Are Oranges Bad for Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that typically strikes middle-aged men but can strike women as well. It’s also known as “oysters on the fire hydrant” because it frequently happens when you’re sitting down with a hot cup of tea or biting into an icy watermelon. There are several causes of gout, and some are genetic. But almost everyone is susceptible to developing gout at some point in their lives, whether they have a family history or not.
Oranges are high in uric acid, which can make you gout more often than you would if you didn’t have the condition. Read on to learn more about why oranges might trigger your gout and how choosing the right fruit can help reduce your chances of getting it in the first place.
What Is Gout?
Gout, or joint hypertrophy, is a condition that occurs when a person’s body produces too much uric acid. Uric acid is found in the blood and joint fluid of many animals, including humans. If you have gout, your body produces too much uric acid. This excess uric acid can get lodge in your joints, especially your large joints like the elbows, knees, and toes.
Over time, this excess can cause painful and dangerous inflammation in your joints. There are several types of gout, but the most common is “oysters on the fire hydrant” gout. This type of gout is characterised by a hot and painful attack at specific sites on the body.
Why Is Orange Linked to Gout?
Gout is a condition that mainly affects middle-aged and old men. But it can also strike women, in all age groups and both genders. It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and you may not experience gout during your lifetime. However, if you’re a man in his 50s or 60s, you’re at a significantly higher risk of developing gout.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting Gout
If you’re at risk of getting gout, you can try these tips to reduce the chance of a gout flare-up: Wear shoes with good arch support. This will help prevent foot spurs, which can be painful and can lead to gout. Limit your intake of salty foods. The excess salt in your system can make your gout worse by increasing the amount of fluid in your joint space.
Limit your intake of hard, spicy, or acidic foods. These types of foods can give you a gout attack because they trigger your body’s immune system. Wear gloves when handling hot or spicy foods. Hot food burns more calories than cold food, so wearing gloves will help you avoid burning yourself.
The Best Way to Treat a Gout Flare-up
If you get a gout flare-up, the first thing you should do is visit a doctor. The doctor will examine you and your surroundings to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. If your gout is due to genetics, the doctor may recommend that you undergo a genetic test.
Another option is to use a medication called “topical glucosamine”. This medication is only available over the counter in the United States and is believed to help with gout pain. However, do keep in mind that some people may react badly to this medication, which is meant to be used on a daily basis.
Ways Oranges Can Help Reduce Your Chances of Getting Gout
While oranges are high in uric acid and may make you gout more often than you would if you didn’t have the condition, there are several ways oranges can help reduce your chances of getting gout in the first place.
Boost your immunity: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immunity and prevent gout.
Help with inflammation: Oranges are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to your daily diet.
Prevent future attacks: Studies have found that eating a balanced diet made up of colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and poultry triggers the body’s natural immune system to prevent future gout attacks.
Improve your health: Studies have also found that eating an antioxidant-rich diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your health in general, preventing heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Conclusion
Gout is a painful condition that affects both men and women. It’s usually caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Although there is no known cure, there are ways to reduce the risk of getting gout and to treat the conditions symptoms if they occur. Both men and women can develop gout, and the condition is more common in people over the age of 50.
However, the chances of developing gout are lower in women than in men, and it’s less likely to strike someone after age 50. Eating oranges can help reduce your chances of getting gout, but there are other factors you need to consider before munching on an orange.