According to MSc.BS. Nguyen Thu Yen, Head of Nutrition Department, Duc Giang General Hospital, although there is no diet that can completely prevent acute gout attacks, a healthy diet helps control the disease more effectively. Patients should prioritize foods low in purines, rich in fiber and vitamin C such as green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Fiber helps reduce protein absorption, thereby limiting the formation of uric acid. Vitamin C has antioxidant effects, reduces inflammation and supports reducing uric acid levels. Among citrus fruits, lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, with about 44.5 mg of vitamin C per 84 g of lemon, meeting nearly 50% of daily needs.
Vitamin C in lemon also helps boost immunity, improve iron absorption, support collagen synthesis and has the potential to reduce the risk of some diseases, including gout. However, to maximize benefits, patients need to use lemon juice properly.
Notes when drinking lemon water to support gout treatment
Do not drink too thick lemon juice: Mixing too much lemon juice does not help reduce uric acid faster but only increases the risk of enamel erosion and stomach irritation. You should dilute lemon juice with warm water before drinking.
Tooth enamel protection: Due to its high acidity, lemon juice easily erodes tooth enamel. Patients should drink with a straw and rinse their mouth with filtered water after drinking.
Do not drink on an empty stomach: You should not drink lemon juice on an empty stomach because acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing scratches, reflux, or increasing the risk of ulcers. The appropriate time is about 30 minutes after meals.
Be careful if you have stomach disease: People with stomach ulcers or reflux should be careful because the acid in lemon can increase gastric juice secretion, causing pain and worsening mucosal damage. People with stomach disease should consult a doctor before use.
Lemon juice only helps mildly alkalize urine and supports increased uric acid excretion at a limited level, not enough to bring uric acid back to a safe threshold. Therefore, this is only a supportive measure, and cannot replace treatment drugs. Patients still need to follow the doctor's regimen and maintain a suitable diet.
