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What are the best Diets for combating Gout?

Gout can be a very severe form of arthritis. It can strike suddenly and cause severe pain. Gout is the only type of arthritis that can be directly affected by what you eat. Before we discuss the best diets to prevent gout, let’s take a look at how it develops and what the consequences of making poor food choices can be. Gout is caused when there is an excessive buildup of uric acids in the blood. This can often lead to uric crystal deposits in the spaces between joints and the soft connective tissues around them.

Gout Symptoms

Gout symptoms are caused by these sharp, edged crystals. They can cause a red, swollen and stiff joint. Gout attacks can strike quickly and often occur at night. They wake you up with a throbbing sensation in your big toe. Gout typically flares up in the ankle joints or feet, as uric acids crystals require cooler temperatures to form. The feet, and especially the big toe, are the most chilled parts of the body. The body is unable to eliminate uric acid at the right rate, which is why there is often a buildup of it in the blood.

Uric acid is a naturally occurring product in the body. It is also produced when the body breaks down purine, a compound found in animal proteins and other foods. Uric acid inability to be eliminated quickly and efficiently can often be due to a genetic issue or a compromised kidney function. Uric Acid is dissolved into the bloodstream and excreted from the body through the kidneys via your urine.

Kidney Health

If your kidneys are not working at their best, uric acids can build up in the bloodstream. You can have high levels in your bloodstream and not develop gout. However, it can be debilitating and can even make life difficult for some. While medications can be used to reduce uric acid levels, some people find that following a gout friendly diet can help prevent gout from returning.

What are the best diets to treat gout? A low-fat, low-calorie, low-purine diet is a great way reduce purines intake and thereby reduce uric acid levels. Organ meats and red meats as well as processed meats, shellfish, legumes, yeast extracts, and shellfish are the worst. You can reduce the amount of purine in your body by avoiding or drastically reducing the intake of these foods. This will also help to lower your body’s production of uric acid.

Avoid Alcohol

You should avoid alcohol and limit your intake of beer and wine while on a low-purine diet. This will reduce uric acid production. The kidneys are also affected by alcohol. Because they are busy processing the alcohol the uric acids are delayed and build up in the bloodstream. To keep your body hydrated, you should have at least one drink. Avoid soda, as it can affect your uric acid levels. Gout sufferers should avoid alcohol, but it is important to keep your body hydrated.

Get at least 8 to 10 eight glasses of water per day. You can add fruit juice to water if you find it boring. You can dilute uric acids in your bloodstream by staying hydrated. This will make it easier for your kidneys and urine to remove excess uric acids. Your chances of experiencing gout attacks again decreases if your uric acid levels are at an acceptable level. Our site has more information about gout and you can sign up for our newsletter to receive our free information.

 

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