Is It Safe to Consume Winter Melon for Gout Patients?

Gout is a disease that is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. In addition to treatment with medication, dietary restrictions are also essential. Foods with high purine content, such as seafood, beer, and animal viscera, should be avoided as they can lead to an increase in uric acid levels in the body. Therefore, dietary care is crucial.

A common question is whether gout patients can eat white gourd (winter melon). The answer is yes. Foods with high water content, such as white gourd and watermelon, can be consumed moderately. Gout patients are advised to consume vegetables and fruits with low purine content. White gourd is a type of watermelon-like vegetable with a high water content. Each 100 grams of cooked white gourd contains 96% water, 0.5 grams of protein, and 2.9 grams of carbohydrates. It has diuretic properties that can help gout patients eliminate uric acid and improve the acid-base balance in the body.

Here are some dietary restrictions for gout patients:

1. Control total daily calorie intake and limit carbohydrate consumption. Avoid foods high in fructose, such as sucrose and honey, as they can accelerate uric acid production. Also, be cautious with foods like tender lentils, green beans, and fresh peas, which contain high purine levels.

2. Limit animal protein intake and instead consume milk, cheese, skim milk powder, and eggs, which have lower purine content. Avoid or limit the consumption of meat and fish. If eaten, it is recommended to cook the meat without drinking the broth, as purine is soluble in water.

3. Consume alkaline foods such as vegetables, potatoes, and fruits, which can lower the acidity of the blood and urine. White gourd and watermelon are not only alkaline foods but also have diuretic effects, making them beneficial for gout patients.

4. Ensure adequate urine output by drinking plenty of water, plain water, light tea, and mineral water. Avoid strong tea, coffee, cocoa, and other stimulating beverages, which may trigger gout attacks.

5. Avoid alcohol consumption as it inhibits uric acid excretion and increases uric acid production by promoting the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate.

6. Limit the intake of spicy foods like chili peppers, curry, mustard, and ginger, as they can stimulate the nervous system and trigger gout attacks.

7. Avoid hot pot meals as they often contain high purine ingredients like animal viscera, shrimp, shellfish, and seafood. Studies have shown that hot pot meals can contain up to 10 or even several dozen times more purine than a regular meal, and consuming them with beer can further increase the risk.

Gout is a lifelong condition like diabetes, and the key to managing it lies in controlling one's diet. Consume a diet rich in low-purine alkaline foods such as vegetables and fruits, limit the intake of fatty meats and seafood, and maintain a bland, low-fat, and low-sugar diet. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to promote uric acid excretion.