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The cause of gout is a high blood level of uric acids which is a waste
product. The waste product is a breakdown of purines which are
substances naturally found in your body. Purines are also found in
several types of food.
The treatment of gout, in times past, included very strict dietary
regiments but because of medications that are used to combat gout the
regiments are not as harsh as they once were.
There still are some recommended dietary modifications though as they
can greatly help your chances of avoiding gout flare-ups. Many
medications for gout cause many, potentially serious, side effects so
dietary modifications can be a better option than the medications.
Some of the foods that are high in purines and should be avoided are
liver, brain, kidney, sweetbread, anchovies, peas, beans, mackerel,
mincemeat, scallops, muscles, and herring. Other foods such as poultry,
meat, and fish have lesser amounts of purines so it is suggested that
they be eaten in moderation.
Other ways that you can lower the risk of gout naturally are:
1. Avoiding alcohol altogether or only drinking it in moderation,
perhaps saving yourself for special occasions only. Drinking a lot of
alcohol increases the risk of hyperuricemia, as the alcohol gets in the
way of the natural removal of uric acids from the body. If you have
gout and especially if you are having a gout attack alcohol should be
avoided completely.
2. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to flush the system of uric
acids. Aim for around 2 liters of water a day, more if you are
exercising or have a physical job.
3. Try to maintain a healthy weight. The more excess weight you are
holding the more stress is then put on your joints increasing the
possibility of gout.
4. Try to lose excess weight but do not do so by rapid weight loss
diets as they can increase uric acid levels in the blood. In weight
loss also avoid low-carb diets as they are high in fat and protein.
Consuming too much of these types of foods can increase your chances of
developing hyperuricemia.
Foods that are low in purines will help in keeping gout at bay. Below is a list of foods which are low in purines.
1. Breakfast – Cereals and breads, coffee, tea, oatmeal, eggs, fruits, juices, cheese (low fat), milk, and peanut butter.
2. Lunch – Nuts and peanut butter, pasta macaroni, soups, cream style soups, cheeses (low fat) and broths
3. Dinner – Pasta, macaroni, eggs, vegetables, breads and cereals, low-fat cheeses and soups.
Other foods and food items low in purines are gelatin, fats and oils
(in small amounts), soda, sugar, syrups, and other sweets in moderation.
As with anything, moderation is the key to a low purine diet. Some
foods which have a moderate purine level are: beef, lamb, pork,
vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, wheat
germ, all types of yeast and gravies.
It is ok to have these foods as long is it is in moderation. Even foods
that are high in purines can be eaten occasionally unless you have gout
or are having an attack of gout. |