Is there a connection?
The ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet for short, is an extremely low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet. The design of such a diet induces a metabolic condition known as ketosis in the body. Even while it is a method for rapid weight loss, the popular diet has other benefits. Included in the group of a number of medical issues are diabetes and heart disease. Some evidence suggests that it may also help reduce gout symptoms. According to the Arthritis Foundation, gout is a kind of inflammatory arthritis. Gout affects 4% of all individuals in the United States.
Before beginning a ketogenic diet, it is essential to keep a few things in mind. First, the eating plan is not appropriate for everyone. Second, that entering ketosis can potentially cause flare-ups with gout. You may find further information on keto and gout helpful when deciding whether or not the keto diet is right for you.
The impact of following a ketogenic diet on gout
The results are quite contradictory and inconsistent when it comes to the studies on the effects of a keto diet on gout. This is what the specialists have to say about the matter. Is there any evidence that it can help gout?
Possibly
Researchers from Yale University conducted a study in 2017. The study was to investigate how ketosis influences the NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 is the protein complex that is responsible for initiating the inflammation that is a contributing factor in gout. Studies conducted on both humans and animals found that adhering to a ketogenic diet resulted in less joint inflammation.
Even though the evidence seems to point in a positive direction, the researchers came to the same conclusion. Additional research is required before the keto diet can be a treatment for gout.
Another potential benefit of the keto diet for gout patients is a reduction in overall body weight.
A person can lower the uric acid level in the body, and they can most successfully avoid gout attacks by losing weight. Does having it make you more likely to have gout?
It’s possible. The ketogenic diet emphasizes the consumption of foods high in purines. The body converts the molecule known as purine into the acid known as uric acid. When there is an abnormally high concentration of uric acid in the blood, gout can occur.
An excessive amount of uric acid can cause crystals to accumulate in the joints, resulting in discomfort, soreness, swelling, and redness.
The most effective treatment for gout is a diet low in purines. That diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products with lower fat content. In addition to taking medication, a diet low in purines is best to lower the likelihood of developing gout.
Studies indicate those who enter ketosis for the first time have a higher chance of developing gout. According to a study from 2012, it is because of the rise in uric acid levels.
However, this danger is temporary and disappears as your body becomes accustomed to the state of ketosis.
Do you know if it can help avoid gout?
No. According to the findings of the research so far, the ketogenic diet may help target the source of inflammation, preventing acute symptoms of gout. However, there is no evidence that it can prevent the syndrome.
Are gout sufferers safe, though?
It’s crucial to consult your doctor before changing your diet significantly. Purine-rich foods, particularly those derived from animals, substantially enhance the risk of gout flare-ups. Even though there are several ketogenic diets, they all include high-purine meals.
Controlling gout means controlling meat intake.
Gout treatment typically entails a triage of drugs, dietary modifications, and behavioral adjustments. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are common gout treatments. They are used to manage uric acid levels to prevent future attacks and consequences and reduce acute attack symptoms like pain and inflammation.
Experts advise to maintain a balanced diet free of foods and drinks high in purines. Foods known to cause gout flare-ups are high in uric acid and include:
- Red meat includes beef, hog, and lamb.
- Sweetbread (another word for gland flesh), liver, kidney, and shellfish are among the seafood options.
- Pastries, candy, and sweetened beverages are examples of high-sugar foods and beverages.
- alcohol
According to a 2015 review paper, there is data that suggests some meals and beverages may reduce the incidence of gout flare-ups. The following foods may be advantageous to include in your diet:
Coffee, low-fat dairy items including yogurt and milk, vitamin C
You can lessen your chance of gout flare-ups and lessen associated symptoms by doing the following:
Cherry juice by the pint. The juice can alleviate flare-ups by bringing down the body’s uric acid levels.
Consuming a lot of water. Water reduces the severity of your symptoms, shortens the duration of an attack, and helps your kidneys drain away uric acid.
Maintaining a healthy weight while exercising.
Losing weight reduces uric acid levels and your chance of heart attack and stroke, which are more prevalent in gout sufferers.
