Uric acid is a chemical our body creates when it breaks down the purines, a substance naturally produced by the body and found in certain foods and drinks. Uric acid gets dissolved in the blood and reaches the kidneys, from where it passes out of the body through the process of urination. It is essential for the uric acid to pass out of the body as when it remains in the blood, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a condition that can further lead to gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful flare-ups in the joints, especially in the big toe. Along with painful flare-ups, gout also causes swelling and pain the ankles, feet, wrists, and elbows. Treating gout becomes an essential part of the illness as it can alter one’s quality of life and cause permanent damage to the joints and kidneys. While a person is undergoing treatments for gout, they can start following a certain type of diet that supports the treatment and provides relief from the pain gout causes.

An excess of uric acid in the blood causes gout; uric acid is created when purines are broken down. Given that purine is a substance that is also found in certain foods, it is important to understand that foods that contain purine in large quantity can cause the excess formation of uric acid in the body. The high amount of purines is majorly found in fatty red meats, seafood, certain vegetables like cauliflower, peas, beans, and mushrooms. People who have a high content of uric acid or have gout can, therefore, follow a diet that helps find from the pain and other symptoms of gout. Some common gout symptoms can be subdued upon following a diet include intense joint pain, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and limited joints or body movements.

Foods that help control gout symptoms

There are certain foods that can relieve gout symptoms. Discussing different foods and diets with a doctor or nutrition can help one create a diet they can follow for this purpose. Doctors and nutritionists often ask the patient to eat more gout friendly foods. Some foods and tips that can relieve gout are mentioned below:  

1. Vegetables
Sticking to vegetables that don’t contain purine can not only provide relief from gout symptoms, but also promote one’s overall health. One can eat plenty of cabbage, red bell pepper, lentils, and legumes.  

2. Cherries
Cherries are a great source of Anthocyanins, that make give cherries anti-inflammatory properties. Cherries are therefore considered as great food to eat to relieve gout pain.

3. Fruits
Vitamin C is often recommended by doctors and nutritionists as it helps lower uric acid. Eating fruits, especially vitamin C rich fruits can help one relieve gout pain

4. Healthy fats
Healthy fat foods include avocados, cheese, dark chocolates, certain fish, chia seeds, olive oil, nuts, and more. These foods contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial for the body; they are also easy on the kidneys.

5. Avoiding or limiting red meat
Red meat can cause the kidneys to work extra to process, which can make it prone to damage and result in excess uric acid in the bloodstream. Eating animal organs can also cause a similar problem in the body.