Gout is a painful form of arthritis that has long been associated with a rich diet, and a change in that department is just one thing that can make a difference.
Gout afflicts as many as 3 million Americans, mostly men, postmenopausal women and people with kidney disease, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Gout attacks are caused by a buildup of a waste product called uric acid in the bloodstream, which leads to joint inflammation and swelling, particularly in the feet or big toe.
It tends to run in families and is linked to obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, so weight management is key to treatment.
A 12-year Harvard Medical School study of 47,000 male medical professionals over 40 found that gout was significantly more likely to develop in men who ate more meat and seafood and fewer dairy products. Researchers also found that even moderate consumption of beer raised the risk of gout, as did other alcoholic beverages with the exception of up to two glasses of wine a day.
Here are some tips on gout and diet from the American College of Rheumatology:
* Limit consumption of meat, seafood and alcohol.
* Avoid processed food high in sugar and empty carbohydrates.
* Be aware that low-carb diets, which are high in animal protein and fat, can trigger gout attacks.
* Even moderate beer consumption, either "light" or regular, contribute to the development of gout in middle-aged men.
Here's a quick post-workout pick-me-up. More recipes like this at choosecherries.com.
Red Recharger Smoothie
Serves 2
1 cup thawed tart cherries
1 cup fresh or partially frozen strawberries
3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt (or vanilla nonfat yogurt)
1/2 cup tart cherry juice
2 tablespoons honey
ground nutmeg
* Combine all ingredients, except nutmeg in a blender and whip until smooth.
* Pour into glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Nutritional information per serving: 227 cal., 1 g fat (0 g sat), 1 mg chol., 0 g carb., 5 g pro., 4 g fiber, 51 mg sodium.
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