Gout is a genetic disorder of altered purine metabolism that causes arthritis, which is pain and swelling in the joints, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." It is more common in men, but it can occur in women, most often after menopause. Purine is a nucleotide metabolized into uric acid by the body. People with gout accumulate abnormal levels of uric acid in their blood. The uric acid settles into the joints and crystallizes, causing the arthritis. Avoiding certain foods may help limit the gout symptoms.
High Purine Foods
Purines can be found in almost all foods, but some contain higher amounts than others. Limiting your intake of foods high in purines is usually suggested during an acute gout attack, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Most of the uric acid in the blood comes from the body, not food. Foods high in purines include anchovies, bouillon, consomme, brains, liver, broth, goose, heart, herring, kidney, mackerel, meat extracts, mincemeat, mussels, partridge, roe, sardines, scallops, sweetbreads and yeast. Many of these foods contain 100 to 1,000mg of purines per 100g serving. People typically consume 600 to 800mg of purine a day. A low-purine diet consists of 100 to 150mg a day, says "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy."
Moderate Purine Foods
The intake of foods with moderate amounts of purine should be limited, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." These foods contain 9 to 100mg of purines per 100mg serving. Fish, poultry, meat and shellfish should be limited to 4 to 6 oz. a day, says MayoClinic.com. Asparagus, dried beans, lentils, mushrooms, peas and spinach should be limited to one 1/2-cup serving a day.
Alcohol
Although alcohol intake has not been directly linked to gout attacks, ethanol increases uric acid production, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." People with gout should avoid alcohol, including hard liquor, beer and wine, according to MayoClinic.com.
High-fat and High-calorie Foods
An overall healthy diet is part of the recommended treatment for gout-related arthritis. Obesity contributes to high uric acid levels, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. To limit calorie intake and help maintain a healthy weight, people with gout should limit their intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods, such as fast food, cake, cookies, candy, soda, sweet tea, juice and fried foods.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gout
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, MS, RD, CDE, Sylvia Escott-Stump, MA, RD; 1996
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Purine Restricted Diet
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