What is gout?
Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to gouty arthritis, and a blood uric acid level of 420 mmol L is considered elevated. Uric acid is a metabolite produced when purines are broken down in the body, and purines are found in a variety of foods. If uric acid accumulates too much in the body, urate crystals or tophi deposits can form in the joints or soft tissues, causing inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues and inducing an acute onset of pain.
Gout most commonly affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the big toe, but it can also affect the whole body, including the dorsum of the foot, ankle, knee, and hand and wrist.
Symptoms of an acute attack of gout: joint pain, swelling, redness of the surface, increased skin temperature, and stiffness of the affected joint. Acute attacks of gout can last for about 3 to 5 days, and in patients with chronic gout, it can last for several weeks.
Gout patients, what foods can be eaten?
People with gout can consume a diet that is low in purines but high in certain nutrients. Purines are organic compounds that can be found in a variety of foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and eating too many purine-rich foods can increase the amount of uric acid in the blood, which can trigger an acute attack of gout. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out uric acid and keep your kidneys healthy, and gout patients are generally advised to drink about 2 liters of water per day. Here is a list of foods that people with gout are encouraged and avoided:
Foods recommended for people with gout
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Suggested fruits and vegetables in the diet include:
Apple. Banana.
Orange. Strawberry.
Blueberry. Spinach.
Broccoli. Asparagus.
Cucumber. Sweet potato.
Tomato. Cereals
Cereals are important for fiber and other nutrients**, help regulate blood sugar levels, benefit the digestive system, and reduce gout attacks. Suggested cereals in the diet include:
Oats. Quinoa.
Brown rice. Barley.
Millet. Buckwheat.
Rye. Legumes
Legumes are rich in fiber, protein, and other nutrients that can create a feeling of fullness. Moderate consumption of legumes, including soy products tofu, dried tofu, etc., is by no means contraindicated for gout patients, can be eaten in moderation, and the recommended legumes in the diet include:
Lentil. Chickpea.
Black beans. Kidney beans.
Soybean. Pea.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are important for healthy fats and other nutrients**, and recommended nuts and seeds include:
Almond. Walnut.
Chia seeds. Sunflower seed.
*Seed. Pumpkin seeds.
oil
Healthy oils are important for essential fatty acids**, and recommended oils in the diet include:
Olive oil. Coconut oil.
Avocado oil. Flaxseed oil.
Sesame oil. Spices
Spices are a great way to regulate the flavor of food, and suggested spices in the diet include:
Turmeric. Ginger.
Garlic. Thyme.
Lean meats, eggs, and low-fat milk
Poultry meat, including chicken, duck and river fish, is lower in purines than red meat, and eggs and low-fat milk are lower in purines, which can provide protein to our body and are recommended to be consumed in moderation.
Foods to avoid for people with gout
The following foods are rich in purines, which can increase the level of uric acid in the blood, and should be eaten less or no to trigger an acute attack of gout:
Red meat
Red meat is rich in purines including beef, pork, lamb, etc.
Offal
Pork liver, beef offal, chicken offal and other offal foods.
Processed meats
Processed meats such as bacon, ham, and sausages.
Seafood
Seafood, such as shrimp, crab and oysters, etc.
Alcohol and high-sugar beverages
Beer, liquor, fruit wine, etc., wine can be ingested in small amounts (generally within 50ml, according to each person's individual situation).
Tips for gout eating habits
1.Eat a balanced diet that recommends eating less of each food, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, among others.
2.Limit your intake of red meat, organ meats, processed meats, seafood, and alcohol.
3.Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries.
4.Increase your intake of magnesium-rich foods, such as nuts and seeds.
5.Drink plenty of water every day to help flush out uric acid and keep your kidneys healthy.
6.Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks.
How can a gout attack be relieved quickly?
Gout can flare up at any time, and the most common symptoms of a gout attack are joint pain, swelling, redness of the affected joint, and increased local skin temperature, while other symptoms include fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If there is no way to go to the hospital in time during an acute gout attack, it is recommended to temporarily deal with it as follows:
1.Rest and avoid moving the affected joint.
2.Elevate the limb with the onset of pain and reduce swelling.
3.After consulting a doctor, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium can be temporarily taken.
4.Drink plenty of water to help excrete uric acid.
5.Avoid purine-rich foods such as alcohol, red meat, organ meats, seafood, and broths.
Gout is arthritis caused by an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood, which can cause joint redness, swelling, heat and pain during the attack.
In addition to regularity**, reasonable dietary choices can also help people with gout manage joint inflammation and reduce flare-ups. Choose foods that are low in purines and high in nutrients, and more importantly, avoid foods rich in purines, such as wine, red meat, offal and seafood.
If you are unable to go to the hospital in time for an acute attack of gout, you can follow the above suggestions and temporarily treat it according to your personal situation. Since everyone reacts differently to food, some foods may trigger gout in one person but not in others.
Therefore, it is recommended that from today onwards, patients with gout should record their triggering factors including diet, strenuous exercise, cold, etc., and adjust their eating habits accordingly to avoid triggering factors. In addition, regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and plenty of water to maintain a water balance are also beneficial for gout management. Hopefully, the above will help you prevent gout attacks and keep your joints healthy.