Gout, also known as gouty arthritis, is an extremely painful inflammatory form of arthritis. Commonly thought to be exclusive to older men, older women get it too. Gout is typically caused by high uric acid in the blood. The acid can form into “needle-like crystals” in joints and surrounding tissue which results in the sudden and excruciating pain of the chronic disease. The risk factors of developing gout include alcohol use, older age, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol just to mention a few.

Let’s review some snacks that are safe for those who suffer from gout:

1. Purine rich foods
Excess consumption of purines attributes to the cause of gout. Purine by itself does not cause gout as it is produced naturally in the body and found in certain foods. However, when purines in the body break down, they become uric acid. As mentioned, high levels of uric acid in the blood causes gout. So it’s best to snack on low purine foods, which brings me to our first snack.

2. Peanut butter
Yes, that full (or half-empty) container of peanut butter sitting on your countertop is a great snack for those who have gout. Make a sandwich or dip your favorite vegetable into some good ole’ peanut butter. Put your mind at ease knowing you’re snacking on low purine foods. Perhaps your peanut butter snack is lacking some crunch, try your hand at adding your favorite nuts as an additional topping to your already delicious snack.

3. Fresh fruit
So maybe you have already combined your peanut butter with a few wedges of apples. You can never go wrong eating fresh fruits, even if you have gout. Eaten fresh, cherries are known to lower uric acid levels, therefore, helping in preventing gout attacks. Blueberries and strawberries, like cherries, also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Oranges, tangerines, papayas, and pineapples are also great fruits to snack on and are beneficial to include in your gout diet.

4. Vegetables
Just like fruits, vegetables are also another great snack for gout sufferers. Celery, squash, eggplants, kale, and cabbage are to only mention a few snack worthy vegetables. Eat fresh celery dipped in some (you guessed it) peanut butter and you’ll be snacking the day away. Make a salad with kale and cabbage with some fruits and nuts and you’ll find this snack fulfilling.

5. Nuts and seeds
Do you remember we briefly mentioned nuts? Nuts and seeds are next on our list of gout-friendly snacks. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and cashew nuts are not only easy to carry around with you, but they also help keep your uric acid levels in check. Chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and flax seeds aid in reducing uric acid levels.

6. Low fat dairy
Dairy products are considered to be gout-friendly, but low-fat dairy products are considered to be more beneficial. So perhaps you’re thirsty from snacking on vegetables or nuts and your throat seems a little unfriendly after consuming that large container of peanut butter. Consider drinking a glass full of low-fat milk. Low-fat milk reduces uric acid, therefore, preventing a gout attack. Do you have some leftover nuts and fruits? Add them to a cup full of low-fat yogurt and you’ve got yourself another gout-friendly snack to enjoy.

These are just to name a few safe snacks for gout sufferers. With any food or drink, moderation is key. It is also recommended to contact your health professional for specific dietary requirements and routine check-ups.