How To Diet For Gout Patients

If you have gout, you may be wondering how to diet for gout patients. Gout is an arthritis-related condition that causes painful, swollen, red joints, often occurring at night. The disease, which is more common in men, most often affects the big toe, but can be present in all joints. Gout is caused when uric acid, a compound in the body that should be discarded as waste, is deposited in the joints. Because diet plays a role in the development of gout, if you are prone to the condition it is important to get proper nutrition. Doctors often treat gout patients with steroids. However, following this type of diet for gout patients can diminish the symptoms of gout, and decrease your risk if you do not already have gout.

1. Gout patients should avoid high-purine foods. These types of foods, which include liver, dried beans and peas, anchovies, asparagus, game meats, mushrooms, and gravies, cause a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout.
2. If you are overweight and you have gout, lose weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for gout. Talk to your doctor about what type of weight loss plan is best for you. In general, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, and exercise regularly. However, avoid low-carbohydrate diets, which can aggravate gout. The carbs you choose should include whole grains.
3. Limit the amount of animal products you consume. Too much red meat and fatty seafood like tuna, lobster and scallops can lead to increased risk for gout. Instead, eat more vegetable-based proteins, like beans.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol, especially beer. Alcoholic beverages are linked to gout attacks.
5. Stay hydrated. Try to drink at least eight, eight oz. glasses of water every day.
6. Don't eat too much sugar. If you fill up on cakes, candy, and other healthy food, there is no room in your diet for the fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins you need to fight gout. Healthy vegetables are an important part of the diet for gout patients.