6 Foods to Avoid for Gout Sufferers, Including Several Types of Vegetables and Fruits

Illustration of foods including vegetables and fruit should be avoided by people with gout (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA – Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can affect one or more joints, but is usually felt in the feet. Citing data from the Directorate General of Health Services – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Monday, December 2, the diagnosis of joint disease by health workers in Indonesia was recorded at 11.9 percent. While based on symptoms and diagnosis it reached 24.7 percent. The prevalence of gout sufferers in Indonesia varies, even at the age of 15-24 years it was recorded at 1.2 percent. Unfortunately, out of 81 gout sufferers, only 24 percent sought medical treatment.

This disease is often felt when uric acid crystallizes or accumulates in the joints. Uric acid, which functions as an antioxidant and protects the lining of blood vessels, is formed during the breakdown of organic substances found in foods called purines. The following foods should be avoided by gout sufferers, including vegetables and fruits.

1. Meat and offal

Meat including offal, liver, brain, tongue, and tripe, has high levels of purine. Organ parts should be avoided completely, but for meat, it can be eaten in limited portions. Meat that is allowed includes chicken, duck, goose, rabbit, lamb, turkey, goat, beef, and pork. According to Healthlin, broth should also be limited because it also contains high purines.

Illustration of foods including vegetables and fruits that gout sufferers should avoid (Freepik/bondarenko_rimma)

2. Fish and seafood

Some fish have a healthy profile for health. But for gout sufferers, fish with high purine levels should be avoided. These include tuna, carp, salmon, snapper, and trout. Seafood such as clams, lobster, crab, and shrimp may be consumed in small amounts.

3. Whole grains

Like fish, whole grains also contain fiber and plant protein. But grains such as wheat, bran, and oatmeal contain moderate amounts of purines so they can be consumed in moderation. Keep in mind that consuming too many whole grains can be risky for gout sufferers, so watch your portion sizes.

4. Carbohidrate

Carbohydrates contain glucose and may increase blood sugar. This is also related to high levels of uric acid. So according to research reported by Medical News Today, carbohydrate foods should only be consumed in limited quantities by gout sufferers.

5. Fruits contain fructose

Still related to blood sugar, certain fruits contain high fructose sugar. This should also be consumed in limited quantities by gout sufferers. Fruits that can be consumed in limited quantities by gout sufferers include pineapple, banana, watermelon, grapes, mango. Even so, it is better to eat it fresh than to drink it in juice form, let alone add sugar.

6. Vegetables that contain high purines

Selecting and evaluating vegetable profiles is important, especially for gout sufferers. Some vegetables contain high purines, such as asparagus, cauliflower, and spinach. However, studies have not shown that vegetables with high purines are associated with high uric acid levels or increase gout attacks.

In addition to foods including vegetables and fruits that gout sufferers should avoid as mentioned above, the principle of limiting high-carbohydrate foods and sweet drinks is important. For fresh foods, they can be consumed but in limited portions. Even rice or pasta for staple foods should also be limited. To be even healthier, it is also important to live a healthy lifestyle according to a doctor's recommendation. If possible, seek recommendations for healthy foods for gout sufferers from a dietitian or nutritionist by showing your medical history.