* Gout is a Joint Disease
Gout, defined as the "disease of the rich" due to the effect of excessive consumption of red meat and animal protein, is a joint disease. It is mostly seen in men over the age of 40. Very rarely, it may develop in older post-menopausal women. Gout can also cause other health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. It has its place.
* Gout Occurs from Excess Uric Acid in Our Body
Uric acid is a destruction that occurs as a result of the digestion of foods containing purines in our body and is found in the blood of every healthy individual. is the product. Excess uric acid in the blood accumulates in the structures in and around the joints and causes inflammation there. It occurs in the form of pain, sensitivity, redness and swelling in the joints.
* Why Does Uric Acid Increase in the Blood?
Due to excessive production of uric acid and low excretion from the kidneys, It may be caused by excessive intake of purines, which turn into uric acid in the body, with some foods.
*Men are 20 Times More at Risk than Women
Those at risk of gout disease;
- Those with a family history of gout,
- Those who consume too much purine-rich foods,
- Those who consume too much alcohol,
- Those who are overweight,
- Those who have undergone surgery, (even a simple intervention such as tooth extraction can cause it)
- Those who have had sudden and severe illness,
- Those who have undergone chemotherapy,
- Those who use diuretics, (Diuretics are drugs that remove fluid from the body)
*It is the most painful of all types of rheumatism
Gout disease can occur if not intervened. causes severe pain. Mostly the big toe is affected. In addition, joints such as elbows, knees and wrists may be affected. If treatment is delayed, joints and kidneys will be affected and kidney stones may form.
* How to Treat?
- Diet
- Medication
- Surgery (very rare)
* Gout attack Aspirin should never be used during treatment.
Aspirin, which is seen as a panacea, is not useful in gout and may even be harmful. It enriches the acidic environment in our blood, reduces uric acid excretion through the kidneys, and triggers gout attacks. Similarly, all drugs that make the blood environment acidic can trigger this disease.
*The Most Frequently Recommended Diet for Gout
It is a Purine-Low Diet. This diet ensures that foods that cause the production of large amounts of uric acid are consumed in moderation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Restrict Purine-Rich Foods
Foods containing purines, such as meat, fish and poultry, should not be consumed during acute attack periods. Once the acute attack periods have passed, these nutrients can be given in small amounts (60 g/day). Milk, cheese, eggs are the best sources of protein in a purine-restricted diet. Below you will find a list of some low and high purine foods.
- Low Purine Foods Suitable for Gout Diet:
- Fruits – (Especially cherries and strawberries)
- Vegetables (other than those mentioned below)
- Grains
- White bread / crackers (not all wheat)
- Rice
- Cereals and grains products
- All types of cheese
- Foods Containing High Purine Not Suitable for Gout Diet:
- Giblets (such as liver, kidney, tripe, heart, tongue…)
- Excessive red and white meat
- Fish and seafood
- Peas, lentils, beans, spinach and legumes
- Yeast foods
- Mushroom
- Asparagus
2. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Since alcohol consumption can also increase the uric acid level, alcohol should not be consumed or consumed in limited amounts.
3. Maintain Your Ideal Weight
Unconscious diets can cause the disease to worsen.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
You should drink plenty of water to prevent uric acid from being excreted and accumulating in the tissues.
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