Two foods could combat painful condition on the rise - affecting one in 40 people
With gout affecting approximately one in 40 people in the UK, it's worth knowing which foods could help lower the risk of an attack.
Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden and painful joint pain, is said to be on the rise in men aged between 20 and 30.
While it is less common in women, it has been linked to decreased oestrogen during the menopause.
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According to the NHS, the condition is caused by having too much uric acid in your blood, which can lead to crystals forming around your joints.
The Arthritis Foundation says keeping uric acid levels below 6 mg/dl helps to reduce your chance of having a gout attack.
Scientists have therefore suggested incorporating low-fat dairy foods and milk, as well as cherries, into your diet to help reduce the risk.
Cherries are said to be able to decrease the chance of gout attacks, while reducing disease severity and uric acid within a few hours.
This is reportedly due the nutritious fruit containing a variety of chemical compounds, which have proven to be beneficial for gout sufferers, and those who suffer from insomnia and muscle pain.
US researchers previously found in a study that patients with gout who ate cherries over a two-day period had a 35 per cent lower risk of attacks compared to those who did not, the BBC states, while other studies have also had a similar outcome.
Medical News Today also states that the proteins in milk and low-dairy products may help lower uric acid levels to prevent gout crystals.
Additionally, research has shown that taking vitamin C supplements can slightly reduce serum uric levels, but it's best to discuss this with your GP before taking them.
What to avoid eating with gout
Losing excess weight will reportedly help reduce uric acid levels significantly.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise is also beneficial.
Scientists additionally suggest avoiding a high-protein diet as this can often contain high levels of purines, as well as eating oily fish, seafood and foods or supplements that contain yeast or meat extract, such as marmite.
Beer also has a high purine content, which can trigger gout.
The NHS also suggests avoiding lots of sugary drinks and snacks, as well as a great deal of fatty foods.