Low Purine Diet for Gout

Gout is the most painful type of arthritis which was earlier known as the 'rich man's disease'. But today we are all aware that it is that type of arthritis which is most easily identified and hence can be easily prevented and treated. It is an outcome of very high level of uric acid in the blood. But having a high blood uric acid level doesn't mean that you will necessarily fall prey to gout. Normally, the body gets rid of the uric acid by biological metabolism of the purines. Now you must be wondering what are purines and how do they enter our body.

What Are Purines?
Purines are vital components of the genetic materials present in plants and animals. They are the nucleoside bases present in DNA, RNA, energy molecules like ATP, GTP and coenzyme A. They enter our body through our diet and are used up in structuring our genes. A lot of protein rich foods are also rich in purines. Foods rich in purines include mushrooms, yeast, organ meat, legumes, etc.

Under normal conditions the purines in the body are metabolized to uric acid which is a waste material removed by the kidneys. Gout is a condition in which the uric acid crystals get deposited within the joints, especially the base of the big toe. Now this deposition causes severe pain as well as stiffness in the joints. As I said earlier gout can be easily prevented by little changes in your diet. A low purine diet helps alleviate potential pain caused by gout. Hence gout patients are often prescribed a low purine diet.

Low Purine Diet And Gout
Adopting a low purine diet can help one defeat the gout attacks which involve swelling, redness and severe joint pain. It helps prevent the damage caused by these gout attacks which sometimes cannot be cured even by surgeries. People find low purine diet the safest way to fight against gout.

Purines are present in almost all the foods that are considered to be healthy. This is one reason why people find it hard to choose the right low purine diet for them. In their effort to avoid purines, people sometimes tend to avoid some essential nutrition. Therefore, it is very essential to properly understand which foods come in the list of low purine diet for gout. Some of them may not be all that healthy and may not be a part of the 'balanced diet'. One must therefore make a wise decision to find the diet which suits him the best.

According to the American Dietician Association (ADA) foods containing more than 150mg of purines per 100g are considered to be purine rich foods and should be avoided. Here is a list of low purine foods for gout.

Fruits
Cherries have proven to be the best to fight off gout. This is because they contain compounds known as anthocyanins which help keeping the level of uric acid low. All types of fresh cherries-sweet or sour can be eaten raw or can be cooked as per your choice. You can also have cherry concentrates or cherry extracts if you can't find the raw ones. Both will be effective in the same way. Apart from cherries, other fresh fruits like bananas and fruit juices also help in reducing the symptoms of gout.

Vegetables
All green leafy vegetables prove helpful in keeping gout attacks away. Your diet should include cabbages, peas, beans, celery, parsley, potatoes, bell peppers and spinach. Avoid having too much of anything.

Dairy Products
Always look for fat free or low fat dairy products like skim milk, and low fat cheese. Try having baked foods instead of the fried ones. This can have a dual effect in keeping gout away and also keeping your weight in control.

Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates include rice, bread, pasta, cereals, whole grain which can be consumed if you are suffering from gout attacks.

Beverages
Fruit juices, soups especially cream style, coffee and tea in moderate amounts, can be a part of your low purine gout diet. Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages as they can flare up the gout attacks. Drinking lots of water can be beneficial as it helps in flushing the uric acid out of the body.

One must have a low purine yet balanced diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with adequate fluids, preferably water or fruit juice in your regular diet. This will keep you healthy and you will be less prone to gout attacks. Do not forget to consult your nutritionist before making any drastic changes in your diet. Dietary changes will prove beneficial for gout but don't forget to consult your doctor and take the necessary medications.