Avoiding a Gout Attack During Mardi Gras

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and all the parades that have been going for several weeks now can’t be hard to miss. It’s all leading up to the big day on Tuesday, February 17, 2015: Mardi Gras! Everywhere you go is packed with color and delicious food. Of course, the great New Orleans food you come across may not be the greatest for gout. If you know what is and isn’t good for gout, though, you can enjoy your “Fat Tuesday” without worrying about a painful flare-up.

Gout pain comes from a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints—usually the big toe. Your body makes uric acid when it breaks down the purines in food. Over time this collects in your joints until it causes a flare-up. Most types of meat, anything high in fat, and sugary foods using high fructose corn syrup are common triggers for an attack. Red meat, fatty fish, and seafood like shrimp and scallops are particularly high in purines.

It’s impossible to completely avoid purines in your diet, especially at Mardi Gras! However, you only need to limit consuming them to help prevent a gout attack. Seek out foods that have ingredients that are better for you. Look for dishes that feature whole grains. Lots of fruit and veggies are important, too. Instead of meat, choose something that features beans or legumes. Drink plenty of water, too. Skip the sugary drinks like soda and juice, which are high in purines, as well as alcohol, which makes it harder for your body to flush out excess uric acid.

If you do develop a gout attack, get help right away. Foot care within the first day or so of a flare-up can relieve the pain and help shorten the length of the attack overall. The Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC office is right nearby in Metairie, LA. We’ll help you deal with the condition promptly. Call us at (504) 708-4810 to make an appointment for any gout-related issues or other foot pain problems.