Is Spinach Bad For Gout?

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable and a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals essential for your health.

Spinach is rich in vitamin A, C, & K; iron; folate; fibre; minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

Whether you have it raw in your salad or cooked as a side dish, spinach is a great addition to your diet.

But it’s important to note that while spinach may be good for you, it’s not quite the miracle food when it comes to gout.

Spinach And Gout

There is conflicting views about spinach and gout.

Gout sufferers are told to avoid foods high in purines. Fruits, vegetables and leafy greens are usually low in purines.

However, spinach along with mushroons, cauliflower, asparagus and peas contain moderate amounts of purines.

So is spinach bad for gout?

Well, studies show there is no evidence that vegetables that are high in purines increase gout attacks.

Spinach is a healthy food choice and should be included in your gout diet, yet the UK Gout Society recommend that you eat it in moderation to prevent flare-ups.

I know, its confusing isn’t it?

Spinach Gout Benefits

Spinach is packed with antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage, both of which are associated with gout.

Vitamin A helps boost the immune system which can help reduce the chance of gout flare-ups. It works by helping the body produce the enzyme uricase which helps break down uric acid.

Vitamin C can help reduce the amount of uric acid in your body by aiding in the kidneys’ function of flushing it out.

Vitamin K found can help reduce the risk of gout by controlling calcium metabolism and protection from joint damage.

Iron and magnesium are both essential minerals that can help regulate uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout.

Folate can also help reduce the risk of gout as it helps with muscle and joint inflammation.

Calcium is important for reducing uric acid levels and can be found in Spinach. The calcium helps the kidneys to flush out the excess uric acid, which is what causes gout.

In addition, Spinach is rich in fibre which aids digestion and helps remove toxins from the body.

Conclusion

Whilst there is no medical evidence spinach can cause gout, the UK Gout Society recommends to eat it in moderation due to its moderate levels of purines.