Cherry juice sometimes works wonders in treating gout, but along with juicing, many people get good results from these simple measures.
Good Hydration Is Essential
Gout attacks are a greater risk when gout sufferers don't drink enough water, especially when get dehydrated during the afternoon and fail to rehydrate before they go to bed at night. The joints absorb more water during the night. This increases the concentration of uric acid in the fluid inside the joint, and makes it more likely that the uric acid will precipitate and form crystals in the joint. These crystals act as tiny needles that cause pain and inflammation. One study found that drinking just six cups (1500 ml) of water per day lowered the frequency of gout attacks by 40%.
Keeping Feet Warm Helps Prevent Gout Attacks
Another factor in gout attacks is temperature. Cold feet are more likely to have gout attacks than warm feet, because uric acid crystals form more rapidly at lower temperatures. Simply putting on socks before going to bed may help prevent an attack.
Skim Milk Is More Gout-Friendly than Whole Milk
Whole milk binds a compound called orotic acid. Skim milk does not contain the fat that keeps this compound from being absorbed into the bloodstream when milk is digested. Orotic acid causes the kidneys to excrete more uric acid, so gout sufferers who drink skim milk rather than whole milk tend to have fewer attacks. Even better, drink water as a beverage and limit your milk consumption to the amount you need for the calcium your body needs for healthy bones.
Coffee Is OK If You Drink Water Between Meals
Coffee seems to lower the risk of gout. The problem with drinking lots of coffee is that caffeine is dehydrating. Your kidneys need fluid to flush uric acid out of your system so that it will not settle into your joints.
Decaf does not pose this problem. Even if you drink decaf, however, be sure to drink a glass of water before breakfast, after dinner, and several times during the day.
Substitute Seitan and Soy for Meat
If you are not otherwise following a vegan lifestyle, there is no health reason that you absolutely, positively cannot ever have meat or fish if you have gout. It is just not a good idea to eat more than about 100 grams (3-1/2 ounces) a day. For other meals, substitute seitan, soy, beans, peas, or lentils for your source of protein. Even these products, however, contain purines, and eating soy in excess can trigger a gout attack, too. The problem soy food for most people who have gout is soy milk. They drink too much.
“Healthy” Vegetables Are Not Necessarily the Best Choice If You Have Gout
Asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, and mushrooms are generally good choices in your diet, but you have to avoid overeating them if you have gout, as they are high in purines. The vegetables by themselves usually do not cause problems, but steak and mushrooms or a crab and asparagus soup may release more uric acid than your kidneys can remove.
Both Overeating and Skipping Meals May Aggravate Gout
Overeating often provides the body with more purines than it can process. The result is a greater risk of gout. Skipping meals gives the kidneys less work to do. There is less urination, and uric acid can build up. People who have gout do best when they eat 3 or 4 small meals spaced evenly through the day.