Diet to help manage gout
Gout or arthritis is one of the most common problems that affect both men and women at large. The symptoms of gout include severe pain in the joints, inflammation, and redness that causes extreme discomfort. Mainly, the big toe is affected, causing uneasiness while walking or doing normal chores. Other joints affected by gout include the knees, elbows, joints between the fingers, and such. It is mainly caused due to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the joints.
Patients suffering from gout should follow a strict diet to manage the condition, but the superfoods for gout are both delicious and healthy for the body. The foods prescribed for patients must have lower purine content as purine increases uric acid levels in the body. Here are some foods to help with the condition:
- Nuts
Almost all types of nuts are considered to be superfoods for gout as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which help in regaining lost bone strength and repairing damaged tissues in the long run. - Whole grains
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley are undoubtedly the best superfoods for gout. These are rich in fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy gut. They are also loaded with nutrients and vitamins that cater to the body’s daily requirements. - Legumes
Legumes are highly recommended as one of the beneficial foods for patients of gout, especially because of the range of nutrients. Legumes like soybeans, lentils, tofu, and other types of beans are extremely helpful in reducing pain and inflammation of the affected region. - Fruits
Fruits ideally work wonders for health and are downright considered a superfood for gout. The various vitamins in fruits help in lowering inflammation considerably. Cherries are even known to prevent gout attacks, decreasing inflammation and uric acid levels. - Green vegetables
Anything green is good for overall health, and green leafy vegetables are also considered one of the superfoods for gout. These are a storehouse of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, which help in restoring the lost strength of the body. They help in maintaining body metabolism and reducing uric acid deposition, preventing attacks and keeping extreme pain and discomfort at bay.
High-purine and high-fructose foods should be kept out of the diet for gout. Organ meat like kidney, brain, and liver should be avoided by gout patients, along with fish like herring, trout, haddock, tuna, and anchovies. Yeast, added sugars like honey, sweetened corn syrup, and agave nectar, and sugary beverages should all be avoided. Refined carbs like cakes and cookies are also best kept away as they may increase uric acid levels in the blood and do not have any nutritional value.
