Can You Eat Tofu if You Have Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes joint inflammation, most commonly in your big toe. When you live with an inflammatory condition like gout, what you eat matters. That’s because your diet can influence inflammation in your body, which can either improve or worsen your symptoms.

So you may be wondering if certain foods, like tofu, are safe to eat if you have gout. The good news is that tofu is a great plant-based option if you have gout. Here’s everything you need to know about tofu for gout, and why diet plays such an important role in your management of gout.

The Connection Between Gout and Your Diet

The Arthritis Foundation explains that gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The excess uric acid can form needlelike crystals in joints, causing sudden, severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling. Dietary components called purines raise the levels of uric acid in your blood, which can increase your risk of developing gout or worsening its symptoms.

Mayo Clinic explains that people with gout may find it beneficial to avoid purine-rich foods. These include foods such as organ meats like liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads, red meat, and some types of seafood, such as anchovies, shellfish, sardines, and tuna. You may also want to limit or avoid alcohol and sugary foods and beverages like sweetened cereals, baked goods, candies, sodas, and fruit juices, as these are rich sources of purine, too.

Benefits of Tofu

Eating tofu if you have gout is safe, and may even offer other benefits.

National Kidney Foundation notes that legumes and plant-based proteins such as tofu, lentils, beans, and chickpeas are really great protein options, especially if you live with gout. These plant-based options are anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants, and rich in fiber.

According to the Northwest Kidney Centers, other soy options aside from tofu can also be beneficial for you if you have gout. These foods include soy nuts, edamame, and soy milk.

But the benefits don’t just stop there. Cleveland Clinic notes that there are several other advantages of adding more tofu to your diet. For instance, soy products like tofu are good for your heart and can help reduce blood pressure and your risk of experiencing a heart attack. Additionally, the proteins in tofu can help your body build muscle and support weight management. This is important because exercise and weight management are good ways to decrease uric acid in your body and improve gout symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Other Foods to Eat With Gout

While tofu and other soy products are safe to eat if you have gout, there are plenty of other food options that you might also consider adding to your diet. The following foods are low in purines and gout-friendly, according to Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic:

• Low-fat milk and yogurt
• Whole grains
• Fruits such as berries, cherries, apples, and peaches
• Coffee
• Water

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of foods, and it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet. For more information on which foods you can safely eat with gout, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations that support your health goals.