While drug therapy is currently
considered the most effective treatment for gout, both natural and conventional medicine agree in their
recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes that encourage reduction in
uric acid forming foods and beverages. The primary drug used to treat gout,
colchicine, has no direct effect on uric acid levels, rather it works by
inhibiting the inflammatory process at the affected area. Note that recent
diet guidelines are not totally effective because uric acid levels
are determined not only by the purine content of food but also by
the rate at which the kidneys eliminate it.
DIET RECOMMENDATIONS:
Eliminate purine-containing foods:
organ meat, shellfish, oily fish such as anchovies, sardines, herring,
mackerel, beans, peas, oatmeal, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower,
mushrooms, brewers yeast (e.g. beer,) bakers yeast (eg. baked
goods and bread).
Maintain a vegetarian/fish diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits;
whole grains; broiled, baked or steamed salmon; flax seed oil or other
EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in salmon oil, olive oil, flax oil, and
nuts.
Avoid processed foods, "fast foods," "junk foods," fried foods, dairy
products, animal fats, red meat, poultry, hydrogenated oils and margarine,
sugar and white flour products (pasta and breads, crackers, cookies,
etc.), alcohol, caffeine.
NUTRITIONAL AND BOTANICAL SUPPLEMENTS:
Cherries: up to 1
pound daily (unsweetened - canned, fresh or frozen); cherries lower uric
acid levels and can prevent gout attacks; blueberries, blackberries and
other deeply pigmented berries are also helpful.
Quercitin: 200 to 400 mg a day between meals; quercitin inhibits uric
acid production.
Bromelain: 200 to 400 mg between meals or Wobenzyme: 5 tablets 3 times
a day between meals; take with quercitin for best results. These
proteolytic enzymes are anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin E: 400 IU daily.
Flax seed oil: 1 Tbs daily.
LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Alcohol can cause overproduction and
under-excretion of uric acid. So avoiding or at least limiting the
amount of alcohol one consumes can be helpful.
Eat at Regular Intervals. Plasma uric acid levels rise during
starvation so avoid going for extended periods of time without
eating.
Fluid Intake. Dehydration can trigger acute gout attacks. Drink at least 2 liters of fresh water daily.
Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to prevent kidney stones, which can develop as a result of
high uric acid levels.
Weight. Research has shown that blood uric acid levels are higher in
overweight individuals. Maintain an appropriate weight for height. If you are
overweight, moderate weight loss can reduce uric acid
levels.
Repetitive Joint Trauma. Avoid repeated trauma (e.g. tight
fitting shoes) in
areas susceptible to gout attacks.
