Natural Health & Wellness

Analyzing the Data – Is Corn Bad For Gout?

Analyzing the Data- Is Corn Bad For Gout? Thewellthieone

We feel for you. Almost everybody loves corn, but nobody wants a flare up in their big toe!  

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the body, and it can be a debilitating condition. A common question among those who suffer from gout or are at risk of developing it is, “Is corn bad for gout?” 

Fresh, organic, non-GMO corn is not the same as processed, genetically modified corn when it comes to nutrition. 
Fresh, organic, non-GMO corn is not the same as processed, genetically modified corn when it comes to nutrition.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at the research examining corn’s potential benefits and risks for people with gout. We also discuss the differences between natural and genetically modified (GMO) corn when it comes to health.

What Does the Research Say?

According to a 2016 study published in the journal Nutrients, eating legumes like corn may increase your risk of developing gout. 

The authors concluded that “a higher intake of legumes was associated with a higher risk of incident gout.” They found that consuming more than three servings per week of legumes was linked to a greater risk of developing gout than consuming fewer than two servings per week.

Processed, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) corn like the kind that is used to make tacos, poses a higher risk to those with gout than fresh, organic corn.
Processed, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) corn like the kind that is used to make tacos, poses a higher risk to those with gout than fresh, organic corn.

However, other research suggests that natural, organic corn, as opposed to GMO corn found in most processed foods, may have health benefits for people suffering from gout or at risk for developing it. 

One study found that consuming organic corn could reduce uric acid levels in the body and thus help prevent gout flares. 

When uric acid crystals build up around the joints, it causes pain otherwise known as gout flare-ups.
When uric acid crystals build up around the joints, it causes pain otherwise known as gout flare-ups.

Additionally, organic corn is high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus, which are essential for good overall health.

It’s important to note that GMO (genetically modified organism) corn is much different health-wise than organic or naturally grown corn. 

While scientists say that there is nothing wrong with eating genetically modified food, many health experts disagree.  
While scientists say that there is nothing wrong with eating genetically modified food, many health experts disagree.

We should eat food as close to nature as possible, not change our food into something that did not come from nature.  There will be health consequences for changing the DNA structure of our food.

GMO crops have been altered through genetic engineering to withstand certain types of herbicides or produce their own insecticides, which can be harmful to humans if ingested in large amounts over long periods of time.  

Insects meet their doom if they eat a GMO plant.  One might wonder what happens to our digestive system when we do the same. 
Insects meet their doom if they eat a GMO plant.  One might wonder what happens to our digestive system when we do the same.

When an insect eats GMO corn, their stomachs/innards explode.  Imagine that humans may experience the same thing on a much lesser scale, the damage just takes longer. Some people who have digestive issues from a poor diet may be experiencing the negative effects of GMO food on their system. 

If you are concerned about the safety of GMO foods, choose organic varieties whenever possible to limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals or pesticides.

9 best items to consume if you have gout

Oily Fish: Salmon, herring, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce gout symptoms.

Oily fish like sardines have beneficial properties that help reduce inflammation and pain. 
Oily fish like sardines have beneficial properties that help reduce inflammation and pain.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: 

  • Apples
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • citrus fruits
  • cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts
It’s never a bad idea to have an extra helping of a colorful salad!
It’s never a bad idea to have an extra helping of a colorful salad!

melon

peppers

leafy greens 

These fruits and veggies are all good sources of vitamin C and other nutrients with antioxidant benefits, which can help fight inflammation.

Yes to this list of 9 foods that are gout friendly!
Yes to this list of 9 foods that are gout friendly!

Whole grains: foods such as quinoa, oats, barley, and brown rice are rich in fiber, which has been linked to lowering levels of inflammation associated with gout flares.

Nuts are anti-inflammatory, which is opposite of one’s condition when gout flares up. 
Nuts are anti-inflammatory, which is opposite of one’s condition when gout flares up.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds provide essential vitamins, such as magnesium, plus healthful fats that reduce inflammation in the body.

Legumes: Beans are a great source of protein without the saturated fats found in many meats, but they also have fiber to control blood sugar levels that might cause an attack of gout if they get too high.

Water: Staying hydrated can help lessen gout flare-ups or avoid them entirely.

