Gout

Gout (also called gouty arthritis, Greek name: podagra, from pod - foot and agra - trap) is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. It is an intensely painful disease, which in most cases affects only one joint (monoarthritis), most commonly the big toe.

Diet

Low purine diet :

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• To lower uric acid:
• cherries have been shown to reduce uric acid
• strawberries or blueberries (and other dark red/blue berries) are also reputed to be beneficial
• celery extracts (celery or celery seed either in capsule form or as a tea) is believed by many to reduce uric acid levels.
• limit meats to one serving a day
• Food to avoid:
• foods high in purines, that is, high in protein
• sweetbreads, kidneys, liver, brains, or other offal meats
• sardines
• anchovies
• alcohol, especially beer because brewer's yeasts are very rich in purine.
• meat extracts, consommés, and gravies
• diet sodas (these act as diuretics in many people, causing uric acid to concentrate in the blood which can then easily precipitate)
• To avoid dehydration:
• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to dilute and assist excretion of urates;
• Use sparingly diuretic foods or medicines like aspirin, vitamin C, tea and alcohol.
• Folklore has it that Joe-Pye weed flushes uric acid quickly, but continued use can damage the liver or kidneys
• Another folk remedy is the use of oenomel, a drink with honey and unfermented grape juice.
• Moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables is not associated with increased gout (Choi et al 2004)