Can people with gout eat cashews?

May 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Gout patients can generally consume cashews in moderation, but excessive intake should be avoided. Gout is a metabolic disorder caused by hyperuricemia resulting from disordered purine metabolism. Nuts contain moderate levels of purines; therefore, gout patients should limit or avoid nut consumption. Patients with gout should avoid foods high in purines—specifically, those containing more than 150 mg of purines per 100 g.

Cashews are a commonly consumed nut in daily life, rich in essential nutrients. Some individuals with gout also wish to incorporate them into their diet. So, can people with gout eat cashews?

Can people with gout eat cashews?

People with gout may consume cashews in moderation, but excessive intake should be avoided. Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperuricemia resulting from disordered purine metabolism. Nuts—including cashews—are classified as moderate-purine foods; therefore, individuals with gout should limit or avoid nut consumption. Patients with gout should strictly avoid high-purine foods, defined as those containing more than 150 mg of purines per 100 g—such as organ meats, crabs, shellfish, other seafood, and chicken broth. Moderately purine-rich foods contain 50–150 mg of purines per 100 g and include poultry, soy products, peanuts, cashews, and sesame seeds.

It is important to note that gout is primarily triggered by irregular lifestyle habits and dietary patterns leading to elevated uric acid levels. A combined approach using both conventional and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often recommended. Patients must seek care at a reputable hospital’s rheumatology and immunology department and follow their physician’s guidance for pharmacological treatment—such as colchicine—and adjunctive TCM therapies. Additionally, patients should engage in appropriate physical exercise, maintain warmth, avoid colds, and strictly abstain from alcohol—including both spirits and beer—as alcohol consumption can significantly exacerbate gout symptoms.

The above medications are for reference only; specific drug use must be conducted under the supervision of a qualified physician. Furthermore, individuals experiencing symptoms should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and receive appropriate management as directed by their healthcare provider. We hope this information is helpful to you!

Related Articles

View All