Strictly following a diet plan is imperative for every patient of gout so as to maintain the right concentration of uric acid in the bloodstream. Read on for meal plans and diets for those suffering from this condition.
Gout is a painful condition resulting due to high uric acid levels in blood, which over time leads to the crystallization and deposition of the uric acid in joints, tendons, and tissues. This deposition further causes swelling, redness, and pain. Three major causes of gout include-
- Increased secretion of uric acid
- High amounts of purine in diet
- Impaired functioning of kidneys
Considering the triggering factors, diet plans for gout patients are aimed at controlling uric acid levels and effective management of the symptoms.
An Overview
Foods to Avoid
Food items that contain a high percentage of purines should be severely limited, if not completely avoided, by those experiencing recurrent gout arthritis attacks.
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Scallops
- Red Meat
- Meat extracts
- Organ meat (brain, liver, and kidney)
- Yeast-based products
- Beer and other alcoholic drinks
- Cauliflower
- Spinach and Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Beans
- Lentils
- Legumes
Certain foods are known to lower or at least maintain the uric acid levels in blood. They include:
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits
- Pineapples
- Cherry juice
- White bread
- Yogurt
- Low-fat dairy products
- Tofu
- Peanut butter
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Low-fat cheese
- Gelatin
- Tea and Coffee
- Soft drinks
- White Meat
The thumb rule followed in gout treatment is including foods rich in complex carbohydrates, low in fats, and low in proteins. Patients should drink lots of healthy fluids and eat easily digestible foods that contain low purine. Remember to add a variety of foods in the diet, otherwise indulging in the same food items will be quite boring. Following is a simple reference for a sample menu:
- 1 bowl cereal (cornflakes, rice krispies)
- Skimmed milk
- 2 slices of wholemeal toast
- 1 cup tea or coffee
Mid-morning Menu
- 2-3 pieces of cream crackers
- 1 cup tea or coffee
Lunch Menu
- Vegetable soup
- Boiled pulses
- 1 serving plain rice (or 1 whole wheat sandwich)
- 1 serving fruit salad
- 1 bowl buttermilk
Mid-afternoon Menu
- Fresh dark berries
- 1 piece of fruit (optional)
- 2 wheat biscuits
- 1 cup tea or coffee
Evening Menu
- 1 serving of fruit
- 2 plain biscuits
Dinner Menu
- Veggie mixture (carrots, celery, etc.)
- Small fillet or small chicken breast, baked or roasted
- 1 serving plain rice or whole wheat pasta
Note: Drink lots of water while eating and in between meals. A minimum of 8 glasses of water per day is recommended. This will help in expelling uric acid during urination. Don’t indulge in excessive consumption of tea or coffee.
If you understand what is healthy and what is not, choosing recipes for a gout diet is very easy. The key is to avoid foods containing moderate or high amounts of purines. Some easy-to-cook and less time-consuming food recipes for are whole-grain pancakes (medium sweet), gazpacho soup, milk shakes, and cherry smoothies. Whenever possible, add fresh vegetables, vitamin C-rich food, and culinary herbs to your meal plan.
Health experts are of the opinion that consuming foods and oils rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids help in reducing inflammatory responses. With dietary modifications, mild exercise, and medication (if required), gout symptoms can be managed effectually. So, understand the diet plans and try to follow the tips and tricks to prevent attacks.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a dietitian or nutritionist.
