Gout

About Gout

Gout is associated with rich food and alcohol consumption. It is a metabolic disorder associated with abnormally high uric acid levels in the blood. This precipitates to form crystals in joint spaces (very often the great toe) and sometimes in kidneys too.

What Happens In Gout

Uric acid is a breakdown product of urine. It is excreted out mainly by the kidneys.  Whenever the normal balance is disturbed by decreased excretion by the kidneys (the more common cause) or increased production, the blood level of uric acid increases and crystals of uric acid get deposited at different sites (including the joint space). The defense cells engulf these crystals following which pain causing substances are released in the joint space. This is believed to be responsible for causing damage to the affected joint.

Dietary Management

Foods to consume

• Fruits
• Vegetables : All vegetables are fine, including potatoes, peas, mushrooms, brinjal and dark green leafy vegetables.
• Legumes : All legumes are fine, including masoor dhal, beans, soybeans and tofu.
• Nuts: All nuts and seeds.
• Whole grains: These include oats, brown rice and barley.
• Dairy products: All dairy is safe, but low-fat dairy appears to be especially beneficial.
• Eggs
• Beverages: Coffee, tea and green tea.
• Herbs and spices: All herbs and spices.
• Plant-based oils: Including coconut, olive and flax oils.
• Drink more water : Drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys flush out uric acid faster. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.
• Add more fiber to your diet : Eating more fiber will help your body get rid of uric acid. Fiber can also help balance your blood sugar and insulin levels. For example, dried fruits, salads, oats, nuts etc.
• Get more vitamin C : Add foods that are rich in this nutrient to your daily diet, such as citrus fruits, guava, etc.

Foods to avoid

• Meat
• Fish
• Other seafood:crab, shrimp,etc.
• Sugary beverages: Especially fruit juices and sugary sodas.
• Added sugars
• Refined carbs like white bread, cakes and cookies
• Avoid alcohol- Drinking alcohol can make you more dehydrated. It can also trigger high uric acid levels. This happens because your kidneys must first filter out products that occur in the blood due to alcohol instead of uric acid and other wastes.

Source: Portal Content Team