What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acids in the bloodstream. You can either have uric acids buildup from your diet (eating high-uric acid foods) or kidney problems. As the uric acids builds up, they crystallize and build up on the body’s joints. The flow of blood is not strong enough to move them along. There are several ways to relieve gout. Gout can be controlled by your diet. This means you need to know what foods to eat and what not. Here are some things you should avoid in your diet.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the first thing you should reduce, if not eliminate completely. Caffeine has the ability to dehydrate the body. The kidneys are unable to function properly if the body is dehydrated. Blood flow and circulation are also affected. Gout flare-ups can be caused by the concentration of blood chemicals, such as uric acids. You can have a cup or two of tea or coffee in the morning, but you should avoid caffeine throughout the day.
Alcohol, which is similar to caffeine, can dehydrate the body. Beer should be avoided because it contains yeast and yeast can cause overproduction of uric acids. Organ meats are another food you should avoid. Organ meats have the highest levels purines of any food. They are the most purine-rich foods, with the highest concentrations in meats like chicken, cow, and pig. It is best to avoid processed meats such as sausages and hot dogs, in addition to organ meats. Processed meats not only contain meat byproducts (which are basically organ meats), but they also have high levels of sodium and saturated fats. This can cause damage to your kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly.
Remember
Another type of meat you should avoid is seafoods, especially shellfish like crabs, shrimps, and clams. Purines are extremely high in shellfish. Gout sufferers should consult a doctor in order to get the best care. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve your gout symptoms. However, they may also recommend that you consult a nutritionist to review your diet. This is a great way to prevent future flare-ups.