Archive for category Gout
Diet For Gout – The Cherry Myth
Gout pain sufferers, like many people with painful medical conditions, are continually bombarded with so called miracle cures. One of these “miracle” cures for gout centers around eating cherries. Here is why it is a myth…
Diet For Gout: Cherries Or No Cherries?
Before deciding on a diet for gout, it is important to understand the nature of this unique medical condition. Gout is a form of arthritis that results from uric acid in the body forming painful crystal like spurs in the joints. It typically affects men in their 40′s and 50′s.
Like any form of arthritis, gout is an inflammation, a painful swelling as it were. Usually, gout attacks the big toe but can affect other body parts as well. The condition is caused by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, which is worth emphasizing, because there is no miracle cure for a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. And very frankly, you should run away from anyone or anything that promises you otherwise.
Now, as for cherries and their reputation as a cure all for this painful condition. On their own, cherries, like most berries, are an excellent dietary choice. They are tasty, high in vitamins, and low in fat and calories. Yes, cherries also have some anti swelling properties, which is also true of most berries.
Adding cherries to your diet can be helpful if you suffer from gout. The key word is “can”. It is only one of many factors you will need to implement if you want to control your condition.
The Bottom Line
If someone were to ask whether or not to add cherries to their diet if they have gout, the answer would be “yes”. But don’t expect a handful of cherries to be a miracle cure. It won’t happen. Read the rest of this entry »
Gout and Citrus
Gout and citrus are a confusing combination for many people. The primary concern involves a question of whether or not citrus will contribute to gout, otherwise known as gouty arthritis. It’s a legitimate concern; doctors are pretty good at diagnosing someone with gout, but finding foods that will cater to the condition is often difficult and not spelled out. In this article, we’ll explore just how citrus affects gout as well as how certain foods contribute to the development of gout. Having this information on hand is rather important for both sufferers and relatives of sufferers, so read closely and gather all the information you can.
Gout is formed by the overwhelming presence of something called uric acid. This chemical compound is usually fed into the body in the form of alcohol (especially beer), meat, and seafood. These are the three largest contributors of uric acid into the blood stream because they contain high levels of purine, which is a chemical that breaks down into uric acid. The one simple way to answer the question regarding citrus and gout diets is that citrus does not contribute to the condition. In fact, it’s rather safe to eat and should be considered a healthy alternative to heavier foods like meat and seafood. Read the rest of this entry »