Short Answer: Grits are bad for gout. Because they have corn, which is a moderate-purine food, and they are a refined grain, which can increase inflammation and uric acid levels.
Gout is a condition that affects your joints, especially the big toe.
In gout, your body produces too much uric acid, a waste product that forms sharp crystals in your joints.
This can lead to various health problems, such as inflammation, pain, swelling, redness, and limited range of motion.
One of the key factors in managing gout is diet.
What you consume can affect your uric acid levels, which can impact your gout symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage gout, you should consume low-purine foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and avoid high-purine foods like red meat, organ meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
Now, grits are a type of porridge made from coarsely ground dried corn or hominy, which is corn that has been treated with an alkali.
People usually eat grits as a breakfast dish or a side dish, often with butter, cheese, bacon, or shrimp.
Grits are bad for gout because they contain corn, which is a moderate-purine food.
Purines are substances that are broken down into uric acid in the body.
If you have gout, you should limit your intake of purine-rich foods to avoid triggering a gout attack.
One cup of cooked grits can give you about 38 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat, and 182 calories.
Carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar levels, which can worsen inflammation and gout.
Protein can also increase uric acid production, especially from animal sources.
Fat can contribute to weight gain, which can put more pressure on your joints and increase your risk of gout.
Furthermore, grits are a refined grain and refined grains are bad for gout.
Because, they have less fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than whole grains.
Fiber can help lower uric acid levels by binding to it and excreting it through the stool.
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with gout.
That’s why I suggest you limit your grits intake to avoid worsening your gout.
Stick to no more than half a cup of cooked grits per day to minimize the effects of purines, carbohydrates, and calories.
You should also choose plain grits over flavored or instant varieties, which may have added sugar, salt, or preservatives.
Also, you shouldn’t eat grits if you have kidney stones to prevent further complications.
Because, kidney stones are often caused by excess uric acid crystals in the urine, which can block the urinary tract and cause pain and infection.
You can buy fresh or dried corn or hominy in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose organic and non-GMO varieties, because they have less pesticides and chemicals that can harm your health.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing gout effectively.
I always recommend my gout patients to follow a gout-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.