Gout, one of today’s common diseases, is associated with an unbalanced diet rich in meat and alcohol consumption. Along with other diseases, gout is one of the manifestations of rheumatism. A targeted healthy diet can positively influence the course of gout and even reduce symptoms of this rheumatic disease. But what to eat for gout and what not to eat? Here you will find tips and advice on the right diet.
Effect of uric acid on gout
Gout is a disease with not inconsiderable consequences – these include painful gout attacks and severe kidney problems. Therefore, preventive measures – including diet – should be taken at an early stage. In most cases, the main cause of gout is a hereditary metabolic disorder. The kidneys then do not excrete enough uric acid, resulting in increased uric acid levels in the blood. This is why gout is also called hyperuricemia. Certain foods can promote the production of uric acid in the body or hinder its excretion by the kidneys. Below, we present the current dietary recommendation for eating right in gout.
Nutrition: eating healthy for gout
In general, the optimal diet for gout and also for preventing gout can be based on the following 6 basic rules:
- Few animal products
- Low-fat preparation
- Little sugar, especially fructose
- Daily fruit and vegetables
- Drink a lot
- Be careful with alcohol
This form of diet is usually beneficial for gout, but can also help prevent gout and other diseases.
Animal products allowed in moderation
Foods of animal origin promote the production of uric acid in the body, which usually leads to increased uric acid levels. Therefore, animal products should not be part of the daily diet of gout patients, if possible. This applies above all to meat, sausage and fish. Those who do not want to completely eliminate these foods from their diet should follow these tips:
- It is advisable to pay attention in the diet to eat a maximum of once a day circa 100 grams of selected varieties of meat or fish.
- If fish is to be on the menu, low-fat fish varieties such as plaice, sole and cod offer.
- If there is a craving for meat, game may be the best choice of diet for gout.
Avoid foods with a lot of purines in gout.
Some types of fish, such as trout, sprat or herring, contain a lot of purines. These are natural components of food, but increase uric acid in the blood via metabolism and have a negative effect on the course of gout. Foods rich in purines also include:
- Shellfish or crustaceans
- The skin of fish or poultry
- Pork and goose meat, especially the rind
- Smoked fish or meat products
Completely, patients with gout should avoid eating offal, especially sweetbreads.
Eat low fat in gout
In general, it is recommended in gout to reduce weight or avoid excess weight. This is because excessive body weight can negatively affect the course and severity of gout. Therefore, it is advisable to eat a low-fat diet in gout. Animal products other than meat and fish, such as milk, butter, cheese and yogurt, are acceptable in moderation as part of the diet for gout. They do not directly affect the course of gout, but rather body weight. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with low-fat milk or dairy products – on the contrary, low-fat natural yogurts can even reduce the frequency of attacks in gout patients. Eggs are also on the list of permitted foods for gout. Gout patients should not completely avoid fat, but should pay attention to the type of fat: Intake of healthy omega-3 fatty acids is definitely advisable. This can be done through vegetable oils such as linseed oil or rapeseed oil. Depending on individual tolerance, omega-3-rich fish such as mackerel or salmon can also be consumed occasionally.
Fructose may increase uric acid levels
Fructose, or fruit sugar, can also have a negative effect on blood uric acid levels. This sugar is naturally found in fruits such as apples or honeydew melons.However, this is why gout sufferers should not give up fruit: The advantages of a diet rich in fruit significantly outweigh its disadvantages in gout. It is much more important for gout patients to avoid drinks sweetened with industrial fructose, such as soft drinks, lemonade or some fruit juices. Many sweets, cereal bars, fruit yogurts and other foods are also sweetened with fructose or fructose syrup. In general, consumption of regular sugar should also be limited, as it not only promotes obesity, but household sugar also consists of half fructose.
Which fruits and vegetables are suitable for gout?
Basically, almost all fruits and vegetables can be eaten without hesitation and gladly even daily. However, one should keep an eye on the fructose content not eat more than two servings of fruit a day. The strict warning against legumes, such as soy, peas, beans and lentils, as well as cabbage, spinach, asparagus and rhubarb, which used to apply in the past, is now considered outdated. These plant sources of purine can be eaten in moderation, up to twice a week. Caution is advised with tomatoes: They are suspected of being able to trigger gout attacks.
The rule for gout is to drink plenty of fluids!
The kidneys, as already mentioned, play a special role in gout. So-called kidney cures and regular detoxification of the kidneys can have a positive effect on the course and development of gout. A regular drinking cure with an extract from the medicinal plant Solidago is suitable for this purpose. Basically, it is recommended to drink a lot in case of gout. Drink at least two to three liters of water or herbal tea every day. Drinking has a detoxifying effect on the kidneys, flushes uric acid out of the body more effectively and also improves general well-being. As a gout sufferer, therefore, make sure you drink enough, in addition to eating a healthy diet and food that is appropriate for gout. In contrast to earlier warnings, coffee is now even recommended for gout sufferers in moderate quantities. You should exercise caution with fruit juices or soft drinks, as described.
Alcohol and gout – are they compatible?
Alcohol consumption further inhibits the excretion of uric acid via the kidneys. Therefore, excessive consumption of alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided in gout. However, the former rigid ban on alcohol in gout no longer applies today. Studies indicate that sufferers can drink a glass of wine a day without negatively affecting the course of their gout – the wine should be as dry as possible. Beer or spirits, however, are still considered harmful – just one glass of beer a day can increase the risk of a gout attack by 30 percent. Non-alcoholic beer should also be avoided due to its purine content.
Grains, nuts and yeast
Cereals are very low in purine. High-protein cereal products or cereal flakes are even recommended for gout. Rye and wheat germ, on the other hand, are not suitable. Wheat flour products should rather be avoided in terms of weight reduction. When eating bread, give preference to whole-grain bread in particular. Whole grain products are also the better choice for rice and pasta. Nuts are also recommended for gout, as they can have a positive effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts are particularly suitable. The use of yeast, on the other hand, should be avoided if possible, as yeast contains a lot of purines. An alternative to yeast is baking powder.
Food against gout
There are foods that are said to be able to act even against gout. In addition to those already mentioned, these foods include:
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Celery
- Plums
- Cranberries
- Onions
As a juice, smoothie, in a dessert or salad, at least one of these ingredients can be optimally integrated into the daily menu. The juice from cranberries has a positive effect on the body and there especially on the urinary tract. The one hundred percent direct juice, also called mother juice, from the health food store is best suited. In the case of gout, an adequate supply of vitamin C is also particularly important: in one study, daily intake of the vitamin was able to significantly reduce the risk of gout.
