Many foods, particularly certain protein-rich ones, contain purines. When this substance breaks down in the body, it produces a by-product known as uric acid. When this acid reaches high levels, it can crystallize and deposit itself into the joints. This leads to gout---a form of arthritis characterized by pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness and redness. It most commonly strikes the big toe. Avoiding foods that promote uric acid build up in the body can help prevent gout attacks and facilitate healing of current ones.
Red Meat
Red meats like beef, pork and lamb have rich amounts of purines and appear to trigger build up of uric acid in the blood. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2004 that tracked the diet of over 47,000 men for 12 years. Results showed that men who ate the largest amounts of red meat were 40 percent more likely to suffer gout attacks than participants who consumed the smallest amounts.
Seafood
The same study indicated that men who had the greatest intake of seafood of all kinds increased their risk of gout by 50 percent. Examples of seafood include fish like salmon, herring and sardines, scallops and shellfish like lobster.
Foods High in Sugar
The Mayo Clinic notes debate exists on whether sugar directly affects uric acid levels but suggests avoiding foods high in sugar might help. This means cutting back on sugar-rich sweets like cookies, cakes and ice cream, fruit juice and soda.
Problematic Beverages
In addition to avoiding certain foods, you'll also want to watch what you drink. The Mayo Clinic advises against drinking alcohol particularly during a gout attack. It contributes to the build up of uric acid in the body. Beer might prove particularly problematic. When not having an attack, the clinic notes that drinking small amounts of wine will probably not cause any harm. Physician and integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil cautions against drinking coffee and other forms of caffeine as it can also interfere with excretion of uric acid.
