10 Healthy and Gout-Friendly Snacks
Gout is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints, and it leads to attacks characterized by acute pain, joint inflammation, and swelling in the hands, heels, and knees. The body produces uric acid to enable the digestion of some foods, but excess uric acid in the blood can flare up the symptoms. When uric acid levels rise abnormally high, it forms crystals and gets deposited around the joints, leading to severe pain.
Dietary and lifestyle changes are the best way to combat inflammatory conditions, and following a low-purine diet can help prevent gout attacks. Here are some healthy snacks for gout that can be included in the diet to help alleviate the symptoms:
1. Low-fat yogurt
Low-fat dairy snacks are healthy snacks for gout and can cut down the risk of gout. Having one or two 8-ounce low-sugar containers of yogurt each day helps manage the symptoms.
2. Nuts
Nuts like almonds or walnuts are great additions to a gout-friendly diet. They contain a generous amount of protein and are low in purines that cause gout attacks. A spoonful of nut butter with whole-wheat crackers makes a healthy snack for gout patients.
3. Whole-grains
Including the right carbohydrates like whole grains can help flush out the extra uric acid from the body. Additionally, non-sugary cereals also help manage the symptoms of gout.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fruits and veggies curb hunger pangs and combat gout pains, and a gout patient can also add a dip or dressing to make it more flavorful. Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and a cup of raw vegetables make delicious and healthy snacks for gout.
5. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains theobromine alkaloid, which helps reduce uric acid levels and aids in the relaxation of the bronchial muscles of the lungs.
6. Cherries
Cherries are full of antioxidants and decrease uric acid levels in the body. They may help lower the risk of gout by lowering the inflammatory markers in the body.
7. Coffee
Coffee lovers can rejoice as it is regarded as a healthy snack for gout. Research says that a cup or two of coffee every day can drive away acute pain and those niggles.
8. Eggs
Eggs are low in purine, but it is important to limit their intake. Four servings of eggs per week are safe to add to the diet plan of a gout patient.
9. Cold-water fish
Coldwater fish like tuna containing essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation caused by gout. However, moderate consumption is best, one serving per day at most, as it contains purine, even though it is just a small amount. Tuna sandwiches made of whole wheat bread are perfect and healthy snacks for gout.
10. Beans
Beans are low in saturated fat and reduce gout flare-ups, and they are also a great source of both protein and fiber. Baked beans on toast is a power-packed and healthy snack for gout patients.