| The pain of a gout episode has few equals. It's | | | | Mushrooms: There is some debate about the role |
| also usually a nasty surprise that attacks in the | | | | of mushrooms. Some feel that plant based |
| middle of the night. It's hard to believe that a toe | | | | proteins are safe and others point out that all |
| can render you unable to function properly, but it | | | | possible sources should be eliminated. I kind of |
| most certainly does. Walking is nearly impossible | | | | lean to the latter. Use a lot of caution. |
| and don't even think about shoes. | | | | Organ Meat: The highest amount of this |
| Once you get over the attack, prevention is going | | | | constituent is found in the organs of animals. All |
| to be high on your list. Fortunately, there are a | | | | animals. If you have gout, don't consume these |
| number of things you can do that will help. | | | | products. |
| Unfortunately, it may mean giving up some of | | | | Processed Meats: You may feel I'm being |
| your favorite foods. Many foods contain purine, | | | | redundant here to a certain extent. Many |
| which is found in protein. Purine breaks down to | | | | processed meats contain "meat byproducts" |
| uric acid, which is then filtered out by your | | | | which may translate to organs. However, all |
| kidneys. If there is too much in your body, it can't | | | | processed meats are in this category...including |
| all be filtered out, so it recirculates in the blood | | | | bacon. |
| stream. If it keeps adding up, it will develop into | | | | Seafood: Shellfish and salmon may be a part of a |
| sharp crystals and be dropped off in your joints. | | | | healthy, low fat diet, but they probably shouldn't |
| This is what causes the pain of gout. | | | | be on your dinner menu. You may also wish to |
| Asparagus: If you aren't a fan of vegetables, this | | | | use flax seed oil for your omega-3s, as the fish oil |
| may provide you the excuse you need, at least | | | | capsules can add up. |
| as far as asparagus goes. It has a couple of | | | | Your doctor may recommend that you see a |
| things that make it on the "don't consume" list. | | | | nutritionist to help you plan out a healthy diet that |
| First, it is high in purine, which may come as | | | | limits the main causes of flare ups. If you also |
| somewhat of a surprise. Second, it is a diuretic, so | | | | have other medical conditions, this becomes a |
| it may cause some problems with hydration. | | | | priority, as many of the foods recommended for |
| Beer: While technically not a food, it is a | | | | one condition can cause another. That's especially |
| commonly consumed beverage and like | | | | true of gout. Make sure your doctor knows of |
| asparagus, it has two strikes. One is the | | | | any other conditions you may have, as well as a |
| yeast...you guessed it, it's a protein. Second, the | | | | complete list of medications and supplements. |
| alcohol content is bound to create hydration | | | | That will go a long way towards preventing future |
| problems, as it is an even more potent diuretic. | | | | flare ups. |