Diet myths about gout run deep. People used to call it the “disease of kings” because they thought it was caused by the rich eating too much, but if you’ve ever had gout, you know it’s not very royal.
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The truth is much more complicated, however. Up to 4% of American adults have gout each year, and rising rates of obesity increase our risk. But don’t believe everything you hear when it comes to diet advice and gout. Diet matters — but not always in the way you think. Rheumatologist Scott Burg, DO, shares more insight into this common affliction.
Gout is a common form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints leading to inflammation and intense pain. While a gout attack often starts suddenly the high uric acid levels build up over time. Making dietary changes can help lower uric acid and reduce gout attacks. But with so many foods to avoid, you may wonder – is turkey sausage bad for gout?
What is Gout?
Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines. Purines are natural substances found in many foods. They are also made by the body.
Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood and passed out of the body in urine. But in people with gout, uric acid builds up and crystallizes in the joints This causes sudden attacks of pain and swelling, often in the big toe
While a gout attack will go away on its own, over time gout can cause permanent joint damage. Dietary changes and medications can help prevent attacks and reduce pain during flares.
Purines in the Gout Diet
Since purines lead to the production of uric acid, limiting purine-rich foods is recommended on a gout diet. The following foods are highest in purines:
- Organ meats like liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads
- Game meats
- Fatty cuts of beef, pork, and lamb
- Certain seafood like sardines, anchovies, scallops, trout, mackerel, and tuna
- Beer and liquor
Foods with moderate amounts of purines include
- Beef, pork, and bacon
- Salmon, halibut, and snapper
- Turkey and chicken
- Asparagus, spinach, peas, mushrooms and cauliflower
While these foods aren’t as high in purines, portion control is still important for people with gout.
Is Turkey Sausage Bad for Gout?
Many people with gout can still enjoy poultry like chicken and turkey in moderation. In fact, replacing some red meats with poultry may even help lower gout risk.
Turkey contains fewer purines than beef, pork, and shellfish. Having 3-4 ounces of turkey a few times per week is usually fine. But because foods affect people differently, some with gout may need to limit poultry more.
What about processed turkey like sausage? The answer depends on a few factors:
Turkey vs. Other Meats: Turkey sausage contains less purines than pork or beef sausage. If you enjoy sausage, turkey is the best option.
Ingredients: Check the ingredients list on turkey sausage. Some contain added beef or pork, which provide more purines. Read labels and look for turkey-only options.
Preparation: Fried and fatty meats are more problematic for gout. Grilled, baked or boiled turkey sausage is best. Avoid breaded turkey sausage or pre-cooked options, which tend to be higher in fat.
Portion Size: With any meat, portions matter with gout. Having a few slices of turkey sausage at breakfast is fine. But avoid overdoing portions at meals.
Weight Loss: Being overweight increases uric acid levels. If eating turkey sausage leads to weight gain, it could indirectly increase gout risks. Be mindful of calories and portions.
Tips for Following a Gout Diet
Aside from limiting purine-rich foods, there are other helpful tips for managing gout with diet:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration increases uric acid levels.
- Limit sugar and refined carbs like desserts, sweetened beverages, white bread, and white pasta. These contribute to high insulin levels which make gout worse.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps remove uric acid.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as excess fat worsens gout.
- Limit alcohol intake, especially beer, since alcohol increases uric acid levels.
- Consider a vitamin C supplement, which can help lower uric acid levels. Check with your doctor on dosage.
Along with diet, gout medications help reduce uric acid levels and prevent recurrent attacks. With the right lifestyle, medications, and dietary changes like limiting purine-rich foods, many people can manage gout effectively. Work with your health providers to develop the best gout diet and treatment plan for your needs.
Is high fructose corn syrup a problem?
Yes, absolutely. Because it makes your body make more uric acid, high-fructose corn syrup is known to make gout worse. It’s also used in far more pre-packaged and processed foods than you might think. When you’re grocery shopping, always check nutrition labels. If corn syrup is an ingredient in a product, don’t buy it.
Do acidic foods lead to high uric acid?
No. It’s not always true that acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, beans, and dairy products raise uric acid levels. Many people think they do because the word “acid” is in the name, but uric acid and acidic foods are not the same thing.
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