Saturday, November 22, 2008

What is Considered Gout Food?

By Rashel Dan

Studies have shown that individuals who had diets containing high levels of purines and proteins were more susceptible to gout compared to those who had moderate levels of those compounds. Food considered as gout food has been suspected for triggering the effects of gout such as swelling, pain and discomfort. Researchers and medical professionals are now categorizing gout food in order to help sufferers maintain their health. This article lists down common misconceptions, gout food, and the effects of modern diets.

Should I avoid high-purine foods altogether?

Although purine has been known to be one of the main causes of gout, it is found that moderate intake does not trigger symptoms. Actually, anyone can eat what he or she wants as long as it is in moderation. In most cases, too much intake of one type of food results in certain conditions.

How can I take enough calcium and proteins if dairy products are considered gout food?

Although low-fat dairy products help reduce the risk of gout, ordinary dairy products can trigger gout. Get your daily calcium and protein from low-fat dairy products, which are now widely available in supermarkets.

Here is a list of purine gout food that is known to worsen existing gout condition, but not necessarily cause initial gout:

- Cauliflower - Spinach - Mushrooms - Peas - Beans

Here are purine-foods that are considered safe when eaten in moderation:

-Veal -Bacon -Liver, kidneys -Turkey -Goose -Salmon -Anchovies -Trout -Scallops

Below are foods particularly high in purines and should be avoided:

-Sweetbreads -Yeast -Herring -Sardines -Mussels -Heart

Which diet should I take?

Specially-formulated diets to address the needs of those suffering from gout is now available. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets have been found to significantly aid in weight loss but also found to increase the risk of gout because of their high purine content. Those looking into treating their gout and losing weight at the same time should lessen the extremity of their high-protein diet.

Diets that incorporate too many acidic foods are considered gout food. You may be cutting out meat (i.e.: if you are getting into a vegetarian or fruitarian diet), but may be resorting to sweets and acidic fruits. Most sweets (natural or artificial) are acidic, so avoid eating too much pastries and sweetbreads. Cranberry is one example of a highly acidic fruit. Almost all kinds of oils are considered to be acid forming, even olive oil is considered acidic. Other oils include canola oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil. Probably the worst types of acidic foods are alcohol, especially beer, since they are originally from wheat and barley.

Also, avoid foods that serves as natural diuretics such as linden, green tea and stinging nettle. These are gout food that can encourage uric acid crystals to form because they tend to drain the system of water.

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