One dreaded health problem is gout characterized by pain, swelling/inflammation, redness and heat in the joints commonly in the big toes. Lesser toes and ankles can also be affected. Repeated bouts lead to gouty arthritis.
When uric acid in the body is excessive, uric acid crystals build up in the soft tissues and joints after which the signs and symptoms manifest. Uric acid is produced when nucleic acid from the plants and animals we eat, are metabolized in the body. The nucleic acid of foods is in terms of their purine content. Purines contain nitrogen and are produced when nucleic acids break down in the body.
Gout is managed using a low purine diet plus a combination of drugs. Some drugs may aim at controlling inflammation and pain. Some may control uric acid levels in the blood either by controlling production or facilitating excretion. Diet is aimed at controlling uric acid and attaining or sustaining a healthy body weight.
Low purine diet entails limitation of intake of foods with moderate to high purine content. Sardines, growing organisms like yeast, fastly metabolizing tissues like liver, spleen, heart and other organ meats are highest in purine content followed by dried beans, meat like beef, chicken and some fish, seafood and shellfish including anchovies, herring, mussels, tuna, codfish, scallops. crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp. It may be impossible to avoid all these considering the benefits derived from them. Weighing benefits and risks, those of moderate purine content may be eaten once in a while or daily but in small amounts. Tables on purine content of foods can be easily searched on the internet.
It follows then that foods of low purine content are mostly vegetables, fruits and whole grains which are also recommended for general health. Complex carbohydrate-rich foods are emphasized thus sugary foods and beverages are not advised. Other recommendations include a low calorie diet if overweight or obese, reduced saturated fat, increased water intake, adequate vitamins emphasizing on vitamin C, adequate minerals. Weight reduction if overweight or obese, is also advised.
Patients with gout may be more prone to developing kidney stones. This and their medications along with other factors, predispose patients to kidney problems which in the long run, may necessitate dialysis.