Gout is a form of arthritis in which the mineral uric acid crystalizes and accumulates in a single joint, causing redness, pain and swelling. It typically affects men over age 40 with family history of the disease. Women are also at risk, particularly following menopause. In addition to medications, a healthy diet, limited in particular foods, can help reduce your symptoms. For best results, seek specific guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Red Meat
Red meat is high in saturated fat -- a fat-form linked with inflammation, poor heart health, obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a rich source of substances known as purines, red meat also promotes uric acid production in your body and may trigger or worsen gout symptoms. For this reason, MayoClinic.com recommends that people with gout consume plant-based protein over red meat most often. Red meat varieties particularly high in purines include organ meats, such as kidneys and liver, beef, lamb and pork.
Fatty Fish and Seafood
Though fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna, and seafood, such as scallops and mussels, are lower in saturated fat than red meat, they contain high purine concentrations and may worsen gout symptoms. Fatty fish also provide omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that may help reduce inflammation associated with gout. So incorporating low-purine omega-3 fat sources, such as ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil, into your diet is important. When you do consume fatty fish or seafood, keep your portion size modest and choose plant-based protein sources for the remainder of the day.
Enriched Flour
The process used to convert whole grains into enriched flour reduces the grain's vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. As a result, enriched flour products provide fewer nutritional benefits than whole grain foods and may offset your blood sugar levels and make it more difficult to manage your appetite and weight. Avoiding foods linked with weight gain is important for people with gout, since excess pounds add strain to your joints. For best results, replace enriched breads, pasta and cereals, flour tortillas, commercially prepared pizza crust, pie crust, muffins, cakes and pastries with whole grains or starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and squash.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as cane sugar, honey, corn syrup, maltose, dextrose and fructose, add sweet flavor and calories but few nutritional benefits to foods and beverages. Sugary foods are directly linked to weight gain and obesity and leave less room in your diet for beneficial, plant-based foods. To reduce your added sugar intake, cut back on sweetened coffee beverages, regular soft drinks, jelly, pancake syrup, frosting, frozen desserts, milk chocolate and candy. Choose nutritious, naturally sweet foods, such as fresh fruits, more often. Sweetening tea and other foods with stevia -- a calorie-free, plant-based sweetener -- and baked goods with applesauce can also help.
Member Comments