Gout is a painful rheumatic disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints, particularly in the feet. The arthritic condition is thought to affect around 2% of the population, though it is more common in men over the age of 40 and post-menopausal women. Despite the severe pain associated with gout often causing debilitation among sufferers, there is no known cure for the condition.
Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Over time, increased levels of uric acid lead to the formation of monosodium urate crystals within the joints. These crystals are extremely small but also very sharp, leading to pain and inflammation in the affected areas. As mentioned, gout mainly affects joints in the feet, with the big toe often the worst affected.
Uric acid is a waste product that is created when the body breaks down compounds called purines. In most cases, these waste compounds are effectively filtered through the kidneys and leave the body in our urine; however, some people may present increased levels of uric acid for a number of reasons.
Factors that may contribute to the development of gout include:
- Kidney problems
- Obesity and high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Eating too many purine-rich foods
- High intake of alcohol
How is Gout Managed?
While there is no cure for gout, some management techniques are effective at limiting the disruption caused by gout by treating symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Some people with gout may find relief during a flare-up with the help of cold packs as well as taking certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids.
Prevention is also a key part of gout treatment. Supplements designed to dissolve excess uric acid in the body can also help to prevent the formation of crystals in the joint, limiting the severity of gout attacks. Many people with gout also apply diet changes to limit the intake of purines; however, this can be difficult as purines are found in almost every living thing on the planet!
So, let’s take a closer look at sunflower seeds and gout - could sunflower seeds be good or bad for the condition?
Sunflower Seeds and Gout
Sunflower seeds, taken from the head of the sunflower, are believed to offer significant nutritional value and have even been associated with a number of health benefits. For example, it is said that sunflower seeds can help lower the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and several other diseases. With high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants, sunflower seeds can be useful in promoting healthy skin, boosting immune function and supporting heart health.
These nutrient-rich foods are a versatile source of nutrients as they can be enjoyed raw or cooked and served in a variety of dishes. But could they be beneficial or inflammatory for gout?
As we mentioned earlier, purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet, which makes them rather difficult to avoid. However, sunflower seeds are one of the plant-based protein sources that are lowest in purines, which could make them beneficial for people with gout.
One study, which aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of sunflower head extract on gout, found that administration of the extract in rats with acute gout was associated with strongly suppressed swelling in the ankles of rats with acute gout. Furthermore, the solution was also found to reduce levels of uric acid and xanthine oxidase in mice with hyperuricemia (abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood).
Conclusions
Sunflower seeds could be a low-purine source of a variety of vital nutrients. Furthermore, current research indicates that sunflower seeds could provide added benefits for people suffering from gout, including contributing to the reduction of uric acid in the blood and anti-inflammatory effects which may help to relieve pain and swelling associated with flare-ups.
To conclude, sunflower seeds could be a valuable addition to your gout management techniques, including dietary changes and the use of supplements.
