Happy 4th of July! With all the barbecues that people are going to, it looks to be big meat eating weekend. Gout sufferers will have more of a challenge enjoying these barbecues. Gout is a common term but a lot of people don’t understand what it really is. Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood form crystals that accumulate around the joint. Uric acid is made when purine is broken down in your body. Purine is found naturally in the body, and also found in certain food.
FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN PURINE
- Organ and glandular meat: such as liver and kidney are high in purines
- Red meat: including beef, lamb and pork
- Seafood : anchovies, shellfish (especially shrimp), sardines and tuna
- Vegetables: asparagus, spinach, cauliflower and mushrooms
THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE A GOUT ATTACK
- Beverages sweetened with sugar
- Alcohol: Beer and distilled liquor
- Dehydration
FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH GOUT
- Coffee: especially caffeinated coffee in moderation
- Cherries: cherry juice is good too.
- Vitamin C although it is not a food it does seem to be a helpful supplement for gout
Here are some helpful hints for enjoying that barbecue. Bring some food that you are able to enjoy. Salmon or chicken, tastes great on the grill. Although you shouldn’t be drinking beer or liquor, wine, in moderation seems to be okay. So sit back grab a glass of wine or sangria and some salmon and enjoy the holiday.
FYI Dr. Schlam will be out of the office from 7/4/18-7/8/18 but the office staff will be here if you would like to make an appointment, of pickup orthotics on Friday from 9-4.
Hollowbrook Foot Specialists serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.
By David Schlam
