Gouty Arthritis Diet

Gouty arthritis refers to gout. As the name suggests, gout is a form of arthritis, sadly the most painful one. The difference between gout and other forms of arthritis is that people suffering from gout do not experience climatic or constant pain, they have gout pain attacks. Though it might not sound, but this is a good factor, as there are many things that can help to control the attack that are not possible in other forms of arthritis. One of the ways is the gout diet. Like other medical conditions, diet plays a very important role in gout. There are certain foods that can decrease the possibility of an attack and some foods that can actually elevate the condition. The thing is that, if the levels of uric acid increases in the body, it forms crystals. These crystals make the joints swell and pain. So the culprit is uric acid, which is formed when purines break down. Now purines are present in the body, but we also unknowingly increase them by consuming foods that are high in purines. So the aim of a gout diet is to exclude high purine foods and include low purine foods. There are also foods that can decrease the swelling and pain.

Diet for Gouty Arthritis

Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates should be included in the diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains should also be included. On the other hand, foods that are high in calories should be avoided. Foods that contain fats that have more than 30% calories, should be totally avoided. Proteins can be included, but only in very small amounts.

High Vitamin C Foods: High vitamin C foods should be eaten as this vitamin is said to help in getting rid of uric acid and also lower the levels of serum urate. So include fruits like oranges and tangerines, vegetables like potatoes, red bell peppers, kale, etc. in your diet. These foods can be consumed in plenty as they do not cause any side effects and also contains very low calories.

Essential Fatty Acids: Fats are a complete no no, but essential fatty acids should be included as they help to reduce inflammation, and the reduction of inflammation provides instant relief. So include foods that are rich in essential fatty acids like the flaxseeds, nuts, tuna, seeds, etc. One can make really tasty and healthy dishes from these ingredients, so including them in the diet should not be a problem.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits should be included in this diet. However, not all fruits can help in reducing the pain or avoiding the attack. Certain foods like cherries and strawberries are a must in an anti gout diet. These fruits not only help to reduce inflammation but also lower the amount of uric acid. Other fruits that are useful for gout are red grapes, pineapple, blueberries, bananas, elderberries, avocados, etc. Also include vegetables like kale, parsley, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, etc.

Gouty Arthritis Diet Plan

Breakfast

• Whole wheat bread sandwich
• Fresh fruit juice, preferably cherry smoothie
• Cornflakes
• Skimmed milk
• Yogurt

Lunch

• Green salad
• Peanut butter with slice of ham in a sandwich
• Fruit salad
• Baked sweet potatoes

Dinner

• Small white fish, preferably baked
• Sauteed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower
• Plain white rice
• Whole wheat pasta
• Lean meat

Only knowing about the diet is not enough, you need to follow it religiously for its effectiveness. Make it a point to avoid high purine foods, not just at home but even when you are eating outside. As only eating foods good for gout is not enough, if you eat foods that are not appropriate for gout, you are likely to have a gout attack. Some of the foods to avoid are, game foods, hotdogs, red meats, spinach etc.