Gout
The stereotypical image of a gout sufferer as a chubby old man swilling port while his big toe throbs is very misleading! This very painful condition affecting the joints can occur anytime after puberty, although in women it more commonly occurs after the menopause. So how painful can it be? Seventeenth century doctor, Thomas Sydenham wrote, '... it is a violent stretching and tearing of the ligaments... The night is passed in torture and sleeplessness...'
Gout is caused by an increased concentration of uric acid in the body fluids. So, what can you do to avoid it or reduce your chance of a second attack if you've already had one? Here are the key points:
- Avoid simple sugars (eg household sugar, honey, maple syrup)
- Eat plenty of vegetables (always essential for all-round health)
- Avoid a diet high in protein (avoid eating meat daily)
- Avoid alcohol
- Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
- Avoid fatty food
- Maintain a healthy body weight
One of the best things you can do to lower uric acid levels is to eat plenty of cherries! So here's my recipe for Cherry Glazed Shallots:
Ingredients:
200g fresh cherries (stoned)
900g (2lb) shallots
2tbsp vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
300ml apple juice (freshly squeezed)
freshly ground black pepper
chopped parsley to serve
- Put the shallots in a pan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to the boil then drain.
- Peel when cool enough to handle.
Heat oil in a pan and sauté the shallots until golden brown - Add the cherries, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and apple juice. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until almost tender.
- Remove the lid and reduce liquid to a rich glaze stirring occasionally.
- Season with pepper and chopped parsley then serve.
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