Keeping flare-ups at bay: Foods to avoid with gout
Are you one of the millions of Americans who have gout? If
you are, you're probably familiar with the often debilitating joint pain that can develop during a flare-up.
Avoiding flare-ups requires a careful approach to daily living, including
paying particular attention to the foods you eat.
Whether your provider recently diagnosed you with gout or
you've lived with the condition for years, you may have questions about how to
avoid flare-ups. Below are answers to common questions, including what foods to
avoid with gout and what you should eat instead:
Q: What is gout?
A: Gout is a type of arthritis that
typically affects a single joint. People with gout often experience flare-ups,
which can occur for a week or two and then disappear. These flare-ups are due
to hyperuricemia, in which excess uric acid levels build up and form crystals
that cause joint pain and other issues.
The body produces uric acid when the body breaks down
certain foods and drinks containing purines. The kidneys typically process uric
acid, passing it through your urine as a waste product. High uric acid in the
blood isn't always a concern, but you can develop gout if your kidneys don't
process it as they should.
When gout flares up, it can cause intense pain and swelling
in a specific joint — often the big toe — and may cause the joint to redden,
stiffen, or feel warm to the touch. The pain can be debilitating, particularly
at first, then
Gout is three times more likely among men, particularly
those younger than age 40, than women. However, it can affect women after
menopause. Being obese increases your risk of developing gout, as does eating a
high-purine diet and having certain medical conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Underactive thyroid disease
- Kidney disease
Q: What foods should I
A: Although there's no foolproof way to eliminate gout
flare-ups, changing the way you eat is an important step. To avoid gout
symptoms, limit your intake of purines, which are found in:
- Red meats
- Organ meats
- Seafood, such as tuna, trout, scallops, and shrimp
Fructose, a type of sugar, can also cause gout flare-ups.
Steer clear of sugary drinks and products sweetened with high fructose corn
syrup, such as artificial fruit juice, sodas, and many packaged foods.
Finally, drinking alcohol has been associated with a higher
risk of developing gout, so your medical provider may recommend limiting your
intake or avoiding alcohol altogether. Water is the best drink for people with
gout. If you want to add flavor, use fruit slices, herbs, and cucumbers.
Q: What foods can I eat to help avoid gout flare-ups?
A: You may experience fewer flare-ups if you eat a primarily
plant-based diet, as all meats contain some purines. But you can usually safely
eat moderate portions of some meats, such as chicken or turkey. A small amount
of fresh or farm-raised salmon is also OK.
Another benefit of loading up on fruits and vegetables? They
contain vitamin C, which may
decrease uric acid levels. Grapefruit, pineapple, and strawberries
have high levels of vitamin C but only a mild amount of fructose. Bell peppers
are another good source.
Finally, tart cherries and their juice contain anthocyanins.
This anti-inflammatory nutrient lowers the risk of flare-ups. Tart cherry juice
alone cannot treat gout flare-ups, but it might help you avoid them.
Q: What else can I do to keep gout from flaring up?
A: Gout treatment typically focuses on two things: keeping
uric acid levels in balance to prevent flare-ups and relieving pain caused by
flare-ups.
Although changing your diet can help keep uric acid levels
low, it may not be enough to help manage the condition. Your provider will
likely encourage you to exercise
Medications are often necessary to treat gout-related pain.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen,
can help when you are at home. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to
lower uric acid levels, help your body eliminate excess uric acid, or treat
gout-related inflammation. You could also benefit from corticosteroid
injections, which are delivered directly to the affected joint.
You may also want to try at-home care, such as applying ice
to the affected joint and elevating and resting the affected limb.
One final tip:
Manage your stress levels. Getting stressed out can increase your chances of
having a gout flare-up, and stress can lead to unhealthy habits, such as
drinking too much or eating unhealthy foods. Know your limits, set boundaries,
and recognize when you're feeling under pressure. Exercis
If gout flare-ups affect your feet, a
Reid Health podiatrist can help you find relief through routine
care and treatment. For gout concerns affecting other joints, visit the Reid
Health Ortho Walk-in Now clinic.