Q: I am trying to find out what kind of foods are good to eat to help your body if you have gout.
A: To relieve the pain of gout, there must be a way to eliminate the uric acid that has accumulated in the body. Normally, the body eliminates enough uric acid in the urine or through the intestines to keep its concentration at a healthy level. In people with gout, however, the body either produces excessive amounts of uric acid or its ability to eliminate uric acid is impaired in some way. In either case, the high concentration results in its crystallization within the joints and possibly in other areas of the body.
For current attacks of gout, one of the best natural therapies to reduce the pain and inflammation is black cherry juice. Black cherry juice neutralizes uric acid. Fresh cherries and fresh strawberries also help neutralize uric acid, as do nuts, seeds, and grains, although to a lesser extent. For long-term relief of gout symptoms, changes in diet are suggested, most especially eliminating or reducing consumption of foods that are high in uric acid.
Foods that contain uric acid include:
- All meats (including organ meats)
- Alcohol
- Fried foods
- Roasted nuts
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Mussels
- Sardines
- Mushrooms
- Food made from or containing refined white flour.
The foods listed above carry differing amounts of uric acid. If you suffer from gout, you will be able to determine which foods you can tolerate and which foods you must avoid by keeping a food diary.
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