Foods to Aid the Kidneys to Eliminate Uric Acid

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Uric acid plays a pivotal role in the creation of gout and some kidney stones. It is a byproduct of protein digestion in foods high in purines and is ordinarily excreted by the kidneys. When too much protein is consumed or the kidneys are compromised in any way, uric acid is not fully excreted, remaining in the blood stream. The excess is deposited in the joints, primarily those of the feet and hands, in sharp crystalline form, and in the kidneys. These uric acid crystals are the source of an excruciatingly painful form of arthritis known as gout. There are certain foods you can eat to assist the kidneys in their process of eliminating uric acid to help relieve gout and protect against uric acid kidney stones.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been shown to have an impact on reducing gout symptoms and lowering uric acid content in the kidneys. DoctorYourself.com recommends consuming orange, grape and carrot juices, all high in vitamin C. It also recommends using buffered vitamin C ascorbate supplements to further assist in the excretion of uric acid. Sinong NagBuscopan? Hulaan kung sino'ng nagBuscopan at puwede kang manalo ng bagong iPad! sinongnagbuscopan.com.ph Sponsored Links

Tart Cherry Juice

Consuming sour cherry juice is an excellent way to reduce uric acid. Touted by some as a miracle cure for gout, this very tart juice is extremely high in potassium and is able to help create an alkaline condition in the body. This neutralizes acids and assists in preventing the formation of uric acid crystals in the kidneys and joints, reports Dr. Theodore A. Baroody in his book "Alkalize or Die."

Fruits and Vegetables

Drinking fruit and vegetable juices helps to keep uric acid crystals diluted and dissolved, assisting the kidneys in their role of eliminate waste, explains Health911.com.

Lemon Juice
Being very high in potassium, lemon juice is an excellent addition to the diet to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals. Low levels of potassium in the blood contribute to the increase of

uric acid levels, according to Health911.com. Lemon juice also helps create calcium carbonate which alkalizes the body, causing the system to neutralize acids.

High Fiber Foods

Foods high in fiber like whole grains contribute to the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys when they absorb bile acids, which can stimulate the production of uric acid, reports Health911.com.

Water
Drinking adequate amounts of water helps to keep uric acid diluted and the kidneys are better able to do their job, explains Health911.com. It advises drinking six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic apple cider vinegar is highly recommended by Dr. Baroody as well as by EarthClinic.com for its curative effects. Although an acid, it has the ability to alkalize the system by neutralizing acids and helping with the production of bicarbonate from the pancreas during digestion. Alternative Remedies Natural herbal medicine Buy 2, get 1 free. www.alternativeremediesonline.com Renal or Kidney Problems No donor! Homeopathy can treat CKD without dialysis & transplantation www.drgoyals.com Drain & Waste Maintenance Improve Your Water Today with Drain Maintainers & Biological Decloggers www.chemsearch.ph Mother's Day Gift Baskets The Perfect Mother's day Gift, A Lovely Caribbean Gift Hamper www.caribbeanrecipekits.com Sponsored Links

References

Health911.com: Gout DoctorYourself.com: Kidney stones "Alkalize or Die", Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, 1991

About this Author

Susan Lavery writes about alternative healthcare, foods as medicine and natural remedies for healing body, mind and spirit. She has a master's degree in clinical hypnotherapy and advanced

studies in homeopathy. A former member of NASH and the CHC, she has 35 years practicing emotional healing and classical homeopathy, and enjoys sharing her passion for alternative medicine in h Article reviewed by Edward Last updated on: 12/09/09

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Gout Foods - That Harm and Heal

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All of the foods below can be responsible for excessive uric acid production. Even though some do not contain purines, they can still cause the system to naturally produce uric acid. They are as follows: alcohol, anchovies, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, consomm, herring, meat gravies, broth, bouillon, mussels, sardines, red meats, organ meats, processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meats, etc.), fried foods, roasted nuts, any food cooked in oil (heated oil destroys vitamin E), rich foods (cakes, sugar products, white flour products), dark greens vegetables, dried fruits, fish, caffeine, beans, lentils, eggs, oatmeal, peas, poultry, yeast products, acetaminophen, and low doses of aspirin. While under a Gout Attack all of the above foods should be completely avoided as well as the following.

