Gout.

Through research, it has been shown that foods high in uric acid (purines) have contributed to the chance of developing gout or aggravating the symptoms of an existing gout sufferer. Gout can be easy to manage if you are willing to make some considerable changes to your diet. A healthy lifestyle along with these diet changes will help to control your gout (if you already have it) or prevent the disease (if you are high risk).

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia. This simply means that there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream. The disease is more common in men; however, it can also attack women. Uric acid is a waste product that is left over after the metabolism of purines and is also found in alcohol (particularly beer) and some foods.

In order to reduce the levels, a change in diet is necessary. Foods that contain high levels will need to be omitted or the very least, reduced. It is the job of the kidney to eliminate them from the body. Low amounts of purines in the diet are normally not a concern. It is when foods and alcohol high in purines are consumed in excess that the problems begin. Some people will never get the disease even though they may have high levels of uric acid in their bloodstream.

Then there are those with high levels that are more susceptible to build up. This is when crystals will form in the body and attach themselves to joints and this is what causes the pain of gout. In order to treat the disease, the idea is to relieve the chronic pain that is associated with gout and to do what is necessary to prevent attacks.

It is important that gout is diagnosed and treated before it is able to destroy the joints and lead to other long-term problems such as kidney damage. Diets low in purines can reduce uric acid build up and at the same time can assist in weight loss. Lower levels can also be attributed to weight loss.

Meats, such as beef, pork and seafood contain purines that attribute to uric acid levels being high. Some white meats have purines and should be consumed in moderation, such as chicken, ham, and bacon. These are not as bad as red meats, but still need to be controlled.

Foods, such as breads and alcohol, that are made using yeast, should also be avoided. They can produce high uric acid levels. Drinking black cherry juice, in large quantities, has been associated with reducing these levels, therefore reducing the symptoms of gout.

Some natural anti-inflammatory that have been attributed to the reduction of the chronic inflammation of gout sufferers are celery seed extract and bromelain. If you are having a gout attack add eicosapentaenoic acid and folic acid to your diet. This will help with the inflammation. Those who suffer from gout symptoms have seen an improvement by simply eliminating foods high in uric acid.

If you are willing to make a change in your life-style and diet, you could be lowering your chances of getting a painful gout attack.