Diet is particularly important when it comes to gout because the purine content in foods can affect the health of the person affected.
Diet for gout: This is what you should pay attention to
The metabolic disease gout can be triggered by too much uric acid in the body and leads to pain in the joints. Uric acid is created as a breakdown product of so-called purines. These are found in both plant and animal foods. In some of them more, in some less.
- Meat, fish and seafood are very high in purines. Especially the skin and innards.
- You should also reduce your consumption of alcohol or, ideally, stop it altogether, as alcohol inhibits the excretion of uric acid.
- Fructose, for example in soft drinks, is also something that increases uric acid levels, so you should be careful here too.
- Fruit, vegetables, eggs, coffee, milk and dairy products are low-purine foods and can be consumed in larger quantities.
- However, there are also isolated exceptions. For example, when it comes to vegetables, there are differences depending on the type, so you should look at special food tables that list the exact purine content of a food to be sure about everything.
- In addition to the right diet, you should avoid being overweight or counteract existing excess weight, as this can also promote gout.
- Physical activity, on the other hand, can have a positive effect on uric acid levels. As well as drinking enough water or tea every day.
- If you are unclear or would like more details, be sure to discuss all the steps again with your doctor.
This is how gout happens
As already described, gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the body. The consequences are very unpleasant for those affected.
- If, for some reason, the kidneys no longer excrete enough uric acid, or another illness causes too much uric acid to be produced, the uric acid level in the body rises.
- The uric acid in the blood can form crystals that are deposited in various places in the body. These then cause the inflammation.
- Gout usually occurs in stages. To prevent such attacks, or even the occurrence of gout, you can do something yourself.
- In addition to proper nutrition, there are also medications that lower uric acid levels. You should definitely discuss taking it with your doctor.
- The affected joint usually recovers within 1 to 2 weeks. Gout attacks vary widely. They occur every few months to years. Sometimes more regularly.
- It is possible that chronic gout can develop over time and lead to further complications and limitations.