Is Watermelon Bad For Gout

The Cause Of Gout Is More Than Just Diet

While diet is critical, dont overlook other important factors that affect gout. These include family history, sleep apnoea, and lack of physical exercise to name a few.

Further discussion of best treatment for gout is outside the scope of this article. But there are foods thought to be protective namely dairy, cherries, and coffee, in decreasing order of evidence.

And as much as I prefer focusing on what you should eat to prevent health scares, there are just so many clear trigger foods for gout.

Its important to deal with these factors first and foremost.

About Joe Leech, Dietitian

Joe Leech is a university-qualified dietitian from Australia.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2011.

Learn more about him on the About page.

Joe Leech, Dietitian

Getting Rid Of Uric Acid With Watermelon

The connection between watermelon and gout is fairly simple to understand. Most doctors will recommend keeping hydrated. You must drink lots of water forget about those eight glasses a day. Get at least a dozen glasses daily. You need to flush the uric acid out of your body. Since watermelon is mostly based on water, it will inevitably keep you hydrated. It will also flush your kidneys, which is extremely important, as too much uric acid will also lead to kidney stones.

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Oatmeal Has Moderate Amounts Of Purines

Oatmeal has about 50 to 150 milligrams of purines per 100 grams of the food. This puts oatmeal right in the middle of the range of milligrams for purine-containing foods.

While its not as high in purines as organ meats, scallops, or some fish, its still high enough to increase your risk of gout when eaten in excess.

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Determining Best Fruits For Kidneys And Gout

First, lets be clear, this is far from being a scientific report. The purpose here is to simplify the choices of fruits to eat if you are a gout sufferer.

It should help whenever questions like: Which fruits best help with my gout?, What other fruits can I eat if Im sick of cherries? or What are the right fruits to use when making a gout-fighting smoothie?

To determine which fruits were worthy, it was necessary to verify which nutrients help the kidneys and lower uric acid. Nine major nutrients were found to have the most benefits for these conditions.

For maintaining healthy kidneys, five vitamins , and two minerals are known to be most effective.

For gout and lowering uric, vitamin C, malic acid, and anthocyanins are three substances often recommended in natural remedies.

Fruits were sorted by their concentrations of the nine nutrients. Evidently, vitamin C is found in most fruits that help the kidneys and defend against gout. It was used as the starting point to categorize all fruits. From there, the other nutrients were sorted in the order shown on the chart.

To shorten the list to 24, fruits needed to rank highest for most vitamin C, and have four or more nutrients with more than a 2% daily value .

If this was not done, the list would have been over 100 fruits! Nobody has time for that right?

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Vitamin A Is Necessary For Cellular Growth

Vitamin A is a nutrient important for your vision, bone growth, immune system, reproduction, and cell function. It also assists in the functions of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

Long-term deficiency of vitamin A may increase your susceptibility to infections, fatigue, infertility, dry skin or hair, and night blindness.

The antioxidant qualities of vitamin A is necessary in cellular growth, which improves the kidneys ability to remove excess fats, salts, sugars and uric acid from the blood. Like vitamin C, fruits with high amounts of vitamin A can alleviate gout symptoms and improve kidney functions.

The fruits with the most vitamin A RAE are shown in the table below. These fruits rank in the top half of the list .

• *Only for elderberries, oheloberries, gooseberries
• **Only for sour red, acerola cherries
• Cantaloupe melons has the most vitamin A of the fruits compared

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Alcohol Is The Biggest Risk Factor For Gout

It is well-established that frequent alcohol intake dramatically increases risk of gout .

The Framingham Heart Study of over 4,500 participants provides some perspective.

Researchers found that regular alcohol use was associated with three times greater risk of gout in women compared to those who have less than 2 standard drinks per week. For men, regular drinkers had double the risk of non-drinkers .

Beer seems to be the worst, followed by hard liquors such as spirits. Interestingly, moderate wine consumption is not linked with any risk .

The reason why alcohol increases uric acid levels is still not well-understood. Some forms, particularly beer, can be high in purines but they are certainly not the richest source of purines in our diet.

Additional theories propose that excessive alcohol may also reduce the bodys ability to excrete uric acid. Others state that alcohol especially beer increases the chemical breakdown of purine-containing ATP nucleotides, which is a precursor of uric acid production .

Summary: Regular alcohol intake severely raises uric acid levels in the blood. It doubles, if not triples your risk of gout.

Does Watermelon Cause Gout

Watermelon is an alkaline food one of the leading foods in this category. What does it mean? The more of it you have, the higher the pH of your fluids will be. The same rule applies to your tissues. As a direct consequence, watermelon can fight gout by preventing the uric acid from crystallizing.

Furthermore, vitamin C, calcium and potassium have similar effects and can neutralize the harsh consequences of uric acid.