Extremely Acid Forming Foods - with a pH of 5.0 to 5.5 Artificial sweeteners, HFCS, Carbonated soft drinks & fizzy drinks , Cigarettes , Flour (white wheat), Goat, Lamb, Pastries & cakes from white flour, Pork, Sugar, Beer, Brown sugar, Deer, Chocolate, Coffee , Custard with white sugar, Jams, Jellies, Liquor , Pasta, Rabbit, Semolina, Table salt refined & iodized, Tea black, Turkey, Breads White / Wheat, White rice, commercial vinegar. Read more below about foods and how they effect your gout. Gout diets do not have to be bland and boring. Sign up for our FREE RECIPES and our great Newsletter for COUPON SAVINGS! While on GC you too can be enjoying steak, chicken, lobster, and more again without fear!

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Unfortunately, many people with gout continue to suffer because knowledge of effective treatments has been slow to spread to patients and their physicians. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. This excess can be caused by an increase in production by the body, excessive cellular degeneration, under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys and bowels, or by increased intake of foods containing purines which are metabolized to uric acid in the body. With time, elevated levels of uric acid in the blood will lead to deposits in connective tissue around joints. Eventually, the uric acid may form needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to acute gout attacks. The extream pain is from the infection and not the crystals themselves. Uric acid may also collect under the skin as tophi or in the urinary tract as kidney stones. Gout afflicts an estimated 840 out of 100,000 people. Gout and its complications occur more commonly and at a younger age in males. The definitive diagnosis of gout is dependent on finding uric acid crystals in the joint fluid during an acute attack. Uric acid levels in the blood alone are often misleading and may be transiently normal or even low. Additionally, uric acid levels are often elevated in individuals without gout.

Acidic verses Alkaline Foods & Their Effect On Uric Acid Elimination & Gout:
For optimum health of everyone, one should strive for a 70% Alkaline to a 30% Acidic balance in each meal. This ratio is very important to someone who sufferers with Gout. This list is a guide for understanding which foods are alkaline to the kidney elimination process and which are acidifying to it. Uric acid elimination increases as the urine reaches an alkaline pH state and is reduced as it becomes acidic. Urine at pH 7.0 is neutral and elimination of uric acid decreases by approximately 50% at pH 6.5. Extremely Alkaline Forming Foods - pH 8.5 to 9.0: Lemons, Watermelon , Agar Agar , Cantaloupe, Cayenne (Capsicum), Dried dates & figs, Kelp, Karengo, Kudzu root, Limes, Mango, Melons, Papaya, Parsley, Seedless grapes (sweet), Watercress, Seaweed Moderate Alkaline Forming Foods - pH 7.5 to 8.0 Apples (sweet), Apricots, Alfalfa sprouts Arrowroot, Avocados, Bananas (ripe), Berries, Carrots, Celery, Currants, Dates & figs (fresh), Garlic , Gooseberry, Grapes (less sweet), Grapefruit, Guavas, Herbs (leafy green), Lettuce (leafy green), Nectarine, Peaches (sweet), Pears (less sweet), Peas (fresh sweet), Persimmon, Pumpkin (sweet), Sea salt , Spinach, Apples (sour), Bamboo shoots, Beans (fresh green), Beets, Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carob , Daikon, Ginger (fresh), Grapes (sour), Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (pale green), Oranges, Parsnip, Peaches (less sweet), Peas (less sweet), Potatoes & skin, Pumpkin (less sweet), Raspberry, Sapote, Strawberry, Squash , Sweet corn (fresh), Tamari , Turnip, Sour Dairy Slightly Alkaline to Neutral Forming Foods - pH 7.0 Almonds , Artichokes (Jerusalem), Barley-Malt (sweetener-Bronner), Brown Rice Syrup, Brussel

