{"id":677,"date":"2017-06-12T03:36:16","date_gmt":"2017-06-12T03:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=677"},"modified":"2021-03-11T15:09:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T15:09:05","slug":"11-foods-cause-gout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/11-foods-cause-gout\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Foods That Cause Gout"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Gout can be a painful and debilitating condition brought on in part by dietary triggers. Actually a form of arthritis, gout (sometimes called gouty arthritis) develops when an over abundance of uric acid in the blood produces crystalline structures in and around joints resulting in painful inflammation, stiffness, tangible heat, tenderness, and swelling. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is the name for the period before a gout attack where symptoms aren\u2019t present but uric acid is generating needle-like crystals around vulnerable joints. After over-consumption of a trigger food, uric acid levels spike and a gout attack can come on with sudden force. Roughly 4% of American adults experience doctor diagnosed gout (75% are men, 25% are women).<\/p>\n

Uric acid is a chemical compound manufactured in the body when cells and certain foods are broken down. The heavy amount of organic \u201cpurine\u201d compounds in specific trigger foods serves as the catalyst for uric acid production in the body. While purines are found in very small amounts in virtually all foods, their higher concentration in some foods and beverages can bring on a fierce gout attack within 24 to 72 hours.<\/p>\n

The latest evidence suggests that the purines in some vegetables are far less dangerous than those found in animal products, and that vitamin C (like is found in bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits) can help lower the risk of developing gout. Watch out for the following foods to prevent gout and gout attacks:<\/p>\n

1. Alcohol<\/h3>\n

Consuming alcohol regularly, especially beer, can precipitate an occurrence of gout rather quickly. Not only does the brewer\u2019s yeast and alcohol content itself of beer contain high levels of purines, but consumption of alcohol triggers the body\u2019s kidneys to excrete alcohol instead of uric acid<\/a>. One of the main defenses for helping the body eliminate toxins and uric acid out of the blood and into the urine, the kidneys play a crucial role in the body\u2019s filtration system. Too much alcohol can tip the scale of uric acid production and the body\u2019s ability to get rid of it, resulting in a painful gout attack.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Bacon<\/h3>\n

The salty cured pork varietal, bacon<\/a>, is a high-purine food that is proven to increase uric acid levels in the blood and cause gout attacks.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but your average package of bacon generates loads of unhealthy saturated fats (70% of your daily recommended value per 100g) and artery-blocking cholesterol (36% of your daily recommended value).<\/p>\n

While it packs a strong punch of protein, the fat and cholesterol combined with over 1,700mg of sodium per 100g, makes bacon an ingredient that increases your risk for heart disease the more you eat it.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Organ Meat<\/h3>\n

While organ meats like chicken livers, kidneys, gizzards<\/a>, and beef tongue do deliver some vital nutrients like Vitamins A and B12, protein, folate, zinc and iron, when it comes to warding off painful gout attacks, they are a definite no no.<\/p>\n

Due to their high purine content, organ meats have been linked to increases in uric acid in the blood which can bring on a gout attack, and their high cholesterol levels also make them a risk factor for plaque buildup on artery walls, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Sardines<\/h3>\n

Small fish packed in water or oil and sold in cans, sardines are touted as a protein-rich food that boosts calcium intake and helps prevent osteoporosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for gout sufferers, sardines are packed with purines too (as are other popular fish including anchovies, herring, haddock, mackerel, and tuna), which can cue the buildup of crystals around the body\u2019s joints and lead to painful inflammation and stiffness.<\/p>\n

Sardines packed in oil also contain a risky amount of cholesterol and sodium per serving which fights any heart healthy habits you may have established.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Shellfish<\/h3>\n

While people afflicted with arthritic gout shouldn\u2019t completely avoid the sea, they certainly want to think twice before regularly eating out of it. Shellfish categorizes edible sea animals including scallops, lobster, clams, shrimp, and crab.<\/p>\n

