Foods That Lower Gout

More than 1 percent of U.S. adults have gout, according to the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis in which patients experience acute painful flares of joint swelling. Gout attacks occur when uric acid accumulates in the blood and is deposited in the joints. To decrease the chance of subsequent attacks, patients are instructed to avoid high purine foods and lose weight if they are overweight or obese. There are low-calorie foods that you should eat to decrease the frequency of attacks or reduce the severity of an attack if it does occur.

Cherries and Other Fruits

Cherries have a reputation for relieving gout symptoms. Dr. Naomi Schlesinger of New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry found that taking 1 tbsp. of cherry juice concentrate twice daily decreased the number of gout flares patients had. Their properties are thought to be related to their high content anthocyanins and vitamin C. Anthocyanins that have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C has been shown to lower uric acid levels and decrease frequency of gout attacks. Strawberries, berries and grapes are another good source of anthocyanins and vitamin C.

Milk

Milk lowers uric acid levels. Dr. Hyon Choi of Massachusetts General Hospital found that men who drink at least 1 cup to 2 cups of milk every day lowered their chance of developing gout by one half. Drinking more low-fat milk further reduced the odds of developing gout. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends all adults should drink at least 3 cups of low-fat milk daily. At 122 calories a cup, low-fat milk should be included in your diet.

Water

Drinking water or eating food with high water content helps flush uric acid out of your body. The Mayo Clinic recommends patients with gout drink 2 to 4 qts. of water daily. This is especially important in the summer, since high temperatures and high humidity increase the numbers of gout attacks.

Vegetables

Vegetables have high water content and contain vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. Choi found that vegetables may have protective effects against gout. You may want to limit your consumption of asparagus and mushrooms because unlike most vegetables they are high in purines.