Are Bananas Good For Gout?

Bananas are full of goodness. Packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, they can be a great addition to your diet.

But what about gout? Is it good or bad for people with this condition?

The answer is: Bananas may actually be beneficial for gout sufferers!

Bananas are naturally low in purines, which are compounds found in some foods that can increase uric acid levels in the bloodstream and lead to gout flare-ups.

Bananas also contain a range of vitamins and minerals that may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

And they taste pretty, freaking good as well!

What Are Gout Symptoms?

Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling in the joints. Symptoms often include redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area.

Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. These crystals form when the body is unable to get rid of all the uric acid it produces.

They form and bore into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation and pain. And boy does it hurt!

High levels of uric acid can be due to a diet high in animal proteins, alcohol or due to a naturally occurring genetic condition.

Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, a compound found in certain foods. Foods high in purines increase uric acid levels, which can lead to gout flare-ups.

Bananas are naturally low in purines, meaning they can be beneficial for people with gout.

Why Bananas Are Good For Gout

Bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fiber. All of these nutrients can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Bananas also contain compounds that may help reduce uric acid levels in the body.

Vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation by blocking the production of uric acid in the body. Vitamin C also helps the body break down purines.

Potassium can help reduce inflammation by blocking certain pathways in the body that cause swelling and pain.

Magnesium helps to neutralize uric acid levels and may improve overall health by supporting a healthy immune system.

In addition, bananas are a good source of fibre, which can help slow down digestion and keep uric acid levels in check.

Fibre also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, which can further reduce inflammation.

It’s looking pretty good for bananas and gout!

Studies On Bananas And Gout

There are several studies that suggest bananas can be beneficial for gout sufferers.

• A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that eating a banana three times per day reduced uric acid levels in patients with gout.

• Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that people who ate one banana daily experienced significant reduction in inflammation and improved liver function.
• A trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2014 showed that when combined with other lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss, eating two bananas per day improved gout symptoms.

Top gout specialist Dr. Richard Horowitz of the Horowitz Center for Health in New York also recommends eating one to two bananas every day.

Tips for Bananas and Gout

If you have gout, bananas can be part of a healthy diet. Here are some tips:

– Eat your bananas in moderation, as too much sugar can contribute to weight gain which may worsen gout symptoms.

– Bananas can be combined with other healthy foods like blueberries in oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies for a delicious meal that is low in purines.

– Bananas can also be a tasty snack when paired with peanut butter or almond butter.

Gout Treatment

Bananas are more a preventative measure than a gout cure. If you suffer a gout attack, there are a few methods that can immediately help reduce pain and inflammation. Some treatments include:

– Applying an ice pack to the affected area several times a day to reduce swelling.

– Taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.

– Eating cherries, which are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects.

– Avoiding foods high in purines like organ meats, anchovies and sardines, and limiting alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Bananas are a great addition to any diet, and for people with gout, they can be especially beneficial.

Bananas are low in purines, which helps reduce uric acid levels in the body.

Bananas also contain several vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

And they are relatively inexpensive.

They aren’t a magic bullet by themselves. But adding bananas to your daily gout diet may be beneficial.

Happy Bananas for Happy Gout!