Gout is a common form of arthritis. A host of symptoms are associated with this chronic condition. People suffering from gout experience pain and inflammation in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. The severity of the symptoms may range from mild to severe. In order to keep these symptoms from flaring up, it is critical for the gout patient to follow a gout-friendly diet that often comprises of low purine food items.

Here are the dietary tips for gout that every patient should follow to keep painful flareups at bay:

Fresh fruits
Studies have found that fresh fruits, especially the ones that contain a high content of vitamin C are effective in preventing a gout attack. Including citrus fruits such as cherries, oranges, and tangerines can have a positive impact on the condition of a gout patient. While you can have fruits like apple and avocado, eating a high amount of citrus fruits can prove to be beneficial. The high vitamin C content helps lower uric acid levels naturally.

Vegetables
The consumption of vegetables is among the must-follow dietary tips for gout patients. Vegetables that contain low purine content are best suited for people suffering from this form of inflammatory arthritis. Make vegetables like cabbage, beetroot, spinach, asparagus, etc., a part of your diet to reap the benefits and ensure that painful gout flareups stay at bay. Loading up with vegetables is an excellent way to reduce uric acid levels as high uric acid levels can lead to a gout attack.

Nuts and seeds
Essential dietary tips for gout involves consumption of a high number of nuts such as walnuts, cashew nuts, and almonds and seeds like flaxseeds. These nuts and seeds are low purine food items that help ward off gout flareup. You can include nuts and seeds in breakfast to reap their nutritional benefits and also reduce uric acid levels which is critical for gout sufferers.

Low-fat dairy products
Low-fat dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, skim milk, etc., are considered to be gout friendly. These food items are enriched with protein that plays a vital role in reducing uric acid levels and preventing gout attacks. In fact, studies have found that individuals who consume low-fat dairy products are less likely to develop this form of arthritis.

Whole grains
As per the studies, whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice can also prove to be helpful in averting gout attacks. Gout prevention diet often contains whole grains in the list of food items that a patient can consume. Include whole grains in your diet to help your health and ensure that a flare-up, which often involves swelling in the joint along with redness, stays at bay.

Maintaining low uric acid levels is essential for gout patients as not doing so often causes the symptoms to flare up. Make the aforementioned food items in your diet for effective management of this inflammatory arthritis.