Gout Diet: Foods To Eat

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Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« on: April 19, 2010, 02:54:30 PM »
What Is Gout?

Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis, and accounts for 5 percent of all cases of arthritis. Gout is characterized by sudden, severe bouts of redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and inflammation in one or more joints. Most commonly the big toe is the initial joint involved, but other joints may be involved initially or become involved in recurring attacks of gout.



What Causes Gout?

Gout results from the deposit of needle-like uric acid crystals in the connective tissue, the joint space between two bones, or both. Uric acid is the end-product caused by the breakdown of purines. Purines are naturally found in the body and are found in many foods. It is excess uric acid in the body which causes the formation of uric acid crystals. Excess uric acid (hyperuricemia) in the body can be caused by:

    * an increase in production of uric acid by the body

    * under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys

    * increased intake of foods high in purines

# Gout Risk Factor Quiz

The Stages of Gout

Gout can progress through four stages according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):

    * Asymptomatic gout - There is elevated uric acid levels in the blood but no other symptoms. Typically, at this stage no treatment is required.

    * Acute gouty arthritis - Hyperuricemia causes deposit of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces. The intense symptoms of pain and inflammation are experienced. Early, acute attacks usually subside within 3-10 days even without treatment.

    * Interval gout - The period between acute gout attacks when there are no symptoms and there is normal joint function.

    * Chronic tophaceous gout - The most disabling stage of gout which occurs after many years, associated with permanent damage to the affected joints and sometimes the kidneys.

# Is It Gout or Pseudogout?



Gout Treatment

With proper treatment, people who have gout do not usually progress to the chronic tophaceous phase of gout. What is the proper treatment of gout? Medications can be prescribed to help control gout and there are lifestyle recommendations. People with gout are advised to:

    * Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation

    * Drink plenty of water and other fluids

    * Maintain an ideal body weight

    * Lose weight if overweight but avoid fasting or quick weight loss schemes
    * Avoid eating foods high in purines

# How To Treat Gout With Diet And Medication

What Should You Eat?

Dietary restrictions suggest what people should not eat, but what should people eat? What foods will help control gout attacks? The American Medical Association recommends the following dietary guidelines for people with gout, advising them to eat a diet:

    * high in complex carbohydrates (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)

    * low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, or poultry)

    * no more than 30% of calories in fat (with only 10% animal fats)

Recommended Foods To Eat

    * Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
    * Bananas
    * Celery
    * Tomatoes
    * Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables
    * Foods high in bromelain (pineapple)
    * Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes)
    * Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day)
    * Low-fat dairy products
    * Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits)
    * Chocolate, cocoa
    * Coffee, tea
    * Carbonated beverages
    * Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds)
    * Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat

Foods considered moderately high in purines but which may not raise the risk of gout include: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans. It is important to remember that purines are found in all protein foods. All sources of purines should not be eliminated.

« Last Edit: August 21, 2012, 03:43:41 PM by thatsmyboy1992 »

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2010, 02:55:46 PM »
What are Some Foods That Cause Gout?

Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs when sharp crystal shards of uric acid collect between the joints causing painful inflammation. Uric acid is usually a neutral, but unnecessary, chemical that the kidneys filter out of the blood through the urine. People with gout typically get it because either their body produces too much uric acid or because their body does not do a good job eliminating it.

While uric acid exists naturally in the body, amounts of it in the body can be increased by certain foods that contain a lot of a particular chemical called purine. The kidneys normally break down purines into uric acid and then eliminate it from the body. People with gout or at risk of acquiring gout are encouraged to avoid foods high in purines. If you have gout or are at risk for gout, you should see a medical professional for advice. Still, some general points can be made about the foods that cause gout.

In general, foods that are high in fat and/or cholesterol are also high in purines. As a result, a gout diet is one that is low-fat and low-cholesterol. Specifically, it's been suggested that less than 30% of one's daily Calories should come from fat. Proteins can also have large concentrations of purines. Generally, red meat and fish, like mackerel, sardines, oysters, mussels, and scallops, should be reduced, if not avoided altogether, as they can be foods that cause gout. Large amounts of high protein, fatty white meats, like poultry and pork, can aggravate gout as well. Sweetbreads (organ meats) like kidney, heart, or liver, are especially bad for those suffering from gout. Even foods related to meat, like chicken or beef broth, caviar, and bouillon might produce high levels of uric acid.

