If you suffer from frequent, painful, debilitating gout attacks, you might have tried every possible health remedy to prevent its occurrence. While gout sufferers need to take life-long medicines, they are always advised to make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve rehabilitation.
It is not uncommon for people to adopt vegetarianism and completely avoid eating meat and seafood as these foods are found to be high in purines, the precursor for uric acid formation. At the same time, you increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
The question is, “Can we consume all varieties of fruit if we suffer from gout”? Gout and You website will answer most of your concerns while also suggesting certain remedies that have helped people overcome their pain. Let us discuss the best fruits for your gout diet and the fruits you must avoid.
Why do fruits play an important role in a healthy diet?
Transitioning into a gout diet may present many doubts in your mind. Some food produces prevent an attack while others may trigger it. Fruits in general are considered beneficial due to the following reasons:
1. High fibre content
- Promotes a healthy bowel movement.
- Keeps the calorie content low and keeps you full for longer period.
- Slow down absorption of sugar.
All these factors help you stabilize your diabetes and in maintaining a healthy weight, both being risk factors in development of gout.
2. Phytonutrients
- Consuming phytonutrients lowers your risk of developing cancer and various other chronic diseases.
3. High water content
- This helps in better absorption of fibre.
- This is why it is advised to eat a whole fruit than its dried counterpart.
Fruits to avoid
1. Rhubarb
- High in oxalates, rhubarb increases your chances of kidney stone formation.
- This might further decrease the ability of your kidneys to eliminate increased serum levels of uric acid.
- The increased uric acid levels will get deposited as crystals around the joints causing inflammation and pain.
2. Kiwi
- Apart from Rhubarb, Kiwi is also high in oxalate predisposing you to the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation in the kidneys.
3. Figs in all forms are also high in oxalates and must be avoided.
4. Dried apricots are rich in oxalates and fructose, which is again responsible for an increased risk of gout attack.
5. Canned and dried fruits and also fruit juices as they are laced with sugars and their high fructose content can trigger pain in your joints.
Which fruits should form a part of your gout diet?
Fruits are delicious, satiating, and nutritious. Now that we know which fruits might prove harmful, let us also look at the fruits you can enjoy as a part of your new diet:
1. Cherries
- It is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the levels of uric acid and prevent pain causing inflammation.
- Also available in pill form, make cherries your go to snack when you suffer from problems related to joints.
2. Berries
- They are low in purines, high in vitamin C and flavonoids thus making them a perfect treat to reduce uric acid load and fight inflammation.
- Blueberries are known as superfood for they are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for your health and loaded with antioxidants to fight inflammation.
- Strawberries contain high level of magnesium that helps in reducing the swelling and pain caused during a flare up. Its high-water content prevents the crystallization of uric acid.
- Blackberries are consumed for its citrus flavour and contain high amounts of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the human body.
- Raspberries are especially consumed as tea to act a natural pain blocker.
3. Citrus Fruits
- High vitamin C content of citrus alkalizes the blood and thus reduces the level of uric acid.
- Also low in fructose, citrus is a great addition to a healthy diet.
- It is advised to consume one citrus fruit on a daily basis.
4. Bananas
- Although a high purine food, banana is known to prevent formation of uric acid crystals by allowing its liquification that makes it easier to eliminate in urine.
- High potassium and fibre content keep you full for longer and helps in maintain weight and reducing blood pressure.
5. Apples
- It beats your sugar cravings while fighting inflammation at the same time.
- Wash them properly and eat with the peel on to prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
6. Papaya
- Papaya contains proteolytic enzymes making them powerful anti-inflammatories.
- Papaya also increases blood alkalinity.
- Also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, vitamin A, carotenes, folate, magnesium, and potassium, and B vitamins, papaya is a super food for heart, gut, and kidney health.
7. Pineapple
- Bromelain present in the stem of a pineapple relieves inflammatory pain by promoting blood circulation.
- Bromelain pills when taking during a gout attack helps in managing the pain effectively.
8. Avocados
- High in oleic acid makes it a powerful antioxidant.
- High potassium content helps in better elimination of uric acid from the kidney.
- It also keeps you full and prevents binge eating.
9. Grapes
- Containing potassium, vitamin, and bioflavonoids grapes form an important part of gout diet.
- However, they should be consumed in moderation owing to their high purine and sugar content.
10. Melons
- Most melons are rich in potassium and water content and thus play a role in maintaining sodium-potassium balance.
- Also rich in antioxidants and low in purine content, melons can be extremely satiating and healthy.
Always watch your portion size, eat high fructose fruits in moderation as the fructose will eventually get converted into purines. This might increase the risk of future gout flare ups. Eat high oxalate fruits occasionally as they may worsen your already existing condition.
Try and consume whole organic fruits instead of their canned, frozen, dried, and juiced counterparts. Whole fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins especially potassium that helps in removing of uric acid from the body and also regulates other vitals like blood pressure effectively.
Overconsumption of even good food is not suggested. Enjoy your food cravings in moderation while living a pain-free life.
