The Best Vegetables To Eat To Lower Uric Acid And Prevent Gout – Health Digest

As our bodies break down the food and drink that we consume, a waste product known as uric acid is formed. This product is generally eliminated from the body when we urinate, but in some cases, too much uric acid can build up. When that happens, it can crystallize and cause such painful conditions as kidney stones and gout. (Here are some popular medications that increase your risk of gout.)

The good news is that high uric acid in the body can be managed by some dietary changes. High levels of uric acid are caused by purines, natural substances found in most foods at varying levels. Eating a low-purine diet can be a great way to manage uric acid in the body. Vegetables such as cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, and bay leaves are very helpful in lowering uric acid levels. However, there are some vegetables that should be avoided. Asparagus and peas, for example, are high in uric acid and could possibly raise your risk of gout. 

Gout can come on suddenly and is often marked by sharp, painful symptoms. These symptoms can include intense pain in the joints, often in the big toe. It can also impact the ankles, wrists, elbows, and other joints throughout the body. The pain is severe at the outset and, in some cases, can last up to 12 hours. Additionally, a person suffering from gout can also experience redness, tenderness, and swelling at the site of the affected joint or joints (here are some signs your swollen feet might require a trip to the doctor). 

Patients who are suffering from gout should make a dietary switch to foods that are high in fiber and low in purines. Leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard are the best way to go, but cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are good dietary options for gout sufferers. However, you should always consult with your doctor if you are experiencing gout attacks and discuss any dietary changes with him or her. 

Once you have gout, there is no cure for it. The symptoms can only be managed, but the attacks will lessen as you adopt a diet and lifestyle conducive to managing your levels of uric acid. In addition to adding healthy vegetables to your diet, you can help stave off gout (or manage your condition if it has already set in) by avoiding such things as sugary drinks, excessive alcohol, and certain meats such as liver, goose, venison, and veal. 

In addition to dietary changes, exercise and fitness are key to gout prevention and management. Weight gain and obesity are also factors in developing gout, and losing weight can be a good way to keep uric acid levels under control. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, running, and cycling are all good ways to keep both weight and uric acid levels down. However, if you are already experiencing gout symptoms, you may want to limit your exercise regimen to more low-impact workouts like swimming or water aerobics to limit the strain on your joints.