Grandma's Gout Arthritis

I was trying to find a list of food that grandma can eat and at the same time avoid getting gout attack. The information on the internet is so confusing and sometimes contradicting. Not sure which is the authoritative website.

Foods with a high purine content that should be avoided are: organ meat (liver, kidneys and pancreas), anchovies, sardines, herring (especially the head and entrails), fish roe, legumes (dried beans, dhal), yeast, meat extract, gravies, beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Other foods to avoid are foods that contain additives such as MSG (found even in Worcestershire sauce), xanthan gum and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, used for flavorings or preservatives.

It is important to remember that purines are found in all foods, especially foods with high protein content. But we need protein to maintain good health. Lean meat (chicken, turkey and pork), tofu and beans (such as black, kidney and lima beans) are good sources of protein which should be consumed in moderation.

And although asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, lentils, peas, spinach, rhubarb, Chinese cabbage, whole grain breads and cereals contain purine, they do not increase the risk of gout if consumed in moderation.

A diet that is beneficial to people suffering from gout should be low in sugar and fat, but rich in fibre (or complex carbohydrates). In other words, have a balanced diet that includes fish, lean meat, whole grains, high-fibre rice, cereal, and fruits and vegetables, as well as a handful of nuts and seeds. Popular plant foods are: pineapple, banana, papaya, oranges, pears, apple, (blue, purple or red) berries, nangka, dragon fruit, watermelon and other melons, celery (not sure if it is diuretic?), kalian, sawi, cabbage, parsley, hot chilli, bell pepper, kunyit, loofah, lady’s finger, sweet potato leaves, ferns, and other green, leafy vegetables.

Good food that remove uric acid:
- Cucumbers are rich in sulfur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys into better removal of uric acid.
- Cherries have been shown to reduce uric acid.
- Strawberries are also reputed to be beneficial.

Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, will help flushing uric acid out of the body system. Exercise, maintain a healthy body weight and follow medical advice.

People suffering from high blood pressure or heart diseases may be prescribed diuretics. For gout sufferer, it is advised to use diuretic foods (eg, melon, watercress) or medicines (eg, aspirin, vitamin C and tea) sparingly.

Next action is to find Chinese recipe for gout diet :-(

Notes:
Prompt treatment of gout significantly speeds recovery. Treated immediately, a bout of gout will be greatly improved within two days. Untreated bouts, or those that receive delayed treatment, can cause gout to linger for days or even weeks.

References:
Dr. Gourmet
eVitamins
Medicine Net
John Hopkins Arthritis Center
Article by CHIA JOO SUAN, the Star, Wednesday March 14, 2007