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What are Gout Diet Foods?

Before we get into the gout diet, let’s first look at what causes it. High levels of uric acid in your blood can cause gout. This can lead to crystals in your joints. This can occur if your kidneys don’t work at 100% or if your body produces too much uric acid. Where do gout diet foods fit in? Uric acid is formed when the ‘purines” in your body are broken down during the metabolization process. Purines are also part of the chemical composition of the food you eat.

Purine Level

Some foods have high levels of purines while others have low levels. As you can see, gout can be caused by eating foods high in purines. Gout sufferers should eat less purine-rich foods and avoid high-purine foods. Gout diet foods do not have to be boring. You should eat more fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy veggies. At least five servings of fruit or veg should be consumed each day.

Avoid spinach, asparagus, or cauliflower. Contrary to popular belief dairy products can be eaten. These should be low-fat dairy products. Avoid soy products. Complex carbohydrates like pasta, rice, cereals and breads should be consumed. Avoid white flour products.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C-rich foods can be included in your gout diet. Your gout diet should also include essential fatty acids. It is vital to stay hydrated. Hydration is key to preventing uric acid crystals from forming in your joints. Drink at least 3 litres of water per day. You can also include fruit juice in your daily intake.

However, alcohol is known to trigger gout attacks. Coffee can be enjoyed, contrary to popular belief. Some studies have shown that coffee can lower uric acid levels, which in turn reduces the risk of developing gout. The gout diet foods listed above are not a complete list of what you can eat. There is enough information to show that gout diet foods do not have to be boring.

 

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