Gout is usually caused by having too much uric acid in the body, also known as hyperuricemia. To lower or avoid hyperuricemia, you should limit or avoid foods that are high in purines, which are chemicals that can raise uric acid levels.
Is Turkey Deli Meat Bad For Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood This uric acid can form crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness. While gout can affect any joint, it most commonly occurs in the big toe
Diet plays a major role in gout, as certain foods can either trigger or prevent gout attacks. In particular, foods high in purines like red meats, seafood, and organ meats are associated with increasing uric acid and gout flares. So where does turkey deli meat fall in the spectrum? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Purine?
Purines are natural substances found in many foods. When purines are broken down in the body, they produce uric acid as a byproduct. High levels of uric acid can cause gout attacks in those who are prone to the condition.
Foods high in purines include
- Organ meats like liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads
- Red meats like beef, lamb, and pork
- Seafood like anchovies, sardines, tuna, salmon, and scallops
- Beer and grain-based alcoholic beverages
Purine Content in Turkey
Turkey contains moderate levels of purines. In general, dark meat turkey contains more purines than white meat. However, when comparing turkey to other meats, it has less purines than beef, pork, or organ meats.
For example, a 3 oz serving of turkey breast only has about 1/3 the amount of purines compared to a similar serving of beef.
So while turkey does contain purines, it is not considered extremely high on the purine scale, especially when eating the white breast meat.
Deli Turkey and Gout Risk
There are a few reasons why deli turkey, in particular, may pose a higher gout risk compared to fresh, unprocessed turkey:
- Higher Purine Content
Deli meats like turkey tend to go through more processing and packaging procedures. These processes may increase the purine content compared to fresh turkey.
- Higher Sodium Content
Deli turkey is much higher in sodium than fresh turkey. The salt and preservatives added during processing can increase gout risk. High sodium intake is associated with higher uric acid levels.
- Nitrates and Nitrites
To preserve color and prolong shelf life, nitrates and nitrites are commonly added to deli meats. These chemical preservatives may contribute to gout flares in susceptible individuals.
- Fat Content
Higher fat products like beef and pork deli meats are big gout triggers. But even with turkey, opting for lower fat options may be beneficial for gout patients.
- Portion Sizes
Deli meats are easy to overeat. Sticking to 2-3 oz servings is ideal, as portions that are too large can increase purine intake.
Gout Diet Tips
For those prone to gout, incorporating turkey deli meat sparingly as part of a low purine diet may be fine. However, there are a few best practices to follow:
- Choose low sodium, nitrate-free varieties
- Consume in moderation, no more than a few times per week
- Limit portion sizes to 2-3 oz
- Opt for turkey breast over dark meat
- Balance with plant foods and low fat dairy
- Stay hydrated to help flush out uric acid
- Avoid other high purine foods like organ meats, beer, and shellfish
- Discuss options with your healthcare provider
The Bottom Line
While fresh, skinless turkey breast is likely safe for most gout sufferers in moderation, processed deli turkey may be more problematic. Higher sodium, preservatives, and portion sizes can tip the scales. Those with gout should limit intake of deli turkey, choosing low purine alternatives more often. A balanced gout diet tailored to the individual with guidance from a healthcare professional is key.
What Are Symptoms of Gout?
Symptoms of gout can start quickly, over a few hours, and can last about three to 10 days.
When symptoms of gout worsen it is called a gout attack or flare. Symptoms of gout attacks (flares) include:
- Joint pain that comes on quickly and is accompanied by redness, swelling, tenderness, and heat is common. It usually affects a single joint, but inflammation can happen in more than one at the same time. It most often happens in the big toe, lesser toe joints, ankles, and knees. Flares happen more often at night and early in the morning than during the day, but attacks can happen at any time. Pain and inflammation reach their worst within 12 to 24 hours and usually go away completely within a few days to a few weeks, even if not treated.
- May be accompanied by fever
After flare-ups, patients often have remissions, which can last weeks, months, or even years and are symptom-free.
Gout is usually caused by too much uric acid in the body (hyperuricemia). When there is too much uric acid in the body, monosodium urate crystals build up in the joints, fluids, and tissues. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, and hyperuricemia without symptoms of gout does not require treatment.
Risk factors for developing gout include:
- Having chronic kidney disease or poor kidney function, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Overeating or prolonged fasting
- Some medicines, like diuretics (water pills), can change the amount of urate in the blood.
- A lot of purines in the food, which the body turns into uric acid
- Consuming large amounts of meat or seafood
- Having drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup, like regular sodas
- Regularly and too much drinking alcohol, especially beer, vodka, gin, whiskey, or rum
- Being male
What Is the Treatment for Gout?
The goal of treatment for gout flares is to reduce pain and inflammation. Treatment is usually short-term and limited to the duration of the flare.
Anti-inflammatory medications used to treat gout flares include:
- Medicines that reduce swelling and pain without using steroids (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), Celecoxib (Celebrex), and Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Colchicine (Colcrys)
- Corticosteroids
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone
People who get tophi (clumps of uric acid crystals around a joint) and kidney stones should be given medicines like
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
- Febuxostat (Uloric, Adenuric)
- Pegloticase (Krystexxa)
Highly Processed Meat Danger? It’s not what you think…
FAQ
What meat does not trigger gout?
Is sweet potato bad for gout?
Is egg bad for gout?
Does turkey white meat cause gout?
The interplay between turkey white meat consumption and gout has spurred a contentious discourse within the health community. Despite turkey’s status as a lean protein, its purine content has raised eyebrows.
Does eating frozen meats cause gout?
Consuming frozen meats per se does not raise your chances of getting gout attacks. It is the type of meat that plays a more important role. Organ meats, game meats, and red meats, including beef, lamb, and pork, are more likely to cause an acute attack of gouty pain.
Is Turkey Turkey good for gout?
Turkey Turkey is pretty much everywhere in the world of sandwiches and deli meats, so it can be hard to avoid the temptation if you’re a fan. But unfortunately it comes with a enough purines to make it off limits for gout sufferers. It has a bit fewer purines than chicken, but they are still both higher than average.
How do you manage gout if you eat a Turkey?
Water is essential in managing gout. Balanced Diet: Pair turkey with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to create well-rounded, nutrient-rich meals. Low-Purine Foods: Combine turkey with low-purine foods like whole grains, leafy greens, and other lean proteins for balanced nutrition.
Are frozen turkey burgers good for gout?
Even frozen, pre-packed turkey burgers can be full of added salt and preservatives. My brand new breakthrough guide “Gout Rescue” gets you relief from your gout in as little as 2 hours and prevents the recurring attacks experts have linked to some potentially fatal health conditions.
Does Turkey gout cause uric acid & purine levels?
With every succulent bite of turkey, an invisible thread weaves through your joints, reminding us of the complex interplay within our bodies. Understanding the intricate connection between gout, uric acid, and purine levels is pivotal in deciphering the triggers and management of this painful arthritic condition.