Try some golden milk or golden ginger, which is a warm beverage with plant milk, turmeric, ginger and other spices.  It is a delicious, therapeutic drink for those with gout.
Try some golden milk or golden ginger, which is a warm beverage with plant milk, turmeric, ginger and other spices.  It is a delicious, therapeutic drink for those with gout.

Turmeric: The active compound curcumin found in turmeric has been known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties for centuries that help reduce pain associated with joint conditions like gout.  Try it in a golden ginger drink. 

Garlic: The sulfur compounds found in garlic act on enzymes that break down arachidonic acid into inflammatory compounds, helping to reduce inflammation associated with flare-ups from gout. Taking a daily garlic supplement when you want to avoid gout flare-ups is a good idea. 

There are excellent garlic supplements on the market for when you have to be around others and you don’t want to smell like garlic, take a high quality garlic supplement. 
There are excellent garlic supplements on the market for when you have to be around others and you don’t want to smell like garlic, take a high quality garlic supplement.

Ginger: Ginger contains gingerol, which is known to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling caused by a gout attack. Try to incorporate ginger into your diet on a daily basis.  It’s easy if you find a few recipes that you like:  

Butternut squash with sweet ginger soup

Grate some into your cranberry beverage for a ginger flavor twist like in cranberry gingerale, or make a cup of warm golden ginger.

Dr Janine Bowring, ND

Dr Janine Bowring talks about the foods to stay away from in her video titled,

The Worst Foods To Eat If You Have Gout

9 foods to avoid if you have gout

Organ meats—liver, sweetbreads, and kidneys—are high in purines, which can cause an increase in uric acid levels, leading to a gout flare-up.

Alcohol: Drinking beer and hard liquor can raise the body’s uric acid levels very quickly, so it is best to limit consumption or completely avoid alcohol if you suffer from gout.

Regardless of what you may hear that a little bit of alcohol is harmless, or wine is healthy because it has resveratrol, you can find resveratrol in less invasive drinks like grape juice.  The sooner you say no to alcohol for good, the better!
Regardless of what you may hear that a little bit of alcohol is harmless, or wine is healthy because it has resveratrol, you can find resveratrol in less invasive drinks like grape juice.  The sooner you say no to alcohol for good, the better!

Sugary drinks: soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices can all lead to increases in blood sugar and uric acid levels, making them potent triggers for a gout attack.

Eliminate sugary drinks from your diet. They were never your friend!
Eliminate sugary drinks from your diet. They were never your friend!

Red Meat: Pork, beef, lamb, and other red meats are very high in purines, so they should be avoided if possible when suffering from gout.

Fried Foods: Fried foods such as French fries contain saturated fats that may trigger gout flares when consumed regularly.

Processed Foods: Processed deli meats like ham and salami may contain higher amounts of purines, leading to increases in uric acid production, which could result in a flare-up of symptoms related to gout.

Refined Grains: White flour products like white bread or pasta should be avoided as much as possible since they can spike sugar levels, resulting in increased uric acid production and flare-ups from gout.

All shellfish is rich in purines, which are one of  the culprit for uric acid build-up.
All shellfish is rich in purines, which are one of the culprit for uric acid build-up.

Shellfish: lobster, crabs, mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp should be avoided since they are all very high in purines, which can contribute to uric acid buildup and trigger a painful attack associated with this condition.

Artificially Sweetened Beverages: Diet sodas, sports drinks, teas, or juices containing artificial sweeteners have been linked to 

Diet sodas are not good for those suffering with gout, and not good for anyone in general.  They are a detriment to good health.
Diet sodas are not good for those suffering with gout, and not good for anyone in general. They are a detriment to good health.

increasing the risk of developing severe gout flares due to their effects on insulin levels.

Concluding thoughts: “Is corn is bad for gout?”

When it comes to answering the question “Is corn bad for gout?” there isn’t a simple yes or no answer as it depends on several factors, including whether you consume GMO versus naturally grown varieties and how often you eat legumes such as corn.  

Considering that most products that contain corn these days do not use organic corn, and are often GMO, it is best to avoid processed corn if you have gout, and even if you do not have gout.

It’s important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet if you suffer from or are at risk for developing gout.

We hope you feel better soon!

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