Gout is a disease that tends to affect middle-aged men and women post-menopause. It is caused by the high levels of uric acid in the body, that occurs during the breakdown of purines in the food. This uric acid then crystallizes and forms deposits on the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.

There is no cure for gout, but a low-purine diet is an effective way to reduce uric acid levels in the blood and can help manage the condition. Here are a few recipes and meal plans which are gout friendly.

• Anti-inflammatory juice
  This is a great recipe with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Blend 2 carrots, half a small yellow pumpkin, 2 apples, 2 celery sticks, ½ -inch ginger, 1-inch turmeric, and some water. Garnish the drink with cinnamon, which is another powerful antioxidant. This refreshing juice can be had first thing in the morning or anytime during the day.
• Quinoa and chickpea salad with lemon-tahini dressing
  The ingredients required for this salad are 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 can chickpeas or 1 cup freshly cooked mildly salted chickpeas, 1 cup chopped baby spinach, ½ cup chopped parsley, ½ cup chopped cilantro, ⅓ cup chopped green onion, ⅓ cup roasted pumpkin seeds, a few almonds, and ⅓ cup feta (optional). The recipe for the lemon tahini dressing includes ¼ cup olive oil, 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste, 2 tablespoons tahini,1 large clove garlic, ½ tsp fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  Mix the ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl. Combine the salad ingredients and drizzle the dressing on it. It is better to serve this nutrient-packed salad immediately, however, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
• Carrot and pineapple juice
  Combine 4 carrots, 1 slice of pineapple, 1 lemon and 30 grams of cherries. This is a great and easy-to-make recipe for a gout diet and helps to reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Lemon and cherries neutralize the uric acid and are also great antioxidants.
• Chayote juice
  Blend ¼ of an unpeeled and chopped chayote, 1 slice of pineapple and ½ cup orange juice in a blender. Blend this at high speeds till lumps disappear. Have 1 glass of this for 7 days. This juice helps lower uric acid levels. It is a diuretic and is highly suggested for those suffering from arthritis and cellulitis. It deflates tendons and is useful to treat sprains and dislocations.
• Grapefruit and radish juice
  Combine grapefruit and radish in the ratio of 2:3, to which you must add the juice of 1 or 2 lemons. This drink is rich in folic acid and vitamin C. It contains vitamin B and minerals too.

Lemon juice and celery juice are highly recommended to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Both celery and lemon juice are advised to be taken on an empty stomach. Have either one of the juices every day if you are prone to gout as they are both antacids. There are numerous gout friendly recipes that are fairly easy to make and taste amazing too. If you’re unsure of what other options you have, you can always consult your doctor for help.