Gout is a form of arthritis that results in pain and inflammation in the joints. It occurs when uric acid crystallizes and is deposited in the joints. Gout attacks can be sudden, leading to swelling in the affected joint, becoming hot and very tender. The main cause of this condition is excess uric acid in the body, so foods that increase uric acid should be left out of the diet for gout patients.
Gout-friendly food includes dairy, fruits, vegetables, and food with carbohydrates. All foods with low purine levels can help control the condition. Here are some of them:
1. Wheat bread, pasta, and noodles
Carbohydrates help the body flush out excess uric acid. In most diets, these foods are a big no, but they work wonders for gout patients as they have low purine levels. They are good sources of carbohydrates if taken in the whole grain form, so ensure that bread and pasta are made from whole grain and not refined flour. Crackers with cheese or a whole-grain sandwich with vegetables are some other healthy snacks for gout patients.
2. Dairy products
Low-fat milk and yogurt have low purine content, which makes them suitable for gout patients. They can be eaten in any form, but choosing unflavored yogurt and milk is best as the sugar content just adds to the extra calories otherwise. Yogurt can also be used to make healthy snacks for gout patients, like yogurt and fresh fruit puree smoothie.
3. Vegetables
Using low-purine vegetables like cabbage, red bell peppers, squash, and beetroot to make healthy snacks for gout patients is an excellent idea as they boost metabolism.
Stir fry, boil or simply make a salad, but limit the consumption of vegetables like spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, and cauliflower as they have moderate levels of purine.
4. Fruits
Fruits are a beneficial snack option for everyone, and they are also healthy for gout patients. Fruits with high levels of vitamin C like papaya, oranges, tangerines, and cherries are good for those with gout, and they can be eaten whole or in a fruit salad.
5. Nuts
Nuts like almonds and walnuts offer moderate levels of protein without high purine content, and they also have healthy fats like mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. You can munch on them, use nut butter for a sandwich, or add them to a bowl of porridge.
Some foods that should be limited in consumption or avoided as they are rich in purine are meats, poultry, and seafood like crab, lobster, oysters, and shrimp. Alcohol is also a big no for those who have gout as it disrupts the removal of uric acid from the body.