Home > Health > 9 Common Foods That Can Trigger Gout

9 common foods that can trigger gout

9 common foods that can trigger gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when someone has hyperuricemia or high levels of uric acid in the body. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. Although it mainly affects the big toe, it can also spread to other toes, the foot, heel, or knees. Flares or attacks typically occur at night and can last for 3-10 days. Lifestyle changes, such as food management, can help prevent gout attacks.

How does food trigger gout?
Purines are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the body, as well as are part of the food one consumes. As purines are broken down in the digestive system, uric acid is created as a byproduct. This is either reabsorbed in the body or passed out by means of urine and feces. However, when the body cannot process high levels of uric acid, it builds up in the body, increasing the risk of gout.

Foods that may trigger gout
Those living with hyperuricemia or gout must check with their healthcare practitioner if they should limit or avoid certain high-purine foods. Some of the most common food triggers include:

Red meat
Red meat, including beef, lamb, and pork, contains high levels of purines like hypoxanthine and adenine, as compared to other foods. When this purine breaks down into uric acid in the body, it increases the risk of the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints. These can trigger gout symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Game meats
Similarly, game meats such as venison, boar, goose, pheasant, and duck also contain high levels of purine and can trigger a gout flare. Due to their popular consumption amongst the novelty in the Middle Ages, gout was often referred to as the “rich man’s disease.”
Certain seafood
Due to their high-purine content, certain types of seafood, such as oily fish and shellfish, have also been linked to an increased risk of gout. Some of these include anchovies, sardines, scallops, mussels, trout, tuna, codfish, haddock, halibut, herring, etc. It is best to avoid these. Instead, opt for other seafood with moderate purine levels, such as lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, clam, and salmon. It is recommended to enjoy them in moderation (less than 6 lbs per day).
Sugar
Sugar can increase uric acid levels in the blood. As a result, it is advisable to avoid consuming foods that contain high levels of sugar, such as fructose-rich fruits, candies, chocolate, baked goods, as well as sugary beverages.
Fructose
Fructose is a natural form of sugar that is commonly found in fruits. It is also added as a sweetening and thickening agent to many processed foods in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. Limiting or avoiding fructose can help prevent gout attacks. Some fructose-rich foods to limit are apples, pears, mangoes, figs, watermelons, and dried fruits. Avoiding fruit juices may also help reduce the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.
Sugary beverages
Sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks must be avoided. Not only do these high-calorie beverages offer zero nutritional value, but they also increase the risk of gout attacks.
Organ meats
Just like red meat, organ meats like liver, kidney, tongue, tripe sweetbreads, and heart also contain high levels of purines like adenine and hypoxanthine, which can increase uric acid content in the blood. It is best to avoid these foods to prevent a gout flare.
Processed foods
Consuming high amounts of processed foods such as candy, chips, white bread, crackers, ice cream, frozen meals, fast food, etc., is known to increase one’s risk of lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It has also been linked to an increased likelihood of gout and symptoms of inflammation. Hence, it must be avoided.
Yeast
Many yeasts and yeast extracts could also be a rich source of purines. They are commonly used in foods like soy sauces, canned soups and stews, bouillon cubes, frozen dinners, and salty snacks. Read the ingredients list carefully before purchasing these products, and avoid variants with yeast extract.

Eating gout-friendly foods
Some foods can also help reduce the uric acid levels in the body, thus decreasing the risk of a gout attack significantly. Some of them include:

Cherries
Cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite their high fructose content, they can decrease uric acid levels in the body, reducing the risk of gout attacks. Research has mostly focused on the use of tart cherry varieties like Montmorency and Balaton to reduce inflammation. They can be consumed fresh, frozen, juiced, or in the form of an extract.
Vitamin-C-rich foods
Vitamin C is also a good source of antioxidants. Preliminary studies have shown that it can be useful in reducing the risk of gout as well. Some vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, strawberries, cantaloupe, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. However, those with an increased risk of kidney stones must not consume high doses of vitamin C regularly.
Plant-based foods
Plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, vegetables, and whole grains generally contain low amounts of purine. They are also rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Studies have shown that these may help reduce the risk of gout.
Low-fat dairy
Low-fat and non-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, etc., can be useful in preventing recurrent gout flares, by reducing uric acid levels in the body. Their anti-inflammatory properties may also be useful in reducing the pain and inflammation caused by monosodium urate crystals in the joints.
Water
It is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Adequate water intake may help flush out the uric acid content in the body, decreasing the risk of a gout attack.

Food plays a significant role in determining gout flares. Trying to maintain a low-purine eating plan and relying on plant-based foods can help reduce the risk of gout flares. However, triggers differ from person to person. One must always consult a doctor before making any significant lifestyle changes.

Featured Articles

Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. But these do not affect vision overnight; it takes years for the effects to show up. Here is a quick look at the many risk factors of macular degeneration: Age You are at risk of macular degeneration as you get older, especially after age 55. Hence, older adults are advised to go for regular screenings. Genetics You are at a higher risk if one or both parents have this condition. Past eye injury Head or eye trauma can lead to loss of central vision in the future.

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation). Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms: Congestion or stuffiness A runny nose Loss of smell Loss of taste Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth Facial pain or headache Snoring Need to clear the throat frequently Frequent bleeding of the nose When to see a doctor?

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options. So here, the patient and doctor decide to stop treatment to get the heart rate back to normal and begin considering other management options. Causes and risk factors Typically, the condition is brought on by coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Often, atrial fibrillation is triggered by an irregular heartbeat. However, it might occasionally be difficult to determine what triggered such irregularity, and there may be no apparent cause in some cases. In most cases, Afib runs in families, so if one has a family history of the condition, i.e., a close relative has the condition, the likelihood of developing the condition increases.

Trending News

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally. Avoid carbohydrates A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts. Control your portion size If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones. Use smaller plates, eat slowly, avoid going to restaurants, and keep a food journal. This will not only help manage high blood sugar but also reduce calorie intake, which has several benefits. Consider foods rich in fiber Fiber helps slow the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar absorption, gradually controlling blood sugar. Unsurprisingly, many people with type 1 diabetes can manage their condition better by including more fiber in their meals. Some foods high in fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. However, remember that too much fiber can also be a problem. Speak with a doctor to determine the right amount based on your condition.
11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques. Noting down your triggers One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend. Consider the things you can change Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety.

Recent Articles

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast. Radiation exposure The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments. Hormone replacement therapy Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer. Types of breast cancer Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive.  Invasive breast cancer Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer.

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes. It has an active scent boost that eliminates the toughest of stains and odors so that your clothes have a fresh feel. This detergent has exceptional performance in all washing machines and provides effective cleaning at all water temperatures. The clean rinse formula and low suds ensure that white clothes stay white and bright clothes stay bright. Kirkland Laundry Detergent If you are looking for laundry detergents that are easy on your pocket, then choosing this Kirkland laundry detergent will be the best. The detergent offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. It has an ultra-clean formulation which enables it to travel deep in the fabrics to eliminate odor and stains.