Patrick Oconnell
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood are deposited as crystals and accumulate around a joint. It has long been associated with overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol, and was historically known as a problem of the wealthy. However, this is a misconception, and gout is now understood to be linked to obesity and diet. While some foods should be avoided, it is more important to follow healthy eating guidelines than to eliminate certain foods. Dairy products, for example, have been proven to help with gout and prevent flare-ups, and several studies have linked milk and dairy products, including cheese, to reduced uric acid levels and a lower risk of gout. However, some cheeses are higher in purine than others, and goat cheese is one of the cheeses that should be avoided by people with gout or other purine-related diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese safe for gout | No, goat cheese is high in purine and should be avoided if you have gout or other purine-related diseases |
| Other high-purine cheeses | Blue cheese |
| Low-purine cheeses | Cottage, mozzarella |
| Gout | A type of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood are deposited as crystals and accumulate around a joint |
| Uric acid | A waste product produced when the body breaks down purines |
| Purines | Natural compounds found in many foods |
| Gout diet | Focuses on reducing the intake of purine-rich foods to lower uric acid levels |
| Recommended gout diet | Fresh, unprocessed foods; complex carbohydrates; vegetables; whole grains; low-fat dairy products |
| Foods to avoid with gout | Alcohol; high-fructose corn syrup; red meat; full-fat dairy products; organ meat; soft drinks; sardines; beans; bacon |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese is high in purine, which can cause gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood are deposited as crystals and accumulate around a joint. Uric acid is a waste product produced when the body breaks down purines, which occur naturally in the body and are also found in protein-rich foods. While some studies have shown that dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yoghurt can help with gout and prevent flare-ups, it is important to note that not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to their purine content.
Goat cheese, in particular, is high in purine, and consuming it when one has gout or other purine-related diseases is not recommended. This is because a diet rich in purines can raise uric acid levels, which can sometimes lead to gout. The principle of a gout diet is to reduce the intake of purine-rich foods so that the body does not produce more uric acid. While cheese is generally not considered a major dietary source of purines compared to certain other foods, it is important to be mindful of the purine content in different types of cheese if you are prone to gout or kidney stones.
It is worth noting that some cheeses are higher in purine than others, and low-fat cheeses can be included in a low-purine diet. For example, mozzarella and cottage cheese are low in purine and can be suitable for those at risk of developing a disease from excess purine. On the other hand, goat cheese and blue cheese are high in purine and should be avoided by those with gout or other purine-related diseases.
While it is important to be mindful of purine intake, it is also crucial to follow healthy eating guidelines and not just eliminate certain foods. Being overweight increases the risk of developing gout, and losing weight can lead to a reduction in gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels and reducing stress on joints. Additionally, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gout attacks by raising uric acid levels, so it is recommended to avoid or reduce alcohol intake.
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Dairy products can help remove uric acid from the body
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood are deposited as crystals and accumulate around a joint. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines occur naturally in our bodies and are also found in certain protein-rich foods. While it was historically associated with the overindulgence of rich foods, gout is now increasingly common among people in metro areas.
It is important to note that not all dairy products are equally beneficial for people with gout. While low-fat and nonfat dairy options are generally recommended, some dairy products, such as cheese, are high in saturated fats. Cheese is generally safe to eat with gout, as long as you are not lactose intolerant, and several studies have linked it to reduced uric acid levels. However, due to its high fat content, it may be advisable to opt for low-fat cheese varieties.
When managing gout, it is essential to consider dietary factors that can impact uric acid levels. In addition to dairy products, certain foods are known to increase uric acid levels, such as meat, seafood, alcoholic beverages, and sweet drinks. On the other hand, green vegetables and other non-meat proteins, such as peas, beans, lentils, and tofu, are recommended as they do not raise uric acid levels and may even protect against gout attacks.
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Gout sufferers should eat low-fat cheese and dairy
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which accumulate as crystals around a joint. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which occur naturally in the body and are also found in protein-rich foods. A diet rich in purines can therefore increase uric acid levels, which can lead to gout.
Historically, gout has been associated with the overindulgence of rich foods, such as meat, seafood, and alcohol. However, recent research has shown that gout sufferers should focus on healthy eating guidelines rather than just eliminating certain foods. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, eggs, and unsweetened beverages.
