What is gout exactly?
Gout is essentially a form of arthritis that is caused by having too much uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid builds up to unhealthy levels, fluid will surround the joints and create uric acid crystals. When these crystals form, they cause the joints to swell up and become inflamed. This inflammation is what makes gout so painful. Back in the day, gout seemed inevitable, but we now know that we can control gout via a gout friendly diet.
What causes gout?
Before we review what makes a good gout diet, it is important to understand what exactly causes gout. As previously stated, gout is the result of an excessive buildup of uric acid in the blood. This surplus of uric acid is a result of choosing a diet that is high in purines.
Purines are the chemical compounds that are eventually metabolized and broken down into uric acid. Normally, uric acid that comes from purines passed through the kidneys to be expelled from the body via the urinary tract. But with gout, your kidneys are not able to eliminate the excess uric acid at a fast enough rate. This leads to hyperuricemia which causes the formation of uric acid crystals, and subsequently gout.
Gout and meat
The best way to prevent gout or manage it once you have it is to look at your diet. Animal proteins have naturally high purine contents. It is recommended that you severely limit meat based proteins in your diet if you are suffering from gout. Exclude foods such as:
- organ meats, such as brain, heart, kidney, and liver
- beef
- pork
- lamb
- herring, anchovies, smelt, and sardines
- mackerel and tuna
- mussels and scallops
If you absolutely must include animal protein in your diet while suffering from gout, then make sure to do so only in moderation. Avoid eating large protein rich meals.
