GOUT and diet
Gout is a form of arthritis where deposits of needle-like crystals of a salt called monosodium urate crystals (MSU) occur in joints and other tissues, especially the feet bones. ?
Primary gout accounts for 90% of all cases and is most likely the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors. Secondary gout is caused by medicines or by medical conditions other than a metabolic disorder, such as cancer.
Purines are compounds that are important for energy. They can be manufactured in the body or eaten from foods
The process of breaking down purines results in the formation of uric acid in the body.
Purines in the liver produce uric acid. The uric acid enters the bloodstream. Most of the uric acid goes through the kidneys and is excreted in urine. The remaining uric acid travels through the intestines where bacteria help break it down.
Because humans lack uricase, the enzyme to break down uric acid, it is not easily removed and can build up in our tissues.
There are always exceptions, but medication is often not required. Lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent attacks (see foods to avoid above, yes even broccoli)
What to consume instead: Similar anti inflammatory foods from previous post. Drink plenty of water. Cherry juice. Higher alkaline foods (most veggies and non-citrus fruits that also contain vit C and flavanoids), good fats and fibre (chia, flax, nuts, NOT seafood), probiotics
If this sounds like you can’t eat ANYTHING, check my post on other sources of protein and fibre!
Exercise and healthy weight management can also help.
Case study: My client suffered from gout. He reduced his consumption of red meat and alcohol, but ate an abundance of broccoli. Although it has been shown that these vegetables don’t seem to increase the risk of gout in most cases (and he did eat lots of broccoli), when he stopped eating broccoli and replaced it with other dark leafy greens (chinese broccoli was ok!), he started to feel A LOT better.
As always, everyone is different. Do your research and make informed decisions.
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