Gout
Arthritis from uric acid crystals. Indications: supplements lowering uric acid (cherry, quercetin), anti-inflammatories (Omega-3). Contraindicated: those raising uric acid (niacin, brewer's yeast).
- What may help
- 9
- What to avoid
- 26
What may help (9)
- Eat Whole Foods Habits MediumClinical
A whole-food diet, particularly one low in purine-rich processed meats and high in anti-inflammatory fruits (like cherries) and vegetables, can help manage gout by reducing uric acid levels and inflammatory responses. This approach provides antioxidants and compounds that support healthy kidney function and reduce the frequency and severity of gout flares.
- Garlic Supplements MediumClinical
Garlic's anti-inflammatory properties can assist in reducing the pain and swelling associated with gout flares.
- Herbalism / Phytotherapy Practices MediumClinical
Tart Cherry and Celery Seed extracts have shown moderate benefits in managing gout by helping to lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation. Tart Cherry, in particular, has demonstrated reductions in gout attacks and improvements in pain due to its anthocyanin content (effect size d=0.5-0.8).
- Quercetin Supplements MediumClinical
This enhanced quercetin form may assist in managing gout by inhibiting an enzyme involved in uric acid production, potentially helping to reduce levels and prevent flare-ups.
- DASH Diet Practices HighTheoretical
The DASH diet is recommended for managing gout due to its ability to lower uric acid levels in the blood. By emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting high-purine foods (such as red and processed meats), it helps reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
- Naturopathy Practices HighTheoretical
Naturopathic management of gout aims to lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation. Tart cherry extract and quercetin demonstrate strong evidence in reducing uric acid and mitigating acute gout attacks by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and providing anti-inflammatory effects (Cohen's d=0.8 for cherry extract). Omega-3s also reduce inflammation.
- Reducing Sugar and Processed Foods Practices HighTheoretical
Minimizing dietary sugar, especially fructose from processed foods, is a critical intervention for managing gout, as it directly reduces the body's production of uric acid, the cause of painful crystal formation.
- Glycine Supplements LowTheoretical
Glycine is involved in purine metabolism and may potentially assist in reducing uric acid levels, offering a supportive role in gout management.
- Integral Yoga Practices LowTheoretical
Integral Yoga's ability to reduce systemic inflammation might theoretically offer minimal adjunctive benefit for gout management. However, it is not a primary intervention, and specific evidence for its role is lacking.
What to avoid (26)
- Calisthenics Practices HighClinical
Avoid calisthenics during an acute gout flare, as exercising an inflamed joint will worsen pain, swelling, and inflammation. Resume only after the flare subsides and with medical approval.
- Social Dancing Practices HighClinical
During an acute gout attack, joints are severely inflamed and painful. Dancing would exacerbate pain and inflammation, making participation ill-advised.
- Tai Chi Practices HighClinical
Avoid during an acute flare-up of gout due to severe pain and inflammation in the affected joints, which would be aggravated by movement.
- Time-Restricted Eating 16/8 Practices HighClinical
Fasting can temporarily increase uric acid levels by affecting kidney excretion, which is a significant trigger for acute gout attacks. Individuals with gout or hyperuricemia should avoid time-restricted eating.
- Walking Meditation Practices HighClinical
An acute gout attack causes severe joint pain, making walking extremely difficult and potentially damaging to the affected joint. Avoid during flares.
- Alternate Day Fasting Practices MediumClinical
Alternate day fasting can trigger gout attacks by increasing uric acid levels due to metabolic changes and potential dehydration.
- Chlorella Supplements MediumClinical
Chlorella contains purines, which can increase uric acid levels and potentially trigger gout attacks in susceptible individuals. Use with caution if you have gout.
- Cycling Practices MediumClinical
During an acute gout flare-up, the affected joint (often in the foot or knee, directly stressed by cycling) will be severely painful and inflamed, making cycling impractical and potentially damaging. Avoid activity until the flare subsides.
- Ethanol (alcohol) Supplements MediumClinical
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, can significantly increase uric acid levels in the blood, leading to painful gout attacks.
- Intermittent Calorie Restriction Practices MediumClinical
Intermittent calorie restriction, especially if it induces ketosis or dehydration, can temporarily increase uric acid levels, potentially triggering gout attacks in susceptible individuals.
- Intermittent Fasting Habits MediumClinical
Individuals with gout or a history of gout attacks should approach intermittent fasting with caution or avoid it. Fasting can temporarily increase uric acid levels, potentially triggering acute gout flares.
- Ketogenic Diet Practices MediumClinical
The ketogenic diet can elevate uric acid levels in the blood, which is contraindicated for individuals with existing gout or a predisposition to it, as it may trigger acute attacks.
- Molybdenum Supplements MediumClinical
High doses of molybdenum might increase uric acid levels in the blood, which could worsen symptoms for individuals with gout or a history of high uric acid.
- Picamilon Supplements MediumClinical
If you suffer from gout, consult your doctor before taking Picamilon, as its niacin component may increase uric acid levels and potentially trigger a flare-up.
- Prolonged Water Fasting Practices MediumClinical
If you have gout, prolonged water fasting can trigger painful acute gout attacks due to increased uric acid levels in the blood during the fasting state.
- Protein Supplements MediumClinical
If you have gout, consuming excessively large amounts of protein might potentially raise uric acid levels and worsen your symptoms.
- Uridine Supplements MediumClinical
Avoid uridine if you have gout, as it can be broken down into uric acid and may worsen your condition or trigger an attack.
- Naturopathy Practices LowClinical
High doses of niacin (nicotinic acid) can elevate uric acid levels, potentially triggering or worsening gout flares.
- Shilajit Supplements LowClinical
Consult your doctor if you have gout. While rare, some reports suggest shilajit might increase uric acid levels in susceptible individuals, potentially triggering a painful gout attack.
- Inosine Supplements HighTheoretical
Inosine Pranobex can raise uric acid levels, making it unsuitable for those with gout or a predisposition to it, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
- Vitamin B3 Supplements HighTheoretical
If you have gout or a history of high uric acid, avoid nicotinic acid (niacin) as it can worsen symptoms or trigger attacks.
- Adequate Protein Intake Habits MediumTheoretical
Individuals with gout or a history of high uric acid levels should be cautious with protein intake, especially from purine-rich sources like organ meats or certain seafood, as it can exacerbate symptoms. Consult your doctor or a dietitian.
- D-Ribose Supplements MediumTheoretical
Individuals with gout or a history of high uric acid levels should use D-Ribose with caution, as it may temporarily increase uric acid, potentially worsening your condition.
- Excessive Sugar Consumption Habits MediumTheoretical
Regular excessive sugar consumption, particularly from sugary drinks, significantly increases uric acid production, raising the risk of gout attacks.
- Carb Cycling Practices LowTheoretical
Rapid dietary shifts inherent in carb cycling can temporarily increase uric acid levels, potentially triggering acute gout attacks in individuals with a history of gout or hyperuricemia. Consult your doctor before starting.
- Spirulina Supplements LowTheoretical
Spirulina contains purines, which can increase uric acid levels. If you suffer from gout, discuss with your doctor, as it might potentially trigger or worsen attacks.