Cebu City - One of the troubles with middle-aged groups up to the elderlies is the condition of painful swelling of the joints or arthritis. That usually is an indication that your joints are about to wear down or give up their integrity. In the dietary world, this indicates high uric acid in the blood.
When uric acid is high upon having your biochemical blood studies, then you will most likely develop gout arthritis if not treated. A common form of inflammatory arthritis, gout is very painful. This is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body. This situation is another example of too much of everything will harm you. Factors contributing to this health condition are dietary habits which we tend to underestimate or tolerate food items that contain high content of uric acid resulting in long-term detrimental health effects.
Food high in purine or uric acid include alcoholic beverages, organ meats (liver, other internal organs), some fish and shellfish like sardines, mussels, etc. (arthritis.org). Intake of high-purine foods must be taken in moderation once diagnosed with gout or arthritis. Specifically, daily intake should not be more than 300mg of uric acid.
A gout diet may help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. It is not a cure but may lower the risk of recurring gout attacks and slow the progression of joint damage. However, medication is still needed to manage pain and to lower levels of uric acid. Follow the recommended healthy diet principles to help manage gout:
If overweight, reduce weight. Being overweight increases the risk of developing gout, and losing weight lowers the risk of gout. Research suggests that reducing the number of calories and losing weight — even without a purine-restricted diet — lower uric acid levels and reduce the number of gout attacks. Losing weight also lessens the overall stress on joints.
Choose complex carbs. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods and beverages with high-fructose corn syrup, and limit consumption of naturally sweet fruit juices.
Stay well-hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
Reduce intake of saturated fats from red meat, fatty poultry, and high-fat dairy products.
Focus on lean meat and poultry, low-fat dairy, and lentils as sources of protein.
The key to preventing gout arthritis or other health issues is awareness and accessing accurate information from reliable sources. It is also important that you practice what you learn and have an optimistic attitude towards a healthful lifestyle as this is part of the pathway to be optimally healthy. Consult with a licensed Nutritionist to assist you in your journey for a joint pain-free body through nutrition. It takes a while to discipline and limit cravings, but persistence can go a long way toward positive health results. // NO I Gab Flores, RND
