For reasons still unknown, men are more predisposed to gout than women, with almost 8 in 10 (79%) of gout sufferers being male[1].
Gout is characterised by sudden attacks of swelling, redness, pain and inflammation in either one or more joints, most commonly the big toe, although other joints in the body may be equally affected including joints of the feet, ankles, knees, wrists and fingers.
What causes gout
Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, where uric acid crystalises and lodges into joints causing pain. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines from the diet.
Purines are found naturally in certain foods, with the kidneys normally filtering the uric acid by-product. However, people with gout sometimes have a build-up of uric acid in the blood causing swelling and pain, commonly called a gout attack.
A low purine diet may be helpful in treating and preventing gout attacks for those individuals who are susceptible.
Foods to avoid and include
The table below provides a quick overview of foods to include and foods to avoid in a low purine diet.
|
FOODS TO INCLUDE Foods to reduce uric acid levels |
FOODS TO AVOID Foods high in purines |
|
Cherries |
Red meat |
|
Foods high in vitamin C such as oranges, rockmelon, strawberries and even green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale and spinach |
Organ meats such as beef, pork (including ham), chicken livers and wild game |
|
Low-fat dairy foods |
Certain seafood such as salmon, prawns, lobster, mussels, scallops, sardines and anchovies |
|
Plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and olives |
High-yeast foods like bread, cakes, biscuits or vegemite |
|
Eggs (in moderation) |
Alcohol, especially beer which is yeast-based |
A word about cherries
Cherries contain a natural compound called anthocyanins, which display both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that cherry consumption may help reduce uric acid levels, decreasing inflammation and lowering the risk of future gout attacks[2]. If you’re considering cherries, stick to the tart variety, either consuming them fresh or by using a tart cherry juice that is free from sugar from your local health food store.
Herbs of Gold Gout Relief Complex
You might also consider using specific herbs to help support the occasional episodes of gout.
Herbs of Gold Gout Relief Complex contains the propriety ingredient Ayuric® from the herb Terminalia bellirica and is combined with the traditional herbs Celery and Alfalfa as well as nutrients.
Celery is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of occasional episodes of gout and to promote urine output while Terminalia helps relieve inflammation.
Terminalia and Celery are both antioxidants, helping to help reduce free radicals in the body.
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Gout. https://aihw.gov.au/report/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/gout
[2] Chen, P. E., Liu, C. Y., Chien, W. H., Chien, C. W., & Tung, T. H. (2019). Effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid and gout: a systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
