Top Foods to Eat (and Avoid) for a Gout-Friendly Diet

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is an excess buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to painful joint inflammation. While medication is the most common way to manage gout, what you eat also plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and preventing flare-ups. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top foods to eat and avoid for a gout-friendly diet.

Foods to Eat

1. Low-fat dairy products – low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are great sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, without the high purine content found in other animal products. In addition, the vitamin D present in dairy products may aid in reducing gout attacks.

2. Cherries – studies show that cherries and cherry extracts can help reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels in the body. Fresh or frozen cherries, cherry juice, and supplements are all great options.

3. Vegetables – vegetables such as spinach, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli are not only low in purine but also high in antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Vegetables should be an integral part of a gout diet.

4. Whole grains – consuming whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley can help reduce inflammation and provide fibres that can help flush out uric acid in the body.

5. Lean protein – adding lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and tofu to your gout-friendly diet can provide you with high-quality protein while avoiding purine-rich foods.

Foods to Avoid

1. Red meat – red meat is high in purine content. Beef, pork, and lamb can all trigger gout attacks.

2. Seafood – seafood such as anchovies, herring, mackerel, and sardines should be avoided since they are high in purine content.

3. Alcohol – beer, in particular, can raise uric acid levels and should be avoided. Other alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits should be consumed in moderation.

4. High-fructose corn syrup – high-fructose corn syrup found in many processed foods and beverages is known to increase uric acid levels in the body and should be avoided.

5. Sugary drinks – sugary drinks such as soda and artificially sweetened drinks should also be avoided since they have similar effects to high-fructose corn syrup.

In conclusion, eating a gout-friendly diet can help reduce inflammation, lower uric acid levels, and prevent painful gout attacks. Focusing on low-fat dairy products, cherries, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while avoiding red meat, seafood, alcohol, high-fructose corn syrup, and sugary drinks, can go a long way in managing and preventing gout. Consult with a healthcare professional to tailor a diet plan that best suits your individual needs.

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