A Gout is a form of arthritis that mainly affects people with a high level of uric acid. The excess uric acid in the blood crystallizes over joints in the body and forms sharp, needle-like spindles. It causes severe pain each time the patient attempts to move. Attacks of gout are often idiopathic in nature, and one usually cannot detect when they occur. There is severe pain, accompanied by redness and swelling of the major joints in the body. One of the easiest ways to fix this condition is diet modification. A healthy balanced diet will ensure that the symptoms are reduced.
How To Handle Gout?
Sadly, there is no one specific diet that you can follow for the uric acid treatment. Although, there are a number of steps you can take to keep this dreaded condition at bay. Listed below are a few pointers that will help you control the uric acid levels in your body and keep you away from gout.
- Maintain a healthy weight:
It is probably the best gift you can give yourself. By eliminating unnecessary fat, your metabolic system will be in a much better position to cope with the increased uric acid levels.
- Inculcate good eating habits:
Eating an appropriate amount of food at an appropriate time will help you in the long run. You will avoid gaining weight, and your digestive tract will not be overloaded as well.
- Limit foods with purines:
Foods that contain a large amount of the organic compound purine are the main culprit behind increased uric acid levels. Avoid them at all costs if you are prone to gout. Some common purine-rich foods are organ meats like heart, spleen, liver of animals, oatmeal, wheat bran, mushroom, spinach, etc.
- Consume foods that control uric acid levels:
You must consume foods that will help you bring down the increased uric acid in your body. It is a tiny way in which you can give your already stressed-out metabolic system a helping hand.
- Eat more complex carbohydrates:
Stick to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These take a long while to disintegrate in the bloodstream. Also, avoid anything with too much industrially produced sugar, like sweetened beverages.
- Watch your alcohol intake:
Distilled alcohols are associated with an increased uric acid level. Cut out alcohol completely if you are already in the middle of a gout flare-up. Beer is supposedly the most notorious here, so avoid it.
- Build your immunity:
It can be pretty easy, given the number of immunity-boosting spices available in every Indian household like turmeric, tulsi, etc. Immunoboosting vaccines online in India can also be of great help to you.
Foods That Are Good for You:
Having described a list of all the do-nots, it is now time to focus on the good.
- Low-fat yogurt
- Citrus fruits, like oranges, strawberries, and pineapple
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts, peanut butter, and other whole grains
Beverages To Stick with During a Gout Flare-up:
- Water is one of your best options. Anywhere between 8-16 cups a day should be your target.
- Vitamin C juices will also help you like lemon juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice. Avoid juices that have added sugar, like the ones that are commercially produced, and stick with fresh fruit juice.
Sample Diet for Gout Flare-ups:
Breakfast: Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk + 1 cup fresh fruit + 8 oz decaf coffee.
Lunch: 2 oz lean meat, e.g., chicken + Mixed vegetable salad + 1 cup Low-fat yogurt.
Snack: 1 tbsp nuts or 1 cup cherries
Dinner: 3-4 oz seafood, e.g., grilled salmon + Steamed vegetables + 1 cup whole grain pasta + Water.
Healthskool Pharmacy can be your go-to option for over-the-counter medications to contain the symptoms of gout.