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Here Are Some Fruits Which Can Relieve You Of The Gout Pain:

Oranges

Citrus fruits contain a good amount of Vitamin C that helps break down the uric acid that accumulates in your body. Oranges are a rich source of Vitamin C and can therefore contribute to reduced levels of uric acid in the body. An orange a day will keep the discomfort away in this case.

Grapefruit

A single cup of grapefruit contains around 70 mg of Vitamin C which helps prevent gout attacks. Therefore, by consuming the fruit, an individual covers more than his adequate intake of grapefruit a day . Plus, it tastes good and can be digested quite easily.

Melons

Melons contain a number of useful nutrients and vitamins in them which help in reducing gout attacks. Being rich in potassium, the fruit helps balance out a patients sodium levels which need to be kept low. On the other hand, the potassium levels in a person suffering from gout need to be kept high. Therefore, melons are a good source of potassium as well as other minerals.They should also be incorporated in your diet as it acts as an antioxidant to combat the free radicals that are found in the body owing to gout.

Watermelon

Strawberries

Bananas

If you find yourself suffering from a gout attack, make sure you consume good quantities of this fruit.

Potassium Flushes Out Salt

Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte. Its active properties optimize muscle contraction, nerve function, and fluid balance. Accordingly, potassium helps move nutrients into cells which is part of energy production.

Too much sodium or salt in your body leads to muscle cramps, water weight, high blood pressure, and kidney stones. For gout, excess salt in the system is related to uric acid production. Plus, salt makes the kidney work harder to remove other waste products like uric acid.

One way to flush sodium out of the body is by consuming more potassium. Consuming more potassium is often overlooked for maintaining kidney functions. Most of the focus is on cutting down salt intake. When in fact, equal attention to both should be considered.

Let me take this moment to point out that some gout sufferers take on a similar logic. Too many people with gout focus only on omitting purine-rich foods. Whereas, adding the right foods that help flush out uric acid is as essential.

The top fruits for potassium are shown in the table below. These fruits rank in the top half of the list .

• Bananas are the most popular, but avocados, mamey sapote, jackfruit durian and guavas actually contain more potassium

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Limit Servings To 2 Times Per Week

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends limiting your servings of oatmeal to 2 times per week if you have gout or are at higher risk for gout due to a family history of the condition.

However, dont eliminate oatmeal altogether, as it has other health benefits. Its fiber content helps to promote feelings of fullness and regular bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may even reduce risks for high blood pressure.

Raisins And Other Dried Fruits

Patients suffering from gout should avoid raisins since these fruits are produced from grapes, which are purine-rich fruits. Diabetics should also avoid raisins and other dried fruits such as dried apricots and figs 6. Drying these fruits concentrates their sugars, making them very rich in simple sugar. As a result, consuming dried fruits may cause a rapid and unhealthy rise in blood sugar in diabetic patients 6.

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Is Chocolate Bad For Gout

Chocolate reacts with gout on two levels. The first one is the anti-inflammatory properties I have explained above. The second one is better blood flow. What this means is that circulation will be improved and therefore the elimination of the uric acid will be better. In other words, blood will reach the kidneys much faster and in larger volume so it will remove the uric acid quicker than usual. Lower uric acid levels mean that the risk of a gout attack will be lower as well.

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Anthocyanins A Powerful Flavonoid

Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoids with high antioxidant properties. Found naturally in a number of foods, anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue fruits their rich coloring.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral abilities of the body significantly improve when anthocyanins combine with vitamins A, C and E.

There have been many claims about anthocyanins from the health and wellness industry. However, laboratory and clinical studies support only minor benefits regarding decreased cholesterol levels, improved cognitive function, lowered cardiovascular disease risk, and cancer prevention.

Although more clinical trials are needed to support claims on major illnesses, many studies confirm the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of anthocyanins. For gout, researchers have shown eating more fruits rich in anthocyanins lowers uric acid levels.

The top fruits for anthocyanins are shown in the table below.

Only nine fruits from the list were found to contain anthocyanins. Compared other fruits, berries, cherries and grapes contain significantly more anthocyanins and flavonoids. Only these three fruits are shown by a long bar on the chart.

• *Includes chokeberries, elderberries, wild berries, acai
• **Includes most common types
• Several types of berries, cherries and grapes have high amounts of anthocyanins among fruits that help prevent gout

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Choose High Purine Foods With Care

Although most foods high in purine are meat-based or contain yeast, some dried fruits might be rich in purines. For example, consuming 100 grams of raisins can produce about 100 milligrams of uric acid, a moderately high amount. Choose these types of dried fruits only occasionally and, when you do, consume them in small amounts. If you have gout, talk to your doctor or to a registered dietitian to decide on the best fruit choices for you.

