I am 47 years old, have gout, recently the cold weather has made my joint pain worse. What should I eat to improve the symptoms? (Van Hung, Vinh Phuc)
Reply:
Gout is caused by the deposition of urate crystals (sodium urate) or uric acid crystals causing arthritis, commonly found in men over 40 years old. The disease often has flare-ups, recurring many times and then becoming chronic.
On cold days, the symptoms of gout and other bone and joint diseases can be worse. The reason is that cold weather causes tendons and muscles to contract, joint fluid to thicken, making the joints stiff, painful, and difficult to move. Uric acid deposits in the joints also cause swelling and pain.
People with gout should eat enough protein according to the recommended needs but reduce purines to reduce uric acid formation in the body. Foods high in purines include seafood (anchovies, sardines, herring, caviar), beef, pork, poultry, smoked meat, ham, animal fat, bone broth. The daily meat and fish portion should not exceed 150g.
The diet of gout patients should be low in fat, not exceeding 30% of total energy needs; increase carbohydrates and green vegetables in the diet. Foods with antioxidant effects should be selected such as pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries... Patients should prioritize alkaline foods, low-fat milk, and plant-based proteins to help reduce blood uric acid levels.
Drink enough water (about three liters per day), drink more mineral water to help increase uric acid excretion through the kidneys. Do not drink alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and fructose-sweetened soft drinks.
People with gout should avoid snacking between meals and eat dinner three hours before going to bed to prevent the accumulation of purines in the body. Cooking food by boiling or stewing (especially meat) is better than frying or grilling.
In addition to a scientific diet, gout and osteoarthritis patients can supplement with natural essences such as eggshell membrane, undenatured collagen type 2, hydrolyzed collagen peptide, turmeric root, chondroitin sulfate... These nutrients help relieve pain, regenerate cartilage, protect synovial membranes, increase joint strength and flexibility. Gout patients should see a musculoskeletal and nutrition specialist for further advice on a scientific diet.
People with suspected signs of gout or arthritis such as swelling, heat, redness, pain in the joints of the big toe, ankles, knees... should see a doctor soon.
Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System
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