What Causes Gout?
A high level of uric acid in the blood causes gout. The uric acid crystallises in the joints, most often at the big toe or knee, and causes inflammation and severe pain. Men are more likely to suffer from gout than women.
How Can Gout be Treated?
1. Medication
Medication will relieve pain and swelling and help prevent future attacks.
2. Diet and Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes such as changing your diet and watching your weight also have a role to play in managing gout.
Tips for Changing Your Diet to Help Treat Gout
Alcohol
Alcohol increases uric acid levels in the blood and therefore moderate consumption is advised. The recommendation for alcohol is as follows:
Men: 21 units per week Women: 14 units per week
1 unit = glass of beer
1 unit = small glass of wine (200ml)
1 1⁄2 units = pub measure of spirit
*Remember to have 2-3 alcohol free days in the week.
Weight
If you are overweight it is advisable to lose weight. This should be achieved gradually as rapid weight loss can result in increased uric acid production by the body. Fast o strict dieting may therefore worsen the symptoms of gout. Aim to lose 1-2lb per week on your weight loss programme including exercise as part of this programme. Do not follow a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet as this can worsen symptoms of gout.
Your dietician will advise you on how to lose weight and set you a suitable target weight.
Fluids
Aim to drink 3-3.5 litres of fluid per day. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urinary uric acid.
Purine Rich Foods
Special attention needs to be paid to foods that are high in purines as regular or excessive consumption these foods increase the level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some restriction is advisable your Dietitian will advise you on this.
Main Dietary Sources of Purines.
Meat sources:
Liver Heart Kidney
Sweetbreads Meat extracts (e.g. oxo)
Fish sources: Anchovies Mackerel Crab
Sardines Fish roes Shrimps
Herring Sprats Whitebait
Other sources:
Yeast and extracts
Beer
Asparagus Cauliflower Spinach
Mushrooms Beans and peas