Shellfish<\/a> bears a moderate amount of gout-triggering purine, however, as with most foods, over-consumption can be dangerous and push the uric acid levels in the blood of someone with gout over the edge.<\/p>\n

Never eat shellfish while experiencing a gout attack, and strategize a prevention diet with your doctor that might limit consumption to a few times a month or a week.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Chicken<\/h3>\n

One of the most popular, and most commercially manufactured meats in the world is chicken<\/a>. Loaded with protein and nutrients including Vitamin B6 and selenium, chicken boasts varying health benefits, however, it also contains a moderately high purine content making it a danger to gout sufferers.<\/p>\n

Over-consumption of chicken can definitely force a gout attack, and depending on the type and kind of chicken meat you purchase, you may find a substantial amount of cholesterol per serving as well.<\/p>\n

Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to heart and blood pressure problems down the line, which on top of painful gout inflammation, is simply a recipe for disaster.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Beef<\/h3>\n

Moderately high in purines, beef<\/a> (from ribs to shoulder, chuck and fillet) contain anywhere from 110 to 140mg of purine per 100g. Purine is responsible for bolstering uric acid levels in the blood which result in debilitating gout attacks.<\/p>\n

While red meat including beef, lamb, and pork does contain appreciable levels of bioavailable nutrients, it is also a leader in bad saturated fats, cholesterol, and additives that are simply a product of being factory farmed or commercially manufactured.<\/p>\n

Limited to moderate consumption of high quality beef is recommended for any carnivore – look for antibiotic-free, grass-fed beef from locally farm-raised cows when possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Coffee<\/h3>\n

While drinking regular coffee<\/a> each day has been shown in a 2007 study to reduce the risk of developing gout, for current gout sufferers, drinking coffee may result in a much worse consequence.<\/p>\n

It is believed that the caffeine mimics the chemical structure of a drug commonly used to treat gout called Allopurinol.<\/p>\n

Allopurinol initially activates the release of uric acid from body tissues but overtime reduces overall levels. A sudden intake of caffeine may have a similar effect, drastically increasing uric acid levels and leading to a painful gout attack.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Sugary Beverages<\/h3>\n

Soda, fruit juices, and other sugary beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (or simply with naturally high levels of organically occurring fructose) have been linked to an increase in attacks of people with gout.<\/p>\n

Processed soda and sugary beverages also typically contain toxin-filled artificial colorings and flavorings as well as caffeine, which can dehydrate the body and result in a risky levels of uric acid in the blood, forming crystals around the joints and bringing on painful inflammation and stiffness.<\/p>\n

Overconsumption of sugar can also contribute to irregular insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes, obesity<\/a>, and heart disease.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Cauliflower<\/h3>\n

Cauliflower<\/a> is a cruciferous vegetable from the cabbage family that contains a low amount of purines so it doesn\u2019t need to be avoided all together, but shouldn\u2019t be consumed at every meal every day.<\/p>\n

Other vegetables including spinach, artichokes, broccoli, asparagus, and brussel sprouts also contain purines, but experts agree that the natural benefits of consuming vegetables and fruits, even those with purines, balance out gout risk.<\/p>\n

Dietary modifications should first tackle high-purine foods like seafood, beer, and red meat before eliminating any fruits and vegetables. Combined with a strict pharmacological treatment plan, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables may not increase risk for gout attacks.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Fried Foods<\/h3>\n

The fats from the oils in which foods are fried in, including common appetizers like fried chicken, mozarella sticks, and jalapeno poppers, can encourage unwanted gout attacks.<\/p>\n

Same goes for processed foods, like what you consume from a fast food restaurant. Not only do these foods increase risk for heart disease and obesity, but their astronomical sodium content disrupts the delicate water-sodium balance in the body and increases uric acid levels.<\/p>\n

Fat consumption also leads to weight gain which affects insulin<\/a> production and puts added stress on the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering out uric acid successfully.<\/p>\n\r\n

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