Dairy products and vegetables can also be high in purines. High-fat dairy, like whole milk, ice cream, butter, and cheese have been said to possibly cause gout and are recommended to be replaced with low-fat or non-fat dairy, or soy alternatives. Spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas, and asparagus have been shown to be rich in purines and therefore can be foods that cause gout. In an unrelated food category, lentil beans and yeast increase the chances for a gout flare up. For this reason, beer, because it's derived from yeast and grains, can increase the level of uric acid in the body. Some health professionals recommend that alcohol be avoided altogether.

Ingesting purines is not the only way to build up an unusually high concentration of uric acid, called hyperuricemia. Poor kidney function, since the kidneys filter out uric acid, works in conjunction with foods that cause gout. Thus, drinking plenty of water and eating tofu, olive oil, and nuts, actually seems to counteract weakened kidneys to eliminate uric acid from the bloodstream. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, in the form of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like bread and pasta, may ease the symptoms of gout. A doctor might combine these diet restrictions with anti-inflammatory medication and an overall weight loss plan.

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2010, 02:59:57 PM »
Gout Foods - That Harm and Heal

By Smith & Smith Enterprises

Atkins Diet, Gout Foods, Gout Friendly Foods:

Goutcure.com has been helping thousands of gout sufferers since 1998 who are serious about getting their health under control, attempts with the Atkins Diet have unfortunately led them to relentless gout attacks. Not only is this diet full of purines that cause excess uric acid production, but the diet also causes stored body fat to be consumed thereby releasing more uric acid. This is a double dose of uric acid for the gout sufferer causing an overload on the system and perhaps creating some of the worst gout attacks and build up of in connective tissue an individual has ever experienced. Once Gout sufferers cleanse their system, they can use a modified Atkins diet for weight loss while using our Gout Care® herbal blend.

All of the foods below can be responsible for excessive uric acid production. Even though some do not contain purines, they can still cause the system to naturally produce uric acid.

They are as follows:

Alcohol, anchovies, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, consommé, herring, meat gravies, broth, bouillon, mussels, sardines, red meats, organ meats, processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meats, etc.), fried foods, roasted nuts, any food cooked in oil (heated oil destroys vitamin E), rich foods (cakes, sugar products, white flour products), dark greens vegetables, dried fruits, fish, caffeine, beans, lentils, eggs, oatmeal, peas, poultry, yeast products, acetaminophen, and low doses of aspirin.

While under a Gout Attack all of the above foods should be completely avoided as well as the following.

Extremely Acid Forming Foods - with a pH of 5.0 to 5.5

Artificial sweeteners, HFCS, Carbonated soft drinks & fizzy drinks , Cigarettes , Flour (white wheat), Goat, Lamb, Pastries & cakes from white flour, Pork, Sugar, Beer, Brown sugar, Deer, Chocolate, Coffee , Custard with white sugar, Jams, Jellies, Liquor , Pasta, Rabbit, Semolina, Table salt refined & iodized, Tea black, Turkey, Breads White / Wheat, White rice, commercial vinegar.
« Last Edit: April 24, 2015, 07:52:38 PM by OMG! »

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2010, 03:01:57 PM »
Foods To Avoid

Diets which are high in purines and high in protein have long been suspected of causing an increased risk of gout (a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the body which form crystals in the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation). Results from a study led by Dr. Hyon K. Choi, reported in the March 11, 2004 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, offer an interesting twist.

About The Study

Choi's research team followed 47,150 men with no prior history of gout over a 12-year period. The conclusion: during the 12 year period of assessment, 730 men were diagnosed with gout.

    * Study participants who consumed the highest amount of meat were 40 percent more likely to have gout than those who ate the least amount of meat.
    * Study participants who ate the most seafood were 50 percent more likely to have gout.

In this specific study, though, not all purine-rich foods were associated with an increased risk of gout. There was no increased risk associated with a diet which included:

    * peas
    * beans
    * mushrooms
    * cauliflower
    * spinach

Even though these foods are considered high in purines. Choi's team also found that low-fat dairy products decrease the risk of gout and overall protein intake had no effect. Ultimately, diets shown to be connected to gout are the same kinds of diet linked to cardiovascular disease.

