What is Gout?
Picture this: you're at a family barbeque, the sun is shining, children are playing, and you're surrounded by laughter and love. A plate is handed to you, loaded with your favorite foods; sizzling steak, crisp beer-battered fish, and a cold beer to wash it all down. But as you reach for that first mouth-watering bite, a pang of pain shoots through your joint, a harsh reminder of your gout.
Gout, a form of arthritis, can rob you of life's simple pleasures. It's a condition characterized by sudden, severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. Living with gout can be a lifelong battle, a struggle between the food you love and the pain you dread.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops in some people who have high levels of uric acid in the blood. The acid can form needle-like crystals in a joint and cause sudden, severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling. When trying to lose weight or on weight loss medication, it's important to understand how having gout can impact your lifestyle and the way you attain your goals.
Five Foods You SHOULD NOT To Eat With Gout (And Some Five You Can Have)
Just like those on weight loss medication or those undergoing a weight loss journey, people with gout are often advised to make dietary changes to help manage their symptoms and lower their uric acid levels. It's important to note that diet alone might not be enough to manage gout, and medication is often necessary.
Here is a brief list of foods that are generally recommended to avoid or limit in a gout-friendly diet:
High-purine foods:
Purines are natural substances found in all of the body's cells and in virtually all foods. They are compounds that play a crucial role in our biology, serving as building blocks for DNA and RNA, and contributing to the energy metabolism of cells.
In the process of breaking down purines, the body produces uric acid. While uric acid is typically eliminated through urine, in certain circumstances, the body produces more uric acid than it can excrete, or it doesn't excrete enough. This results in higher levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout.
Suppose you have gout and are undergoing weight loss medication for your weight loss journey. It's important to note the foods high in purine to make sure you reach your goals and you continue to monitor your own health. Foods with high purine content can accelerate this process and increase the level of uric acid in the blood. Here's a bit more detail on some of the high-purine foods:
Organ meats (offal): These include the kidneys, liver, heart, and other organs of animals. They are often used in traditional cooking or in certain delicacies. Despite their nutritional benefits, such as being high in iron and protein, their high purine content can exacerbate gout symptoms.
Certain seafood: Fish like mackerel, herring, and anchovies, as well as shellfish like mussels and scallops, are high in purines. Although fish and shellfish have many health benefits, individuals with gout may need to limit their intake of these foods.
Alcohol
Even in non-gout cases for weight loss and weight management, alcohol is advised to be taken in moderation. Alcohol, especially beer, can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. It's recommended to limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
Alcohol, particularly beer, has long been recognized as a trigger for gout attacks. Here's a deeper dive into how alcohol can affect gout:
Increased uric acid production: Alcohol is metabolized (broken down) in the body by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. This metabolism results in the formation of lactic acid. High levels of lactic acid in the blood can inhibit the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys because both are competing for the same transport mechanisms in the kidney. This can lead to an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the body.
Purine content: Apart from the fact that alcohol metabolism impacts uric acid levels, some types of alcohol, notably beer, have a high purine content. Beer is rich in guanosine, a type of purine, which is broken down into uric acid in the body. Thus, beer not only contributes to the production of uric acid but also limits its excretion, a double whammy for gout sufferers.
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine output. This can potentially lead to dehydration, which further reduces the kidneys' ability to remove uric acid from the body.
The current recommendation for people with gout, or those at risk of developing gout, is to limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether, especially during gout flares. Moderation is key. For men, that typically means no more than two standard drinks a day, and for women, no more than one. If you have gout and are considering taking weight loss pills or weight loss medication, make sure to see a specialist before taking any steps.
Sugary drinks and foods
Whenever we try to lose weight, it's always being advised to go easy on the sugar-laden products. This holds true even for gout. Fructose-sweetened drinks and foods can increase uric acid levels. This includes soda, fruit juices with added sugar, and sweets. Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruits and honey but also added to many processed foods and drinks, including soda, candies, pastries, and some fruit juices. It's the only carbohydrate known to increase uric acid levels, which is why it's significant in the context of gout.
Let's look deeper into how and why fructose-sweetened foods and drinks can affect uric acid levels:
Fructose Metabolism: Unlike glucose, which can be metabolized by every cell in our body, fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver. As part of the metabolic process, it is converted into a form that can enter the pathway for the production of uric acid. Thus, the more fructose we consume, the more uric acid our bodies might produce.
Obesity: Overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for gout because it can increase the body's production of uric acid and also make it harder for the kidneys to eliminate uric acid.
In light of these facts, it's often recommended to limit the intake of sugary drinks like soda and processed foods high in added sugars. Notably, fruit juices, even those 100% made from fruit, can contain as much sugar as soft drinks. Whole fruits, despite containing fructose, do not seem to increase the risk of gout and gout attacks, possibly due to their high fiber content and other beneficial nutrients.
