When we think of the word "diet" it is usually associated with unpleasant thoughts of having to restrict ourselves from consuming certain types of foods especially the foods we swear we can't live without...
it's the foods we actually live for.
Alright, maybe I'm the only one passionate about food to that extent, but I doubt it.
It could also mean to control and limit ourselves to the amount of food we intake.
Is it just me or does it appear that our bodies' usually reject the types of foods we love and live for? And so goes the question, "can't we all just get along?" Well, I've learned through personal experiences that it is a possibility.
We first have to educate ourselves and understand what our bodies are telling us.
We all react differently so of course what may work for me may not necessarily work for you and vice versa, but typically, these are just some basic tips that can help the majority of us be on our way to a Gout and guilt-free diet.
First of all, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but yes, this diet will require some sacrifice on your behalf.
After all, this is a "diet".
Nobody said it would be easy but it doesn't have to be that hard either and if you opt not to hobble around in pain and agony for a week or so then sacrificing a thing here and there won't be such a bad option.
First rule of thumb to stay Gout-Free is to avoid purine-rich items such as all red meats, shrimp, scallop, liver, cream sauces, refined sugar and alcohol.
I know, some of those things are just almost impossible to give up but I'd like to challenge you to see the glass half-full because here are some of the foods you can enjoy.
You can help yourself to lean meat, poultry or fish.
However, you must limit yourself to about 6 ounces a day at the maximum.
Through my own personal experience, I have been able to eat a big, juicy steak every now and then but I have noticed that when I get carried away and eat too much of it, that's when I start feeling the symptoms of Gout.
For example, at Thanksgiving, I ate the typical turkey dinner, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy...
and I was alright the first night so I decided to have leftovers the next day and that's when my Gout started acting up.
As I've said, our bodies differ so if you know that your body can't handle beef and or the likes, please do not go and make a dinner reservation for two at Ruth's Chris because I said so.
I have also experimented with foods that I not only COULD eat but foods that actually helped lower my uric acid level.
First, I'd like to point out: liquids are a must.
You MUST drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids so that it can help to dilute the uric acid in your blood.
A beverage that is actually beneficial to us, that is said to lower our uric acid level is coffee (both regular and decaffeinated).
Vitamin C is also a good source to lower our uric acid level.
It is best to get the vitamins through natural fruits.
The best fruits to eat for your Gout-Free diet are Cherries or other types of dark fruits such as grapes, blackberries and raspberries but whatever fruit or method you decide to get your dose of Vitamin C, just remember not to take too much of it.
Just remember, too much of anything is not a good thing.
FYI, these foods are not proven to help prevent Gout but I have had good reactions to them.
Some other types of foods I've been able to enjoy without guilt or pain are cereal, chocolate, breads, grains pasta, rice, cheese, eggs, milk products, low-fat dairy products, tomatoes, most green vegetables and carbonated beverages.
But the ultimate drink to stop gout symptoms is apple cider vinegar and warm water.
This potent drink alkalizes the body so it neutralizes excess uric acids...
no acid no gout, well my belief anyway.