Could Going Low-Carb Result in Gout?

In an effort to lose weight, many people have turned to low-carb diets like Atkins and South Beach. While it may seem heavenly to lose weight while eating all the butter, cheese, steak and bacon you could want, you might actually be leaving yourself open to some painful conditions later on. Gout, a form of arthritis, is one of these conditions.

Gout causes a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot, and its culprit is an excess buildup of uric acid in the body. You build up uric acid by consuming large amounts of purines, which are found in meats, eggs, seeds, nuts and seafood. These are just the types of foods that can often form the basis of a low-carb diet.

Obesity alone can also cause a buildup of uric acid, so you couldn't say that low-carb diets are the only culprits in the situation. Some gout conditions are also passed down through a person's genes, so certain families may have more of a propensity to develop the ailment regardless of their general diet.

While other factors may play into who develops gout and who doesn't, it's still smart to recognize that what you eat over time really does matter. Whether you want to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet high in fiber and packed with fresh fruits and vegetables will greatly benefit you.

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