Milk for Gout

It's no wonder that the ancient philosopher Hippocrates called gout the "unwalkable disease." Although it can affect any joint, it usually affects the joint in your big toe, causing intense pain, swelling, warmth and redness. Gout is also a major, growing health concern, according to Dr. Joseph D. Croft, a clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical School. If you have or are at risk for gout, incorporating milk into your diet may guard against symptom flare-ups.

Function

Gout develops when uric acid, a waste product your body produces while breaking down purines, which occur naturally in most foods, becomes excessive and causes hard deposits in a single joint. While eating rich amounts of meat or seafood increases your risk for gout, drinking sufficient amounts of low-fat dairy products may reduce your risk, according to MayoClinic.com.

Clinical Evidence

In a study published in the "International Journal of Pharmocology and Therapeutics" in June 2011, six healthy participants consumed bovine milk, which is derived from cattle or buffalo, or water 12 hours after consuming allopurinol, a drug used to lower uric acid levels. In analyzing the blood and urine uric acid levels of all participants, researchers found that bovine milk increased the amount of uric acid expelled by 38 percent, which resulted in significantly reduced blood uric acid levels. Water led to no notable improvements.

Potential Risks

Whole milk and whole milk products, such as full-fat cheeses, sour cream and ice cream, are rich in saturated fat, which can increase inflammation, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. A diet rich in saturated fat may also increase your risk for obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. If you are one of the 30 million Americans who develop an intolerance to lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in cow's milk, by age 20, consuming milk of any kind may trigger gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea.

Suggestions

If you tolerate dairy products well, incorporate skim or low-fat varieties into an overall healthy, balanced diet. Sufficient intake for gout sufferers, according to MayoClinic.com, is 16 to 24 oz. of skim or low-fat milk per day. If you do not tolerate lactose, lactose-free milk or taking digestive enzymes with dairy products can help guard against digestive symptoms. Eating more plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils and tofu, and cutting back on meat and seafood, may also help manage your symptoms. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.