foods, replace them with other foods that may alleviate gout symptoms. Healthy proteins can come from soy products like tofu and fermented soy, fish, low-fat dairy products, and legumes in combination with grains, which provide complete proteins. Replace animal fats and trans fats like margarine with healthy fats and oils from olives, flax seed, avocados and nut oils, suggests the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics. Healthy fats provide lubrication for the joints and keep skin and nerves healthy. Fish provides low-purine producing protein, and fish oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in joint disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Include whole grains in your diet for complex carbohydrates and fiber, suggests the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics. These foods do not aggravate gout and provide a broad scope of nutrients for health. Additionally, add root vegetables for their healthy properties and high fiber levels. Foods like plantains, winter squash, sweet potatoes and beets make healthy additions to a gout diet.
Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, anthocyanins and vitamin C are recommended for gout relief due to their ability to reduce inflammation, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Eat cherries, berries, citrus fruits, yellow, orange and red peppers, and leafy greens to obtain their inflammation-reducing nutrients.
Medicinal Foods for Gout
Some foods provide medicinal properties for gout sufferers; experiment to see which of these is helpful in reducing your symptoms. Use them one at a time to see which work best for you. Tart cherry juice diluted with water or 8 oz. of cherries daily may lessen pain, according to the University of Michigan Health Center. Gout Pal recommends drinking black bean broth at the first signs of a gout attack to lessen the severity. Pineapple is high in the enzyme bromelain, which is reputed to reduce inflammation throughout the body and reduce pain, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium and helps create an alkaline-forming state in the body, preventing the formation of uric acid crystals, reports the "The pH Miracle."
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Gout: Joint pain and more
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- University of Washington Department of Orthopedics: About Diet and Arthritis
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
