Sugar's impact on worsening gout: Insights from scientific studies and dietary considerations
Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by a buildup of urate crystals around a joint. If you're experiencing symptoms of gout, it's advisable to speak with a rheumatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Recent studies have highlighted a significant relationship between sugar intake and gout flare-ups. The key biochemical driver of gout is high serum uric acid levels, and fructose metabolism uniquely increases uric acid production, raising the risk for gout flares.
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, which are high in fructose or high-fructose corn syrup, has been shown to raise both serum uric acid levels and gout risk. A meta-analysis found that sugar-sweetened beverages increased gout risk with a relative risk of 1.35.
The 2020 American College of Rheumatology guidelines conditionally recommend limiting intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices, and foods with high-fructose corn syrup to reduce gout flares. This dietary advice is supported by biochemical, epidemiological, and clinical guideline evidence.
Other factors that contribute to the risk of gout include obesity, renal dysfunction, hypertension, and certain medications. Fructose-induced lipogenesis may worsen abdominal fat and insulin resistance, which can exacerbate gout risk indirectly.
If you have gout, your doctor may recommend reducing your sugar intake, which may involve limiting food and drinks such as soda, processed foods containing HFCS, and fruit juice. It's important to note that fruits with a low fructose content, such as grapefruit, pineapple, and strawberries, can be included in a diet to help manage gout.
In addition to managing your sugar intake, it's beneficial to include plant-based proteins, such as peas, tofu, lentils, and leafy green vegetables, in your diet. Low-fat milk and dairy products can also be included. Drinking plenty of water is also recommended to help manage gout.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet. They can advise you on how to modify your diet safely to help manage gout.
In the United States, around 8.3 million people had gout in 2015-2016. Urate is a substance the body produces when it breaks down purine, a naturally occurring compound in certain foods. A doctor may recommend using ice packs on painful, swollen joints to help relieve pain from a gout flare.
In conclusion, reducing fructose consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages and high-fructose corn syrup, is a recommended dietary approach for managing gout and preventing flares. This is a crucial aspect of gout management, backed by robust scientific evidence. Always consult with your doctor for personalised advice and treatment.
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