Gout can be treated in a number of ways. Two that are often discussed are taking medications and following low purine diets for gout relief.
A lot of people aren't keen on changing their lifestyle and diet and would rather take medication, but this can lead to complications as there can sometimes be side effects. It does also not get to the root of the issue, only dealing with the effect of the condition, not the cause.
So, often the safer and more effective route over a long term is to modify your diet and control your gout naturally.
Following low purine diets for gout is far easier than you may think and they can be just as delicious and varied as the food you eat today. Some people even find that they are eating foods that they never tried before and really enjoying them.
The great part is that once your gout is under control you can reintroduce some of your old favorites in moderation, and it has opened up a whole new culinary experience for you.
However, before expanding up how to create a low purine diet, lets look at why eating a low purine diet is so important.
Gout is causes by a build up of uric acid in the blood stream that the body can not eliminate quickly enough. As the uric acid travels round the body it gets deposited in the joints and soft tissues and can cause symptoms that mimic arthritis - pain, swelling, tenderness and redness.
This excess build up of uric acid is caused during the metabolization of purines - a compound that is found in a lot of food that we eat, mainly animal protein. Although, gout can also effect vegetarians as it is found in non-meat based foods too.
Being overweight can also be a contributory factor as it can result in increased production of uric acid by the body.
When the body has an overload of purines, the body attempts to break it down into uric acid and it is transported to the kidneys to expel as waste in urine.
However, when there is too much uric acid the kidney's can't cope and the uric acid is deposited into the blood stream. Excessive levels of uric acid can also impair the kidney's ability to function and lead to kidney stones, leaving the kidney's operating below their optimum level, so it's really a double whammy.
By following a low purine diet for gout you can maximize the functioning ability of your kidney's and minimize the likelihood of a build up of uric acid.
Here are some suggestions for foods to avoid and foods that are fine to eat for gout sufferers:
Foods to avoid:
Gravy, porridge oats, Offal, Oily fish like Mackerel, Mussels, shrimp andscallops, Yeast and yeast extracts, Dried legumes.
Gout Friendly foods:
cereals and cereal based products, butter, cheese, fruit and fruit juices, broccoli, cabbage, beans, potatoes, corn and cornbread, eggs, nuts, noodles, white bread, white rice.
If you are currently suffering from a gout flare-up it is important to be strict with your dietary choices, however, if your gout is in remission and controlled you can include some of the following foods into your diet in moderation.
Wholewheat products, cauliflower, spinach, lentils, soy, mushroom, alcohol in moderation.
This list isn't meant to be exhaustive and is aimed at giving you a quick guide. But you can see that there are plenty of foods on the gout friendly list that will allow you to have a wide and varied diet.
More information on low purine diets can be found on our web site.
Following low purine diets for gout need not be dull. With a bit of imagination and a willingness to try new foods you could be eating a healthy, delicious meal every day. Remember to check what's going into your food when eating out or at a friend's house.
Please check with a medical professional before starting a weight loss programm or low purine diets for gout.
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