Can guava cause gout

Gout is a chronic condition that is characterized by an excruciating pain within the joints, particularly the joints of the foot and big toe. This condition is brought about when there is an improper metabolism of uric acid in the body. When an individual suffers from this condition, the levels of uric acid in the body tend to be higher than normal. This could be accounted for by two reasons, either the body is unable to flush out the uric acid produced in a manner that it is supposed to, or the amount of uric acid that is produced, is too much for the body to eliminate. As the levels of uric acid elevate, crystals begin to form, which gradually start collecting in the joints. These uric acid crystals are extremely painful, especially when they get lodged deep within a joint. The condition generally manifests itself through short attacks, which at times last for days or weeks. Individuals suffering from gout may not display any symptoms for years between these attacks.

Now getting to your question, the answer is no. Gout is the outcome of a metabolic disorder, when the body stops producing certain enzymes that are required for processing a substance known as purines in food. These unprocessed purines then get converted into uric acids, which begin to build up in the blood. There isn’t one single reason alone that is responsible for causing this condition. In fact a large number of factors can lead to gout such as; genetics, excessive intake of alcohol, hypertension, diabetes consumption of too much protein and so on. Similarly there is no one single food item responsible for this condition.  

In case your question was aimed at determining whether a gout attack could be induced by guavas, then the answer again, would be no. These attacks can be brought about by consuming foods that are rich in purines, which contribute to the uric acid levels in the body. Guavas do not lead to an increase in the levels of uric acid, hence they need not be linked with this condition in any way. Foods that are high in purines include oats, beans, cauliflower, mushroom, spinach, fish and other types of sea food and red meats. In addition, aerated drinks, colas and alcohol tend to increase the level of uric acid in the blood, as they have a high sugar content. Celery extracts, blueberries and red berries are generally recommended for this condition.

answered by G M

Curiously enough, gout is not caused by eating a fruit but is a disease that is caused by the body itself in response to high levels of uric acid in the body. It is know fact that a diet that is very high in protein aggravates this condition. Therefore when one is placed on a diet for gout, protein rich food is the first to go off the menu. The protein content of guava and any fruit is not significant enough to cause gout and is therefore a safe fruit to have. However, if you are buying guava in a jelly or jam form that has high sugar content, this might create problems and make an existing case of gout worse.

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is created as a normal outcome of cell death in the body and is excreted from the body; however, if the levels are too high then the uric acid will collect in the joints and start to crystallize. These crystals are sharp and damage the surrounding tissue causing inflammation. Gout sufferers have many problems even moving the joints and if the condition is not rectified then, an arthritic joint can develop whose crystals start to form at the joints. One of the reasons that uric acid increases so much in the system is because of a substance called Purine. Purine is present in the body as a natural factor because of cell breakdown and is also ingested into the body when consuming high protein foods. Purine is converted to uric acid by a metabolic process and it should be excreted from the system after that. Purine is obtained mostly from other animal sources like meat, fat and also from alcohol. It has been shown that people who drink a lot of alcohol are prone to this disease.  

From a dietary perspective, one who suffers from gout should immediately shift to a vegetarian diet that is rich in leafy green vegetables. Protein deficiency due to the reduction in consumption of meat can be compensated for by the intake of vegetable protein and dairy instead. Synthetic fructose as used in soft drinks should also be avoided as these have high purine content. Sucrose-based drinks should also be avoided and simpler glucose should be the only sugar consumed. In addition to this, a high water intake is prescribed to literally, wash the system clean of excessive uric acid.

answered by G M

In a word, no. Gout is a form of arthritis in which the tissue around joints is inflamed due to an excessive build up of uric acid in the body. There is no single cause for the disease. A number of factors can contribute to the development of gout — heredity, excess of protein in the diet, alcohol, as well as other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. No single food item, such as guava, can cause gout. Even if you are referring to a gout attack itself — an episode involving swelling of a joint, decreased mobility, and pain — these too are brought on by a variety of causes, including several foods that are high in a substance called purine, which contributes to the level of uric acid in the body. However, guavas do not cause uric acid levels to increase, so there is no reason to link them with gout any more than any other fruit.

Foods that do affect levels of uric acid in the body include animal products (especially internal organs, which are a delicacy for some people), fish and other sea food, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, beans, and oats. In addition, alcohol (beer in particular) and soft drinks that are rich in sugar increase uric acid levels.

answered by G M