• Although most foods high in purine are meat-based or contain yeast, some dried fruits might be rich in purines.
• Choose these types of dried fruits only occasionally and, when you do, consume them in small amounts.

Consuming Too Much Watermelon Is Said To Have Many Side

• Sarika Rana

• Summers are here and so is the need to fuel ourselves with cooling foods
• This delicious fruit has about 92 percentage water
• Consuming too much watermelon is said to have many side-effects

Consuming too much watermelon is said to have many side-effects. You heard us! Despite its marvellous benefits, eating watermelon in large quantity can actually cause harm to your body. Here are some side effects of eating watermelon in large quantity.

1. May Cause Diarrhoea And Other Digestive Problems

Watermelon is an excellent source of water and an equally great source of dietary fibre. However, consuming in large quantity may give rise to digestive problems like diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, gas, et al. The fruit contains sorbitol that is a sugar compound, which is known to encourage loose stools and gas issues. Another common cause of such issues is the lycopene content, which is a pigmented antioxidant that gives the watermelon its bright colour.

Watermelon is an excellent source of water and an equally great source of dietary fibre

2. May Up Glucose Levels

If you are a diabetic, chances are loading up on, too, much watermelon may increase blood sugar levels. It may be a healthy fruit, but it has high glycaemic index . Always ensure consulting a doctor before you consume it on a daily basis.

3. May Increase The Risk Of Developing Liver Inflammation

5. May Cause Cardiovascular Problems

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Vitamin B9 Helps Breakdown Proteins

Vitamin B9 , like all B vitamins, helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. It also helps produce healthy red blood cells. This improves conditions in the skin, hair, eyes, brain, liver, and kidneys.

A deficiency of B9 can lead to fatigue, irregular heartbeat, concentration loss, hair loss, pale skin and anemic symptoms.

A recent study concluded that an increased consumption of foods high in vitamin B9 and B12 lowered uric acid levels. Test results support vitamin B9s role in forming DNA and RNA in protein metabolism and controlling levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Evidently, both processes involve reducing uric acid production.

The best fruits to eat for vitamin B9 are shown in the table below. = 100% DV) These fruits rank in the top half of the list .

• *Only for blackberries, strawberries, raspberries
• Avocados contain the most vitamin B9 among fruits that help lower uric acid.

What Fruits To Avoid For Diabetic & Uric Acid Patients

Diet is important for both diabetes and gout, two chronic metabolic diseases 6. In diabetes, the body has a problem managing blood glucose because insulin is too low or cells respond abnormally to insulin. As a result, blood sugar may become too high, compromising the body’s energy supply. In gout, the body has a problem metabolizing purines, natural compounds found in many foods. Breakdown of purines produces uric acid, which may crystallize in joints of gout patients and cause severe pain 2. Both gout patients and diabetics should avoid certain foods, including some fruits that are either rich in purines or that have lots of simple sugar. Consult a doctor to determine a dietary regimen that is appropriate for you 2.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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How To Use Watermelon For Diabetes

If a person includes watermelon or other fruit in a meal or snack, they should also include healthy fats and protein to balance it out. The fat and protein in this meal assist to decrease the absorption of sugar into the circulation. People with type 2 diabetes who utilize their dietary habits to regulate their blood sugar levels may benefit from this.

Watermelon, like other fruits, is best consumed without additional sugars and in its natural, unprocessed state. However, it might be included in a fruit salad and consumed in moderation as part of a bigger meal. When eating watermelon, however, it is best to avoid eating it with other high-GI meals. Instead, they should combine it with meals like nuts, seeds, and other high-fat, high-protein foods.

Are Tomatoes Recommended For Gout

Many sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Harvard Health recommend a diet high in colored vegetables and fruits, including nightshades like tomatoes. These foods contain nutrients like carotenoids called beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, lycopene, and Vitamin C, all of which could help reduce inflammation and improve joint function.

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Types Of Fruits Best For People With Gout

Gout is called a rheumatic, or inflammatory, disease because its symptoms develop when your blood level of uric acid is high, causing small, needle-like uric acid crystals to form in your joints and provoke inflammation. Its symptoms may come and go, but during a flare-up you might develop hot, swollen and painful joints. When you digest foods containing purines, your body produces uric acid as a waste product, so a healthy gout diet includes careful attention to purine content, particularly choosing the best fruits to help prevent or minimize these symptoms.

What Happens If You Eat Cherries Everyday

Cherries are rich in antioxidants. These are natural chemicals that can help your body deal with day-to-day damage to your cells. The havoc may come from normal metabolism, inflammation, exercise, smoking, pollution, or radiation. Some studies show that both sweet and tart cherries help reduce this damage.

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