
Salmon is one of the most popular fish in the world to eat. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Salmon is also a good source of protein and contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
However, some people believe that salmon may trigger gout attacks.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.
The pain from gout can be severe and is often described as burning or throbbing. I describe it like having broken glass in your feet.
Gout attacks can come on suddenly and can last for days or weeks. Gout can be chronic, meaning it comes and goes over time.
What Is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that is formed when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in all foods, some of which are high in purines, such as liver, anchovies, herring, mackerel, and gravy.
Uric acid is normally excreted in the urine. However, sometimes the body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t excrete enough of it. This can cause a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout.
Is Salmon High In Purines?
Salmon is considered a low-purine food. This means that it is unlikely to cause a gout attack. Low purine foods contain less than 150 mg of purines per 100 grams of food.
High-purine foods contain more than 500 mg of purines per 100 grams of food. The mg content of purines in salmon is 124.
Does Salmon Cause Gout?
There is no scientific evidence to show that salmon causes gout. In fact, some studies have shown that salmon may actually protect against gout partly due to its omega fatty acid content.
- One study by the Department of Rheumatology at Gachon University Gil Medical Center in Korea found that salmon consumption was associated with a lower risk of gout.
The study looked at the diets of 1,098 patients with gout and 2,196 controls without gout. The researchers found that those who consumed salmon were less likely to develop gout.
- Another study, this one by the Harvard School of Public Health, found that people who ate fish had a lower risk of gout than those who didn’t eat fish.
The study looked at the diets of 46,994 men over a period of 22 years. The researchers found that those who ate the most fish had a 41% lower risk of developing gout than those who ate the least fish.
- A study on omega-3 fatty acids and gout by the University of Sydney found that those who took omega-3 supplements had a lower risk of gout.
The study looked at the medical records of over 11,000 people. The researchers found that those who took omega-3 supplements were 33% less likely to develop gout than those who didn’t take them.
Salmon And Gout
The reason why salmon may be good for gout is because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout.
Salmon is also a good source of protein. Protein helps to keep the body’s uric acid levels in check by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine.
Protein is also needed for the formation of new bone and cartilage. This can help to reduce the risk of gout attacks by reducing the amount of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Salmon is full of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. These include vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.
Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of new red blood cells. Selenium is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Phosphorus is needed for the formation of new bone and cartilage.
Salmon also contains astaxanthin, which is a type of antioxidant. Astaxanthin can help to reduce inflammation and protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Is Salmon Good For Gout Then?
In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence to show that salmon causes gout. In fact, some studies have shown that salmon may actually protect against gout.
If you are looking for a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, then salmon is a good choice.
Just make sure to cook it in a healthy way such as baked, grilled, or poached. Avoid frying it in oil as this can increase the risk of gout.
If you have gout, speak to your doctor about the best way to manage it. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or natural treatments for gout.
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