Gout is a form of arthritis that causes pain and sudden swelling, often appearing in the big toe but can also affect many other joints in the body.
The cause of acute gout is due to high uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product of the body, and is also created during the digestion of foods containing purines. In normal people, excess uric acid will be excreted through the kidneys. However, for people with gout, this excretion process is disrupted, causing uric acid to accumulate, crystallize and settle in the joints, causing severe pain.
Gout control can be achieved through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes and especially a reasonable diet. Nutritionists recommend that patients should prioritize foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and minimize foods rich in purines - the main cause of increased uric acid.
The food groups that need to be limited include: animal organs (liver, kidney, mind ...), red meat (beef, pork, Lamb), some types of seafood ( itself, fish with a lot of oil, box fish), processed foods with Yeast extract, sugary drinks. Alcohol is also listed as "barred from drinking" because it disrupts purine metabolism and increases the risk of gout outbreaks.
In addition, many people believe that eating cruciferous vegetables or mushrooms also increases purines. However, research shows that plant purines do not cause gout. In contrast, beans, green vegetables, mushrooms, eggplant, potatoes... are beneficial foods that help control uric acid and improve overall health.
Some foods that are considered safe and should be used for people with gout include: fruits (especially cherries, because they have the effect of reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid), vegetables, tofu, low-fat dairy, whole grains (brown rice, oats, barley...), nuts and vegetable oils such as olive oil, canola oil. Eggs are also a safe source of protein, low in purines. In addition, coffee and green tea have been shown to reduce the risk of gout if used in the right dosage.
Currently, diets such as DASH (preventing high blood pressure) and Mediterranean are also recommended by many experts for people with gout. Both diets prioritize natural foods, low in saturated fat, rich in fiber and minimize refined sugar.
equally importantly, patients should maintain regular health check-ups and monitor uric acid levels regularly. Building a healthy lifestyle, including weight control, regular exercise and adequate water intake, is the foundation for preventing gout from recurring and improving quality of life.
