Gout

Gout is one of the many forms of arthritis; it develops as a result of uric acid imbalance in our blood, the results of this imbalance are the formation of very sharp crystal structures forming in our joints; the extremities tend to be affected first, resulting in very painful joints.

In the event it is not treated satisfactorily in its early stages it may extend to other joints i.e. from toes to ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Like diabetes the extremities of our bodies are most at risk which of course is a strong indication that blood circulation and gout are linked, so food or supplements that support blood circulation and or prescription medication may help. Some may find that certain types of food can result in symptoms of gout.

The foods that tend to trigger gout are rich in purines, these include red meat, including organ meats heart, kidney and liver; also fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and anchovies; in the event you tend to eat foods high in purines it is recommended that you cut back on portion size and frequency.

Another group of foods that may exacerbate gout symptoms may include game meat like rabbit, quail, pheasant, goose and venison; these meats may have even higher purine content than red meats. Another range of foods to consider which are high in purines are shellfish especially scallops, also mussels, oysters and paua.

Other things that may cause spikes in uric acid levels include alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and spirits including mixes and sugary soft drink as they tend to dehydrate our bodies, slowing the natural excretion process of uric acid i.e flushing through our system. As strange as it may seem even vegetables we would generally consider as health supporting may also contribute to symptoms of gout i.e. asparagus, mushrooms, peas and beans.

In summary moderation and a balanced diet is a proactive approach to manage and control the symptoms and effects of gout. Support your kidneys and liver by drinking plenty of fluids particularly water, around 2.5 to 3 litres per day. Dehydration reduces kidney function and can lead to a build-up of uric acid. 

If you are experiencing joint discomfort see your healthcare professional for a diagnosis of your condition and develop your own strategies and diet to maintain comfortable joints and manage your condition. 

At all times be aware of any discomfort, excessive use of painkillers to mask symptoms may result in degeneration and premature aging of joint health overtime.