Diet for gout concerns

DEAR DONOVAN,

I am a 78-year-old who suffers from high uric acid and gout. I’m on the anticoagulant medication Warfarin, and I am keen to engage in a diet suitable for my condition. My current diet is mainly carbohydrates and this has added to my weight increase. I do not eat eggs and I am allergic to Vitamin C. I wait in anticipation for your advice.

Gout can be described as a kind of arthritis cause by the build-up of uric acid in the joints. It is normally characterised by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints. In most cases it happens at the joint of the big toe.

Our body produces uric acid when we break down purines. Purines are found naturally in the body and in some foods like steak, organ meat and seafoods. Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can also promote high levels of uric acid.

Usually, uric acid passes from the blood and becomes a part of our urine. However, in some cases where the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys do not excrete uric acid properly, uric acid can develop in the blood which can lead to the formation of sharp uric acid crystals in the joints or surrounding tissues. This can lead to extreme pain, inflammation and swelling.

You are more likely to develop gout if there is a high level of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid is usually caused by a number of factors. These include diet. Eating a diet rich in meat, seafoods and drinking alcoholic beverages as well as drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) and other sugars have been shown to increase the levels of uric acid in the body. In addition obesity and certain other medical conditions, for example, diabetes and kidney disease, are also major risk factors for gout. Also, certain medications used to treat hypertension as well as anti-rejection drugs used in organ transplants can also increase the level of uric acid in the body.

Genetic factors also play a role in the development of gout. Gout also usually occurs more in men than women. This is because women tend to have less uric acid in their bodies than men. Men tend to develop gout between the ages 30 to 50 while women usually develop gout after menopause.

I see where you are eating a diet comprised mainly of carbohydrates. As you have found out, this kind of eating can make you fat and also increase the levels of uric acid in your body. In addition, obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease and you are already taking blood-thinning medication.

The good news is that gout can be controlled by medication, a gout-friendly diet, and lifestyle changes. For people with gout, a diet low in purines is best. This happens when purine accounts for less than 100 mg per 3.5 ounces (100g). Foods low in purines include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, dairy products, green tea, plant-based oils, and meats such as chicken, beef, pork and lamb. It should also be noted that dairy products, soy products and Vitamin C may also prevent gout attacks by reducing uric acid levels.

However, since you are allergic to Vitamin C, you would want to avoid that. It is also important to avoid organ meats such as liver and kidney. Fish such as mackerel, tuna and sardines should also be avoided. In addition, foods and juices with high fructose corn syrup should also be avoided. Also avoid white bread, rice and flour. These are usually low in nutrients and may raise the uric acid levels in the body.

Overall, losing weight, exercising more often, staying hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption can also help to reduce the uric acid in the body.

We will answer your weight-related questions

Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.