Gout is a type of arthritis that causes debilitating pain due to inflammation, and tenderness in the joints. This condition is caused by a rise in uric acid levels in the body. While there are different types of medications to help mitigate the pain and reduce the uric acid levels, it is always better to eat a diet that includes healthy snacks for gout, as the treatment is more effective and can prevent attacks.
When it comes to dietary restrictions for the condition, there are healthy snacks for gout that can help alleviate the symptoms, but there are also food items that may have to be avoided. Gout patients should avoid the consumption of food items rich in purines like red meat and organ meat. Besides, both of these are also rich in saturated fat. Along with this, beer and any hard alcoholic drinks need to be avoided. Seafood like lobster, mackerel, shrimp, sardines, anchovies, tuna, and trout are also best left off the plate, and patients need to opt for a diet that includes healthy snacks as people are most likely to munch on unhealthy food during snack time. A simple online search for “healthy snacks for gout” can help with several relevant tips, recipes, and suggestions to follow a gout-friendly diet.
Opting for lean meats, but no more than two ounces per day is helpful. It is also recommended for patients to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and follow a diet rich in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, and cauliflower. Fruits that are too sugary should be avoided, and patients should opt for the ones that contain low levels of fructose instead, like strawberries and cherries. Olive oil is very helpful for gout patients, along with canola and sunflower oil, which can be used for cooking. Also, it is important to incorporate only healthy snacks for gout in the diet. The following menu is a sample, but it can help patients understand how to maintain a healthy diet:
1. Breakfast
- Fresh orange juice
- Cereal with low-fat milk
- Berries
- Toast
- Coffee, followed by water
2. Lunch
- One baked potato with a little salt and pepper
- Salad with a low-fat dressing
- Mixed low-fructose fruits
- Some low-fat milk and water
3. Dinner
- Lean chicken meat, about two to three ounces
- Half a cup of rice
- Half a cup of steamed broccoli
- Low-fat yogurt
- Water
Patients can opt for the sample gout menu above or customize it to make one of their own. The only thing to keep in mind is that it needs to consist of all the pre-approved food items that can help mitigate the debilitating pain and prevent gout attacks in the long term. Also, healthy snacks can help satisfy cravings and hunger pangs in between meals.
