Gout is a painful kind of arthritis that usually affects the feet but can affect one or more joints. Gout is one of the most prevalent types of inflammatory arthritis in the United States, affecting over 8 million people, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are the conventional treatments for it.
Uric acid crystallises and accumulates in the joints, resulting in attacks. Purines are an organic substance found in food that breaks down to produce uric acid, an antioxidant that guards the lining of our blood vessels.
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meats
The highest purine content is found in organ meats such as liver, sweetbreads, kidneys, brains, tongue, and tripe. Avoiding any organ meat at all is advised. The daily allowance for all other meats should not exceed 4 ounces.
Consuming these meats in moderation is advised:
pig
duck chicken
Goose
duck
hare
lamb
turkey
Purines are also abundant in other animal-based foods like chicken soup, bouillon, and gravy.
Fish and seafood
Purines are also often found in fish and seafood. The worst foods for gout sufferers are mackerel, anchovies, herring, scallops, and sardines.
Other fish with a somewhat elevated purine content are:
carp tuna, cod, halibut, perch, salmon, snappers, and trout
Due to their high purine content, seafood like oysters, lobster, crab and prawns should only be eaten in moderation.
Whole grains
Although whole grains like bran, muesli and wheat germ have modest purine content, the advantages of consuming whole grain foods for gout sufferers greatly exceed the drawbacks. Consuming whole grains can lower your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
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According to a 2016 study (Trusted Source), participants’ uric acid levels decreased when the glycemic index was lowered. Reducing the consumption of high-glycemic foods like white rice, pasta, and bread may help lower uric acid levels and possibly delay the onset or flare-ups of gout.
The authors came to the conclusion that more research should be done to expand on this understanding.Remember that gout sufferers may be at risk for dangerously high whole grain intake, so watch portion sizes.
Sugars
Purines are not found in sugars, but a diet heavy in refined sugars has been associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes that can exacerbate gout symptoms. Steer clear of soda and other goods sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup as they may raise uric acid levels.
Select fresh fruits if you must indulge in sweets. Some are naturally high in sugar, but they also contain other essential nutrients that your body needs.
Alcohol
Purines are found in beer, and brewer’s yeast has an especially high purine content. Research has indicated that consuming beer during an episode of gout can considerably worsen the condition.
Even though other alcoholic beverages might not have a lot of purines, they can cause the body to produce more purines. Consequently, there is an increase in uric acid levels. The risk of a gout attack can be elevated by excessive alcohol consumption, defined as more than two drinks for men and one drink for women per day.
