Meat & the Gout Food Diet
Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis. Because food high in purines can cause pain or flare-ups in people who suffer from gout, doctors recommend eating a diet low in purines. This includes certain types of meat.
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Causes of Gout
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Gout usually develops after years of hyperuricemia, or high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a natural byproduct of our bodies breaking down food. The uric acid can form small, sharp crystals that become deposited in the joints and connective tissue, causing pain.
Why Avoid Meat
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Certain meats like lamb, pork, beef and veal require a lot of energy for our bodies to break them down. These meats contain high levels of purines, such as uric acid, and therefore should be minimized.
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Other Foods to Avoid
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Avoid alcoholic drinks (especially beer), oatmeal, cauliflower, lentils, beans, and also avoid eating large amounts of seafood.
Considerations
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While reducing purines in your diet can contribute to your gout treatment, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet and regularly take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
Who Does Gout Affect?
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Gout is most common in men over 40 and women who are in menopause. Gout rarely affects children and babies.
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References
- Photo Credit from morguefile.com
