Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by an accumulation of a waste product called uric acid in the joints. Gout is one of the most painful, but treatable, types of arthritis. Proper diet plays a large role in gout treatment. The purpose of nutritional support for gout is to control the production as well as the elimination of uric acid from your body. Following the right diet can help reduce the severity, as well as the frequency, of gout attacks.
Physiology
Uric acid is a waste product that forms when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines come from two sources: DNA that occurs naturally in your body tissues and your diet. The breakdown of purines is a normal physiological process that is necessary to replace old tissues in the body with new tissues. Normally, the uric acid that is produced from purine breakdown dissolves in your blood and is excreted from the body through your urine. In those with gout, uric acid accumulates to such an extent that hard masses, called urate crystals, form and accumulate in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Although you may not be able to control the amount of purines produced naturally by your body, you can control the amount of purines in your diet.
Foods to Avoid
Nutritional support for gout involves a low-purine diet. Animal proteins, such as liver, herring, mackerel, anchovies, red meat, tuna, shrimp, lobster, scallops and fatty fish, like salmon, are high in purines. When following a low-purine diet, limit your intake of these foods to 4 to 6 oz. per day. Avoid foods that are high in sugar or contain added sugar, as sugar contributes empty calories that can cause weight gain and increase severity of gout. Avoid high-fat foods, like dressings, fried foods and ice cream, which can signal your kidneys to retain uric acid and make gout worse.
Foods to Eat
Incorporate plant-based proteins, such as beans and nuts, to meet your protein needs. Consuming nonfat or low-fat dairy products, such as milk or yogurt, can help reduce the risk of gout. MayoClinic.com recommends 16 to 24 oz. of low-fat milk products daily. It is also important to consume adequate amounts of carbohydrates, or six to 11 servings, per day. Carbohydrates help your body remove excess uric acid. Choose enriched breads, cereals and pastas and limit consumption of whole-grains to two servings per week.
Considerations
Drinking adequate amounts of water is another important aspect of nutritional support for gout. Aim for 8 to 12 cups of water per day. Losing weight can also help reduce gout attacks. If you are overweight, it is important to lose weight slowly, however, because rapid weight loss can increase uric acid production and increase intensity of gout symptoms, advises the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Work with a dietitian to reduce calorie intake just enough to promote a weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week.
