How to Manage Gout

An often painful condition, gout is a form of arthritis caused by the body's inability to expel excess uric acid, which subsequently forms painful, sharp, crystal-like deposits in joints and connective tissue. Uric acid deposits can lead to redness, swelling, and stiffness.

Uric acid levels in the body can be measured by a blood test. Careful attention to diet is recommended to alleviate the symptoms of gout, and medications are often prescribed to treat the condition.

Things You'll Need

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Berries
• Brown rice
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cottage cheese
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Peanuts
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Soy
• Tart cherries
• Tomatoes
• Whole grains
• Whole wheat
• Yogurt

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of water. The body's inability to expel excess uric acid is due to the breakdown of purines. Aid the process by drinking plenty of distilled water and avoiding alcohol, particularly beer. High fructose corn syrup---an additive in many soft drinks---should also be cut from the diet as it aggravates the symptoms of gout, especially in men.

• 2

  Avoid all high-purine foods, if possible. These include seafood such as anchovies, herring, trout, mackerel mussels, and scallops, as well as game meat, organ meat, lamb, and sausage. Rich, fatty foods such as cakes and roasted nuts should also be given a wide berth. And it goes without saying that fried foods are off the menu---particularly during a gout episode.

• 3

  Fortunately for gout sufferers, it's not all about denial. Foods that can be enjoyed in moderation due to their medium-level purine content include mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, peas and artichokes, soy-based products, and peanuts. Whole wheat, whole grains and brown rice are also on the menu. As with all healthy diets, white grain and white rice intake should be limited.

• 4

  Locate low-purine cookbooks at all good health food stores. These gout-free guides utilize ingredients such as berries, tart cherries, carrots, celery, lettuce, tomatoes and potatoes. Fat-free and low-fat dairy, cottage cheese, and yogurt are also recommended. Wash your low-purine feast down with juiced raw fruits and vegetables.

• 5

  Take a digestive enzyme with each meal to aid in digesting protein. This, in turn, discourages uric acid from crystallizing. Taking 1,000 to 1,500mg of Vitamin C daily is thought to also be preventative.

• 6

  Get plenty of exercise. While diet plays a significant part in managing your gout, the importance of exercise should not be understated, particularly if you are overweight. If you suffer from obesity or other existing health concerns, please consult your doctor before embarking on a diet and weight-loss regime.