Tomatoes and their influence on gout severity: An investigation and additional insights
Tomatoes are a popular food item, but their relationship with gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis, remains somewhat unclear. While there is limited research on the subject, some studies suggest that tomatoes might contribute to gout attacks.
Gout develops when high levels of uric acid, known as hyperuricemia, lead to needle-like crystals that lodge in joints, causing pain and inflammation. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of compounds called purines, which are found in some foods.
Tomatoes are low in purine, but they may still potentially trigger gout symptoms in some individuals due to other factors or compounds they contain. One such factor could be glutamate, a type of amino acid that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. However, there is no specific evidence linking glutamate directly to the connection between tomatoes and gout symptoms.
If you suspect that tomatoes or any other foods are worsening your gout symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice. They can help you manage your gout effectively and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet.
Other foods to be mindful of are those high in purines, such as certain meats like bacon, venison, turkey, veal, organ meats like liver, and some fish, seafood, and shellfish. These include anchovies, sardines, haddock, mussels, scallops, herring, cod, and others.
Alcoholic beverages are also best avoided or limited, as per the advice of the Arthritis Foundation.
It's important to note that a 2015 study found tomatoes to be a trigger food for gout in a sample of 2,051 people from New Zealand. However, more research is needed to establish a definitive link between tomatoes and gout symptoms that is universally accepted.
In the meantime, if you suspect that nightshade vegetables, which include tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplants, may trigger symptoms of some forms of arthritis, you could try avoiding these foods for 2 weeks to see if the symptoms subside.
Remember, managing gout involves more than just diet. Regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and following a healthy diet are all crucial components of managing the condition. If you're unsure about what changes to make, always consult a healthcare professional for advice.
[1] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Gout Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/disease-management/gout/gout-diet/gout-diet-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gout. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20356066
- Despite the popularity of tomatoes, the scientific community is still uncertain about their impact on gout, a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis, due to limited research on the subject.
- While tomatoes are low in purines, some scientific studies propose that they could potentially exacerbate gout symptoms in certain individuals due to other factors or compounds they contain, such as glutamate.
- Given the conflicting evidence, if you suspect that tomatoes or any foods are amplifying your gout symptoms, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian, who can provide personalized advice based on the latest research and medical-conditions like gout.
- In addition to moderating diet, managing gout requires a multi-faceted approach including regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and a focus on overall health-and-wellness, which includes proper nutrition and understanding the role of chronic-diseases like gout in your life.
