Gout is a painful arthritis kind, which occurs as a result of an excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body.
Men are more prone to gout, and it is most often caused by poor dietary habits. Therefore, in the case of gout, the person must immediately change these habits in order to treat the condition.
It can lead to stiffness in the joints, especially in the big toe, and repetitive attacks of sudden burning pain, but it can often affect the hands, ankles, feet, and knees.
The excessive amounts of uric acid are not always dangerous, but if it accumulates in the blood, the uric acid creates crystals in the joints, and thus causes a gout attack.
Moreover, these are the risk factors which lead to elevated uric acid levels:
- certain medical conditions like chronic diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, kidney diseases, high blood pressure
- recent surgery or trauma
- obesity- overweight people are more prone to developing gout
- Diet rich in seafood and meat, alcoholic and sweetened drinks raise the levels of uric acid
- a family history of gout
- age and sex
Gout may be relieved by the use of certain natural remedies, but it still requires proper diagnosis and treatment prescribed by a doctor. However, uric acid may be kept under control, and this is how:
Food to avoid
Some fruits, vegetables, and legumes are rich in uric acid and thus lead to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. Therefore, you should avoid the following foods:
Avoid these foods:
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup
- Lentils
- Beans
- Avocado
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Kiwi
Avoid Fried and High- Fat Foods
The ability of the body to remove the uric acid is significantly reduced by the consumption of fried food and foods rich in fat.
Foods That Lower Uric Acid Levels
However, you can also consume certain foods in order to reduce the levels of uric acid, such as:
Water
The consumption of high quantities of water speed up the removal of uric acid from the body and stimulate the kidneys to eliminate the excessive amounts of uric acid through the urine.
Moreover, the consumption of sufficient amounts of water regularly prevent the gout attacks. An internet-based study whose findings were revealed at the 2009 annual meeting of the America College of Rheumatology, showed that subjects who drank 5-8nglasses of water within 24 hours have reduced their risk of gout by 40% percent. However, the recommended amount of water per day is 8-10 glasses.
Apple cider vinegar
Due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it cleanses and detoxifies waste and harmful ingredients from the body. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to add a teaspoon of raw, organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar into a glass of water, and consume this solution 2-3 times during the day.
Note that you should drink it by sipping or in smaller amounts, as excessive amounts of vinegar may lower the levels of potassium in the body.
Foods rich in fiber
Foods rich in fiber absorb and remove the uric acid. Moreover, you will also benefit a lot from the consumption of starchy carbohydrates like potato, oats, brown rice, bananas, whole grain pasta, and quinoa.
Lemon juice
lemons are rich in vitamin C, and their alkaline effect neutralizes uric acid. Therefore, you should squeeze the juice of one lemon in a glass of water, and drink it on a daily basis.
Baking soda
Baking soda is of great help in the case of elevated uric acid levels and joint pain due to gout since it maintains the natural alkaline balance in the body and accelerates the process of flushing out of uric acid from the kidneys.
Therefore, you should add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and mix. Consume it on every 2 hours, but no more than 4 times during the day. People more than 60 should not drink it more than 3 times. Yet, note that you should not drink it regularly in the case of high blood pressure.
Olive and Coconut Oil
Vegetable oils become rancid fats in the process of heating or processing and thus destroy vitamin E in the body, which is responsible for the regulation of uric acid levels.
Therefore, you should always use coconut oil and cold-pressed olive oil, as they remain stable when heated and are high in antioxidants, vitamin E, and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Cherries and tart cherry juice
Cherries and tart cherry juice contain chemicals and flavonoids, known as anthocyanins, which lower the uric acid levels and alleviate the stiffness and inflammation.
Additional tips:
Keep your body weight in check
Obese people and people with weight problems are more prone to gout. Therefore, weight loss would be of great help in keeping gout under control.
Limit the intake of alcohol, especially beer
In order to prevent high uric acid levels and gout, you should consume less alcohol, especially beer, or consume it in small amounts.