Gout occurs due to high uric acid levels in the body. Uric acid is formed as a result of the metabolism of a substance called purine. Purines are found in some foods, and as the consumption of these foods increases, uric acid levels increase. Alcohol, red meat, seafood, sugary drinks and foods containing high fructose corn syrup can trigger gout attacks. Lifestyle changes and appropriate treatments are important when dealing with gout. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, adequate water consumption, and limiting alcohol and fructose-containing foods can help reduce gout attacks.
What is gout?
Gout is a type of rheumatism caused by uric acid accumulating in the body. This condition, which usually causes joint inflammation and severe painful attacks, is especially evident in the joint of the big toe (podagra), but it can also affect other joints. Gout is generally characterized by sudden and intensely painful attacks. Attacks usually begin at night and are accompanied by pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joint. Symptoms may regress between attacks, but in the long run, repeated attacks can cause joint damage. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, age, gender (more common in men), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and excessive consumption of foods high in purine.
What causes gout?
Gout is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, especially the big toe. Gout causes uric acid levels in the blood to rise. Uric acid is a substance naturally produced in the body, but excess can crystallize in the joints and cause inflammation. The exact cause of gout is unknown, but factors that cause high levels of uric acid in the blood include:
- excessive alcohol consumption
- Being overweight or obese
- Some medications, such as diuretics and chemotherapy drugs
- Some genetic factors
The symptom of gout is sudden, severe pain, swelling and redness in the big toe. The pain usually occurs at night and may last for several days. Gout can also cause pain, swelling and redness in other joints, especially the knees, ankles, elbows and hands.
What is good for gout?
There is no definitive solution for gout. However, it is possible to reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks with treatment methods. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent gout. When it comes to treating gout, the primary goal should be to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood. It is not possible to give a complete answer to the question of what is good for gout at home, but you can do the following for gout at home:
- Ice pack: Ice compress can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Apply the ice compress to the painful joint for 20 minutes and then rest for 20 minutes.
- Upgrade: Elevating the painful joint above heart level may help reduce swelling.
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can facilitate the removal of uric acid from the body.
To protect yourself from gout or prevent attacks, it is necessary to avoid foods that can increase uric acid production. These foods include red meat, seafood, sucrose and alcohol. To protect yourself from gout or prevent attacks, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means exercising regularly, losing weight and drinking enough water.
Foods that are good for gout
To protect yourself from gout or prevent attacks, it is necessary to avoid foods that can increase uric acid production. These foods include red meat, seafood, sucrose and alcohol. Foods that are good for gout are:
- Fruits: Berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber that help reduce uric acid production. Fruits that are good for gout include cherries, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, grapefruits and bananas.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in fiber, which helps reduce uric acid production. Vegetables that are good for gout include tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and cucumber.
- Legumes: Legumes are rich in fiber and protein, which help reduce uric acid production. Legumes that are good for gout include beans, lentils, chickpeas and peas.
- Whole grains: Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps reduce uric acid production. Whole grains that are good for gout include oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta.
- Dairy products: Dairy products are rich in calcium, which helps reduce uric acid production. Dairy products that are good for gout include low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese.
Is yoghurt good for gout?
Yogurt may be good for gout. Yogurt is rich in calcium, protein and fibre. These nutrients can help reduce uric acid production. There is some scientific research showing that yoghurt is good for gout. For example, one study found that after gout patients started consuming yogurt, their blood levels of uric acid decreased.
Yogurt is a good food source for gout. However, when choosing yogurt, it is important to choose low-fat or fat-free yogurts. Because full-fat yoghurts can increase uric acid production. If you have gout, consuming yogurt may help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. However, it is important to consult your doctor before consuming yoghurt.
Is walnut good for gout?
Walnuts may be good for gout. Walnuts are rich in fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients may help reduce uric acid production and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. There is some scientific research showing that walnuts are good for gout. For example, one study found that after gout patients started consuming walnuts, their blood levels of uric acid decreased. Walnuts are a good food source for gout. However, when consuming walnuts, it is important not to overdo it. Because walnuts are a high-calorie and fatty food, it can cause weight gain.