High uric acid or gout, is caused due to high concentration of uric acid in the blood stream. If not treated and taken care of in time, it can lead to problems of kidney stones. The metabolism of purines in the body produces uric acid. The production of excess uric acid is removed from the body through our organs – kidneys and liver. In the case, when these excess uric acid is not flushed out properly it starts accumulating in the body causing gout and kidney diseases.
Maintaining and following a proper uric acid diet and undergoing medication are the only respite from the problems of high uric acid, says expert dietician and founder member of Diet Clinic, Sheela Seharawat. She also recommends certain dos and don’ts following the best diet plan for high uric acid:
DO’s:
- Eat lots of fruits. Although all fruits are gout ok, but cherries in particular are very effective and reduces inflammation.
- Eat vegetables. Potatoes, beans, peas, mushrooms, eggplants and green leafy vegetables are the best among the rest.
- Drink lot of water. Water flushes out toxins along with excess uric acid from the body.
- Maintain healthy body weight. Excess weight further aggravates the problems and symptoms of gout, particular the affected areas or joints.
- Eat only foods that are low or very low in purines like Cereals and breads, tea, oatmeal, eggs, fruits, juices, low fat cheese, milk, and peanut butter.
DON’Ts:
- If you have high levels of uric acid and want to lose weight, never try a rapid weight loss diet as foods in such diets higher levels of uric acid.
- Strictly avoid consumption of alcohol as it gets in the way of the natural taking away of uric acids from the body.
- Strictly avoid foods high in purines and make your diet a healthy diet plan for high uric acid. Omit foods like asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, kidney beans, lentils and spinach.
- Avoid sugary beverages like fruit juices and sweetened sodas.
- Avoid all organ meats, game meats, fish and other seafoods.
Gout, is a form of arthritis that is marked by sudden pains, swellings and joint inflammations. Fortunate for all us that a gout friendly diet is there to relive us. A few changes in our lifestyle can always help us in fight against higher uric acid levels by means of healthy weight, exercise, keeping hydrated and avoid consumption of alcohol.