Gout, Diet and Hyperuricemia.

 

Gout, Diet and Hyperuricemia.

Gout

“Once called king of diseases and disease of kings’ because of its association with rich foods and excessive alcohol. Gout has been recognized as a disease since ancient Egypt King Henry VIII suffered from severe gout attacks due to his extravagant lifestyle.

It is a painful condition that affects millions of people. The type of arthritis that usually affects only one joint, typically the big toe (called first metatarsophalangeal joint). Attacks can occur suddenly, usually start at night and the joint will feel inflamed and sensitive. In fact, gout is so painful that the sufferer can hardly bear anything to touch.

 

 

Cause of Gout

Excess levels of uric acid in the body is generally the cause of gout, however it is the rapid changes in serum uric acid that precipitates an attack of gout which means a sudden rise or a sudden fall in uric acid level can precipitate attacks of gout in susceptible people.

Uric acid is a waste product that the body produces from breaking down chemicals called purines, which are found naturally in food. Usually, the kidneys filter excess uric acid, which then leaves the body through urine.

However, some people produce too much uric acid and some people fail to filter excess uric acid through kidneys, in some of them the uric acid begins to form sharp, pointy crystals in the joints leading to pain and swelling of joint called gout. However, some people with even very high uric acid levels never develop gout they are just hypouricemic. Hyperuricemia is not equal to gout.

 

What Foods to avoid if one has Gout

The following foods should avoid to prevent acute painful attacks of gout or flare-ups as they contain High purine content.

• Organ meat
• Red meat
• Seafood (scallops, shrimp, tuna, anchovies, sardines)
• Alcohol (especially beer and hard liquor)
• Soda
• Beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn content.
• Honey
• High-fat dairy products
• Sugary snacks
• White bread

 

 

     Foods that are helpful in patients with Gout.

     certain foods may help in lowering uric acid levels they include.

• Cherries
• Coffee
• Low-fat yogurt
• Fruits that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple
• Avocados
• Beans and lentils
• Water

 

When to consult a doctor

 Gout is a treatable disease but not curable and it can affect every aspect of day today life if not managed and treated properly. Any acute attack of sharp pain and swelling in any of the peripheral joints, especially the joint of big toe one should seek medical opinion from an expert and uric acid lowering drugs should not be started during an acute attack unless a person is already on them.