is turkey bacon bad for gout

Is Turkey Bacon a Problem for People with Gout?

As someone who follows a gout-friendly diet, I occasionally get questions from readers about whether foods like turkey bacon are okay to eat or if they will contribute to gout flares. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid crystallizing in the joints. Diet plays a role in gout management, so let’s analyze the purine content in turkey bacon to determine if it’s a smart choice or one to avoid for those with gout.

Understanding Gout and Diet

First, a quick overview of gout and the dietary approach for keeping it under control:

• Gout results from high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), This causes painful uric acid crystal deposits called tophi to form in joints

• Purines are chemical compounds that break down into uric acid. Foods high in purines can raise uric acid.

• A gout diet focuses on limiting intake of high-purine foods like meat, seafood, alcohol and sugary drinks.

• Moderation is key even with medium and low purine foods. Portion control prevents purines from accumulating.

• Losing weight if overweight and staying hydrated also help reduce uric acid levels.

• Diet alone may not be enough to prevent gout flares. Medications that reduce uric acid production or increase its removal may be needed.

Purine Levels in Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon contains moderate levels of purines. Here’s how it compares to other meats:

• High purine: Organ meats like liver and kidney; game meats like venison
• Medium-High: Beef, pork, lamb, veal, duck
• Medium: Chicken, turkey, eggs
• Low: Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu

As you can see, turkey falls into the medium purine category, better than red meats but higher than plant proteins. However, when it comes to bacon specifically:

• Pork bacon is high in purines due to coming from pork belly
• Turkey bacon made from lean turkey breast is moderately high in purines

So turkey bacon has fewer purines than regular bacon. But the curing process to make bacon adds sodium and preservatives, which can also pose problems:

• Cured meats have higher sodium, which can increase gout risk
• Nitrates and nitrites used in curing may raise uric acid levels

Potential Benefits of Turkey Bacon for Gout

Here are some potential upsides of eating turkey bacon with gout:

• Lower in purines than regular pork bacon
• Provides protein while limiting purines
• Low fat and calorie counts support weight management
• Makes a convenient breakfast or snack

Potential Downsides of Turkey Bacon for Gout

However, there are also some potential concerns:

• Still contains moderate purine levels
• High sodium content is problematic for gout
• Processed meat may increase gout risk
• Preservatives may exacerbate hyperuricemia
• Easy to overeat and accumulate too many purines

Expert Recommendations on Turkey Bacon for Gout

Most experts recommend a cautious approach to bacon if you have gout:

• Limit bacon intake to 2-3 times per week maximum
• Stick to just 1-2 slices per serving
• Opt for turkey bacon over pork to reduce purines
• Avoid excessive sodium and pair with low-sodium foods
• Balance with veggies and complex carbs
• Stay hydrated to avoid concentrating purines
• Avoid if you have severe gout or frequent flares

Some doctors advise avoiding all bacon if you have recurring gout attacks. They recommend getting protein from low or medium purine sources like eggs, nuts, seeds and plant proteins instead.

Gout-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Turkey Bacon

Here are some tips for savoring turkey bacon safely with gout:

• Crumble a few pieces over a salad or baked potato
• Add some crumbles to omelets or egg bakes
• Use it as a pizza topping instead of sausage or pepperoni
• Mix a few bits into soup or chili for a smoky flavor
• Bake your own from turkey breast instead of using cured
• Choose no-nitrate/nitrite turkey bacon when possible
• Eat only one slice and pair with fruit and low-fat yogurt
• Avoid eating multiple days in a row to prevent purine buildup

The Bottom Line

While not as high in purines as pork bacon, turkey bacon is still moderately high and best limited for people with gout. Enjoying 2-3 servings weekly, paying attention to portion size, and balancing with plant foods and hydration is advised to minimize gout flare risks. Those with frequent attacks may need to avoid it entirely. Overall, turkey bacon can be part of gout management but requires caution and moderation.