If you enjoy eating meat and have gout, you may be wondering if it is safe to include chicken and turkey into your diet going forward.
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
And your health provider may have advised you to limit your intake of high-purine foods, as it can trigger your condition.
Since that’s the case, how about chicken and turkey?
These foods contain different levels of purine. But one is likely to cause more damage to your health than the other.
In this article, we will explore how these meats can affect gout and whether they may worsen or improve your condition.
There’s more, so keep reading.
What is gout?
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that causes sudden attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints, most commonly in the big toe.
It is estimated to affect around 3 million Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gout results from a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body.
The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat.
The common signs and symptoms of gout are sudden joint pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
And as mentioned by Mayo Clinic, they almost always occur suddenly, and often at night.
There is no known cure for this condition. But treatments and lifestyle changes may help to make the attacks happen less often.
Some of the lifestyle changes a person living with gout can also make include the following:
- Limiting intake of purine-rich foods
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- And avoiding alcohol and stress.
Is chicken good for gout?
It depends on how you prepare it.
Chicken plays a role in reducing the frequency of gout attacks and helps with weight loss and maintenance – which is an important lifestyle change for people with gout.
However, it is important that the skin of the chicken is removed and cooked properly to significantly reduce the purine content and unhealthy fats.
Is turkey good for gout?
Yes, turkey is a healthy choice for gout patients because it has a moderate purine content. It must, however, be consumed in moderation.
According to the Goutsite, you should limit your consumption to 1 x 3.5 oz (100 g) serving per day.
Like the chicken, the skin of the turkey must be removed and cooked properly to reduce the purine content and unhealthy fats in it.
Purines in turkey vs chicken
Both meat products have purine. The purine level, however, differs depending on how you cut the chicken or turkey and what parts you choose to consume.
All the cuts of the chicken are moderate with the liver as an exception which has the highest purine content of all meat parts and organs.
Turkey, however, has a lower purine content than chicken. This makes it a better choice for people who need to limit their intake of purines due to health conditions such as gout.
Which is better for gout, chicken or turkey?
For individuals with gout, turkey is a better choice than chicken due to its lower purine content.
As we’ve said before, purines are converted into uric acid in the body and high levels of uric acid can trigger gout attacks.
So if you must choose between turkey and chicken, always consider the purine content.
Here, turkey is the clear winner because it’s more health-friendly for people living with gout than chicken.
Which is worse for gout, turkey or beef?
The answer is beef.
Beef, like other red meat food, contains levels of purines which is a chemical compound that breaks down into uric acid when metabolized.
If a person consumes red meat frequently, the body may produce more uric acid than it can effectively dissolve, leading to a build-up of uric acid in the body, known as hyperuricemia.
This can then cause gout to develop.
What are the 10 foods that trigger gout?
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and brains
- Shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster, and mussels
- Sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices
- High-purine vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and mushrooms
- Red meat and processed meat
- Fried foods
- Foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta
- Foods high in saturated fats, such as cheese and butter
- Foods high in salt and sodium, such as canned soups and processed snacks
Is turkey breast bad for gout?
No, it isn’t.
Turkey breasts, which are a type of white meat, are lower in purines compared to other meaty parts such as the legs and thighs.
This makes them a good choice for people with gout.
Is ground turkey high in purines?
No, they are not.
High levels of purines in food may lead to an excess of uric acid in the body, which may trigger gout attacks.
But ground turkey is generally lower in purines than other meats.
Is smoked turkey bad for gout?
No. According to SFGATE, it is generally recommended for people with gout to avoid high-purine foods like smoked meat.
However, smoked turkey has a relatively low purine content, making it a potentially healthy choice for those with gout.
More related questions: Is chicken bad for gout?
Should you eat turkey if you have gout?
Yes, you can. People with gout are generally advised to avoid meat products because they tend to be high in purines, which can trigger gout attacks.
However, turkey is relatively low in purines and you can consume it in moderation.
How much chicken can you eat with gout?
Although chicken has lower levels of purines compared to red meat such as pork, it is recommended to limit chicken intake to 4 to 6 ounces per day, according to research by WebMD.
Any more than this amount may increase the risk of gout attacks.
Can you eat turkey if you have gout?
Yes, you include turkey in your diet even if you have gout.
But while turkey is lower in purines compared to red meat, it is still recommended to consume it in small amounts.
Is hamburger bad for gout?
The answer is yes. Hamburgers can be risky for individuals with gout.
This is because they are often made from ground beef which may trigger gout attacks.
It is important to consume hamburgers in moderation if you have gout.
What meat is good for gout?
All meats contain purines, which can be harmful to people with gout.
White or lean meats such as turkey, cornish hens, quail, and rabbit are a safer choice because they have lower purine levels.
Conclusion
It is clear that both turkey and chicken can be a part of a healthy diet for individuals with gout.
However, we’ll remind you again that turkey is the healthier option and the winner in this debate.
If you have gout, you have to be mindful of what you eat.
When in doubt, it’s better to consult with your nutritionist or doctor for a proper checkup and a solid meal plan.
That way, you’ll be able to manage your condition better and reduce the risk of gout flares.