As always, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to get personalized advice on managing your diet in relation to gout, or if you have any concerns regarding the usage of weight loss medication or weight loss pills. This information is based on general dietary guidelines and may not be suitable for everyone.
Red meat and processed meats
Red meat is just one of those terms that pops up whenever you browse weight loss help sections or are considering a weight loss program. But did you know it's advised to go easy on red meat if you have gout, too?
Red meat and processed meats are dietary sources of purines, a group of compounds that your body breaks down into uric acid. Higher levels of uric acid can accumulate in your body, sometimes forming crystals in your joints, which is the underlying cause of gout.
Red meat: This includes beef, pork, and lamb. While they're a source of high-quality protein and important nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, they're also high in purines. Studies have suggested a link between high intake of red meat and an increased risk of gout.
Processed meats: Processed meats such as sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and ham often have added purines during processing. They're also high in sodium and can contribute to other health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease when consumed in excess.
It's important to balance these sources of protein with plenty of non-starchy vegetables and whole grains for a rounded, nutritious diet. As with all dietary changes, it's best to discuss these with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to create a plan that suits your individual needs and preferences. Should you wish to lose weight or take weight loss medications, even with gout, the best course of action is to consult with a weight loss specialist. Please note, everyone's response to food can vary, so it's important to pay attention to your body's reactions and adjust your diet accordingly.
Refined carbs
If you've ever decided to embark on a weight loss journey, you might've considered cutting out refined carbs. After all, it's a commonly advised tip since complex carbohydrates keep you fuller longer. But apart from weight loss, did you know that the same also applies for gout cases?
Refined carbohydrates, or "refined carbs," are grains that have been processed and stripped of their natural fiber and nutrients. Common examples of foods made with refined carbs include white bread, pasta, rice, pastries, cookies, and many packaged snack foods. Here's a deeper look at how these foods relate to gout and uric acid levels:
Increased Uric Acid Levels: Some studies have suggested a link between intake of refined carbs and increased uric acid levels. This is believed to be because the consumption of refined carbs can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which in turn may increase uric acid production.
Whole Grains: Unlike refined grains, whole grains include all parts of the grain — the bran, germ, and endosperm. Foods made from these grains are rich in fiber and other beneficial compounds. They tend to be digested more slowly and thus don't lead to quick spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Examples include whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal. Replacing refined grains with whole grains can be a beneficial step for overall health and for managing conditions like gout.
Just like being on a weight loss program or taking weight loss medication, it is advisable to seek help from a weight loss specialist and a registered nutritionist dietitian should you wish to take weight loss pills or embark on a weight loss journey with gout. Remember, each journey is unique and should be tailor fit to your needs.
What Can I Eat If I Have Gout?
People with gout can still enjoy a varied and balanced diet. Here are some foods that are generally good choices for those with gout:
Complex Carbohydrates: Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, should be the mainstay of your diet. These foods are high in fiber and can help control blood sugar and insulin levels.
Lean Proteins: Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, tofu, and low-fat dairy products can be good choices. They provide necessary proteins without the high purine content found in red and processed meats.
Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats in your diet from sources like avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds. These can help provide satiety and are generally low in purines.
Dairy: Low-fat or non-fat dairy products can actually have a protective effect against gout, according to some research. This includes foods like skim milk and low-fat yogurt.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help remove uric acid from your body and prevent gout flare-ups.
Cherries: Cherries have been studied for their potential to reduce uric acid levels and gout attacks. More research is needed, but it's a tasty addition to your diet if you enjoy them.
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and are relatively low in purines, making them a good choice for those with gout.
Legumes: Legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas can be a good source of protein and are less likely to increase uric acid levels compared to certain animal proteins.
Remember, it's not just about individual foods, but about maintaining a balanced diet overall. What works for one person might not work for another, so it's important to pay attention to your body's responses and to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice. Lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and taking prescribed medications are also important aspects of managing gout.
Again, it is important to note that should you need assistance regarding weight loss or weight gain, or taking weight loss medication, that each journey is unique and should be tailor-fit to each individual's lifestyle-every component of which. Only then can a weight loss program or weight loss medication be truly effective.
Take Control Of Your Lifestyle And Reach Your Goals
Ready to take control of your weight and make lasting changes? Don't hesitate to seek guidance from professionals who can provide expert advice tailored to your unique needs. Reach out to a weight specialist and a registered nutritionist dietitian today. Whether you're looking to shed those extra pounds, gain weight in a healthy way, or explore weight loss medication options, they are here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by scheduling a consultation now. Your weight loss journey starts here!