If you suffer from a painful condition that involves the built up of uric acid crystals around your joints, then you may need to learn which foods to eat if you have gout. Gout is regularly considered to be a type of painful arthritis that can lead to trouble in gaining complete mobility, and severe discomfort as a result of the presence of crystals around the joints in the body, typically in the feet and toes. Uric acid is produced naturally as part of the human body’s typical processes, and it occurs when the body breaks down a chemical known as “purine”.

In some cases, the foods that you eat can be particularly useful when it comes to managing the condition of gout because they can either reduce or heighten your internal level of purines.

The Truth About High-Purine Vegetables:

If you are worried about high-purine vegetables when considering which foods to eat if you have gout, it’s worth understanding that such vegetables have not been shown to increase the changes of reoccurring gout, or initial gout attacks. This means that you should be able to eat as many fruits and vegetables as you like, as they are a good source of protein and many of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need in order to thrive.

While you are eating fruits and vegetables, however, it may be worth looking for specific types of produce. For example, cherries have been found in some studies to help lower the risk of gout attacks in people who suffer from this condition. What’s more, eating foods that are rich in vitamin C might be able to reduce your discomfort by lowering your uric acid level. You may want to speak to your doctor about whether it’s a good idea to start taking vitamin C supplements.

Foods that You Should Avoid:

Aside from thinking about the foods to eat if you have gout, it’s also important to consider the foods that you should primarily avoid. For example, it’s a good idea to stay away from glandular meats and organ meats, such as kidney, liver, and sweetbreads. All of these substances include high levels of purines and can contribute to large amounts of uric acid within the blood stream. What’s more, it’s a good idea to stay away from alcohol if you have already been diagnosed with gout. The metabolic system that is used to manage alcohol within the human body is thought to be responsible for increasing uric acid production. What’s more, certain types of seafood are high in purines, meaning you should probably avoid them in your meals.

Some research, on the other hand, have suggested that regularly drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee could help to reduce your risks of gout attacks. However, it’s worth noting that this substance might not be the best solution for people with certain conditions. Before you begin planning your gout friendly diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or health provider about the sort of foods you should be thinking about eating, or not eating.