Guide To Foods That Cause Gout Flares

Gout is a common form of arthritis. It triggers sudden and severe joint pain and swelling! These episodes are called gout flares, and most patients deal with them at night. The flares affect any joint. However, the most common are the big toes, wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows. Other symptoms include limited range of motion and lasting discomfort following a flare. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood. This causes urate crystals to form around and in the joints. The body makes uric acid as it breaks down purines in food. Thus, consuming a significant amount of purines causes more flares!

Many patients need gout pills to achieve gout pain relief. The most common option is colchicine tablets, though patients also take other uric acid medicines. Of course, maintaining a healthy gout diet is key! This starts by understanding what foods often cause flare-ups of gout.

Shellfish

Shellfish make up a large portion of seafood. Examples include crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and scallops! Shellfish are quite healthy for many individuals, though they are not recommended for gout patients. This is because shellfish contain a significant amount of purines! Purines are a common trigger for gout flares. During a flare, patients must avoid eating all shellfish. Some gout patients can consume limited amounts of shellfish when they are not dealing with a symptom flare. However, they must ask their doctor first! Doctors will recommend the appropriate amounts for them to consume. Most doctors recommend eating seafood with moderate to low purine! Shrimp and oysters are two examples of shellfish with moderate amounts.

Individuals must boil or steam their shellfish when they do consume it. Boiling reduces purines by up to sixty percent! Steaming is not as effective, though it still helps. Freezing causes a slight reduction after ten weeks. Finally, microwaving has no effect on purines! Once again, gout patients must consult their doctor before consuming any shellfish. This will help them manage their risk of a flare!

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