Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood which crystallize and are deposited in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Diagnosis is confirmed clinically by the visualization of the characteristic crystals in joint fluid.

Long-standing elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) may result in other symptomatology, including hard, painless deposits of uric acid crystals known as tophi. Extensive tophi may lead to chronic arthritis due to bone erosion. Elevated levels of uric acid may also lead to crystals precipitating in the kidneys, resulting in stone formation and subsequent urate nephropathy.

Stages Of Gout Progression and Sample Diet Plan for Gout
Stages of Gout Progression (Figure)

A good diet for gout patients must consider all health issues. This is particularly important as many gout sufferers also endure other diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

People Wish Their Enemies Dead – But I Do Not; I Say Give Them The Gout, Give Them The Stone!

Omitting entire food groups may harm general health. A good diet for gout patients must be balanced across all food groups. A low purine diet can help to reduce gout attacks as purine is metabolized in the body to produce uric acid.

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF GOUT THROUGH DIET

  • Avoid high purine foods like organ meat, seafood, asparagus, spinach, avocado, mushroom and alcohol.
  • As often the patients suffering from gout are overweight, Weight-reducing, calorie restricted diet, with moderate carbohydrate restriction and increased proportional intake of protein and unsaturated fats should be used.
  • To reduce acidity, eat plenty of raw fruit, vegetables, (especially celery and tomatoes) grains, seeds, and nuts. Dark red and blue berries, which are anti-inflammatory and neutralize excess acidity, are an excellent source for gout treatment.
  • Dehydration reduces kidney function, allowing uric acid to build up. Drinking lots of fluids- especially water- will help keep the organs hydrated and dilute the amount of uric acid in the body.
  • Exercising regularly and making time for relaxation is also important. Studies show the risk of gout rises with increasing weight.
  • Bromelain, derived from pineapple, is an effective and suitable alternative to stronger prescription anti-inflammatory agents used in gout treatments. For best results, bromelain should be taken between meals.
  • Fish oil supplements, and other foods containing omega-3’s (walnuts, whole soy products, cold-water fish, and fortified eggs) can also be beneficial for reducing pain and swelling.
  • Vitamin E, selenium, vitamin A, and aspartic acid have been recommended for both prevention and gout treatment.

Food Stuffs Classified According To Their Content Of Purines

High (300 to 1000 mg purine / 100 gms) edible portionModerate (150 to 300 mg purine / 100 gm) edible portion Fair (50 to 510 mg purine / 100 gm)Low or absent ( below 50 mg perine / 100 gm) edible portion
To be avoided One portion only at each mealTo be taken liberally
FishMeatsWhole cereals PulsesMilk and milk products
WhitebaitChicken or other birdsVegetables (peas, beans and green leafy vegetables)Eggs
Sprats
Sardines
White fishCereals, milled vegetables
Herrings
Sweetbreads (pancres or thymus)
Fruits
Liver
Kidney
Heart
Meat extracts and gravies
Sugar

Also Read: Suffering from Arthritis! Get a Diet Plan Customized

Sample Diet Plan For Gout Patients

MealMenuAmount
Breakfast Cereal (Dalia)1 bowl
Toast2 slices
Tea or coffee1 cup
Mid morningTea or coffee1 cup
Cream crackers2 to 3
LunchVegetable soup1 serving
Potato curry1 serving
Cooked & meshed pulse 1 serving
Chapattis2
Fruits1
Butter milk1 bowl
Rice1 serving
Mid afternoonTea or coffee1 cup
Biscuits
DinnerTomato sandwich4 slices
Vegetable pulao1 serving
Baked apple1 serving
Kadhi1 bowl

For specific medical condition, on case to case basis, get a customized diet plan from an experienced dietitian or nutritionist

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