Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid levels in your blood crystalize and collect around a particular joint. According to the Mayo Clinic, an appropriate gout diet should support healthy weight management and help prevent or reduce symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and swelling. A gout-friendly diet involves limiting certain foods, such as saturated fats, organ meats and foods rich in purines, and consuming appropriate amounts of potentially helpful foods.
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
Antioxidants are potent nutrients that enhance the body's ability to fight against infections and disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a diet based upon antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms of gout. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in antioxidants include blueberries, cherries, red plums, papaya, citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers and asparagus. Citrus juices, tomato juice and vegetable soup also provide valuable amounts. To add antioxidant benefits to other foods, add chopped vegetables to pasta, rice, casseroles, pizzas and other dishes and fruit to cereals, salads and baked goods.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber supports digestive health and fullness between meals. A high-fiber diet is associated with improved heart health and reduced symptoms of gout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To reap maximum benefits of fiber, replace processed carbohydrate sources, such as enriched breads, cereals, pasta and sweets with whole grains, starchy vegetables and legumes regularly. Foods particularly high in fiber include split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, raspberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, brown rice, oatmeal, bran flakes and whole grain pasta and breads. If your doctor has suggested a low-purine diet, seek whole grain breads that are free of yeast. Since lentils contain moderate amounts of purines, portion control is important.
Cold-Water Fish
Cold-water fish, such as tuna, salmon, lake trout, flounder, sardines and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids--healthy fats the body must obtain from food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with gout should meet their protein needs from foods such as cold-water fish, rather than organ meat and other red meat. Since omega-3 fatty acids are associated with reduced inflammation, regular consumption of cold-water fish may help reduce pain and swelling caused by gout. If you do not consume fish, omega-3 fat benefits can be reaped from ground flaxseed, soybean oil, walnuts and canola oil.
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