The Connection Between the Atkins Diet and Gout

If you are considering the Atkins Diet and gout bothers you, take some time to discuss the situation with your doctor or rheumatologist. Some studies have suggested that being on the Atkins diet plan can contribute to gout, but there are steps you can take to reduce this risk.

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that can be extremely painful if not treated properly and allowed to develop over time. If you have a joint or joints that are swollen, warm to the touch and red that have flare-ups of sudden, intense pain, you may have gout. It was once called “the condition of kings” because people who get it usually eat a lot of rich, fattening foods and meats.

What Causes Gout?

Gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the body, particularly extremities like toes. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines, which are found in high amounts in meats, poultry, seafood and even nuts. Focusing more on the vegetables and other foods allowed can minimize the effects of purine in the Atkins Diet.

The Atkins Diet May Contribute to Gout

The body also produces some uric acid during the process of ketosis, which is the basis for how the Atkins Diet works. Obviously, some additional uric acid will be produced if you successfully begin ketosis on the Atkins program. Is there a solution? It depends on a number of factors, including how severe your gout is and whether current treatments are working to keep it under control.

The Solution: Modify the Atkins Diet

If you are taking medication to treat your gout and it is relatively mild, you can modify the Atkins diet to prevent the build-up of too much uric acid. I would also suggest you don’t go through the Induction Phase, which will probably aggravate your gout. Instead, keep your weight loss at a slower, steadier pace by using the Weight Loss Phase of the Atkins Diet and keep your weight loss to two pounds or less a week. Finally, talk to your doctor about a prescription for Allopurinol, which will help prevent the build-up of puric acid.

Talk to Your Physician

If you are considering the Dr. Atkins diet plan, talk to your doctor about the connection between the Atkins diet and gout. Between the two of you, a plan can be outlined to keep your symptoms under control while you lose weight.

See Are there Any Atkins Diet Health Risks? with links to articles that will answer a lot of questions you might have.