6 Beneficial Foods for Gout Patients

6 Beneficial Foods for Gout Patients

Hyperuricemia of excess uric acid in the blood leads to the development of gout. Gout can also occur due to the inability of the body to eliminate the uric acid it produces or due to uncontrolled uric acid production from the foods consumed. It can also be a result of excessive inflammation in the body because of which it produces too much uric acid. Many wonder what to eat when suffering from gout, but there are plenty of foods that can help reduce the uric acid levels in the body:

  • Low-purine foods
    There is less than 3.5 oz. of purine content in some foods, and gout patients can benefit from including these in their diet. Examples include a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Along with increasing the consumption of these, one should reduce the intake of red and processed meat, fish, the yeast found especially in beer, and sugar in all forms.
  • Coffee
    Caffeine, minerals, and polyphenols in coffee help alleviate the symptoms of gout as they act like uricosurics. Coffee fights the enzyme that breaks down purine in the system and increases the rate at which uric acid is excreted from the body. This two-way mechanism relieves the symptoms as coffee helps reduce both the creation and the concentration of uric acid, which are the principal causes of gout.
  • Dairy
    All dairy is safe anti-gout food, but low-fat dairy products are especially beneficial. Low-purine foods like low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are high in protein that is necessary for strengthening normal cell functioning and providing energy. These foods also prevent high uric acid levels in the blood. However, animal sources of protein like meat and poultry cause an increase in uric acid levels in the body, so they must be left out of a gout-friendly diet.
  • Fruits and vegetables
    If one is wondering what to eat when suffering from gout, cherries and other fruits and vegetables abundant in vitamin C are especially good for reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid levels. One can aim to have at least 5-6 servings of vegetables and fruits every day to prevent or fight gout and improve overall health.
  • Water
    Hydration is key to preventing or alleviating gout, as water flushes out uric acid from the body and also prevents kidney stones, another complication that could arise because of gout. One should aim to have 12 cups of fluids every day, and at least eight cups should be clean drinking water. One might need more or less depending on their weight, activity levels, and the climate they live in.
  • High-fiber foods
    If wondering what to eat when suffering from gout, monosodium urate crystals in high-fiber foods can help relieve the symptoms. Fiber helps lower uric acid levels in the blood and helps alleviate inflammation caused by gout. It triggers gut microorganisms to produce short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Also, it absorbs uric acid and eliminates it with the help of kidneys. Oats, barley, brown rice, whole grain bread and pasta, quinoa all brim with fiber. Have more of these foods.