Gout, a type of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid in the body, causes severe pain and inflammation and mostly affects the big toe. Uric acid is produced by the body when foods containing purine are digested. So, avoiding the consumption of certain foods and including other beneficial foods can help manage the condition better. Here’s what to eat when suffering from gout:

• Legumes, vegetables, and fruits: Kids, and even adults at times, are repeatedly asked to finish the vegetables on their plate. Well, this is not without good reason. One must aim to eat a healthy dose of low-purine vegetables while going easy on the moderate- and high-purine content ones. For instance, beetroot, kailan, cabbage, and squash do not spike the uric acid levels when digested, but cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, and mushrooms are best consumed in moderation.
• Whole grains: Fibrous foods are among the most beneficial dietary choices if one is wondering what to eat when suffering from gout. Whole-grain foods contain complex carbohydrates that allow the body to digest the food slowly. Though they contain a moderate amount of purine, the benefits of eating whole foods far outweigh the risks. Several lifestyle-related diseases like heart attacks, hypertension, and cholesterol can be prevented by following a diet rich in complex carbohydrates. Limiting the consumption of foods high on the glycemic index, like white bread, pasta, and white rice, results in lower uric acid levels.
• Dairy products: The question of “what to eat when suffering from gout” need not have a complicated answer. It is all about understanding the right foods and sticking to a healthy dietary plan. One can opt to have a big glass of low-fat milk to reduce the chances of a gout flare-up. Not to mention, it encourages the excretion of uric acid through urine and lowers the uric acid levels in the body. So, if one is looking for the right foods to add to their diet to manage the symptoms of gout, cottage cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, cheddar, and other American cheeses are great options. That being said, it’s important to ensure that one is buying the real deal, as substitutes may prove to be counterproductive.
• Healthy fats: Walnuts, flax seeds, almonds, and cashews are all examples of low-purine foods that are beneficial for gout patients. These nuts pack a punch as they have a ton of anti-inflammatory acids and are rich in protein and fiber that work in favor of gout patients. If one is constantly wondering what to eat when suffering from gout, these nuts make for great snack options and keep one feeling full for longer.

So, adding these foods to the daily diet of people with gout can prove beneficial to manage the condition and improve one’s quality of life.