Gout/Uric Acid

 Print This Post

GOUT SYMPTOMS

4.       Gout develops over many years and raises its head without warning, but sometimes there are premonitory symptoms like disorders of the digestive organs, bitter taste in the mouth, a feeble appetite, flatulence, uneasiness on the right side of the abdomen (over the liver) and irritation in the urinary organs. There may also be numbness and a feeling of coldness in the limbs. In “acute” cases the affected joints are inflamed, swollen, tender (and sometimes stiff), red and highly painful. In “chronic” cases, the various joints become permanently affected beginning with feet. Usually, it is almost impossible to put any weight on the affected foot during the acute stage of the disease.

JOINTS AFFECTED BY GOUT

5.       The big toe is affected the most, while the ankles, heels, feet, knees, fingers, hands, wrist and elbows also share the brunt. In some individuals excess levels of uric acid also lead to the formation of kidney stones. In a “wandering gout” type, the seat of attack may be changed with every attack. Rarely there can be gout of chest, eyes, heart, stomach and throat. Another type of gout, which can be called “poor person’s gout”, results from consumption of an excessive amount of refined carbohydrates or sugar. Deposits of uric acid called “tophi” can appear as lumps under the skin around the affected joints.

PURINE-RICH AND ACIDIC FOODS TO BE AVOIDED

6.       These foods include non-vegetarian foods such as red meat, chicken, sea food, eggs, organ meats like that of liver/brain/kidneys, alcohol including beer, soft cola drinks, all canned, refined, processed and fried foods, white flour (maida), bread and sugar.

PURINE-RICH AND ACIDIC FOODS TO BE CONSUMED IN MODERATION

7.       These foods include wholegrains, legumes and lentils especially kala chana (chick peas), urd dal, barley, corn, rice, beans, oatmeal, tomatoes, peas, cauliflower, aubergines, mushrooms, lady finger, asparagus, spinach, bananas, guavas, pomegranate, milk products like curd and cheese, tea/coffee especially with sugar, chocolates, nuts (except almonds), cakes and confectionary.