# The Gout Diet Quiz

Recommendations For Seafood Should Be Individualized

At this point, it may seem like it gets confusing. Isn't seafood typically recommended as part of a diet which is healthy for the heart? Yet research has revealed that there is a strong, undeniable link between seafood and gout. How does Choi reconcile what seems like conflicting information? He believes "recommendations for seafood should be individualized."

Sorting Out The Myths

More importantly, how does a person begin to sort the myths from the facts and decide what to buy at the grocery store? According to the University of Washington, Department of Orthopedics:

    * Obesity can be linked to high uric acid levels in the blood. People who are overweight should consult with their doctor to decide on a reasonable weight-loss program. Fasting or severe dieting can actually raise uric acid levels and cause gout to worsen.

    * Usually people can eat what they like within limits. People who have kidney stones due to uric acid may need to actually eliminate purine-rich foods from their diet because those foods can raise their uric acid level.

    * Consuming coffee and tea is not a problem but alcohol can raise uric acid levels and provoke an episode of gout. Drinking at least 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids every day is recommended, especially for people with kidney stones, to help flush the uric acid crystals from the body.

Foods Higher In Purines

Johns Hopkins lists foods which are higher in purines

Foods very high in purines include:

    * hearts
    * herring
    * mussels
    * yeast
    * smelt
    * sardines
    * sweetbreads

Foods moderately high in purines include:

    * anchovies
    * grouse
    * mutton
    * veal
    * bacon
    * liver
    * salmon
    * turkey
    * kidneys
    * partridge
    * trout
    * goose
    * haddock
    * pheasant
    * scallops

Gout Medications

Experts at Mayo Clinic suggest that medications for gout have reduced the need for dietary restrictions, but some modification can decrease the severity or frequency of gout attacks. Dietary modification may also be preferred by people who cannot tolerate gout medications.

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2010, 03:07:05 PM »
Hyperuricemia (High Uric Acid)

What is hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia is an excess of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid passes through the liver, and enters your bloodstream. Most of it is excreted (removed from your body) in your urine, or passes through your intestines to regulate "normal" levels.

Normal Uric acid levels are 2.4-6.0 mg/dL (female) and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL (male).  Normal values will vary from laboratory to laboratory.

Also important to blood uric acid levels are purines.  Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds, which are made inside the cells of your body (endogenous), or come from outside of your body, from foods containing purine (exogenous).  Purine breaks down into uric acid. Increased levels of uric acid from excess purines may accumulate in your tissues, and form crystals. This may cause high uric acid levels in the blood.

Uric acid formation may occur when the blood uric acid level rises above 7 mg/dL. Problems, such as kidney stones, and gout (collection of uric acid crystals in the joints, especially in your toes and fingers), may occur.

What causes hyperuricemia?

Causes of high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) can be primary (increased uric acid levels due to purine), and secondary (high uric acid levels due to another disease or condition). Sometimes, the body produces more uric acid than it is able to excrete.

Causes of high uric acid levels include:

    * Primary hyperuricemia
          o Increased production of uric acid from purine
          o Your kidneys cannot get rid of the uric acid in your blood, resulting in high levels
    * Secondary hyperuricemia
          o Certain cancers, or chemotherapy agents may cause an increased turnover rate of cell death. This is usually due to chemotherapy, but high uric acid levels can occur before chemotherapy is administered.
          o After chemotherapy, there is often a rapid amount of cellular destruction, and tumor lysis syndrome may occur. You may be at risk for tumor lysis syndrome if you receive chemotherapy for certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma, if there is a large amount of disease present.
          o Kidney disease - this may cause you to not be able to clear the uric acid out of your system, thus causing hyperuricemia.
          o Medications - can cause increased levels of uric acid in the blood
          o Endocrine or metabolic conditions -certain forms of diabetes, or acidosis can cause hyperuricemia
          o Elevated uric acid levels may produce kidney problems, or none at all. People may live many years with elevated uric acid levels, and they do not develop gout or gouty arthritis (arthritis means "joint inflammation"). Only about 20% of people with elevated uric acid levels ever develop gout, and some people with gout do not have significantly elevated uric acid levels in their blood.

What are some symptoms of hyperuricemia to look for?