Sprouts, Cherries, Coconut (fresh), Cucumbers, Egg plant, Honey (raw), Leeks, Miso, Okra, Olives ripe , Onions, Pickles (home made with brown rice vinegar), Radish, Sea salt , Spices , Taro, Tomatoes (sweet), Vinegar (sweet brown rice), Water Chestnut, Amaranth, Artichoke (globe), Chestnuts (dry roasted), Egg yolks (soft cooked), Goat's milk and whey (raw) , Horseradish, Mayonnaise (home made), Millet, Olive oil, Quinoa, Rhubarb, Sesame seeds (whole) , Sprouted grains , Tempeh, Tofu, Tomatoes (less sweet) Slightly Acid to Neutral Forming Foods - pH 7.0 Barley malt syrup, Barley, Bran, Cashews, Cereals (unrefined with honey-fruit-maple syrup), Cornmeal, Fructose, Honey (pasteurized), Lentils, Macadamias, Maple syrup (unprocessed),Low Fat Milk (homogenized) and most processed dairy products, Molasses organic , Nutmeg, Mustard, Pistachios, Popcorn (plain not microwaved), Rice or wheat crackers (unrefined), Rye (grain), Seeds (pumpkin & sunflower), Walnuts, Blueberries, Brazil nuts, Butter (salted), Cheeses (mild & crumbly) , Crackers (unrefined rye), Dry coconut, Egg whites, Goats milk (homogenized), Pecans, Plums , Prunes , Butter (fresh unsalted), Cream (fresh & raw), Milk (raw cow's) , Whey (cow's)

ACID FORMING FOODS FATS & OILS Avocado Oil, Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Flax Oil, Lard, Olive Oil (when heated), Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Sunflower Oil FRUITS Cranberries GRAINS Rice Cakes, Wheat Cakes, Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Oats (rolled), Quinoa, Rice, Rye, Spelt, Kamut, Wheat, Hemp Seed Flour NUTS & BUTTERS Cashews, Brazil Nuts, Peanuts, Processed Peanut Butter, Pecans, Tahini ANIMAL PROTEIN Beef, Carp, Clams, Fish, Lamb, Lobster, Mussels, Oyster, Pork, Rabbit, Salmon, Shrimp, Scallops, Tuna, Turkey, Venison PASTA (WHITE) Noodles, Macaroni, Spaghetti Distilled Vinegar, Wheat Germ BEANS & LEGUMES Black Beans, Chick Peas, Green Peas, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Lima Beans, Pinto Beans, Red Beans, Soy Beans, Soy Milk, White Beans, Rice Milk, Almond Milk DRUGS & CHEMICALS Aspartame, Chemicals, Drugs (Medicinal), Drugs (Psychedelic), Pesticides, Herbicides ALCOHOL Beer, Spirits, Hard Liquor, Wine ACTIVITIES Overwork, Anger, Fear, Jealousy, Stress Moderate Acid - pH 6.0 to 6.5 Cigarette tobacco, Cream of Wheat (unrefined), Fish, Fruit juices with sugar, Maple syrup (processed), Molasses (sulphured), Pickles (commercial), Breads (refined) of corn, oats, rice & rye, Cereals (refined), corn flakes, Shellfish, Wheat germ, Whole Wheat foods , Wine , Yogurt (sweetened) Bananas (green), Buckwheat, Cheeses (sharp), Corn & rice breads, Egg whole (cooked hard), Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Oats, Pasta (whole grain), Pastry (wholegrain & honey), Peanuts, Potatoes (with no skins), Popcorn (with salt & butter), Rice (basmati), Rice (brown), Soy sauce (commercial), Tapioca, Wheat bread (sprouted organic) Extremely Acid Forming Foods - pH 5.0 to 5.5 Artificial sweeteners, Beef, Carbonated soft drinks & fizzy drinks , Cigarettes (tailor made), Drugs, Flour (white wheat), Goat, Lamb, Pastries & cakes from white flour, Pork, Sugar (white) , Beer , Brown sugar , Chicken, Deer, Chocolate, Coffee , Custard with white sugar, Jams, Jellies, Liquor , Pasta

(white), Rabbit, Semolina, Table salt refined & iodized, Tea black, Turkey, Wheat bread, White rice, White vinegar (processed).

