Gout can be an intensely painful experience, as uric acid crystals gather in the joints, causing inflammation. Uric acid crystals form as a byproduct of purine metabolism. Purines are found in protein rich foods, and excess purine consumption can contribute to your risk of gout. The list of commonly eaten foods that are high in purines is a long one, and adjusting to the removal of such dietary staples as beef, sugar and alcohol can be difficult for many people. By identifying low purine substitutes and consulting with your physician, you can begin to adjust your diet in order to diminish the effects of gout.
Protein Substitutes
All animal proteins contain purines, most of them in rather high amounts. You'll have to do some meat substituting in order to get enough protein while avoiding purines. MayoClinic.com suggests limiting your animal proteins to less than 6 oz. each day. Cold water fish are often mentioned as a less purine-heavy protein source. Tofu, a curd made from soybeans, is a common meat substitute that can be an adjunct to low-purine dining, unless you have allergic sensitivities to soy. Beans can also be a good source of protein for those who are eschewing purines.
Low-fat and Fat-free Dairy Products
In addition to serving as sources of protein, low-fat and fat-free dairy products have been found to have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of gout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low-fat yogurt is a good source of guilt-free dairy. Skimmed milk delivers the added benefit of fulfilling the Ohio State Medical Center's suggestion that gout sufferers should drink 8 to 12 cups of fluid per day. Dehydration can trigger the symptoms of gout to appear and fluids help flush out excess uric acids from the body.
Antioxidant Rich Foods
Relief from the symptoms of gout is one of the many reported benefits of eating antioxidant foods.The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests high antioxidant foods such as blueberries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers as good choices for gout sufferers.Cherries have especially gained popularity as a source of gout relieving antioxidants. Eating a half pound of cherries, or drinking 8 to 16 oz. of cherry juice daily have both been used as dietary approaches to alleviating gout symptoms.
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