Can patients with gout consume Tianma (Gastrodia elata)?
Disease description:
My father has had gout for a long time. Recently, he needed to regulate his body and wanted to take some gastrodia (Gastrodia elata, Tianma) for a period. I would like to ask, can someone with gout consume gastrodia? Are there any precautions to be aware of?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Gout patients can consume Gastrodia elata (Tianma), but the following points should be noted:
1. No adverse effects: Gastrodia elata generally has no adverse effects on gout patients. Its purine content is extremely low and will not significantly increase uric acid levels; therefore, moderate consumption will not trigger or worsen gout symptoms.
2. Moderate consumption: Although Gastrodia elata does not have a direct therapeutic effect on gout, moderate consumption can help regulate the body's condition. Long-term and excessive consumption of Gastrodia elata should be avoided to prevent potential adverse effects on the body.
3. Precautions: Overall, gout patients should maintain a low-purine and balanced nutritional diet, avoiding excessive intake of high-purine foods such as seafood and red meat. Additionally, as Gastrodia elata is a traditional Chinese herb, its use should be guided by a physician to avoid self-medicating blindly.
