Know Gout, Treat In Time! Choose Suitable Foods For Health

     Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause severe joint pain. If not treated promptly, it can negatively affect your quality of life. Today, The Orthopedic and Rheumatology Center at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is here to help you understand gout and how to choose foods that help reduce uric acid levels in the body, along with tips for adjusting your eating habits to manage gout effectively.

What is Gout?

     Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Generally, this condition results from genetics and environmental factors, leading to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, which causes pain, swelling, redness, and heat.

What Should Uric Acid Levels in the Blood Be?

• Men should have uric acid levels lower than 7 mg/dL.
• Women should have uric acid levels lower than 6 mg/dL.

Why Are Uric Acid Levels High?

The high levels of uric acid may result from the following causes:

1.  Kidney Dysfunction 

     The kidneys may be unable to excrete uric acid normally, due to genetic factors, kidney deterioration, or side effects from certain medications.

2.  A diet high in purines

     When the body breaks down purines from food, they turn into uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout or other body imbalances, causing cell and organ breakdown.

How to Manage Gout?

• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol increases uric acid levels in the blood and reduces the body’s ability to excrete it.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Those who are overweight should work towards achieving a normal weight.
• Limit purine-rich foods: These foods can raise uric acid levels in the blood.
• Moderate animal protein intake, especially organ meats. Instead, consume sufficient carbohydrates to prevent muscle protein breakdown for energy.
• Avoid high-fat foods: Fried foods, dishes cooked with a lot of oil, and fatty meats can reduce uric acid excretion.
• Opt for healthy cooking methods: Steaming, boiling, grilling, or stir-frying with minimal oil can help lower fat intake.
• Limit sugary drinks and foods with high fructose content: as these can raise uric acid levels.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to support your body’s needs.

1.  Low Purine Foods (0 – 15 mg/100g)

These foods can be consumed:

• Grains: White rice, bread, sago, corn, crackers, noodles, macaroni, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes
• Vegetables: Various vegetables (except for certain high-purine types and vegetable tops)
• Fruits: Various fruits, fruit juices
• Animal Products: Eggs (chicken, duck), cheese
• Dairy: Skim milk, low-fat milk
• Fats: Cooking oils, butter
• Other: Vinegar, jelly, gelatin, pudding, custard, and various spices

2.  Medium Purine Foods (50 - 150 mg/100g)

Limit these foods:

• Grains: Oats, red rice, unrefined rice, biscuits, wheat germ
• Vegetables: Acacia leaves, bamboo shoots, stinky beans, spinach, cauliflower, pea seeds
• Animal Products: Pork, chicken, beef, grouper, tuna, salmon, crab, ham, squid
• Fats: Peanuts

3.  High Purine Foods (More than 150 mg/100g)

Avoid these foods:

• Grains: Black beans, red beans, green beans, soybeans
• Vegetable: Acacia, cha-om (french tamarind), water spinach tips, bottle gourd tips, pumpkin tips, mushrooms
• Animal Product: Fish roe, fish offal, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, goose, shrimp, shellfish
• Other: Meat extract, bone broth, gravy, stock cubes, fish sauce, shrimp paste, yeast