What to eat for Gout

Kidny beans or any other beans or pulses can be taken by a gout patient?
(October 12, 2010)

Gout is a medical condition that is caused by an excess concentration of uric acid in the body. When the content of uric acid in the body rises well beyond the normal level, it tends to form into crystals. These crystals tend to be lodged in various parts of the body. The joints of the body are most susceptible to the condition of gout. Arthritis is a condition that involves joint inflammation and an inability to move the joints without substantial pain.


Gout is one of the causes of arthritis. The inflammation occurs because of the presence of the uric acid crystals that limit the movement of the joint and also cause damage to the tissues within the joint. Gout is progressive and tends to get worse unless it is treated properly. The affected joints tend to suffer from long term damage and there may also be damage caused to the kidneys as the kidneys may develop uric acid deposits.

Uric acid is produced in the body when purines are broken down during the process of food digestion and absorption. Purines are found in many different foods that are regularly consumed. The body is usually able to process this uric acid easily and is generally unaffected by it. Gout occurs when there is an abnormality in the way the body handles uric acid. Initially, there will be an increase in the blood uric acid concentration without any symptoms. Symptoms then gradually develop as the uric acid begins to form crystals in the joints and tissues that it is transported to. High blood uric acid is a precursor to gout and is considered to be a sign of imminent gout.

The treatment of gout is based on a couple of different techniques. The treatment is given to alleviate the symptoms on the one hand and to correct the problem on the other. Gout cannot be completely cured in that if the patient makes no changes, the problem will continue. The body’s ability to handle uric acid will improve if there are changes made to the lifestyle of the individual. Overweight individuals should attempt to correct their weight related problems to alleviate the condition. This involves exercise and dietary modification. Exercise may be difficult in patients who have arthritis. In such a situation, there will be treatment given for the inflammation and pain, following which, exercise can be undertaken.

A person with gout must avoid foods that contain high levels of purines. These include meats and sea food. There is, however, no noted increase in risk among individuals who consume vegetables rich in purines. Therefore there is no scientific evidence to suggest a link between beans and gout. Foods with high purines may be avoidable in general. When following an improved diet for gout, the individual must consume more water as well. This will stimulate urination and help the body to filter out some of the uric acid that is present in the blood stream. Often, it is a lack of hydration coupled with a family history of gout that leads to the development of this condition in an individual.