Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid accumulates and crystalizes, typically in the joint of your big toe, causing intense pain, redness and swelling. It's the most common form of arthritis to affect men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Women are also affected, particularly after menopause. In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, dietary changes, including choosing breads wisely, and healthy weight management may help prevent or reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Relationship
Dietary treatment for gout limits foods rich in natural substances called purines, which stimulate uric acid production. Yeast, which is the rising agent in many breads, is high in purine content. Thus, limiting your intake of yeast-rich breads may help manage your symptoms. Similarly, eating rich amounts of yeast-containing foods may increase your risk for gout flareups. For improved gout symptoms, MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding refined foods, such as white bread. Yeast-free whole grain breads provide a nutritious, gout-friendly option.
Benefits
Breads provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, whole grain sandwich breads, English muffins, tortillas, pita bread and pizza crust, provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber than enriched varieties. Fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, may help reduce gout symptoms, according to the UMMC. Because they have a mild impact on your blood sugar, they may help delay hunger cues. Whole grains also contain more protein than refined grains and fewer purines than animal-derived protein. Thus, depending upon whole grains for protein instead of meat routinely may lead to lower uric acid levels.
Considerations
To ensure ample fiber intake, choose breads that list whole grains, such as whole wheat, bulgur, millet, brown rice or spelt, as main ingredients. When consuming yeast-containing breads, stick to modest portions. 100 g of yeast contains roughly 1810 mg of purines -- higher than 100 g of other purine-rich food, such as meat and fish. However, an entire loaf of bread typically requires one packet, or about .25 oz, of yeast. In other words, a slice or two of whole grain bread prepared with yeast won't likely cause dramatic increases in your uric acid levels. Choose natural, unsweetened breads over frosted pastries or sweet breads, to keep your added sugar intake low.
Dietary Suggestions
MayoClinic.com lists plant-derived protein sources, such as beans and lentils, and low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk and yogurt, as useful gout-friendly food options and suggests consuming no more than four to six oz of meat or seafood per day for improved symptoms. Fruits and vegetables, such as berries, cherries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens and squash, are additional sources of fiber and antioxidants, which support strong immune function. Fluids, such as water, herbal tea and low-fat milk, help your body flush excess uric acid out through urine. Aim for proper balance between caloric intake and physical activity and seek regular support and guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
