From the Research
Quinoa can be a beneficial addition to the diet of individuals with gout due to its low purine content and potential to help manage weight and reduce inflammation. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, 1, dietary factors can play a role in the management of gout, although their impact on serum urate levels and the long-term clinical course of gout is uncertain. Quinoa, being a low-purine food, is a good choice for those managing gout, as high-purine foods can trigger gout flares by increasing uric acid levels in the blood.
Some key points to consider when incorporating quinoa into a gout-friendly diet include:
- Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and may indirectly support gout management by reducing inflammation.
- Quinoa is rich in fiber, which can help with weight management—an important factor since excess weight can worsen gout symptoms.
- The grain contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation associated with gout attacks.
- While incorporating quinoa into your diet, it's still important to maintain other gout management strategies such as staying hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding high-purine foods like organ meats and certain seafood, and taking any prescribed medications such as allopurinol or febuxostat as directed by your healthcare provider, as suggested by 2 and 3.
It's also worth noting that a comprehensive review of dietary recommendations for patients with gout, 4, suggests that well-established diets for cardiometabolic health, such as the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets, in combination with weight loss for those who are overweight or obese, may have beneficial effects on relevant gout endpoints. However, the most recent study, 1, provides the most up-to-date guidance on the role of dietary and nutritional factors in the development of gout.
In terms of preparation, quinoa can be easily prepared as a side dish, added to salads, or used as a base for grain bowls, making it a versatile addition to a gout-friendly diet. Overall, incorporating quinoa into a balanced diet, along with other gout management strategies, may help individuals with gout manage their condition and reduce the risk of flares, as supported by 5.