What to eat when you have gout

People with gout should limit their consumption of pork and beef because they increase uric acid levels. Instead, they should eat eggs and legumes.

Gout is caused by excessively high levels of uric acid in the blood. A person is at risk of developing gout if they drink too much alcohol or eat too much fish and meat. Certain medications can also trigger this condition.

Photo: Webmd.

For gout, a proper diet is crucial to reducing uric acid levels, slowing disease progression, and limiting attacks. Below are some foods to eat to prevent and manage gout:

Low-fat dairy products

Low-fat dairy products help increase uric acid excretion through urine. People who eat yogurt and low-fat milk daily have lower levels of uric acid in their blood than others.

Protein

People with gout need to pay particular attention to their protein intake, especially animal protein. Pork and beef should be limited because they increase uric acid levels. Instead, eat eggs, at least four per week. Chickpeas and tofu are also good sources of protein that do not raise uric acid.

Vegetables and fruits

Fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli and spinach are recommended for people with gout because they help limit uric acid levels in the blood. In addition, incorporating fruits, especially those high in vitamin C, can help gout patients feel healthier.

Cherry

Acerola cherries are believed to have anti-gout effects. A 2010 study showed that patients who drank a spoonful of concentrated acerola cherry juice at least twice a day for four months experienced a 50% reduction in gout pain compared to those who did not. Acerola cherries help lower uric acid levels and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Water

Drinking plenty of water helps control gout. 5-8 glasses of water a day can reduce gout attacks by 40% compared to drinking just one glass. However, the amount of water you should drink varies from person to person due to medication use and physical activity. It's best to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate water intake.

Coffee

Studies have shown that drinking coffee reduces the risk of gout in both men and women. One study of 45,869 men over 40 with no history of gout showed that those who drank four cups of coffee a day reduced their risk by 40% compared to those who did not drink coffee. Another study conducted on 14,000 men and women aged 20 and older concluded that regular coffee consumption reduces uric acid levels in the blood. However, it should be noted that caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg per day.

According to Vnexpress