Is eating ice cream bad for gout?

Picture this: it’s sweltering hot, you’re sweating like a pig and your feet are on fire. It doesn’t matter that they’re underwater in the pool; they feel like two balls of magma ready to burst through your skin. That’s when someone brings out the ice cream.

Ice cream is cold, creamy and soothing. It has been hailed as a comfort food for centuries, especially during sweltering days or after breakups (I won’t tell if you don’t). However, there has always been some concern over whether certain foods can trigger gout attacks. Is ice cream one of these offending items?

Let’s find out by delving into what causes gout in the first place:

What is Gout?

Gouts is a type of arthritis that results from an excess buildup of uric acid levels in our blood system resulting to crystals being formed around joints triggering inflammation and severe pain which tends to affect us at night . If left untreated could lead to serious health problems.

What Causes Gout Flare-Ups?

To put it simply: eating too much high purine content products (like organ meats) can cause uric acid buildup leading to chronic cases of gout which eventually result in acute flare-ups with intense pain.

Foods that contain purines include animal meat, fish types like salmon , anchovies and sardines, alcoholic beverages especially beer among others. Since ice creams are not made using any such ingredients therefore are relatively safe!

However…there may be other factors at play here:

Dairy Products vs Uric Acid

Dairy products have had quite the mixed reputation throughout recent years – some say they improve bone density while others suggest they might give men man boobs! But where does dairy lie within the world of gout?

Studies actually show about half cup serving (which is way less than what we humans serving on an average basis) of dairy products can lower the risk of gout flare-ups. Furthermore, ice cream – as a dairy product – contains relatively low amounts of purines compared to other high-purine foods.

This means if you’ve been diagnosed with gout and find yourself craving something creamy, icy and delicious… a scoop or two of ice cream could actually do you some good!

The Scoop on Sugar

As much as we adore sugar in our lives it comes at a certain cost such that excessive intake may consequently result into obesity! It’s common knowledge that too many sweets are bad for your dental health but what about its relation to gout?

Truth be told, research has shown us that consuming fructose is correlated to higher uric acid buildup levels; which again may lead to acute flare-ups in most cases But while ice cream does contain sugar (unless it’s unsweetened), it contains considerably less than other sugary treats like chocolate bars or cupcakes.

This implies if one must indulge their sweet cravings by a sweet treat then go ahead , just ensure moderation .

Ice Cream Alternatives For Gout Sufferers

Okay fine, so maybe eating reasonable proportions of regular ol’ ice cream doesn’t trigger your worst bouts. However there might still be an issue arises. This problem occurs when individuals whom indulging them a bit more than they should!

For those who want/have/need healthier alternatives (plus everyone else out there pretending like they don’t love healthy-but-delicious food) , here are few choices:

  • Greek Yogurt
  • Sorbets made from fruit flavours .
  • Protein bars which have no added sugars.
  • Low fat frozen yoghurt (where available).

Another positive thing about these dessert substitutes? They all come in pint sizes perfect for binging!

Conclusion

While neither myself nor any dietary expert would advise eating too many treats, ice cream isn’t necessarily the devil incarnate to those diagnosed with gout. Enjoy your scoops of frosty goodness; but not too much that you forget why we’re here in the first place!

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