Gout is one of the most common diseases in our country. In the span of 20 years, the lifestyle and food habits of Americans have changed drastically, which has increased the number of people suffering from gout attacks. The presence of purines in the food you eat can increase uric acid in the bloodstream which could get deposited in the joints to cause severe pain, stiffness, and even might lead to deformation.
To prevent gout attacks, it’s essential to mind your eating habits and make some changes if necessary. If you have a family history of gout, there are high chances for the disease to get passed down to you too. Hence, visit your doctor for regular checkups to make sure the health of your kidneys is good, and there is no risk of gout formation in your joints. Adding the below foods in your diet would reduce the risk of gout:
Water
Water is a life-giving agent for all living things. The consumption of water in the right amount can help us prevent a lot of ailments including gout attacks. Water keeps the body hydrated, reduces inflammation, and allows the body to flush out all the harmful toxins such as uric acid which prevents gout attacks. Drinking about eight to nine glasses of water should be sufficient to maintain good health.
Green tea
Drinking green tea has many health benefits when you consume it every day. It can control the development of gout in the joints by treating the high uric acid levels in the blood.
Olive oil
Replace your cooking oil with cold-pressed olive oil as it contains antioxidants. It also helps in reducing the inflammation that’s caused due to uric acid.
Apple cider vinegar
Consumption of apple cider vinegar is helpful for people suffering from gout as it reduces uric acid levels in the body. Two to three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water can be taken three times a day for better results.
Apples
Having an apple every day neutralizes the uric acid as they are rich in malic acid. Apples are known to be healthy snacks for gout.
Vitamin C-enriched foods
Adding foods that are rich in vitamin C into your diet helps in maintaining the uric acid levels. Fruits or vegetables that contain vitamin C include oranges, lime, guavas, kiwi, tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, broccoli, red and green peppers, etc. You can make many healthy snacks for gout by using these vegetables and fruits.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains a high quantity of vitamin C and other antioxidants which work wonders in maintaining good health and prevent gout attacks. Grapefruits are considered healthy snacks for gout.
High-fiber foods
Eating fibrous foods is essential for maintaining good health in the body. Dietary fibers help in bringing down the levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The fibers help in the absorption of uric acid from the blood through the kidneys and eliminate the same from the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Adding omega-3 fatty acids in your diet helps in reducing the swelling and inflammation. Some foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseeds, fish such as salmon and sardines, and walnuts.
