A Diet For Gout - What You Should (And Should Not) Eat If You Have Gout

Gout, a form of arthritis, normally affects men in their mid to late 40's. It is often quite a painful condition and can flare up at any time. For gout sufferers, there is good news regarding your diet...

Gout: An Overview

In order to successfully treat and manage gout, it is important to understand the condition. Logically, there is good reason why this condition manifests itself in men in their 40's. At that age point, bad habits begin to catch up to the body and in essence, serve as a wake up call.

Gout can be hereditary, but it is almost always brought on by a combination of factors. These include lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. usually, other medical problems arise in addition to gout, like high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.

Symptoms usually start on a fairly mild basis and then intensify. One of the big toes is the first to serve notice by becoming swollen, red, and painful to the touch. Without getting too technical for the sake of this discussion, the condition is directly caused by too much uric acid in the blood stream which then crystallizes. These acid crystals lodge themselves in joints like the big toe, resulting in pain and discomfort.

There is no known cure for gout, nor are there any miracle drugs. If you see someone pitching a miracle pill, turn the other way. You can manage your condition though. Doing so requires a combination of dietary changes and exercise. Let's focus on dietary issues in this article.

What Gout Sufferers Should And Should Not Eat

First of all, it is important to evaluate your own personal situation and health condition. If you are only at the beginning stages of gout, feel fortunate because you have an excellent chance to manage your condition.

In general, a healthy diet is also the ideal diet for gout sufferers. Avoid fatty meats in excess. Add more fruits and fresh vegetables to your meals. Also, substitute water for other beverages like soda pop and energy drinks.

Berries are one food group you should seek out and eat frequently. Cherries are known for their anti swelling properties and can help your condition. The same is true with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. They are all low in calories and will help satisfy sweet cravings.

Lean protein is another important element. Add lean chicken and fish to your diet, particularly lighter fish like tilapia. Be sure to prepare them in a healthy manner, avoiding extra fat.

As for foods to avoid, we touched upon fatty meats. Gravy is especially bad for those with gout. Beer is a beverage to avoid or at a minimum, consume in moderation. The same holds true for harder alcohol.

Beyond maintaining a proper diet plan, you will want to add consistent exercise into your daily regimen. This helps monitor your weight and improves circulation and overall health.

Summary

If you suffer from gout, you can manage your condition with a proper diet. Avoid fatty meats and gravy, while adding more lean protein and vegetables to your meals. Berries are another excellent choice.

While there is no known cure for the condition, many sufferers have effectively rid themselves of symptoms and chronic pain through a combination of diet and exercise.