Gout is a painful condition that can easily lead to joint damage and kidney problems. The reason for gout and the flare-ups it causes are the crystals that form when there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream.
Uric acid, a compound crystal, is usually filtered out by the kidneys and removed from the body through the urine. However, when the levels of it are high, the crystals can cause conditions like gout. This is why it is very important to try and lower the levels of uric acid.
Crystallized uric acid is created by the body when it processes foods that contain purines. Purines on the other hand are building blocks that the body needs to make DNA and RNA. They’re mainly found in meat and meat products. Purines are broken down into uric acid.
The crystals that are build up when the uric acid is high are stored in the spaces between the joints, causing pain.
The first thing to do if you suffer from gout is to reduce the consumption of foods that are rich in purines. Besides the meat, purines are found in shellfish, tuna, dairy products, as well as mushrooms and green peas.
Alcohol, including beer, also contain purine, so they should be avoided as well.
Foods that are low in purines are most fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts.
Uric acid is associated with protein but it can also spike with a high sugar diet, specifically fructose. Liquid sugar are absorbed faster so they cause even more trouble.
In order to reduce the levels of uric acid, besides what was mentioned so far, one should consume foods rich in fiber because fiber helps absorb the crystals, removing them from your joints and helping to eliminate them from your kidneys. You should also avoid saturated fats, like cheese, butter and margarine, and drink plenty of water.
According to research, coffee is also advised to consume as coffee drinkers are less likely to get gout.
Vitamin C reduces uric acid levels and reduces the risk of getting a gout. You can simply take it in a form of a pill or eat foods rich in vitamin C, like cherries, kiwi fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, watermelon, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green and red peppers, spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, sweet potatoes.
Getting a good night sleep and reducing the levels of stress reduce the risk of high uric acid. A 2015 study showed that adequate magnesium is associated with lower and healthier levels of uric acid.
Before you try treating this condition on your own, please make sure you are properly diagnosed and always ask your doctor for medical advise.
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