Gout Diet Guide: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which crystallizes and settles in the joints, leading to inflammation. If these crystals settle in the kidneys, they can cause kidney stones or even kidney failure. Men are generally more prone to gout than women.
Symptoms include: Redness, swelling, and severe inflammation in the joints, commonly affecting the ankles, toes (especially the big toe), and knees. Patients may also experience fever and body aches. If left untreated, flare-ups will become more frequent and severe, potentially leading to permanent joint deformity.
Normal uric acid levels are typically below 7 mg/dL for men and below 6 mg/dL for women. However, some individuals with normal levels may still experience gout symptoms and require medical treatment.
Does eating poultry cause Gout?
In reality, regular consumption of chicken or poultry does not cause gout in healthy individuals. However, it can trigger symptoms in those who already have gout (even if asymptomatic) or those in high-risk groups if consumed in excess.
Beyond poultry, various other foods can trigger gout flares. Understanding which foods to avoid is a key part of managing the condition effectively.
Dietary Recommendations for Gout Patients
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines found in food. Therefore, a low-purine diet is essential for controlling symptoms.
Food Categories Based on Purine Content:
- High-Purine Foods (Strictly Avoid or Minimize): Organ meats (liver, kidneys), poultry, catfish, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, bone broth, bouillon cubes, fish roe, mushrooms, black beans, red beans, and certain local vegetables like Acacia (Cha-om) and Leucaena (Krathin).
- Moderate-Purine Foods (Limit to 1-2 times per week): Red snapper, squid, crab, pork, beef, peanuts, green peas, Cassia leaves, cauliflower, spinach, and bamboo shoots.
- Low or No-Purine Foods (Safe for daily consumption): Most fruits and vegetables, freshwater fish, milk and dairy products, butter, eggs, rice, bread, cereal, gelatin, and sugar.
Additionally, strictly avoid all types of alcoholic beverages, as alcohol significantly increases uric acid production. Drinking plenty of water is also highly recommended to help the kidneys flush out uric acid.
