The season of merriment and indulgence is upon us once more. Many of us are getting ready for drinks with friends and family, enjoying an evening of cheese and chutneys, and of course, the big day itself complete with the traditional turkey. But for those of us who suffer from gout, the festive period can mean making some tough decisions between indulgence and our health. For example, is turkey bad for gout? And if so, should we avoid it at all costs?
Managing Gout at Christmas
Christmas, and the whole festive period, in general, is often a time when diets go out of the window and we can give in to our cravings. However, knowing how far you can push your luck can be difficult if you usually follow a gout-friendly diet.
What we eat can be incredibly important for managing gout. That’s because our diet can affect the uric acid levels in our blood. When our blood uric acid levels are too high, small, sharp uric acid crystals can begin to form in our joints, leading to the pain and inflammation associated with gout.
Rises in uric acid levels can be linked to purines - a natural compound in many foods. Of course, some foods contain more purines than others, making them a risky choice for those already suffering from gout. Some high-purine foods include:
- Red meat (such as beef, lamb, and pork)
- Organ meat (such as liver and kidney)
- Some shellfish (including crab, lobster, and shrimp)
- Some fish (anchovies, mackerel, and sardines)
- Dairy products (milk and cheese)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Drinks rich in high-fructose corn syrup
You might think that this list doesn’t leave many foods left for you to enjoy, but worry not! There are plenty of low-purine options that all lend themselves to a healthy and balanced diet. But it’s Christmas, after all - so, what about the most traditional festive meal of them all? Is turkey bad for gout?
Turkey - A Healthy Option for Gout Sufferers?
As we mentioned in the list above, a number of meats are considered high in purines, meaning they should be enjoyed in moderation if you happen to be vulnerable to gout attacks. In particular, red meat and organ meat should be enjoyed sparingly; however, while turkey is a white meat that is generally considered a healthy option due to its leanness, it may not be the best option for individuals with gout.
Like the food products listed above, turkey is considered to be high in purines. This means that indulging in the roast bird on Christmas day could increase your chances of suffering a flare-up - especially when enjoyed alongside other festive staples, such as pigs in blankets, cauliflower cheese, and a glass or two of tipple!
Conclusions
So, does all this really mean you need to avoid turkey when the big day comes around? Well, that depends.
You may still be able to enjoy a couple of slices of turkey with your Christmas dinner. But you might want to go a little lighter on some of the other high-purine indulgences. After all, no one wants to spend the festive season laid up with a painful gout attack!
If you are going to indulge over the coming weeks, you should always follow your regular gout routine whenever possible. For example, taking uric acid support supplements and ensuring you are adequately hydrated can help to stave off a flare-up. But most of all, enjoy the festive period with your loved ones!
