Gout Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Food Selection

Gout is a Disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes Arthritis, when too much of uric acid builds up in the body, these uric acid deposits in the joints(called tophi) especially in the smaller bones of the feet and leads to acute pain. Uric acid is produced in the body by the breakdown of Purine specific chemical compounds found in high amount in certain foods. Generally, in our body uric acid is dissolved in the blood and excreted out from our body in urine but sometimes too much of uric acid is produced and not enough amount is excreted then it builds up and form the needle like crystals that causes pain in the joints.

Factors that increases the risk of Hyperuricemia (increase level of uric acid)

• Age and Gender
• Hereditary factors
• Life style
• Weight
• Medications
• Lead Exposure
• Other Health Factors like Hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus and High blood pressure.

Gout Symptoms and Signs:

• Swelling
• Painful joints
• Extreme Tenderness in the joints (usually a big toe joints)
• Redness around the affected joints
• Peeling and Itching of the skin
•  Discomfort and Inflammation

Gout Treatment

1.Take an anti inflammatory medication.
2. Intake of lots of fluid.
3. Ice pack  and elevate joints.
4. Lesser Intake of food that contain high levels of Purine.

Low Purine Diet

Purines are the natural substances found in all body cell and in many foods.The purpose of a low-purine diet is not to completely avoid purines. Instead, the goals are to limit and monitor how much purine is in the food you eat, and to learn how your body responds when you eat different foods that contain purine.

Foods to be Avoided:

Beer, Soft Drinks, organ meat like liver, kidney, brain,beef pork,lamb, anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel and scallops, spinach,cauliflower,asparagus.

Food can be taken in moderate amount

Mushrooms, oatmeal, fish,  seafood,chicken, wheat bran,  wheat germ,beans.

Food can be taken

Fruits, fruit juices, Vegetables, peanuts, butter, nuts, low fat or fat free dairy product including yogurt and cheese, Rice ,noodles ,pasta,tea ,coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cheese, buttermilk, egg, cherries, drink plenty of water,

A high protein diet produces high levels of the uric acid so try to avoid those food which contain high protein . High fiber and high carbohydrates, plenty of fluids, low fat, moderate to low in protein diet is recommended in this disease.