The diet for gout patients is one of the good ways that may contribute to getting rid of uric acid, and thus relieving the symptoms of gout, but patients always wonder about shrimp. In the following context,       Dalili Medical explains the effect of shrimp on gout patients

**What is gout?**

Gout is a type of arthritis that results from high levels of uric acid in the blood. This disease is also known as the "disease of kings", due to its association with the meat-rich diet that was common among the wealthy and kings. Gout attacks are manifested by severe pain in the joints, especially in the feet, and these attacks may last for several days. In addition to genetic factors, some foods can lead to increased levels of uric acid, which increases the risk of gout attacks. To avoid this painful disease, it is recommended to avoid foods rich in purines, such as red meat and fatty fish. It is also preferable to follow a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant proteins, while reducing the consumption of meat, whether red or rich in fat, to prevent attacks and relieve pain.

**What foods are forbidden for gout patients?*

There is a close relationship between diet and diseases, as some foods play a negative role while others help improve the patient's condition and increase the chances of recovery. Gout is considered one of the diseases in which the body is greatly affected by the type of food, as some foods increase uric acid levels in the blood, which leads to an exacerbation of the symptoms of the disease. Gouty arthritis occurs as a result of an increase in purines in the body, which turns into uric acid, which causes the accumulation of uric crystals around the joints and leads to inflammation and pain.

**Is it forbidden for gout patients to eat chicken?**

Red meat is one of the foods that gout patients should avoid, as it contributes to increasing uric acid levels in the body, which increases the risk of gout and exacerbates symptoms. Some doctors have advised changing the lifestyle that depends on a high consumption of red meat to reduce the risk of infection.

Chicken meat can be a suitable alternative to red meat in the diet, as it contains lower amounts of purines responsible for the formation of uric acid in the body, but it should be consumed in moderation to avoid the risk of gout.

**Does lentils cause gout?**

Protein is an essential element in the human diet, and care must be taken to include it in meals. However, consuming protein from animal sources may increase the chances of developing gout, so it is preferable to replace it with various plant sources, such as lentils, which is a good option.

**Does orange increase gout?**

Fruits are rich in minerals, fiber and vitamins that are beneficial to the body, and can also be consumed as juices. However, there are some types of juices that may not be beneficial for a gout patient, including orange juice, which can increase the accumulation of purines that cause uric acid, which increases the likelihood of developing gout and enhances its symptoms.

**Does coffee increase gout?**

There is no direct relationship between coffee and gout, but doctors consider it a drink that is permissible for gout patients, provided that it is consumed in moderation. Excessive daily coffee drinking can lead to dehydration, which is one of the risk factors associated with acute gout attacks.

**Do eggs increase gout?**

Eggs are considered a protein-rich food, and are beneficial to the body thanks to their important nutritional elements. Therefore, gout patients can eat them in moderate quantities, as they contain a low percentage of purines responsible for uric acid in the body, which helps avoid gout.

**Diet for gout patients**

There are special recommendations regarding foods and nutritional supplements, in addition to the importance of exercising for gout patients, including:

- **Organic and glandular meats:**

You should avoid eating meats such as liver and sweet bread, as they contain high levels of purines that contribute to increasing uric acid levels in the blood.

- **Red meat:**

It is best to reduce your intake of large amounts of beef and lamb.

- **Seafood:**

Some types of seafood, such as anchovies, oysters, sardines, and tuna, contain higher levels of purines than others. However, the overall health benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential risks for people with gout, so moderate amounts of fish can be part of an appropriate diet.

- **High-purine vegetables:**

Studies have shown that vegetables that contain high levels of purines, such as asparagus and spinach, do not increase the risk of developing gout or the frequency of its attacks. The relationship between tomatoes and gout should also be considered.

- **Alcohol:**

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol, as it can increase the risk of developing gout.

Studies show that consuming beer and distilled alcoholic beverages is associated with an increased risk of developing gout and the pain attacks associated with it. While moderate wine consumption does not appear to increase this risk, it is best to avoid alcohol during gout attacks, and it is recommended to reduce alcohol consumption, especially beer, between attacks.

**Sugary foods and drinks**

It is best to reduce or avoid foods sweetened with sugar, such as sweetened cereals, bakery products, and sweets.

**Vitamin C**

Vitamin C can help reduce uric acid levels. It is advisable to consult your doctor about adding a 500-milligram vitamin C supplement to your diet and medication plan.

**Coffee**

Some research suggests that moderate coffee consumption, especially regular caffeinated coffee, may help reduce the risk of gout. However, coffee may not be appropriate for some medical conditions, so it is advisable to consultYour doctor to determine the appropriate amount for you.

**Cherries**

There is some evidence that eating cherries may be associated with a reduced risk of gout attacks.

**Benefits of shrimp (shrimp, prawns)**

1. **Health benefits of shrimp for cancer**

Shrimp contains selenium, which helps prevent the formation of free radicals responsible for cancer and some other diseases.

2. **Health benefits of shrimp for weight loss**

Shrimp is characterized by its low fat and calorie content, as 115 grams of shrimp contain 23.7 grams of protein, providing about 112 calories and less than one gram of fat.

**3. Health benefits of shrimp for skin and hair**

Using shampoo and shower soap alone is not enough to maintain healthy hair and skin, as it requires adequate supplies of protein, which is an essential element to maintain the vitality of all body tissues.

**4. Health Benefits of Shrimp for Bones**

Shrimp contains abundant amounts of phosphorus, in addition to calcium, which are two essential elements for strengthening bones and teeth.

**5. Health Benefits of Shrimp for Depression**

Shrimp is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, and studies have shown that these acids contribute to alleviating symptoms of depression and improving the psychological state of people suffering from psychological problems.

**6. Health Benefits of Shrimp for the Thyroid Gland**

Shrimp can help support thyroid health by providing copper, which is abundant in this type of seafood.

**7. Health Benefits of Shrimp for Diabetes**

Shrimp is a delicious seafood and a good source of magnesium, and research has shown that it helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

**8. Health Benefits of Shrimp for Sexual Health**

Shrimp contains zinc and other elements important for sexual health. If you want to improve your sex life with your partner, it is recommended to eat shrimp once a week as an alternative to red meat, which may contribute to clogged arteries and negatively affect blood flow to the genitals.

**Fish and Gout**

Some types of fish, especially those that live in the oceans and oily fish, are best avoided completely in case of gout. This is because they contain a high percentage of omega-3 acids, which contain large amounts of purine, a type of protein that when broken down produces uric acid, which causes gout.

Among the types of fish to consider:

Anchovies come first, followed by salmon and sardines, then herring and mackerel, in addition to shrimp, squid and caporia.

In contrast to sea and river fish such as mullet and tilapia, which are considered safe to eat and do not cause health problems, as some doctors have indicated, as there is no relationship between these types and gout.

However, there are opposing opinions from some doctors who believe that all types of fish carry some risks, and there is no clear advantage for one type over another.

**The effect of shrimp on gout patients:**

Shrimp is one of the seafood that gout patients should avoid, due to its high content of purine, which turns into uric acid when it enters the body. Gout patients should completely avoid shrimp and other seafood, such as mussels and capers, to avoid attacks of high uric acid. Gout patients are also advised to reduce their intake of sugars and soft drinks, especially those sweetened with fructose, in addition to reducing the consumption of fruits that contain fructose, such as apples.

In the case of high uric acid levels, it is preferable to drink sufficient amounts of water, and use medications that help lower its levels. It is also important to reduce the intake of red meat, liver and legumes, and rely on eggs and dairy products as the main sources of protein, such as cottage cheese, milk and yogurt.