Is Corn Bad For Gout?

Corn is grown all over the world, and is a staple food in many different cultures.

Corn is in various foods that we eat every day, including breads and pastas.

Corn contains vitamins and nutrients that can be good for your health, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Although corn is generally considered to be a healthy food, there are some concerns that some forms of it may not be good for people with gout. Particularly corn syrup.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

This condition typically affects the feet and ankles, but it can also impact other parts of the body, such as the wrists, knees, hands and even elbows.

What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a natural waste product that is produced by the body as it breaks down purines, which are found in many foods and drinks, including corn.

It is normally flushed out of the body through urine but if the kidneys become overloaded, uric acid can build up and lead to gout.

What Are Purines?

Purines are compounds that are found in a wide variety of foods, including some meats, seafood and even certain vegetables.

Alcohol is also a source of purines, which is why excessive binge drinking can increase your risk of gout.

While purines themselves do not cause gout, they can trigger the buildup of uric acid in the body, which can lead to gout symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and pain.

So in short, high purine foods cause uric acid which in turn cause gout.

Is Corn Bad For Gout?

Fresh corn on the cob seems to be fine. Its the processed foods containing corn syrup that seem to be bad for gout.

While more research is needed to better understand the link between corn and gout, it appears that individuals with gout may want to limit or avoid foods like corn based snacks in order to reduce their risk of flare-ups.

• One study by researchers at the University of Otago found that individuals who consumed high amounts of corn-based foods such as popcorn, tortillas and tortilla chips were more likely to experience gout flare-ups.

• Another study from the University of Birmingham found that individuals who consumed at least four servings of high-fructose corn syrup per week had a higher risk of developing gout over a 14-year period.

Corn syrup is found in many processed foods and drinks, so it is important to be mindful of your intake if you have gout.

Fructose corn syrup is found in many foods and beverages, including sodas and candy.

Foods high in corn include corn bread, corn chips, and popcorn. Tortillas and tortilla chips also contain a lot of corn.

Corn syrup in particular has been linked to increased uric acid levels and gout flares.

Overall, it seems that corn may not be the best food choice for individuals with gout, as it can lead to increased levels of uric acid.

Gout Dietary Advice

Now no one is saying you must stop eating bread and pasta but be mindful of the amount of corn that is in your diet.

You may want to try other healthy foods good for gout that are low in purines, such as green leafy vegetables, fish and nuts to help balance things out.

Fruits such as tart cherries, blueberries and apples are also good choices for people with gout along with pineapples.

Tart cherries in particular have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gout pain and lower uric acid levels.

Packed full of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that has antioxidant properties, tart cherries have been shown in human clinical trials to help gout patients reduce their attacks. You can buy tart cherry in juice or capsule form.

In addition to avoiding or limiting corn syrup from your diet, it is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle overall, including regular exercise and adequate hydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Living with gout doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite foods. By following a healthy diet, staying active, and limiting or avoiding corn, you can better manage your gout symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.