If you've been diagnosed with gout, you're probably wondering how to avoid painful flare ups of this arthritis-like condition. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints and soft tissues of the body. Because uric acid is a byproduct formed when dietary purines are metabolized, it makes sense that a low-purine diet can help manage your symptoms. Educate yourself as to the purine content of foods, and you'll be on your way towards reducing the stiffness and inflammation of gout.
Proteins
Meat is a high-purine food. Organ meats, such as liver, kidney and brains are exceptionally high in purines, while beef, lamb, pork and fish contain moderate amounts. Even plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, peas and lentils, contain moderate amounts of purine. To ensure you include enough protein in your diet while avoiding excess purines, include low-purine proteins, such as eggs, nuts, peanut butter and dairy products.
Refined Breads and Cereals
Whole-wheat and multigrain baked goods are often touted as desirable food sources to add to a healthy diet, but for those with gout, refined flours, pastas, white bread and cornbread are less likely to aggravate symptoms. The Boston University Medical Campus explains that these refined options are low in purine. Oatmeal and foods containing wheat bran have moderate amounts of purine, and should be consumed only in small portions.
Beverages
Alcohol is commonly associated with increased risk of gout. This association has been confirmed in a study conducted by researcher H.K. Choi of Harvard Medical School. Choi's study, published in the April 17, 2004 edition of the journal "The Lancet," found that beer was the worst alcohol offender when it comes to exacerbating gout symptoms. Spirits were also implicated, but not as strongly as beer. Moderate wine drinking was not found to increase gout risk.
The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends drinking alcohol only in moderation, and suggests fat-free and low-fat milk or carbonated beverages as a better choice for those who suffer from gout.
Sugars and Fats
Fats and sugars, two categories of foods commonly associated with a myriad of health problems, do not appear to be associated with gout. If you're feeling deprived by you limited dietary choices, you may feel tempted to drown your sorrows in chocolate pudding, but MayoClinic.com warns that a diet high in sugary foods puts you at risk of diabetes and obesity, so enjoy your sweets in moderation.
Fats and oils are fine in moderation, though meat gravies are not a viable option for those seeking relief from gout symptoms.
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