Gout: What to Avoid Eating and Symptoms to Watch For

March 2, 2024

Gout is a very troublesome disease. In the past, it was called the "royal disease" because most gout patients were those who indulged in rich and luxurious foods. With the abundance of food in China, gout has become more prevalent. So, what should gout patients avoid eating?


What should gout patients avoid eating?

Firstly, gout patients should avoid foods that are high in fat, as an increase in fat can reduce the excretion of uric acid, leading to elevated blood lipids. Therefore, we must not casually consume fatty foods to prevent unexpected gout attacks.

Secondly, gout patients should avoid eating animal offal, bone marrow, seafood, and fermented foods, as these foods contain a large amount of purines which are not beneficial for the stomach when consumed in excess.

If you are a lover of alcohol, you need to take a break for the next two days. Alcohol consumption is the most common cause of gout symptoms because alcohol contains lactic acid accumulation in the body. Therefore, drinking alcohol can easily trigger gout, which everyone should be aware of.

In addition, during gout attacks, we must drink plenty of water to replenish fluids. This promotes the excretion of uric acid. Also, when eating, we should avoid consuming excessively salty or spicy foods, such as hot pot.

What are the symptoms of gout?

1. Arthritis

During the acute phase of a gout attack, uric acid levels in the body suddenly increase, forming uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joints and bones, causing severe pain. Generally, the pain gradually disappears after three days, but if it does not subside, it may recur and cause more widespread and intense symptoms.

2. Bone damage

If gout is severe, it can lead to chronic gouty arthritis, characterized by persistent dull pain. Uric acid crystal deposits accumulate in the joints, muscles, and bones, causing symptoms such as bone damage. These symptoms worsen when walking or exercising, so proper rest is necessary for relief.

3. Joint swelling and pain spread

During a gout attack, joint swelling and pain often occur and may persist for several days before gradually subsiding. However, as the condition worsens, the joint pain becomes more severe and spreads to more areas. The surface of the skin may produce dark red, hard substances that can spread to the tarsal joint.

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