Gout is a type of arthritis that causes the joints to hurt, swell up, and feel tender. It happens when uric acid builds up in the body, causing urate crystals to form in the joints. Even though food is not the only cause of gout, it can be a big part of treating it and keeping it from returning. Some foods can affect the amount of uric acid in the body, leading to gout attacks. For seniors, dealing with gout can be frustrating. With support from the companion care at home team and loved ones, seniors can make lifestyle changes to reduce their gout risk.
Understanding the Basics of How Fruit Impacts Gout
Before getting into which fruits seniors with gout should avoid, it’s important to note that not all fruits are bad. In fact, many fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber, which makes them an essential part of a healthy diet. Fruits like cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are usually considered safe, and their anti-inflammatory properties may even help people with gout.
But some foods should be eaten in small amounts or not at all when dealing with gout. Most of these foods have a lot of natural sugars called fructose, which can make the body make more uric acid. It’s important to remember that not everyone with gout will react to these items the same way. Each person’s tolerance may be different.
The following foods are often linked to gout attacks and should be avoided:
Fruit drinks with added sugars: Whole fruits are usually safe, but fruit juices with a lot of added sugars can be bad for seniors with gout. Most of the time, these drinks don’t have the fiber that whole fruits do. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels and makes it take longer for sugar to get into the body. Instead, seniors should choose fresh fruit drinks that aren’t sweetened or eat whole fruits.
Dried Fruits: When fruits are dried, the water is taken out, which makes the natural sugars more concentrated. Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates have more sugar than their fresh versions because they have been dried. This can make gout attacks more likely, so limiting how much seniors eat is best. It can be hard to remember which fruits are beneficial and which aren’t, but companion care at home aids can help.
Fruit-based sweets: Fruits in pies, cakes, or other sweetened desserts have extra sugars and refined carbs. Fruit tarts, pies, and other fruit-based treats should be carefully eaten because they can worsen gout.
Fruits with High Fructose Corn Syrup: High fructose corn syrup is often added to processed fruits like canned fruits in syrup or fruit-flavored foods. HFCS is a corn-based sweetener linked to higher amounts of uric acid. When seniors have gout, staying away from these things is best.
Even though limiting or avoiding these fruits is important, eating well and making good lifestyle choices are just as important. This means staying hydrated, watching their weight, drinking less alcohol, and adding vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to their meals. The companion care at home team and loved ones can help create healthy meal plans, encourage seniors to drink more water, and help them develop an exercise plan.
Source:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315732#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20people%20with,as%20well%20as%20fruit%20juices
https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-gout-diet
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Punxsutawney PA please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services. Call (814) 251-9044
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, and Dubois PA area.
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