Diet Therapy
Dietary changes that may be helpful:
There is a clear relationship between diet and gout. Foods that are high in a compound called purine raise uric acid levels in the body. Restricting purine intake can help control uric acid levels and, in turn, the risk of an attack in individuals susceptible to gout. Foods high in purine are generally protein-rich foods, such as sweetbreads, anchovies, mackerel, sardines, chicken, dried beans and peas, liver and other organ meats, herring, scallops, red meat, and turkey.
Limit the consumption of alcohol, particularly beer, refined sugars, including sucrose and fructose. They raise uric acid levels.
Individuals with gout should not consume nutritional yeast or brewer's yeast, as they can raise uric acid levels.
Cherries:
According to a 1950 study of twelve individuals with gout, eating one-half pound of cherries or the equivalent amount of cherry juice prevented attacks of gout. Black, sweet yellow, and red sour cherries were all effective. Since that study, there have been many anecdotal reports of cherry juice as an effective treatment of the pain and inflammation of gout. Strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries are also believed to be beneficial.
Individuals who are overweight or have high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing gout. However, lose weight gradually and not rapidly because restriction of calories is known to increase uric acid levels temporarily.
Foods to Eat
Adzuki congee (a traditional breakfast food)
Cook brown rice and water in a covered pot four to six hours on a very low flame or warm burner.
Use lots of water to make the grain soupy and easy to digest. The dish strengthens the blood and harmonizes digestion, cools, and is highly nourishing. Other vegetables, such as carrots, onions, shiitake mushrooms, or broccoli; or another grain, such as barley, can be added to the broth. This congee is very healing for the liver, joints, spleen, and digestion.
Vegetable and fruit juices: especially non-citrus juice, vegetable juice, celery and parsley juice, red cherry juice, and carrot juice
- Purified water (dissolves toxins)
- Celery renews joints, bones, arteries, all connective tissue; clears digestive fermentation, which causes dampness and acidic blood, according to Chinese medicine.
- Tomato After digestion, tomato alkalizes the blood and is good for treating acid blood condition of gout.
- Seaweed
- Cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
- Lots of vegetables, especially kale, cabbage, parsley, and other green, leafy vegetables
- Bananas
Foods to Avoid
- Rich foods
- Greasy, oily foods
- Red meat and meat extracts such as bouillon and gravies
- Organ meats such as liver, kidney
- Sweetbreads
- Refined carbohydrates
- Yeast products
- Spices
- Shellfish, poultry, preserved fish such as sardines, herring, and anchovies
- Dried beans and peas