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Diet Foods for Uric Acid

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Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Diet Foods for Uric Acid Uric acid is the byproduct the body makes when breaking down purines--a chemical compound present in many foods, such as mackerel, beans, peas, liver, beer and wine, according to MedlinePlus. Too much uric acid in the body can lead to several health conditions like kidney stones and gout. Eating certain foods conducive to keeping uric acid levels down may decrease your risk of these illnesses. Nonetheless, you should always speak to your physician regarding an appropriate diet.

Fresh Orange Juice

Fresh-squeezed orange juice may be beneficial in the prevention of uric acid stones and gout. Urine pH and a decrease in undissociated uric acid levels result from the regular consumption of orange juice, according to Ingrid Kohlstadt in the book "Food and Nutrients in Disease Management." Although orange juice is protective against uric acid buildup, it is also calorierich and should be confined to one glass a day, Kohlstadt notes. Drinking calcium-fortified orange juice is particularly beneficial as it provides potassium citrate--a compound helpful in preventing kidney stones. The high amounts of vitamin C also prevent further degeneration of collagen around the bones that can exacerbate arthritic symptoms of gout. Sinong NagBuscopan? Hulaan kung sino'ng nagBuscopan at puwede kang manalo ng bagong iPad! sinongnagbuscopan.com.ph Sponsored Links

Bananas
Bananas are free of substances that give rise to uric acid and are therefore ideal for sufferers of gout or kidney stones. Consuming bananas minimizes calcium from excreting into the urine and minimizing the risk of kidney stone development, according to Robert DiSilvestro in his book "Handbook of Minerals as Nutritional Supplements." The author suggests eating a banana each

day to garner the uric acid-reducing benefits. However, DiSilvestro also warns that diabetics with kidney complications should adhere to prescribed fruit recommendations as bananas are high in simple carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes.

Yogurt
Perhaps the most effective way to inhibit uric acid buildup is combining plain yogurt with bananas. Yogurt is high in calcium, which helps to break up kidney stones, not contribute to them, according to Linda DeBruyne, et al., in the book "Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Consuming enough calcium helps control oxalate absorption that can crystallize urine and cause kidney stones. Avoiding animal-derived foods is generally conducive in reducing uric acid levels in the body for instances of gout, but dairy and soy proteins may actually decrease attacks, the authors say. weight loss foods Learn to live with diabetes. Get resources and information now. www.diabetescare.net Diabetic Diet & Meals Free Diabetic Recipes > Breakfast, Lunch - Snack - Dinner - Dessert. www.diabetesinfocenter.org "Heart Attack Warning" Clean Arteries Before Surgery. Painless, Fast, Safe & Easy www.YourTicker.com/Angioprim protein diet Buy low fat, high protein drinks to sell in your center today! www.robard.com Sponsored Links

References

MedlinePlus: Uric Acid -- Blood "Food and Nutrients in Disease Management"; Ingrid Kohlstadt; 2009 "Handbook of Minerals as Nutritional Supplements"; Rober DiSilvestro; 2005 "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; Linda DeBruyne, et al.; 2007

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About this Author

Ashley Tyson is an avid writer and anthropologist who has written for numerous publications. Currently, her articles appear on LIVESTRONG.COM. As a freelance writing professional since 2005, Tyson's areas of interests include lifestyle, business, medicine, forensics, animals and green living. She has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Science in forensic science from Pace University.

Article reviewed by demand12324 Last updated on: 01/17/11

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Gout Foods: Avoiding Purine-Rich Foods

Diet Can Help Control Gout Attacks
By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide Updated June 03, 2006 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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gout diet gout foods to avoid gout prevention gout treatments gout

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Gout Foods: Avoiding Purines

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Uric acid results from the breakdown of purines. Purines are part of all human tissue and found in many foods. The excess can be caused by either an over-production of uric acid by the body or the under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. Also, the ingestion of foods high in purines can raise uric acid levels in the blood and precipitate gout attacks in some people. Considered one of the most painful of the rheumatic conditions, gout afflicts an estimated 840 out of 100,000 people, accounting for about 5 percent of all cases of arthritis. Usually, gout affects the joints in the big toe initially. It also can affect the:

instep ankles heels knees wrists fingers elbows

The definitive diagnosis for gout depends on finding uric acid crystals in the joint fluid during an acute gout attack.

