Ice cream is a common food, but it can also be bad for your gout. It is high in fat, so you should be careful with your portions and avoid it if you have eaten a high-fat meal. Ice cream has a high calorie content and can cause you to gain weight. It is known to worsen gout in people who are obese or overweight.
Gout is arthritis in which uric acid builds up in joints and causes a painful flare-up. This condition can be controlled by eating a proper diet, which helps lower uric acid levels. This means reducing purine intake, a substance that your body turns into uric acid. While ice cream does not contain a high amount of purines, eating a large portion of it at one time is not recommended.
Low-Fat Varieties of Ice Cream
Low-fat varieties of ice cream are not harmful to people with gout. Frozen yogurt is also a good alternative. Low-fat frozen yogurt has no side effects and is lighter than ice cream. It also comes in a variety of flavors and is a healthier alternative to ice cream.
If you are looking for a diet plan that works for your gout, you should consider a plant-based diet. This diet will provide enough protein without raising your purine levels. You can also consume eggs, a healthy protein source without being high in purine. However, chicken does contain purine and should be eaten in moderation. Coffee is another food that can help control your uric acid levels. Studies show that coffee drinkers have less uric acid in their bodies. This may be because coffee reduces the amount of purine your body creates.
Confer with Your Physician Before Consuming Dairy
If you have been diagnosed with gout, you should consult your physician before consuming dairy products. You should limit dairy products to no more than 10% of your daily caloric intake. It is important to note that dairy products take longer to break down and can strain your kidneys. Still, it is okay to have a little dairy each day. Dairy contains a lot of other health benefits.
While some dairy products may be good for your gout, ice cream is not the best option for people with gout. Although dairy may contain purines, it also contains protein that can help the kidneys excrete uric acid. In addition, milk contains orotic acid, which may reduce uric acid.
Alcohol – High-Calorie Food
Although alcohol is not a high-calorie food, it can worsen gout by triggering the purine cycle in the body. Adding more alcohol to your diet can also increase the risk of flare-ups. Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes and weight gain. For this reason, it is recommended that you consume alcohol in moderation and abstain during a flare-up.
Aside from red meat, organ meats contain too much purine and should be avoided. Instead, poultry, nuts, and shellfish are all good choices. Nevertheless, shellfish is also high in purines. For those who are worried about eating ice cream, it would be wise to consult your doctor.
Fruits high in fructose may also trigger gout flare-ups. Fruits with high amounts of fructose, such as pears, peaches, grapes, and dates, can contribute to flare-ups. Studies also suggest that alcohol may trigger acute gout attacks. Alcohol increases the concentration of uric acid and reduces its clearance.
