Gout is a form of arthritis, which is characterized by extreme pain, tenderness and redness in joints. It occurs when there is a build-up of Uric Acid in the blood. There is a naturally occurring chemical in the body called purine. This chemical can also be found in some foods. When your body breaks down purine, it can produce increased levels of uric acid and cause crystals to form in the blood, which attack the joints. This is what Gout is.

There are foods, which are very high in purine and over consumption of these foods can cause gout, or bring on gout attacks. But, there are also foods, that are being linked to decreases in uric acid. Adding certain foods to your diet is a good way to help manage gout and the painful attacks to your joints.

With Added Benefits: Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils fall into a group of high purine vegetables. While it may seem that you don’t want to be eating foods with a high purine content, given that it’s this chemical that is involved with gout, studies are showing that certain purine-rich vegetables don’t actually cause gout. They may even combat against it. Beans and lentils have the added benefit of giving your body a good dose of protein.

Here are some other high purine vegetables:

• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Spinach
• Broccoli

A Creamy and Delicious Gout Treatment: Low-fat Yogurt

Low-fat yogurt is another great choice of food for sufferers of gout, that also doubles as a great source of protein. Because low-fat yogurt is dairy, it’s properties help to lower uric acid levels in the blood. As mentioned above, increased uric acid levels in the blood is what causes the crystals to form that then, attack the joints. Lowering uric acid levels can slow or stop this process. Research is showing that eating low-fat yogurt, regularly, can help bring down your blood’s uric acid content, all while you enjoy its creamy texture and delicious flavors.

The Cherry on top of a Gout Sufferer’s Sundae: Cherries

Cherries and cherry juice are getting more and more attention as good food options for people suffering with gout. Cherries have something called anthocyanins. These are chemical compounds that have properties shown to reduce inflammation. The inflammation associated with gout is one of the things that causes sufferers such pain. Cherries are also thought to reduce uric acid levels in the blood. 

First Thing in the Morning: Oats

Whole grain oats, or oatmeal, is a great way to start out the day, for someone with gout. Oats are not high in protein or purine.  Whole grain oats give you complex carbohydrates, which are recommended for helping to control gout. Oats are high in fiber, but low in calories, so they’re excellent for making you feel more full for a longer period of time. Make sure you’re eating whole grain oats, though.  Oats that are full of sugars, or are processed are not good for gout sufferers.

The Other Part of Your Morning: Coffee

There are links between reducing the risk of gout and regularly drinking coffee. The research is in support of drinking a moderate amount of regular caffeinated coffee. Drinking caffeine may not be right for all people. If you’re dealing with other health conditions too, you’ll want to weigh the benefits of coffee consumption out with your doctor first.

Stalking Your Gout: Celery

If you have gout, you should eat celery. Celery has a lot going for it anyway, but for gout sufferers, here’s what it can do:

• Reduce uric acid buildup.
• Remove uric acid from the body through urination, with diuretic properties.
• Reduce inflammation.
• Act as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which will help manage uric acid.

Celery is full of macro-nutrients that are excellent for fighting against gout, and reducing the risk of future gout attacks.

Conclusion

The thing to remember with managing gout is overindulgence of certain things; alcohol, seafood, and meats, is a huge contributor to the risk of gout and its recurring attacks. You can use the tips in this guide to help tailor your diet towards reducing your risk of gout or managing your gout attacks, with the help of the food you eat.

P.S. If you are overweight, losing some weight is an extremely important aspect of gout prevention and management. If you have tried diets in the past with no success, check out this new 2018 system that works on your subconscious to lose weight without having to stick to strict diets or exercise regimens: Neuro-Slimmer System (TM) – The No Diet No Exercise Weight Loss System from Yale Researcher