Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when your body cannot expel enough uric acid, causing crystals to build up around your joints. This can lead to extreme pain and inflammation. Men over age 40 are at the highest risk of gout, though it can affect people of all ages and both sexes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Symptoms
Arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Gout specifically, causes extreme pain in your joints, especially at the base of your big toe. If you are experiencing random and sudden bouts of extreme pain, ask your doctor to test your blood for high levels of uric acid. Hyperuricemia is the condition of excess uric acid in the body and can cause uric crystals to build up around joints.
Limiting Meat
Meat, especially organs such as liver and kidney, contains high amounts of purines. Purines are broken down by the body into uric acid and can greatly increase your risk of a gout attack. Limit the amount of meat you eat daily. Meats with especially high amounts of purines include beef, pork, lamb, anchovies, trout, salmon and anchovies. These foods can spur gout attacks.
Vegetable Considerations
Healthy vegetables may also contain high levels of purines. Examples of these vegetables include spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and cauliflower. Avoid eating these vegetables in high amounts to prevent gout attacks.
Low-Purine Foods
Consume a diet of mostly low-purine foods. Tomatoes are a healthy choice in the vegetable group. Cereals, rice and pasta are good choices for your carbohydrate intake. Low-fat dairy products have been linked to a decreased chance of gout attacks. Fruits are also low in purines and can help prevent worsening gout symptoms.
Beverages
Alcohol intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout. Beer especially can interfere with your body's removal of uric acid. Moderate wine drinking has not been shown to increase the threat of a gout attack. According to MayoClinic.com, some studies have shown that drinking skim or low-fat milk and eating foods made with them, such as yogurt, help reduce the risk of gout.
Arthritis and Your Diet
Despite years of study, no conclusive evidence exists to show that particular foods make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms flare up or decrease. Some research has shown a link between eating certain fish oils and reducing joint inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, no foods have been definitively shown to cause or exacerbate arthritis in most individuals. The best thing to do is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding excess sugars and fats.
