Arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood is called gout. Too much uric acid can cause fluid buildup in and around the joints, and lead to the formation of uric acid crystals. Medications combined with diet is a very effective way of managing gout. Eating certain kinds of foods and snacks can lower the production of uric acid and reduce the risk of another gout attack. Here are some safe snack options for people with gout.

Refined Carbohydrates

White bread, pasta, and noodles are extremely safe snack options for gout patients because they are low in purine. This compound breaks down in the body to produce uric acid. Some popular sources of refined carbohydrates include white bread, pasta, noodles, pizza dough, and white rice. However, you must be careful while eating refined carbohydrates since too much consumption can raise the risk of developing diabetes and heart conditions. Although whole-grain bread is healthier than refined carbohydrates, they must be taken only from time to time owing to the high purine content.

Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, pistachio, etc. are the best on-the-go snacks that are safe for people suffering from gout. They are great replacements for meats as a source of protein and do not contain high levels of purine like meats. Also, unlike meats, nuts provide our body with healthy fats, also known as unsaturated fats. So ensure to include them in your breakfast daily, or carry them to your workplace for your dose of healthy evening snacks.

Low-fat Dairy Products

Low-fat milk and yogurt contain less purine, so they are excellent for gout patients. You can safely eat one or two 8-ounce containers of yogurt every day to lower your risk of another gout attack. However, while shopping for yogurt, ensure that you pick plain yogurt because flavored ones often contain added sugar. Extra sugar does not particularly make gout worse, but it can increase your body weight. Dairy products that are high in fats can add extra calories and make gout worse.

Fruits and Vegetables

Studies have shown that vitamin-C-rich fruits can lower the chances of a gout attack. You can add fruits like cherries to breakfast or between meals throughout the day. You can also try including raw vegetables like carrots or celery to your meals. Veggies are high in nutritional value and low in calories, so they can help you maintain weight too. Other vegetables to add to your diet include cabbage, squash, kalian, beetroot, and red bell pepper. It’s important to know that some vegetables can aggravate gout, so it is good to identify them and modify your diet accordingly.

Beans and Legumes

These plant-based sources are a very good source of protein. Adding beans and legumes to your diet can help meet the daily protein requirements of the body. They can also replace animal-based proteins that are high in purine levels.