Low Purine Diet, Healthy Diet for Gout Sufferers
A low purine diet is recommended for people with high uric acid. By following this diet, uric acid levels in the body can be controlled thereby preventing recurrence while reducing the symptoms of gout, such as pain and swelling in the joints.
Purines are produced naturally by the body or can be obtained from consuming foods high in purines. If the amount is sufficient in the body, purine plays a role in regulating cell growth and producing energy
However, if the amount is excessive, purines can increase uric acid levels in the blood which can trigger the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints or even the kidneys. In the end, this condition can cause arthritis and kidney stones.
In order to prevent complaints due to high uric acid in the blood, gout sufferers need to regulate their intake of purines by having a low-purine diet.
Low Purine Diet Tips
As the name implies, while on a low-purine diet, it is recommended that you reduce your consumption of high-purine foods, such as beef offal, red meat, sardines, and various types of seafood. Here are the steps:
1. Adequate intake of body fluids
When on a low-purine diet, you should meet your fluid needs by drinking at least 1.5–2 liters of water every day. The reason is, drinking water can help the body excrete excess uric acid through urine thereby preventing the formation of uric acid crystals
2. Consume fruits and vegetables
Not only that, consuming various types of fresh vegetables and fruits can also be done while on a low-purine diet. This is because vegetables can provide benefits for the body as a whole, including controlling uric acid levels in the body
Not only that, some fruits rich in vitamin C are also good for consumption while on a low-purine diet. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can relieve inflammation in gout.
However, you still need to limit consumption of certain types of green vegetables, such as asparagus, cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, and green beans, because they can increase purine levels in the body.
3. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also important as long as you are on a low-purine diet. This is because alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can increase the risk of gout by up to 6.5%.
4. Avoid eating canned food and ready-to-eat food
Canned or ready-to-eat foods, such as packaged smoked meats and sardines, are high in purines. Therefore, avoid consuming these foods while you are on a low purine diet
Instead of consuming canned food and ready-to-eat food, you can consume fresh and cooked chicken meat. Even so, limit daily consumption, yes. This is because these foods also contain purines, but not as high as canned foods and ready-to-eat foods
5. Consumption of low-fat milk
The next low-purine diet tip is to consume low-fat milk or processed products, such as yogurt. This is because the protein content in milk can help excrete uric acid through urine
6. Limit use of ready made sauces
When cooking dishes for a low-purine diet, it is recommended that you limit the use of ready-made sauces because they contain high purines, increasing the risk of recurrence of gout.
7. Limit consumption of foods high in sugar
Several studies also show that consuming excess sugar should be limited if you are on a low-purine diet. This is because sweet foods and drinks tend to contain high purine substances which can increase uric acid levels and deposition of uric acid crystals in the kidneys and joints.
In addition, while on a low-purine diet, you are also encouraged to eat a variety of nutritious foods, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, nuts and healthy oils.
If you experience high uric acid and have been on a low purine diet and treatment from a doctor but the symptoms often recur or do not go away, consult your doctor again for further treatment.
Label : Healthy living
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