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Adequate food is essential in the treatment of gout, it is important to reduce the consumption of foods rich in purines, such as meat, alcoholic beverages and seafood, as well as increasing the consumption of water in order to eliminate excess uric acid through the urine. and decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
Gout, also called gouty arthritis, is a disease that occurs due to a change in the purine metabolism, which results in increased amounts of uric acid in the blood and lead to the formation of crystals that destroy the tissues of the joints, causing arthritis . These crystals normally accumulate in regions such as the toe, ankle, heel and knee, causing inflammation and pain.
Prohibited foods for gout
Foods that should not be eaten during a gout crisis are:
- Alcoholic beverages, mainly beer;
- Viscera, such as heart, kidneys and liver;
- Ready seasonings;
- Baker's yeast and brewer's yeast in supplement form;
- Goose meat;
- Excessive red meat;
- Seafood such as seafood, mussels and scallops;
- Fish such as anchovies, herring, mackerel and sardines;
- Industrialized products with any ingredient that has fructose, such as: soft drinks, canned or powdered juices, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, industrial sauces, caramel, artificial honey, chocolates, cakes, puddings, fast food, some types of bread, sausage and ham .
When the person is not in crisis of gout these foods are not prohibited, but they must be controlled to avoid the appearance of crisis, therefore, they must be consumed in moderation, preferably according to the guidelines of a nutritionist.
Foods that should be eaten in moderation
Foods such as asparagus, beans, lentils, mushrooms, shrimp, spinach, poultry and fish not mentioned above should be consumed in moderation, and a portion between 60 and 90 grams of meat, fish or poultry or 1/2 cup of vegetables daily.
Some people indicate that some foods like strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and nuts trigger the gout crisis, however these foods are not rich in purine. So far there is no clear scientific evidence to confirm that these foods cause gout attacks and why they occur. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the foods consumed and in the event that any food triggers the gout crisis, it is recommended to avoid it.
What to eat in case of gout
In case of gout it is essential to drink a lot of water, from 2 to 3 liters of water per day, so that the uric acid accumulated in the blood is eliminated through the urine. In addition, it is important to include foods with diuretic properties in the daily diet, such as:
- Watercress, beet, celery, peppers, pumpkin, onion, cucumber, parsley, garlic;
- Apple, orange, watermelon, passion fruit, strawberry, melon;
- Skimmed milk and derivatives, preferably.
In addition, anti-inflammatory foods such as olive oil can also be consumed, which can be used in salads, citrus fruits and flaxseed, sesame and chia seeds that can be added to juices and yogurts. These foods help to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Diet menu for gout
The following table provides an example of a 3-day menu to help decrease excess uric acid in the body:
Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
Breakfast | 1 glass of strawberry smoothie + 2 slices of bread + 2 slices of white cheese | 1 glass of orange juice + 2 oat and banana pancakes + 2 slices of white cheese | 1 cup of pineapple juice + 2 scrambled eggs with cheese and oregano |
Morning snack | 10 grapes + 3 maria biscuits | 1 pear + 1 tablespoon peanut butter | 1 plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed |
Lunch dinner | 90 grams of chicken + 1/2 cup of rice + lettuce, carrot and cucumber salad with 1 tablespoon of olive oil | 1 fish fillet + 2 medium potatoes + 1 cup of cooked vegetables + 1 tablespoon of olive oil | Pasta with 90 grams of shredded turkey sautéed with vegetables |
Afternoon snack | 1 plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of chia seed | 1 apple in the oven with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon | 1 medium slice of watermelon |
The amounts included in the menu may vary according to age, gender, frequency of physical activity and the fact that the person has another associated disease, so it is important to consult a nutritionist so that a complete assessment is carried out and a food plan according to needs.
Watch the video below and check out more details about gout feeding: