Gout is a form of arthritis that affects 8.3 million people in the country. It occurs due to uric acid buildup in the blood. Uric acid is a waste generated after the digestion of foods that contain purine. When the concentration of uric acid in the blood increases, it accumulates in the joints and forms sharp crystals. These crystals are the ones that cause pain and inflammation.

While gout attacks are usually centered in and around the big toe, they can occur in other joints as well. Thankfully, the disease can be treated through medications, lifestyle changes, and healthy food choices. In this article, we will focus on the best anti-inflammatory foods for treating gout.

1. Cherries
Reducing inflammation is one of the main objectives for gout patients. More inflammation leads to more pain, which, in turn, increases the risk of frequent gout attacks. Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties are recommended, as they can help reduce inflammation due to gout. Cherries are excellent for this very cause. They contain natural compounds called anthocyanins, which contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have proven that cherries are indeed potent at reducing uric acid and lowering the risk of gout attacks.

2. Celery seeds
Celery seeds, like cherries, have amazing anti-inflammatory properties. They are great at reducing uric acid levels in the blood, which lowers inflammation near the joints. Celery seeds also lower inflammatory nitric oxide production that is known to aggravate gout attacks. Additionally, they are great at supporting bone health, promoting red blood cell formation, and improving blood sugar levels.

3. Coffee
Coffee is surprisingly good for gout patients. Research aimed at understanding the effect coffee had on symptoms of gout yielded significant results, which is why it is recommended for patients. One of the studies concluded that men who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 40% decreased risk of gout, while those who drank 6 cups or more per day had a 59% lower chance as compared to men who didn’t consume coffee. The findings apply to women as well.

4. Lemon
All vitamin C sources are good for gout patients. Hence, lemon naturally comes into the picture as it has ample amounts of vitamin C, while the antioxidants reduce inflammation by breaking down uric acid deposits. The great thing about lemon is that you can incorporate it easily into your diet.

5. Low-purine foods
Purines are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are made by our body and acquired through foods. However, they’re a problem for gout patients as the breakdown of purine leads to uric acid, which causes pain and inflammation in gout patients. Therefore, patients are advised to reduce purine intake from foods. Some low-purine foods safe for gout patients include low-fat dairy and plant-based protein foods, such as nuts, seeds and legumes, whole grains, and vegetables.