Are Tomatoes Bad For Gout?

The accumulation of urate crystals is what causes gout and, in turn, this happens when uric acid levels in the blood are higher than what is considered to be within normal levels.

What does food have to do with the onset of gout? The truth is that it is directly related because uric acid is created from the decomposition of purines, a substance that some foods contain. Therefore, a bad diet can increase levels of uric acid. The body normally removes uric acid through the kidneys, and levels may rise if it produces too much or does not clear enough.

Thus, it is essential to know what foods you can eat if you have gout in order to avoid those with a higher concentration of purines. As an aside, gout is also popularly known as "the rich man's arthritis" or "the illness of kings," nicknames linked to diets historically associated with wealth that often included foods such as seafood and red meat. Diet is only one factor; genetics, kidney function, some medicines and other health conditions can affect uric acid levels too.

And so, moving onto the point, is tomato bad for gout? The truth is that there is no proven link between eating tomatoes and increased uric acid and, therefore, with gout. Conversely, the benefits of tomatoes to the human body and the advantages of eating them are well known. Individual experiences can differ, so keeping a food diary may help you notice patterns, though it cannot establish a cause on its own.

However, we know for a fact that tomato is a food with a negligible contribution of purines, with only 10 mg per 100 g of tomato. Thus, individuals with gout may eat tomatoes without worrying as long as they also eat a balanced and healthy diet.

If you have gout, we recommend staying informed and checking out our article on how to treat gout at home so you can get better quickly. However, you will need to ensure you speak to a qualified doctor to treat serious illnesses such as gout.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Are Tomatoes Bad For Gout?, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

Tips

• Make sure you talk to your doctor or specialist when suffering from gout, as there is no better person to guide you and help you manage it.