Gout Treatment
Along with specific prescribed medications, it is typically recommended that people with gout reduce their intake of purine-rich foods. That dietary recommendation begs the question regarding what foods are purine-rich? Consider though that purines are found in all protein foods and it is not recommended that all purines should be eliminated from a person's diet.
How To Treat Gout With Diet And Medication

Purine-Rich Foods

According to the American Medical Association, purine-containing foods include:

Beer, other alcoholic beverages. Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring. Yeast. Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads) Legumes (dried beans, peas) Meat extracts, consomme, gravies. Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower.

Beneficial Foods
Foods which may be beneficial to people with gout include:

Dark berries may contain chemicals that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation. Tofu which is made from soybeans may be a better choice than meats. Certain fatty acids found in certain fish such as salmon, flax or olive oil, or nuts may possess some anti-inflammatory benefits.

Avoiding purine-rich foods is only one aspect of treatment however. It is important to take prescribed medications as directed, maintain a healthy/balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids/water, exercise and maintain a healthy body weight. Diets designed for quick or extreme weight loss will work against you though -- they increase uric acid levels in the blood.

Balanced Diet
According to the American Medical Association, a balanced diet for people with gout include foods:

High in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) Low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, poultry) No more than 30% of calories from fat (10% animal fat)

More Reading:
Gout Diet: What Foods Should You Eat? People who have gout are typically advised to treat with medications, make lifestyle changes, and restrict their diet. It is well known that a person with gout should avoid purine-rich foods. What should they eat though? What foods will lower the risk of another gout attack? We have the answer about what foods to eat.

Related Resources
Gout Diet Gout: Test Your Knowledge

 The Gout Guide: Free E-Course Newsletter Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout attacks can be controlled or prevented by lifestyle changes and the use of certain medications. Better understanding will enhance your ability to manage the condition. Learn more about gout with our free e-course newsletter.
Sources: Gout Fact Sheet, American College of Rheumatology; Questions & Answers About Gout, NIAMS; What Lifestyle Measures Can Help Prevent Gout?, UCDavis

Gout Diet: Foods To Eat

What Should You Have In Your Shopping Cart To Help Prevent Gout Attacks?
By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide Updated June 03, 2006 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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gout diet gout foods to avoid gout prevention gout treatments gout

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What Is Gout?
Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis, and accounts for 5 percent of all cases of arthritis. Gout is characterized by sudden, severe bouts of redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and inflammation in one or more joints. Most commonly the big toe is the initial joint involved, but other joints may be involved initially or become involved in recurring attacks of gout.

What Causes Gout?

Gout results from the deposit of needle-like uric acid crystals in the connective tissue, the joint space between two bones, or both. Uric acid is the end-product caused by the breakdown of purines. Purines are naturally found in the body and are found in many foods. It is excess uric acid in the body which causes the formation of uric acid crystals. Excess uric acid (hyperuricemia) in the body can be caused by:

an increase in production of uric acid by the body

under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys

increased intake of foods high in purines

Gout Risk Factor Quiz

The Stages of Gout

Gout can progress through four stages according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):

Asymptomatic gout - There is elevated uric acid levels in the blood but no other symptoms. Typically, at this stage no treatment is required.

Acute gouty arthritis - Hyperuricemia causes deposit of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces. The intense symptoms of pain and inflammation are experienced. Early, acute attacks usually subside within 3-10 days even without treatment. Interval gout - The period between acute gout attacks when there are no symptoms and there is normal joint function. Chronic tophaceous gout - The most disabling stage of gout which occurs after many years, associated with permanent damage to the affected joints and sometimes the kidneys.

Is It Gout or Pseudogout?

