Gout is a type of arthritis that causes the joints to become swollen, tender, red and stiff. It is caused when the body is not able to adequately flush uric acid from your system. When this substance appears, it turns into urate crystals which pool up at the locations of your joints causing the symptoms to arise. The reason for this uric acid build-up is another substance called "purines." Purines can be obtained from certain foods and when you eat them, they get converted to uric acid. Foods that are high in purines should be avoided and there are some foods that can be beneficial.
Meats
Meats are high in protein, iron and they have moderate levels of purines in them. Beef, chicken, game meats, lamb and pork should be limited, but the parts of these are high in purines and they should be avoided altogether. Examples of these are chicken hearts, beef kidneys, sweetbreads, brains, livers and chicken gizzards. Any type of extracts or derivatives of meats should also be avoided like gravy, bouillon and broth.
Fish
Fish is high in protein and some are low in fat. Certain kinds of fish and seafood are also high in purine content and they should be avoided. Examples of these include clams, scallops, sardines, anchovies, salmon, mackerel, herring, squid and shrimp.
Beans
Beans are legumes which are characterized by seeds that have a pod covering them. They are high in fiber, protein and iron, but some are also high in purines and they should be avoided. Lentils, split peas, pinto beans, Great Northern beans, black-eyed peas and red beans are all examples of these.
Vegetables
Vegetables are high in water content, vitamins, minerals, fiber and some have moderate amounts of purines and should be regulated. Examples of these are cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms and spinach.
Alcohol
Under normal circumstances, alcohol does not pose a major threat to the body when it is consumed in moderation. But when you are suffering from gout, the excretion of uric acid in your body can be inhibited when you drink. To help treat your gout, alcohol should be avoided altogether. Beer and any type of alcohol that contains yeast should especially be avoided.
Water
Water has zero calories and helps keep you hydrated. It can help fill you up and it can also help to flush your urine and blood of uric acid. Drink water to help treat your gout. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women get approximately 2.7 total liters of water a day and men get approximately 3.7 liters.
Berries
Cherries are a dark pigmented fruit that are high in antioxidants. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can help lower uric acid levels in your body and they can be a safe way to supplement your gout treatment. Other dark-colored fruits that can be used include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and purple grapes.
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