Foods That Cure Gout

Gout, a form of joint inflammation, is defined by WebMD as a type of arthritis caused by uric acid within the blood. Uric acid crystallizes in the blood and forms clusters around the joints, primarily the joints around the big toe. These clusters are the source of pain, inflammation and sometimes skin discoloration. Gout is brought on by poor diet, obesity, excess alcohol consumption, stress or lack of sleep. However, genetics also causes the disease. Gout can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medicines. However, there are other methods of controlling gout, including eating foods rich in nutrients and limiting proteins.

Understanding Gout

Understanding gout helps to prevent future attacks. Gout attacks often come on suddenly causing a burning and painful sensation similar to arthritis. And although the majority of gout symptoms do not cause long-term harm, sometimes uric acid crystals cluster in the soft tissue of organs, such as the kidneys, causing serious damage. To prevent future outbreaks it is important to maintain low levels of uric acid in the body.

Potassium Rich Foods

Eat a diet rich in potassium to lower uric acid. There are many foods that will help alleviate gout symptoms including fruits and vegetables high in potassium. Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, brown rice, figs, carrots, celery, strawberries and broccoli are all potassium-rich foods as well as certain protein products such as chicken, cod fish, sardines, salmon and turkey. Potassium is beneficial against gout because it helps to neutralize uric acid. Specifically potassium raises the alkaline substances in blood and, therefore, will balance acid levels throughout the body.

Vitamin B Rich Foods

Incorporate additional vitamin B. According to Health 911, a health related resource; foods high in vitamin B are also used to cure gout. Vitamin B-rich foods include turkey, bananas, oats, barley, wheat bran, avocados, salmon and various nuts including Brazil nuts. Vitamin B, specifically folic acid, will dissolve uric acid crystals. In addition, folic acid inhibits the body's production of certain enzymes responsible for uric acid production.

Water

Drink water as opposed to sugary beverages, caffeine, alcohol or juices. According to Mother Nature, an all-natural-health related website, water promotes the excretion of uric acid as well as dilutes the urine. In addition, drinking water during a gout outbreak is specifically beneficial in preventing uric acid crystals from forming in the kidneys and causing any long-term damage.