Diet can have a major impact on gout symptoms

Once upon a time there lived a wealthy king who loved fine food. His royal table was often filled with rich meats and strong ale, which he happily shared with friends and royal subjects. One night as he got up from his feast, the king experienced a sharp pain in the joint of his big toe.

“Ouch!’’ he bellowed. “Call for the royal physician!’’

The king’s doctor confirmed that he suffered from gout, one of the oldest diseases in recorded history.

“Why do I have such pain?’’ cried the king.

“Because, oh king,’’ the physician explained, “your blood contains high amounts of a substance called uric acid. This acid forms crystals that accumulate in your joints. You feel pain because your joints are inflamed, which will be called arthritis in a few hundred years.’’

The king then called for the royal dietitian.

“What must I do to avoid this misery?’’ he king asked.

“You must change your ways,’’ said the astute dietitian.

“Many of your favorite foods, such as liver, sardines, caviar and anchovies, contain high levels of proteins called purines. Purines are the source of uric acid that can aggravate your painful gout.’’

“What else?’’ moaned the king.

“You must learn to eat smaller amounts of meat such as beef, pork and lamb,’’ she replied.

“Learn from your humble subjects who eat bountifully from their gardens of grain, fruit and vegetables. These people rarely suffer from gout.’’

The king frowned. “And my fine ale? Must I give that up as well?"

“Beer and other spirits can certainly cause you pain," she said.

“What else can be done to relieve my suffering?" the king inquired.

“Call for the royal pharmacist,’’ said the physician.

“He will prepare medicines to help prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in your joints."

“And the king would be wise to lose a few pounds," the royal dietitian added.

“Then I shall lose some weight in a hurry with a low carbohydrate diet!" the king exclaimed.

“Hold your royal horses,’’ the royal dietitian interrupted.

“Too few carbohydrates and large amounts of protein and fat can trigger painful attacks of gout. Your highness would be most wise to spread his noble table with healthful carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. And to eat less meat and fat.’’

“Bring me the royal water jug,’’ the king whimpered. “Surely that will do me no harm.’’

“Several cups a day are most helpful, your excellence,’’ advised the royal physician.

And so the king took the advice of his royal health team. And he lived happily ever after.