Wellness and Healthy Tips

Patients with high levels of uric acid in the blood (gout), had to be careful about food. A diet that is done, must meet the following requirements:

1. Purine restriction 

If there has been a swelling of the joints, then the patient should do Gout purine-free diet. But because almost all protein sources contain nucleoprotein then this is almost impossible. So what should be done is to limit the intake of purine, to be 100-150 mg per day (on a normal diet, usually contains 600-1000 mg purine per day).

2. Calories as needed 

The amount of calorie intake should be adjusted to the body's needs based on height and weight. Gout sufferers who are overweight, weight should be lowered, but with due regard to the amount of calorie intake. Calorie intake that too little can also increase uric acid levels due to ketones which will reduce the release of uric acid through urine.

3. Diets high in carbohydrates 

Complex carbohydrates such as rice, wheat, bread, and cassava is very good to be consumed by patients with gout because it will increase spending on uric acid through urine. This complex carbohydrate consumption should not be less than 100 grams per day. Types of simple carbohydrates like sugar fructose, candy, cotton candy, and syrup should be avoided because the fructose will increase levels of uric acid in the blood.

4. Diets low in protein

Proteins, mainly from animals, can increase levels of uric acid in the blood. Source of animal protein foods that contain high amounts, such as liver, kidney, brain, lung and spleen. The recommended protein intake for people with gout are as much as 50-70 grams / day or 0.8 to 1 gram / ​​kilogram body weight / day. The recommended source of protein is animal protein derived from milk, cheese and eggs.

5. Low-fat diet 

Fat may inhibit the excretion of uric acid through urine. Fried foods, containing coconut milk, margarine and butter should be avoided. Fat consumption should be as much as 15 percent of total calories.

6. Drink plenty of water 

High fluid intake, can help remove uric acid through urine. Therefore, you are advised to drink at least 2.5 liters or 10 cups a day. Drinking water can be either boiled water, tea, or coffee. Apart from the drinks, the fluid can be obtained from fresh fruits that contain lots of water. Fruits that are recommended are watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, pineapple, sweet star fruit, guava and water. In addition to these fruits, other fruits also may be consumed because of fruits are very low in purines. Fruits that should be avoided is the avocado and durian, because both have a high fat content.

7. Stay away from alcoholic beverages 

Based on the research it is known that uric acid levels of those who consume alcohol are higher than those who did not consume alcohol. This is because alcohol will increases plasma lactic acid. This lactic acid will inhibit spending uric acid from the body.