8 Basic Tips for Dietary Management of Gout
By Nutritional Weight and Wellness Staff
July 11, 2024
For more comprehensive information listen to the full podcast episode:
Inspired by the valuable insights shared in Supporting Gout With Diet with Leah Kleinschrodt MS, RD, LD and Teresa Wagner RD, LD, we've gathered some practical dietary tips to help you manage gout.
These tips are designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices and reduce the risk of those painful gout attacks.
8 Basic Tips for Dietary Management of Gout
1. Limit Alcohol:
Why: Alcohol, especially beer, raises uric acid levels. Too much uric acid can trigger gout flare-ups.
Reducing your alcohol intake helps control your uric acid levels and can prevent those painful episodes.
2. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup:
Why: This sneaky ingredient, found in sodas, energy drinks, and many processed foods (not just the obviously sugar sweetened foods!), speeds up purine breakdown, leading to higher uric acid levels.
Avoiding foods with high fructose corn syrup helps reduce uric acid levels and keeps gout at bay.
3. Monitor Fructose Intake:
Why: Sweeteners like agave nectar are high in fructose, which can increase uric acid levels.
Opting for natural sweeteners in moderation helps you control uric acid levels and manage gout better.
4. Eat Whole Fruits and Vegetables:
Why: Whole fruits and veggies contain fiber, which slows down fructose absorption and helps manage uric acid levels.
Plus, they’re packed with vitamin C and other beneficial compounds that support your body’s ability to handle uric acid.
5. Stay Hydrated:
Why: Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid out of your body.
Staying hydrated is a simple and effective way to manage gout and keep your joints happy.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet:
Why: A balanced diet with animal proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs is anti-inflammatory and helps manage uric acid levels.
Avoiding ultra-processed foods keeps your diet clean and gout-friendly.
7. Consider Vitamin C and Quercetin:
Why: Foods rich in vitamin C and quercetin help lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation.
Including these foods in your diet gives your body extra support in managing gout symptoms.
8. Supplement Wisely:
Why: Supplements like vitamin C, quercetin, and tart cherry extract can help manage uric acid levels.
They’re a great addition to your routine, but always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
These tips just scratch the surface of how nutrition can help. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gout or have been struggling to manage your recurring gout attacks, consider making an appointment with one of our dietitians.
We’re here to help you navigate your dietary choices and provide personalized support to reduce your risk of gout attacks and provide many overall health benefits, as well.
Let's work together to keep those gout flares at bay and get you back to feeling your best!
And remember...don't miss the podcast episode for nutrition-related factors that might play a role in your gout symptoms or that may help a loved one who has experienced gout attacks.
