Gout is a form of arthritis and joint inflammation that occurs when uric acid crystals deposits in joints. The body produces uric acid after breaking down purines found in the body and from foods you eat that contain purines. The uric acid usually filters through the kidneys and leavea the body through urine. Increased amounts of uric acid crystallize and settle into joints and cause severe pain. A common joint affected is the big toe. If you suffer from gout, you will probably have flare-ups or attacks of the condition and periods of no pain. Reducing your intake of certain foods may help relieve the pain during an attack.
Organ Meats and Sweetbread
Animal organ meats, such as liver and heart, contain high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid levels in your body and worsen a gout attack. You should also avoid eating sweetbreads, which are delicacies made from the thymus gland and the pancreas of animals, such as a calf and lamb.
Seafood
You should avoid eating types of fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon and herring during a gout attack. Additional seafood that you should avoid during a gout attack includes scallops and shellfish.
Vegetables
Asparagus, mushrooms, dried peas and beans are vegetables high in purines, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. These high-purine foods may trigger a gout attack or cause increased problems during an existing attack.
Gravy and Broth
Liquids such as gravy, stock, consomme and broth made from meat drippings contain high amounts of purines and may aggravate a gout attack.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages may interfere with your body getting rid of uric acid and may increase pain associated with a gout attack. Beer is high in purines, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Increasing fluid intake, particularly water, may help flush out the increased amounts of uric acid from the body.
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