Low-fat dairy products, such as low-fat milk, may help lower uric acid levels and assist with uric acid excretion in urine. Studies have shown that the proteins casein and lactalnumin in milk have a uricosuric effect, which protects against the development of gout. In addition, calcium and lactose have been linked to lower serum uric acid concentrations.
For gout sufferers, it is recommended to include low-fat cheese and dairy as part of your diet to help manage your condition. Most cheeses have low-fat versions available, and these are equally as effective in reducing your gout risk. However, it is important to consume dairy in moderation, as it is animal-based and can strain the kidneys.
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Gout flare-ups are caused by weight gain, not rich foods
Gout, a type of arthritis, is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which form crystals that accumulate around a joint. It has long been associated with overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol, and was historically known as the "disease of kings". However, this is a misconception. While rich foods do not cause gout flare-ups directly, they can cause weight gain, and obesity is a major risk factor for gout. Losing weight can reduce uric acid levels and the number of gout attacks.
Dietary advice for gout focuses on reducing purine-rich foods, as purines are natural compounds that are converted to uric acid in the body. However, not all purine-rich foods need to be eliminated, and some foods that are not high in purines can trigger gout attacks. For example, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, and nuts are not high in purines, but some people find that they trigger their gout.
Cheese is generally safe to eat with gout, as long as you are not lactose intolerant. While some cheeses are higher in purines than others, cheese is not considered a major dietary source of purines. Goat cheese and blue cheese are high in purines, so should be avoided if you have gout. However, low-purine cheeses such as mozzarella and cottage cheese can be eaten by people at risk of gout.
In fact, several studies have linked milk and dairy products, including cheese, to reduced uric acid levels and a lower risk of gout. This is because the proteins casein and lactalbumin in milk have a uricosuric effect, which protects against the development of gout. The orotic acid in cow's milk is also thought to decrease the reabsorption of uric acid back into the bloodstream. Therefore, for many gout sufferers, it is recommended to include the right type of dairy and cheese in their diet to help manage their condition.
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Gout sufferers should avoid alcohol
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which get deposited as crystals and accumulate around a joint. It is traditionally associated with the overindulgence of rich foods and alcohol. However, it is a genetic disease and extremely few people can make enough of a change in their blood uric acid level with diet to control their gout. That said, it is still important for people to limit certain foods and drinks, especially in the first six months after starting a uric acid-lowering medication.
Alcohol is a source of purines, which produce uric acid when broken down by the body. Alcohol also increases the metabolism of nucleotides, which are an additional source of purines that can be turned into uric acid. Furthermore, alcohol affects the rate at which uric acid is secreted, which can lead to increased levels in the blood. Beer, in particular, is high in purines, and all alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, affects processes in the kidneys that impact how uric acid is eliminated in urine. Specifically, alcohol makes the uric acid be reabsorbed into the body, with less expelled in the urine, leading to elevated blood levels of uric acid.
Research supports a possible connection between alcohol consumption and the development of gout. A high intake of alcohol led to twice the risk of developing gout. In a recent study, 14.18% of participants reported that alcohol intake was a trigger for an acute gout attack—almost 10% higher than some other reported triggers. Another study found that all types of alcoholic beverages, including wine, were associated with an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Even though one drink didn't raise the subjects' risk by much, having one to two drinks in a 24-hour period was associated with a 36% higher risk of a recurrent gout attack compared to those who consumed no alcohol in that period.
Therefore, gout sufferers should avoid alcohol, especially in the first six months after starting a uric acid-lowering medication. If gout sufferers want to drink alcohol, they should talk to their doctor about their specific health conditions and make simple changes to their drinking habits to avoid future flare-ups, such as drinking in moderation and choosing spirits, which have the lowest purine content.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is high in purine and should be avoided if you have gout or other purine-related diseases. However, some studies have shown that dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt can help with gout and prevent flare-ups.
It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially cherries, celery, and leeks, as they are associated with a reduced risk of gout attacks. You can also include complex carbohydrates, nuts, pasta, bread, yogurt, and low-fat dairy products.
It is generally recommended to avoid high-fat foods, alcohol, red meat, and full-fat dairy products. Organ meat, soft drinks, sardines, beans, bacon, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, and nuts should also be avoided as they may trigger gout attacks.
