Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV September 19/00

GOUT, THE ARISTOCRATIC ACHE

Gout was once called the “aristocratic ache” because it was the royal and well-to-do who indulged in the rich foods, meats and alcoholic drinks and then suffered the pains of gout.

Now we know that people with gout are…

• unable to eliminate uric acid or they make too much of it.
• Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, which come from foods such as meats and some fish. Purines are the nucleotide bases of RNA and DNA Normally, uric acid circulates in the blood and is excreted in the urine. In people with gout, uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals that collect in your joints and soft tissues, causing pain and inflammation.
• The big toe is the most common site of attack.
• High levels of uric acid can also cause kidney stones.Gout is most common in men, but women are also prone to it after menopause.
  Control gout by reducing the amount of uric acid in your system through diet.
  Limiting the foods high in purines such as:
• Meat and poultry (especially organ meats)
• Dried beans and peas
• Fish: anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops, oysters.
• Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach and mushrooms.
• Gout is also well controlled and seemingly cured by drugs – allopurinol and probenecid. However, avoiding or limiting the foods mentioned can contribute to the effectiveness of these drugs.To help avoid gout attacks:
  1. Don’t drink alcohol. Alcoholic beverages increase uric acid levels.
  2. Limit foods with purines.
  3. Don’t fast. Fasting increases the uric acid in your blood and can bring on an attack. If you are overweight, lose weight gradually.
  4. Drink water. Consume two to three liters of water every day to help your body excrete uric acid.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!