Gout Diet Menu

Gout is known to be a form of arthritis which occurs in such areas of the body like your toes, feet and fingers. It is a very painful condition which results from the deposition of excessive uric acid in the bloodstream. Needle like crystals are deposited in the joints and cause redness, swelling and excessive pain in them in this condition. The formation of uric acid crystals is normal, as they are meant to be dissolved in the bloodstream. But when they are deposited on the joints due to excessive formation, gout is the primary painful condition observed. This also occurs when there is increased production of uric acid and also because the kidneys fail to function and eliminate the non-required uric acid from the body. Another major cause of high uric acid in the blood is due to the increased consumption of purine rich foods which is the raw material of uric acid. To control this intake of purine rich foods in the body and avoid the condition of gout, especially in cases of kidney patients, there is a gout diet menu which is advised.

Low Purine Diet Menu

Also known as the gout diet plan, this menu includes foods and recipes which are low in purine levels. Purine is a chemical compound which is found in many foods (specially non-vegetarian) and is broken down to uric acid crystals after metabolism in the body. When there are some abnormalities in the functioning of the kidney, these uric acid crystals which are formed are not completely eliminated from the system. Due to this improper elimination, these crystals get deposited in the extremities of the body like the toe joints and the fingers, to give a painful feeling while movements. This is known as the gout condition, and can be corrected only by a low purine diet for gout or gout menu plan. Take a look at an easy gout diet plan mentioned in the coming up paragraphs just for you!

Gout Diet Menu Plan
There are a few foods to avoid and some foods which are low purine in nature, so could be safe for consumption. This menu has a few gout diet recipes which are generally vegetarian, as meat and its products are high in purine levels. So, before we start with the menu, let's take a look at the foods needed and those not needed for this particular sensitive diet.

Foods to Avoid
The foods to avoid with gout are usually sardines, mackerel, anchovies, organ meat (brains, kidney, liver, sweetbreads), gravies, yeast, meat extracts, herring, scallops. You should also stay away from alcohols like beer as they are high in protein content.

Foods to Eat Moderately
The foods like fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, poultry, meat, meat soups and broth, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, oatmeal, legumes, eggs, wheat germ, whole-grain breads and cereals should be eaten but in limited amounts. Since they too are rich in proteins, though they are healthy, have to be eaten in control. There are also a few foods included in the gout treatment diet which can be eaten after the gout is diagnosed to help keep it in control or reduce the excess uric acid level.

Foods to Eat
With other foods like white flour and refined grain type breads and low-fiber cereals, peanut butter, nuts and vegetables that are not high in purines, there are no restrictions with the amount. You can also include soups made in cream style or vegetable soups without meat extract, coffee, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks, gelatin, sugar and low-fat cheeses. Strawberries and cherries are also a great choice for this diet as they help in reducing the inflammation caused due to gout. Instead of eating salmon, flaxseed and olive oil are always considered a healthy option for gout diet.

With these great tips on what foods to avoid and those which you can include in your gout diet menu, you can be sure to reduce the condition to quite an extent. Thus, make sure you consult your doctor before taking up a low purine diet and find out if your levels are truly high.