Uric acids in high levels in blood vessels could form crystals. Imagine the crystals flowing in blood; it is so painful and hard to bear thinking about sharp little glass-like crystals that can go everywhere in our body through vessels. These crystals were formed and deposited in joints. This disease is gout, a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid.
The number of gout patients continues to increase due to changes in eating not healthy foods, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, and an aging population. The use of drugs can increase uric acid levels in the body, such as diuretics and low-dose aspirin. Uric acid in the blood should be controlled, and this can be accomplished by what we eat. Today, we will talk about the best foods to prevent gout and relieve its painful symptoms.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C reduces uric acid in serum. Vitamin C breaks down uric acid crystals in the blood. It reduces the level of urate. According to a study published, the group receiving 500 mg of vitamin C had a 12% lower risk of gout compared to the control group. We can find the role of vitamin C in prevention and treatment. Vitamin C in purine metabolism shows uric acid could be decreased with evidence.

Coffee. The diuretic effect of coffee can help prevent gout by increasing acid emissions. It has antioxidant effects to prevent skin and vascular aging, help improve inflammation, and promote metabolism. However, it is better to drink black coffee without sugar. In addition, excessive coffee intake can harm health, so it is better to consume an appropriate amount.

Dairy. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products reduce the risk of gout. It increases uric acid excretion and reduces the inflammatory response caused by uric acid crystals in the joint.

Eggs. Eggs contain less purine and are low in fat, so even gout patients can eat them without burden. It also helps supplement protein that has yet to be filled with meat and fish with high purine content.

Cherry. Eating cherry is the best choice to relieve symptoms of gout. This can lower the uric acid levels because of anthocyanin. Anthocyaonin in cherry is a well-known antioxidant and does its anti-inflammatory work. Reducing inflammation caused by uric acids.
In the study, the risk of gout attacks decreased in the group who consumed cherries compared to the group who did not. And the risk of seizures tended to decline further as the cherry intake increased. Also, a reduction in high blood pressure and heart disease incidence was reported.

DASH diet
It is very helpful, like Weight loss and an appropriate diet. These are needed to prevent gout and relieve symptoms. It is better to avoid a high-protein diet and, stop drinking alcohol and remember drinking water frequently does work. No overeating, and a low-calorie, low-fat, low-salt diet is recommended.

In this points of view, The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was recommended for gout patients. This DASH diet was developed by the NIH to prevent hypertension.It is characterized by lowering the intake of animal fat and sodium and increasing the intake of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, eat whole grains instead of refined grains, and eat low-fat dairy products and nuts steadily. Protein is consumed through poultry, such as chicken and duck, fish, and tofu, not red meat, such as beef or pork. To limit the intake of high sodium and high-fat foods, reduce the intake of processed foods and animal fats, and use herbs and spices instead of salt for low salt.
The DASH diet was developed as a diet for hypertension patients. Since the DASH diet consists of a diet according to the individual’s situation, excluding foods that are bad for gout and consisting of a diet that eats more food that is good for gout can help relieve gout.
DASH diet helps control blood pressure and prevent various chronic diseases such as weight control, blood cholesterol reduction, arteriosclerosis, and osteoporosis. According to research, DASH diets reduce uric acid levels in the blood compared to general diets. The DASH diet is good and approachable because it contains many foods that are good for gout, and various diets are known. Therefore, it may be helpful to apply this diet in gout patients.

Gout is the most picky disease because patients should control their diet and eating habits. Not only to prevent gout and its painful symptoms, but it is definitely true to eat healthy and well-being food for our quality of life. Why don’t we try fresh veggies and fish today?

References

Effects of vitamin C supplementation on gout risk: results from the Physicians’ Health Study II trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Sep 2;116(3):812-819.

Role of Vitamin C in Prophylaxis and Treatment of Gout—A Literature Review. Nutrients. 2021 Feb; 13(2): 701.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Western diet, and risk of gout in men: prospective cohort study (BMJ 2017;357:j1794)
DASH Diet and Change in Serum Uric Acid over Time , Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Jun; 36(6): 1413-1417.

The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension and ketogenic diets intervention on serum uric acid concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (Sci Rep. 2023; 13: 10492.)

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