    * You may not have any symptoms.
    * If your blood uric acid levels are significantly elevated, and you are undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or lymphoma, you may have symptoms kidney problems, or gouty arthritis from high uric acid levels in your blood.
    * You may have fever, chills, fatigue if you have certain forms of cancer, and your uric acid levels are elevated (caused by tumor lysis syndrome)
    * You may notice an inflammation of a joint (called "gout"), if the uric acid crystals deposit in one of your joints. (*Note- gout may occur with normal uric acid levels, too).
    * You may have kidney problems (caused by formation of kidney stones), or problems with urination

Things you can do about hyperuricemia:

    * Make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies). 
    * Remind your doctor or healthcare provider if you have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease.
    * Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding lowering your blood uric acid level and treating your hyperuricemia. If your blood levels are severely elevated, he or she may prescribe medications to lower the uric acid levels to a safe range.

If you have an elevated blood uric acid level, and your healthcare provider thinks that you may be at risk for gout, kidney stones, try to eat a low purine diet.

Foods that are high in purine include:

    * All organ meats (such as liver), meat extracts and gravy
    * Yeasts, and yeast extracts (such as beer, and alcoholic beverages)
    * Asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower and mushrooms

Foods that are low in purine include:

    * Refined cereals - breads, pasta, flour, tapioca, cakes
    * Milk and milk products, eggs
    * Lettuce, tomatoes, green vegetables
    * Cream soups without meat stock
    * Water, fruit juice, carbonated drinks
    * Peanut butter, fruits and nuts
    * Keep well hydrated, drinking 2 to 3 liters of water per day, unless you were told otherwise.
    * Take all of your medications for hyperuricemia as directed
    * Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to problems with uric acid and hyperuricemia.
    * Avoid medications, such as thiazide diuretics (hydrochlortiazide), and loop diuretics (such as furosemide or Lasix®). Also, drugs such as niacin, and low doses of aspirin (less than 3 grams per day) can aggravate uric acid levels. Do not take these medications, or aspirin unless a healthcare provider who knows your condition told you.
    * If you experience symptoms or side effects, especially if severe, be sure to discuss them with your health care team.  They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.

Drugs or treatments that may be prescribed by your doctor to treat hyperuricemia:

Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe medications if you have a high blood uric acid levels. These may include:

    * Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) agents and Tylenol®- such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen may provide relief of gout-related pain. Gout may be a result of a high uric acid level.
    * If you are to avoid NSAID drugs, because of your type of cancer or chemotherapy you are receiving, acetaminophen (Tylenol() up to 4000 mg per day (two extra-strength tablets every 6 hours) may help.
    * It is important not to exceed the recommended daily dose of Tylenol, as it may cause liver damage. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
    * Uricosuric Drugs: These drugs work by blocking the reabsorption of urate, which can prevent uric acid crystals from being deposited into your tissues. Examples of uricosuric drugs include probenecid, and sulfinpyrazone.
    * Xanthine oxidase inhibitors - Such as allopurinol, will prevent gout. However, it may cause your symptoms of gout to be worse if it is taken during an episode of painful joint inflammation.
    * Allopurinol may also be given to you, if you have a certain form of leukemia or lymphoma, to prevent complications from chemotherapy and tumor lysis syndrome - and not necessarily to prevent gout. With high levels of uric acid in your blood, as a result of your disease, the uric acid will collect and form crystals in your kidneys. This may occur during chemotherapy, and may cause your kidneys to fail.

When to call your doctor or health care provider:

    * Localized joint pain (especially in a toe or finger joint), that is red and inflamed.
    * Shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort; should be evaluated immediately.
    * Feeling your heart beat rapidly (palpitations).
    * Bleeding that does not stop after a few minutes.
    * Any new rashes on your skin - especially if you have started any new medications.

Return to list of Blood Test Abnormalities

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2011, 10:48:39 PM »
That's very much nice one posting you have share here with all of us at the forum. I think that this would help any one much to understand the risk and the major facts of the life ..... This post helps much about the disease's and pains in the body much ,,,,,

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2011, 10:50:28 PM »
it is very painful but i don't think i have gout as what my doctor said because i was misdiagnosed by a doctor who didn't even check my blood if i have high uric acid
« Last Edit: May 24, 2011, 10:53:00 PM by thatsmyboy1992 »

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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2015, 03:44:51 PM »
I am lucky coz it only swells around my ankle


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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2015, 03:47:24 PM »
I am just limping oh no gout flares, go away


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Re: Gout Diet: Foods To Eat
« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2015, 08:59:12 AM »
i am drinking some juiced veggies again to treat my gout attack