Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of excessive levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The symptoms of gout result due to these high levels of uric acid crystals, and often strike the joints with symptoms of pain, inflammation, redness, heat, and mobility issues. Gout most classically affects the joint in the base of the big toe. Luckily, there are various dietary steps you can take to prevent the build-up of uric acid crystals.

It is essential to be alert about certain foods and add more foods to help reduce the incidence of gout to save yourself from the pain. Some of the fabulous foods with a moderate purine count are:

1. Fruits
All fruits are great for gout. They are low in purines and high in micronutrients. You can load up on them without feeling guilty. Try fruit smoothies or chopped fruits as snacks. Instead of high-sugar desserts combine fruits with peanut butter, almond butter, or dark chocolate as an alternative. Cherries are the number one fruit that helps to reduce uric acid in the body.

2. Vegetables
Though some vegetables have high purine content, they don’t affect the body as much as meat, when taken moderately, as the purine content is far less than that in meat. Also, the nutrients in the vegetables outweigh the downside in them. Eat plenty of root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, as they have very low purine content. Cruciferous vegetables are anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense. Substitute vegetable broth for meat broth while cooking.

3. Beans and legumes
Substitute meat with beans and legumes to get the required protein intake for your body. Though beans and legumes contain purine, they are much less than that in meat. Wherever possible, substitute meat with beans and legumes.

4. Eggs
Eggs are high in protein and low in purine. As a result, they are a great substitute for meat in your diet. Eggs are rich in iron, vitamin B and D, calcium, and zinc.

5. Nuts
Unsalted nuts are a good addition to the diet as they are nutrient-dense. They have fatty acids, antioxidants, and abundant vitamins and minerals. They are very low in purine. Add different types of nuts like almonds, walnuts, macadamia, pecans, brazil nuts, walnuts, and cashew nuts.

6. Probiotics
Include probiotics like yogurt and fermented foods in your diet. Research has proved that probiotics reduce inflammation in the body and improve poor sugar and uric acid metabolism. This reduces the incidence of gout attacks. Consult your doctor before adding probiotics to ensure you are consuming the right type and quantum of probiotic. Some doctors prescribe short-term probiotic therapy to treat gout and improve the functioning of the kidney. Over the counter probiotic supplements are also popular.

7. Anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements
Various herbs like turmeric, devil’s claw, and bromelain have anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. Willow bark is also popular to treat gout. Steep them in hot water to make flavourful teas or take them as a powder or capsule. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant. It reduces inflammation and can be used to treat gout.

8. Green tea
Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is high in antioxidants. If you are prone to gout attacks, this drink will help to heal and boost the immune system.