Superfoods to Help Relieve Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis, caused when the level of uric acid in the body rises. Eventually, this uric acid may get deposited in the joints in the form of crystals. These uric acid crystals may accumulate in the joints to cause arthritis. This uric acid is biosynthesized from purine-rich foods. Once uric acid is formed, it is excreted through urine. Gout is caused when the uric acid is not eliminated and the level builds up in the blood.
Since the up-regulation of uric acid relies upon the food that we intake, a proper check on the diet can reduce the recurrence of the disease. There are some foods that have been accepted to be beneficial to cure and prevent gouty arthritis. These foods are regarded as superfoods that help reduce gout symptoms:
1. Apples
Apples are flushed with malic acid, which functions to neutralize the effect of elevated uric acid present in the blood. Thus, the patients can include apples in their daily diet to get relief from joint pain.
2. Lime juice
Lime is composed of citric acid that regulates the levels of uric acid. It makes the uric acid soluble and brings down the level of uric acid accumulated in the blood. Taking in the juice of half a lime every day is enough to get the desired results.
3. Cherries
Cherries have anthocyanins, an anti-inflammatory substance that works to minimize the level of uric acid. Tart cherry juice can be helpful in preventing the crystallization of uric acid. Cherries can work like a miracle to prevent pain and inflammation.
4. Vitamin C
Some of the foods that are rich in Vitamin C can maintain the level of uric acid in the body. This is done by disintegrating the uric acid by catalytic pathways. The uric acids are then flushed out of the body. The vitamin C rich foods include guava, kiwi, amla, tomato, and orange.
5. Berries
Some berries like blueberries and strawberries are included in gout diet as they are effective in reducing the level of uric acid. Berries also have anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Food with high fiber
High fiber-containing foods are helpful in maintaining the level of uric acid. By consuming a high level of fiber, the body absorbs the uric acid present in the blood. Thus, the excess amount of uric acid is taken up by the kidneys. Some examples of high fiber foods are broccoli, celery, barley, and carrots.
7. Green tea
Hyperuricemia is lowered by the daily consumption of green tea. The uric acid conversion to crystalline form is prevented by green tea. Thus, recurrence of painful symptoms is also prevented.
8. Juice of fresh vegetables
Some vegetables like cucumber and beetroot are helpful in clearing the levels of uric acid from the blood. Thus, the crystallization of uric acid is reduced, minimizing the chances of having gout pain.
9. Pinto beans
Pinto beans contain folic acid that is helpful to naturally lower the level of uric acid. This can also be achieved by taking lentils or sunflower seeds.