Gout Treatment
With proper treatment, people who have gout do not usually progress to the chronic tophaceous phase of gout. What is the proper treatment of gout? Medications can be prescribed to help control gout and there are lifestyle recommendations. People with gout are advised to:

Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation

Drink plenty of water and other fluids

Maintain an ideal body weight

Lose weight if overweight but avoid fasting or quick weight loss schemes Avoid eating foods high in purines

How To Treat Gout With Diet And Medication

What Should You Eat?

Dietary restrictions suggest what people should not eat, but what should people eat? What foods will help control gout attacks? The American Medical Association recommends the following dietary guidelines for people with gout, advising them to eat a diet:

high in complex carbohydrates (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)

low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, or poultry)

no more than 30% of calories in fat (with only 10% animal fats)

Recommended Foods To Eat

Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries Bananas Celery Tomatoes Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables Foods high in bromelain (pineapple) Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes) Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day) Low-fat dairy products Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits) Chocolate, cocoa Coffee, tea Carbonated beverages Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds) Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat

Foods considered moderately high in purines but which may not raise the risk of gout include: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans. It is important to remember that purines are found in all protein foods. All sources of purines should not be eliminated.

More Reading:
Gout: Avoiding Purine-Rich Foods Along with specific prescribed medications, people with gout are usually advised to reduce their intake of purine-rich foods. This gout dietary recommendation begs the question, just what foods are purinerich? Gout Diet: Foods To Avoid It is well known that a person with gout should avoid purine-rich foods. What should they eat though? What foods will lower the risk of another gout attack? Gout Prevention And Treatment Options for preventing and treating gout.

Related Resources
Gout Diet The Gout Diet Quiz

 Gout: Test Your Knowledge The Gout Guide: Free E-Course Newsletter Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout attacks can be controlled or prevented by lifestyle changes and the use of certain medications. Better understanding will enhance your ability to manage the condition. Learn more about gout with our free e-course newsletter.

Gout Diet: Foods To Avoid

What Should You Scratch From Your Grocery List?
By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide Updated November 15, 2010 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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gout diet gout foods to eat gout prevention gout treatments gout

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Foods To Avoid
Diets which are high in purines and high in protein have long been suspected of causing an increased risk of gout (a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the body which form crystals in the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation). Results from a study led by Dr. Hyon K. Choi, reported in the March 11, 2004 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, offer an interesting twist.

About The Study

Choi's research team followed 47,150 men with no prior history of gout over a 12-year period. The conclusion: during the 12 year period of assessment, 730 men were diagnosed with gout.

Study participants who consumed the highest amount of meat were 40 percent more likely to have gout than those who ate the least amount of meat. Study participants who ate the most seafood were 50 percent more likely to have gout.

In this specific study, though, not all purine-rich foods were associated with an increased risk of gout. There was no increased risk associated with a diet which included:

peas beans mushrooms cauliflower spinach

Even though these foods are considered high in purines. Choi's team also found that low-fat dairy products decrease the risk of gout and overall protein intake had no effect. Ultimately, diets shown to be connected to gout are the same kinds of diet linked to cardiovascular disease.

The Gout Diet Quiz

Recommendations For Seafood Should Be Individualized

At this point, it may seem like it gets confusing. Isn't seafood typically recommended as part of a diet which is healthy for the heart? Yet research has revealed that there is a strong, undeniable link between seafood and gout. How does Choi reconcile what seems like conflicting information? He believes "recommendations for seafood should be individualized."

Sorting Out The Myths

More importantly, how does a person begin to sort the myths from the facts and decide what to buy at the grocery store? According to the University of Washington, Department of Orthopedics:

Obesity can be linked to high uric acid levels in the blood. People who are overweight should consult with their doctor to decide on a reasonable weight-loss program. Fasting or severe dieting can actually raise uric acid levels and cause gout to worsen. Usually people can eat what they like within limits. People who have kidney stones due to uric acid may need to actually eliminate purine-rich foods from their diet because those foods can raise their uric acid level. Consuming coffee and tea is not a problem but alcohol can raise uric acid levels and provoke an episode of gout. Drinking at least 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids every day is recommended, especially for people with kidney stones, to help flush the uric acid crystals from the body.

