Beverages play an important role in managing gout, helping to reduce the painful symptoms caused by the disease.
Dr. Tran Thi Trinh, MD, MSc, Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi , said that when implementing a daily diet to reduce pain symptoms caused by gout, patients often only pay attention to what to eat and what to avoid, forgetting to control the types of drinks they consume. Drinks are also an important part of a diet and have a significant effect in reducing gout pain. Below are some recommended drinks for gout patients:
Water
Two-thirds of the body's uric acid is excreted through the kidneys. Therefore, drinking plenty of water helps uric acid to be easily eliminated from the body and reduces the formation of uric acid crystals. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps reduce swelling, lubricates joints, and prevents other symptoms of gout. Patients should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. When drinking water, avoid drinking large amounts at once; instead, divide it into several small sips throughout the day. Patients should drink water immediately upon waking up, and avoid drinking large amounts before and between meals.
Drinking water is a simple method to help reduce uric acid in the body. Photo: Freepik
Soda
Pure soda contains a high amount of alkaline bicarbonate. This alkaline substance helps metabolize blood and effectively neutralize uric acid. To improve gout with soda, patients should drink pure soda, without adding lemon or sugar; allow the soda to evaporate completely before drinking; and drink it daily after meals.
Cafe
The enzyme xanthine oxidase catalyzes the conversion of purines into uric acid. Caffeine in coffee acts as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Therefore, when patients drink coffee, caffeine can slow down the conversion of purines into uric acid, reducing gout symptoms and shortening the treatment period.
People with gout should drink coffee with low-fat or skim milk, and no sugar.
Lemonade
The high vitamin C content in lemon juice helps boost immunity and neutralize uric acid in the body of gout sufferers. Therefore, lemon juice not only helps control gout but can also help healthy people prevent this disease.
Green tea
Green tea has long been known as one of the beverages with high antioxidant properties, effectively fighting inflammation. Furthermore, although not in large quantities, green tea can also reduce uric acid levels. Drinking green tea daily, combined with treatment prescribed by a doctor and following a suitable diet, will help speed up the healing process of inflammation caused by gout.
Low-fat milk or skim milk
This drink is recommended for people with bone and joint diseases in general, and gout in particular, because it is rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Vitamin D aids in calcium synthesis, contributing to stronger bones and improving and maintaining bone function. Calcium helps in better bone density formation and eliminates excess uric acid. Another benefit of skim milk and low-fat milk for gout sufferers is that their protein helps reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
Milk not only helps strengthen bones but also supports the control of gout. Photo: Freepik
Harmful drinks that patients should avoid include:
Alcohol : High purine content, alcohol, and yeast in beer trigger gout attacks, worsening the condition and increasing the intensity and frequency of joint pain.
Soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and energy drinks contain high levels of fructose. This is a factor that increases acid levels in the blood, causing excess uric acid and leading to gout.
To effectively manage gout symptoms, in addition to dietary recommendations, Dr. Trinh advises patients to also exercise regularly, get enough rest, and have regular health checkups.
Phi Hong
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