1. An Acute Gout Attack
You know that when you have a bout with gout, all you want is to make the pain stop. Medications are key to relieving your symptoms, but your diet may have an impact on your healing as well. Since gout essentially is a form of arthritis caused by a high level of uric acid in the blood, it?s best to limit or even avoid foods that are high in uric acid-producing purines during an acute attack. High purine foods include organ meats, gravies, shellfish and sardines. Serving sizes of moderate sources of purines, such as chicken and fish, should be narrowed down to only two or three ounces per meal. Other foods in this category include legumes, asparagus and spinach.
2. Skip Vitamin C Supplements
You may have read somewhere that vitamin C supplements can help alleviate the pain of gout. Excessive vitamin C intake may prove harmful for those who suffer from certain kidney ailments in addition to gout. Best to be on the safe side and skip the additional vitamin C during acute episodes. You can continue to take your regular multivitamin-mineral supplement though.
3. Alcohol Aggravates Symptoms
When it comes to gout, alcoholic beverages can slap you with a double whammy. Not only do they increase the production of uric acid, but they also cause dehydration. So if you're in the midst of an attack, reduce or avoid alcohol, especially beer, as studies have shown a strong link between beer drinkers and gout.
4. Weight Loss May Prevent Attacks
Obesity has been linked to the development of gout. So, if you feel you weigh a few pounds more than you should, here is one more reason for you to lose the weight. Cutting back on overall calories is a great idea, but don't try to jump on the low-carbohydrate bandwagon. The ketosis state that this type of diet can bring about will enhance the likelihood of another gout attack and so will fast weight loss. Aim to lose no more than one or two pounds a week.
5. So What Can You Eat?
During a bout with gout, eating low-purine foods should help speed your healing time. Since many foods high in purines are also high in protein, you may feel lost as to how to make sure you're taking in enough protein during this time. Eggs are an excellent choice as are low-fat cheese, nonfat milk and nuts. You'll help flush out uric acid if you increase your fluid intake to about three liters a day. Limit dietary fat and large meals, as they may also aggravate your symptoms. Many foods rich in carbohydrates shouldn't cause you problems, but if you also suffer from high triglycerides, you may need to monitor your intake of these foods as well. Lowering triglycerides via reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates may help reduce inflammation in your joints.
