You have had the most delicious dinner, a finger-licking beef steak with a mushroom sauce that deeply satisfied your tastebuds. But the next morning you woke up with a painful swollen big toe, ankles, and other joints. That’s how your life with gout can look like- sudden onset lasting for some days! and this stresses the fact that diet plays a major role in controlling gout!
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs due to the presence of uric acid in the blood that accumulates as crystals in the small joints, especially the big toe. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of purine substances present in certain foods and drinks and are excreted from the body. However, some conditions hinder excretion leading to hyperuricemia( high uric acid in blood), and accumulating it in the joints.
As we know dietary adjustments have a positive impact on gout. But what about almond milk for gout? Does that truly hold the power to alleviate gout or is it just a dietary myth? Worry not, we will dive deep to reveal if it’s good or bad!
Table of Contents
What is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a healthy and nutritious drink that is creamy textured and nutty flavored. For gout, any food high in purine is a trigger and increases uric acid levels. Conversely, foods low in purines are considered safe. But what about almond milk? Is it beneficial for gout patients?
Well, yeah! Almond milk is plant-based and research shows that these products are less likely to raise uric acid due to their low purine content.
Almond milk has 37mg/ 100mg purine which is quite low as any food having less than 50 mg purine doesn’t cause a surge in uric acid levels. It also doesn’t contain lactose and saturated fats and is effective for bone health due to the presence of calcium.
100 mg of almond milk provides your body with:
0.59 g protein
0.58 g carbohydrates
1.1 g fats
Is Almond Milk For Gout a Good Choice?
As we know purine-rich foods are a big NO for gout sufferers. You need to opt for a diet containing less purines. Here are some benefits of consuming almond milk:
Low in purines
High-purine foods like red meat, and seafood are the culprit to gout flare-up and can lead to high uric acid. Thankfully, almond milk is low in purine content and also is alkaline in nature. Because alkaline foods promote the excretion of uric acid from the body making it a gout-friendly choice.
Hydration
For gout, proper hydration is necessary to cope with this debilitating condition. Almond milk may contribute to the daily fluid intake and aids in flushing out excess uric acid. So, stay hydrated as part of the gout management strategy.
Nutrients Content
Almond milk is rich in valuable nutrients. It contains vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. As joints are badly affected by gout, almond milk with these important nutrients contributes to better bone health. Thus, making it worth a try for gout patients.
Lactose- free
Almond milk is the best alternative to dairy products for people having lactose intolerance or milk allergies. It provides lactose-free options for those who can’t have any other dairy product.
Lack of Saturated Fats
Unlike some dairy products containing saturated fats, almond milk doesn’t have saturated fats making it best for gout and heart health. According to the Arthritis Foundation, non dairy milk is suitable for gout patients like lactose-free and nuts milk.
Be Cautious when Consuming Almond Milk
Although almond milk is a great choice for gout, some precautions must be taken when you’re consuming it.
Additives
The almond milk you buy from stores may contain a lot of sugars or any other additives that will do no good for your health. In fact high sugar intake can worsen gout symptoms. So, what should be done? Try to make almond milk at home which is super easy and without any harmful additives.
Balanced Diet
Note that almond milk is not a standalone formula for gout. It should be included as part of a balanced diet which is necessary for gout management.
Individual sensitivity
Every individual’s sensitivity level differs and some people are allergic to almonds. So, consult with your healthcare professional if you notice any side effects.
How To Make Almond Milk at Home?
Natural is natural and what you make at home has more benefits than any product made commercially. When it comes to almond milk, you can easily make it at home without needing any fancy ingredients. In this way, you can avoid brands that add artificial sweeteners and chemicals that badly affect gout sufferers.
All you need are:
1 cup of raw almonds which are available at any store.
Filtered water
Salt
Soak the nuts with filtered water in a bowl or glass jar. Add one teaspoon of salt and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, cover with a breathable towel, and let them soak for 12 hours.
After 12 hours, drain and discard the water. Wash thoroughly and toss the almonds in the blender, add water and a pinch of salt.
Blend the ingredients for 30-60 seconds until the nuts are completely mashed.
You can use whole milk for more nutrition or strain the milk with a nylon cloth or nut milk bag.
Nothing’s wasted here, dehydrate the pulp left after draining and add it to smoothies or make crusts.
Store the almond milk in a tight container in the refrigerator.
Almond milk made from soaked almonds can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days while unsoaked can be kept for 5 days.
How to Incorporate Almond Milk into Your Diet?
Almond milk is your best bet as part of a gout-friendly diet. You can incorporate it into your diet in several ways:
Throw almond milk in a blender with strawberries or cherries for a nutritious and delicious smoothie.
You can mix it with vanilla, sweetener, or any other flavorings, and blend them until creamy and smooth.
Use almond milk in gout-friendly cereals, soups, or oatmeal for a tasty delight.
Wrap up
Thus, almond milk for gout is a powerful contender for its management. Along with medication, hydration, and dietary changes, almond milk should be a part of a well-devised gout-friendly diet plan.
You can start with small amounts to check if it’s suitable for you. Moreover, get your blood tests to see how much uric acid is present in your blood. Almond milk may not be a magic elixir but certainly a great addition to diet keeping your uric levels in balance.
