What foods should I avoid during a gout attack?

Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes sudden and intense seizures as well as joint pain, often in the big toe. It can also affect the other toe, ankle, or knee joints. People with osteoarthritis in the fingers may experience their first attack of gout in the finger joints.

Men are three times more likely than women to develop gout. It usually affects men after 40 and women after menopause. When they lose the protective effects of estrogen. The symptoms of gout can be confused with another type of arthritis called calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPD), formerly called pseudogout.

What causes gout attack?

A gout attack is usually caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines.

Purines are found in many foods, such as meat, shellfish, and alcohol. When there is too much uric acid in the blood, crystals can form in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. The crystals can also deposit in the kidneys, where they can cause kidney stones. People who are overweight or have high blood pressure are at higher risk of gout attacks. Treatment often involves taking medications to lower uric acid levels in the blood and relieve pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the crystals from the joints.

What causes gout?

When uric acid builds up, either because the kidneys don’t excrete it as they should or because of excessive consumption of purine-rich foods. Uric acid can form needle-like crystals that lodge in the joints, causing severe pain and sudden swelling.

Gout attacks usually peak after 12 to 24 hours. They then slowly go away on their own, whether they are treated or not. You may only have one attack of gout in your life, or you may have them repeatedly. In both cases, gout attacks must be treated, otherwise they can affect other joints. Since they can last even longer and will be accompanied by pain that becomes increasingly unbearable. Some people eventually develop tophi, large masses of uric acid crystals that form in soft tissue or bone around joints and can look like hard lumps.

The gout attack: Like any infection that revolves around food.

Foods and drinks to avoid:

To moderate gout attacks, it’s best to avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to be high in purines. These include in particular:

  • Offal and game meat : Organ meats such as kidneys and liver and game meats such as venison and wild fowl are extremely high in purines.
  • seafood and fish : Crab, shrimp, and other shellfish can cause gout flare-ups. But some fish like trout, anchovies, and mackerel can also raise uric acid levels. However, fatty fish like salmon have excellent health benefits and are lower in purines than other fish. So it is good to eat it in moderation.
  • The alcohol : Alcohol tends to raise uric acid levels, and some types of alcohol (especially beer) are worse than others. High alcohol consumption can also make it harder for the kidneys to filter uric acid. Not only does it increase uric acid in your body, it also makes it harder for your body to get rid of it. It is best to avoid beer, wine and spirits.
  • Sugary drinks : Uric acid levels tend to be higher in people who regularly drink sugary drinks.

What foods and drinks should I consume if I have gout?

Following a healthy and balanced diet is the best way to beat gout. Low-purine foods that can help reduce uric acid in the body include fruits (especially those high in vitamin C), vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.

Research shows that eating low-fat dairy products can lower uric acid in the blood. It can also decrease inflammation caused by uric acid crystals.

Although you can do it alone when it comes to your diet. Sometimes it can be helpful to follow a specific feeding schedule.

The best eating plan would include a diet that helps achieve and maintain weight loss. Like the DASH diet or the Mediterranean diet. Both diets emphasize low red meat, plant-based protein, and lower saturated fat.

* Presse Santé strives to transmit health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO CASE, the information provided can not replace the advice of a health professional.

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