Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints. It primarily occurs in the feet, knees and hands and is caused by a buildup of uric acid. According to the Mayo Clinic, gout is more common in men, but the risk of gout in women increases after menopause. Historically, gout was known as the "Disease of Kings" because it was common among the wealthy and those who could afford rich foods and alcohol. Gout is usually treated with medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Special diets and avoidance of certain foods may also help prevent and treat gout.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Gout
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), risk factors for gout include family history, alcoholism, high triglycerides, surgery, dietary factors and metabolic syndrome, a complex medical condition that affects many parts of the body. Gout is characterized by inflammation, swelling, intense pain, tenderness and redness of the joints.
Low-Purine Diet
Uric acid is a derivative of purine, a component of DNA. Low-purine diets reduce uric acid in the blood, which lowers the risk of uric acid buildup and gout. Meat and seafood have the highest concentrations of purine, which is why the Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals with gout limit their intake of meat, poultry and seafood to 4 to 6 oz. per day. According to the UMMC and Johns Hopkins University, foods high in purine include beef, goose, organ meats, mussels, anchovies, smelt, herring, mackerel and yeast. Foods containing moderate amounts of purine include grouse, mutton, veal, bacon, salmon, turkey, partridge, trout, haddock, pheasant, scallops, spinach, asparagus, beans, lentils, mushrooms and dried peas.
Safe Food and Beverages
According to the UMMC, a diet high in antioxidants may help reduce gout symptoms. Antioxidants fight free radicals, harmful substances that damage cells through oxidation, and are available in fruits and vegetables. Cherries and cherry juice in particular have been linked to lower levels of uric acid. Other foods that may help gout include foods high in fiber, magnesium and calcium such as whole grains, soy, avocado, bananas and potatoes.
The UMMC encourages individuals with gout to drink six to eight cups of water or other fluids daily to prevent dehydration, which can cause acute gout attacks. According to one study published in 2007 in "Arthritis and Rheumatism," by researchers at Vancouver General Hospital, coffee consumption may also be associated with a decreased risk of gout.
Foods to Limit
Individuals with gout should avoid all alcohol, especially beer. They may also benefit from avoiding oxalate, which is found in spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, black tea, wheat bran, strawberries and beans. The UMMC also recommends limiting refined foods such as white bread and pasta, sugary sodas, trans-fats and potential food allergens such as dairy, wheat, corn, preservatives and food additives.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbs and supplements may help gout, but the effectiveness of many is not supported by scientific evidence. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a physician prior to using herbs or supplements to treat gout. Supplements that may help gout include multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, IP-6 (inositol hixophosphonate), N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin C, acidophilus and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The UMMC does not recommend niacin and vitamin A supplements because they may cause gout attacks. Herbs that have been used to treat gout include green tea, devil's claw, cat's claw, bromelain and turmeric.
References
- Arthritis and Rheumatism (journal); "Intake of purine-rich foods, protein, and dairy products and relationship to serum levels of uric acid--the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey"; H.K .Choi, S. Liu, G. Curhan; January 2005
- Arthritis and Rheumatism (journal); "Coffee, tea, and caffeine consumption and serum uric acid level-- the third national health and nutrition examination survey"; H.K. Choi, G. Curhan; June 2007
- Johns Hopkins University: Treatment of gout
- Mayo Clinic: Gout
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
