Although liver health and gout may seem unrelated, cooking for both is surprisingly similar. The liver is a vital organ with many functions, such as metabolizing substances in the blood and producing bile. Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by buildup in the blood of uric acid, either the body making too much or not eliminating enough. Eating foods high in purines, which help form uric acid, can cause gout to worsen, and food is also a factor in liver health. Healthy cooking can help manage both.
Step 1
Cook lean proteins, such as chicken, in a healthy way. Bake or steam them to avoid adding unnecessary calories and fat.
Step 2
Avoid organ meats, such as liver, kidney and hearts. These contain high amounts of purine and can cause a gout attack.
Step 3
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and use in cooking. Alcohol damages the liver and prevents elimination of uric acid, which can make gout worse.
Step 4
Cook with plenty of vegetables such as broccoli, peas and carrots. You can bake, steam and boil them. They are healthy for your liver and won't cause a gout flare.
Step 5
Cook with complex carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat pasta and brown rice. Simple carbohydrates like white bread and candy contain empty calories and don't provide many health benefits to your liver.
Step 6
Reduce salt intake. Cook with herbs and salt-free spices to season your food.
Step 7
Use in cooking and drink plenty of water. It can help remove uric acid from the body.
Step 8
Cook with low-fat dairy products. It's healthier for the liver and has been shown to reduce gout attacks.
