Gout Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Gout is to minimise intake of purines which are metabolised into Uric Acid, to ensure adequate flushing of the kidneys and to assist in weight control.

DESCRIPTION

Gout results from either an overproduction or reduced excretion of uric acid. High levels of uric acid in the blood cause abnormal deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid. Uric acid is a by-product of compounds called Purines. While Purines do not actually cause Gout to occur, they may trigger an attack in a person who already has Gout by raising the uric acid levels in the blood. A Purine Restriction diet does not lower the uric acid levels enough to be effective as the only treatment for Gout. The Diet should be followed in conjunction with prescribed medication.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

1. VITAMIN E - reduces the inflammation associated with Gout. Sources include brown rice, nuts and wheat germ.
2. WATER. People with Gout have a high risk of developing kidney stones. At least 3 litres of water per day is recommended to reduce this risk.
3. CHERRIES. Recent studies show eating cherries or cherry juice can reduce the pain and inflammation of Gout. About 250 grams or 1 cup of juice per day is recommended.

DIET SHOULD BE MODERATE IN

VITAMIN C. The role of Vitamin C in Gout is complicated. In small doses, vitamin C helps remove uric acid from the tissues and excretes it through urination. However, if vitamin C intake is too high it may actually increase the risk of a Gout attack or kidney stone formation. It is recommended you seek medical advice about the amount of vitamin C you should have in is recommended you seek medical advice about the amount of vitamin C you should have in your diet.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

-PURINES. Avoid red meat, liver, kidney, heart, sweetbread, brains, pate, sardines, herrings, anchovies, mackerel, caviar, mussels, meat extracts, gravies, yeast products, dried peas and legumes.
-ALCOHOL. Alcohol, particularly beer, is high in purines and often precipitates an acute attack of Gout.
-FRUCTOSE. Large amounts of refined fructose (fruit sugar) can raise uric acid levels in the blood. Avoid soft drinks, cordial, sweet bakery products and desserts. Natural fructose (found in fresh fruit) is acceptable.
-SATURATED FATS. These increase the risk of obesity, which may cause more frequent or severe attacks of Gout. Avoid butter, pastries, full-cream dairy products and meat fat.
-VITAMIN A. In high doses vitamin A may enhance the production of uric acid. Avoid liver and oily fish (herrings, sardines). Betacarotene from yellow and orange fruits and vegetables does not have the same effect and is safe to eat.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this condition.

BREAKFAST

2 glasses water.
1. 1 cup branflake cereal with low fat milk or 1 egg, boiled or scrambled with 1-2 slices wholemeal toast (no butter) or creamed corn on 1-2 slices wholemeal toast (no butter).
2. One handful of cherries or half a glass cherry juice.
Tea or weak or decaffeinated coffee with low fat milk.

MORNING TEA

1. 2 wholegrain crispbread/biscuits with tomato and low-fat cottage cheese.
2 glasses water.

LUNCH

1. 2 slices wholemeal bread or 1 bread roll or 2/3 cup steamed rice, pasta.
2. 1/4 cup of chopped chicken or 1 egg, curried or 1 slice cheese.
3. Salad or vegetable soup as desired.
4. One handful of cherries or half a glass cherry juice.
Tea or weak or decaffeinated coffee with low fat milk.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. Small tub of non-fat yoghurt with fruit or one handful of unsalted nuts.
2 glasses water.

DINNER

1. Vegetable soup.
2. 100-150g lean chicken with low fat flavourings such as fresh herbs, spices or lemon juice.
3. 1 medium steamed potato or 100g oven fry low fat chips or 2/3 to 1 cup steamed rice, noodles, pasta.
4. Plenty of green and orange vegetables or salad (limit beans, peas, spinach, mushrooms).
5. One piece fresh fruit or 1/2 cup stewed, tinned fruit with low calorie jelly.
Tea or weak or decaffeinated coffee.
2 glasses water.
Daily allowance: 300mls low fat milk.

REMEMBER

1. Avoid high purine foods and eat moderate amounts of intermediate purine foods.
2. Drink 8 or more glasses water.
3. Eat plenty of vegetables.
4. Avoid alcohol.
5. Control the weight.