Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp A doctor has issued a warning that everyday foods and drinks could be putting many of us at risk of gout. If you’re a fan of your Sunday roasts or Christmas dinner, you might want to reconsider what you’re piling on your plate. While we all know moderation is key, the GP has advised that if you have gout or are at risk of developing it, there are certain foods you should try to limit or “avoid”. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, Dr Xand van Tulleken revealed that “gout is terribly terribly painful. Arthritis is painful in general, but gout is what you would almost call exquisitely painful. “That kind of pain that patients describe as not even allowing a bedsheet to gently touch their toe because it will set it off.” According to NHS advice, gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain. While painkillers can help manage the pain, healthier lifestyle choices can prevent future attacks. To help people lead a healthier life and avoid future flare-ups, Dr Xand explained that gout is caused by “crystals of a chemical called uric acid forming in your joints. When you break down food, one of the byproducts you make is uric acid and you make urine from a chemical called purines.” Dr Xand has warned that foods high in purines, such as oily fish, can trigger gout. He advises, “if you have gout, if you’re predisposed to gout, if you’ve had flare-ups in the past, it’s worth really moderating your intake of that and seafood”, reports the Express. Additionally, yeast extract is another item to avoid or limit, meaning things like “gravy and yeast spread” should be consumed sparingly. If you’re a fan of gravy with your Sunday Roast or Christmas dinner, you might want to reconsider how often you indulge.
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Furthermore, Dr Xand emphasised that: “Booze dehydrates you and beer can have a lot of purines in it. The picture I’m trying to paint for you is yes there are foods that you should cut down and avoid so offal, meat, fish containing a lot of purines” are just a few he recommends. . He also suggests: “Increasing your levels of fruit and vegetables not only don’t contain purines, but also they are anti-inflammatory. They improve your gut health and reduce your chance of getting diabetes and moderate the effects of insulin and sugar in your body. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush things out so doing exercise – of course you can’t do exercise when your toe feels like it’s going to explode – but a general background level of exercise will reduce your level of inflammation” too, he adds. . Here’s an explanation of what gout is and how to try and prevent it, with @xandvt. We’ll be back Monday 21st October, until then, you can watch all our shows on @BBCiPlayer.
Dr Xand van Tulleken revealed people could be hit by ‘exquisitely painful’ gout attacks
(Image: BBC)
Dr Xand concluded his warning by saying: “The important thing to say is if you have a hot, red tender joint that could be something else, that could be infected joint, so it is definitely important to seek care urgently. Speak to your GP. You may get put on antibiotics. Even if those don’t work and it turns out to be gout, it’s not unwise to try that because it can be so dangerous to have an infected joint.”