Foods Higher In Purines

Johns Hopkins lists foods which are higher in purines Foods very high in purines include:

hearts herring mussels yeast smelt sardines sweetbreads

Foods moderately high in purines include:

anchovies grouse mutton veal bacon liver salmon turkey kidneys partridge trout goose haddock pheasant

scallops

Gout Medications
Experts at Mayo Clinic suggest that medications for gout have reduced the need for dietary restrictions, but some modification can decrease the severity or frequency of gout attacks. Dietary modification may also be preferred by people who cannot tolerate gout medications.

Gout Prevention and Treatment

Gout Prevention: Holding Off Gout Attacks.
By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide Updated May 24, 2009 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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What is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation in a joint. The touch of a bedsheet or the sensation of a passing breeze on an affected joint can provoke excruciating pain for people suffering with gout. The most common site of an acute gout attack is the:

big toe

However, other joints can also be affected including the:

ankles knees wrists fingers elbows

Unlike other arthritic diseases, gout is a result of body metabolism rather than the immune system.

Gout Screening Quiz

What Causes Gout?

Gout is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body to process uric acid. Uric acid levels can become elevated by eating a lot of purine-rich foods such as meats, by the overproduction of uric acid by the body, or if the kidneys do not eliminate excess uric acid. When uric acid reaches a certain level in the blood it precipitates out in the form of monosodium urate crystals. In gout, the crystals are deposited in connective tissue and joint spaces evoking intense inflammation. People with high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) do not always develop gout. Actually most people with hyperuricemia do not develop gout. Therefore it is not necessarily the high level of uric acid causing gout but perhaps a rapid change in its level. Gout attacks can be precipitated by:

dehydration injury fever

heavy eating heavy drinking of alcohol recent surgery

Other contributory factors include:

obesity weight gain high blood pressure abnormal kidney function certain medications Gout Risk Factor Quiz Fast Facts About Gout Risk Factors

What Are Gout Attacks?

Gout usually attacks a single joint suddenly and intensely. Gouty joints show the most visibly red signs of inflammation of any type of arthritis. An initial attack of gout may last several days and disappear even if untreated. Subsequent attacks may not occur for weeks, months, years, or not at all. In severe cases, repeated attacks occurring over a long period may cause damage to the joints and loss of mobility. A definitive diagnosis of gout can be made by examination of aspirated joint fluid with a polarizinglight microscope for evidence of crystals. Approximately one million people in the United States suffer from gout. It is nine times more common in men than women, predominantly after puberty with a peak age of 75. Gout attacks in women usually occur after menopause.

Gout Prevention
Prevention of acute gout involves:

maintaining adequate fluid intake weight reduction dietary changes reduction in alcohol consumption medications to reduce hyperuricemia How To Treat Gout With Diet And Medication

Gout Medications
Medication treatment of gout includes:

Acetaminophen ( brand name - Tylenol) or other analgesic painkillers - for pain.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), more specifically indomethacin (brand name Indocin) - for inflammation. Colchicine - prevents or relieves gout attacks by reducing inflammation. Corticosteroids - for anti-inflammatory response. Probenecid (brand names - Benemid, Probalan) - to decrease uric acid blood levels by increasing the excretion of uric acid into the urine. ColBenemid (other brand names are Col-Probenecid and Proben-C) - contains Probenecid, a uricosuric agent, and Colchicine, has anti-gout properties. Allopurinol (brand name - Zyloprim) - to lower blood uric acid by preventing uric acid production. Allopurinol blocks the conversion of purine in foods to uric acid. Febuxostat (brand name - Uloric) - lowers serum uric acid levels by blocking xanthine oxidase. Losartan (brand names - Cozaar and Hyzaar) - not specifically a gout medication but is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, antihypertensive drug that may help control uric acid levels. Fenofibrate (brand name - Tricor) - not a specific gout medication but it a lipid-lowering drug that may help uric acid levels.

Gout has the distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. Research is currently working toward the development of more effective gout medications.