Is Mozzarella Cheese Bad for Gout? What to Eat and Avoid with Gout

Is Mozzarella Cheese Bad for Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe, but can occur in other joints as well. Gout flare-ups are extremely painful and can be triggered by certain foods high in purines.

Purines are natural substances found in some foods. When the body breaks down purines, uric acid is produced as a byproduct. An excess of uric acid causes crystals to form in the joints, leading to gout attacks.

For those prone to gout, it's important to limit intake of purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and certain types of seafood. But what about dairy products like cheese? Are they safe for gout sufferers to consume?

Mozzarella Cheese and Purine Content

Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese that originates from Italy. It's made from cow's or buffalo's milk and is a key ingredient in dishes like pizza, lasagna, and caprese salad.

The good news for gout patients is that most cheeses, including mozzarella, are low in purines. A 1-ounce (28 gram) serving of mozzarella cheese contains less than 10 milligrams of purines.

In comparison, a 3-ounce (85 gram) serving of beef contains over 200 milligrams of purines. Other purine-rich foods include:

• Organ meats like liver and kidneys
• Oily fish like sardines and anchovies
• Shellfish such as mussels and scallops
• Some vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and mushrooms

Most experts consider foods with less than 100 milligrams of purines per 3-4 ounce (85-113 gram) serving to be relatively low-risk for gout patients. So mozzarella cheese, with less than 10 milligrams of purines per ounce, is generally safe to consume in moderation.

Other Nutrients in Mozzarella Cheese

In addition to being low in purines, mozzarella cheese provides several beneficial nutrients.

A 1-ounce serving contains:

• 85 calories
• 6 grams of protein
• 5 grams of fat
• Less than 1 gram of carbohydrates
• 10% of the RDI of calcium
• 8% of the RDI of phosphorus
• 8% of the RDI of vitamin B12
• 4% of the RDI of zinc

The protein, calcium, and vitamin B12 in mozzarella make it a nutritious choice as part of a gout-friendly diet.

Weight Loss Benefits

Being overweight increases the risk of gout and gout flares. Losing weight can help lower uric acid levels and reduce gout attacks.

Eating mozzarella cheese may support weight loss efforts in some people. That's because cheese can increase feelings of fullness and help control appetite due to its protein and fat.

One study found that eating around 1.5 ounces (or a couple small slices) of various cheeses reduced daily calorie intake by up to 93 calories.

Another study showed that including cheese in meals helped participants feel fuller longer than meals without cheese. They also reported less desire to snack later in the day.

So enjoying a little mozzarella cheese may aid weight management, which is beneficial for those with gout.

Precautions with Mozzarella Cheese

While fresh mozzarella is generally considered safe for gout, a few precautions are still needed:

• Avoid excessive portions. Stick to 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams) at a time and no more than 2-3 servings per week.
• Be mindful of other dairy intake. Combining mozzarella with milk, yogurt, butter, and other dairy foods may increase calorie, fat, and purine consumption.
• Monitor weight and uric acid levels. Discontinue mozzarella if weight climbs or uric acid stops declining.
• Choose fresh mozzarella whenever possible. The pre-shredded, packaged kind contains preservatives and anti-caking agents for longer shelf life.
• Watch out for seasoned mozzarella varieties. They often have additional ingredients like salt, oils, or spices that may be problematic for gout.

Foods to Avoid with Gout

While mozzarella and many other cheeses appear safe for gout patients, there are still many foods that should be limited or avoided. These include:

• Organ meats: Kidneys, liver, sweetbreads
• Red meats: Beef, lamb, pork
• Oily fish: Sardines, anchovies, mackerel
• Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops
• Yeasts/breads: Beer, nutritional yeast, breads/grains made with yeast
• Sugary drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, sports drinks
• Other beverages: Liquor, especially beer

It's also important for those with gout to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration increases the risk of uric acid crystals forming.

Foods that Help Reduce Gout Symptoms

For gout patients, diet isn't just about avoiding problem foods. Eating more of certain foods can actively improve symptoms.

Beneficial foods and drinks for gout include:

• Low-fat dairy: Milk, yogurt, small amounts of cheese
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Cherries, berries, citrus fruits, raw veggies, salad greens
• Vitamin C foods: Oranges, red peppers, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli
• Protein foods: Eggs, nuts, beans, tofu
• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts
• Herbal tea: Green, white, oolong, chamomile
• Water: Stay well hydrated, drink 8-12 cups per day

A balanced, low-purine diet full of plant foods, healthy proteins, and plenty of water is key to controlling gout flare-ups.

The Bottom Line

Mozzarella cheese is generally safe for gout sufferers to eat in small amounts. Compared to other cheeses, mozzarella is low in purines and eating 1-2 ounces a few times per week is unlikely to cause issues.

To keep gout symptoms under control, focus on avoiding high-purine meats, seafoods, and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and include anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.

Always talk to your doctor about the best dietary changes to improve your gout. With the right lifestyle adjustments, you can enjoy the flavor of mozzarella and other nutritious foods while still managing gout effectively.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.