Gout is a condition that causes extremely painful joints, most frequently in the big toe. The joints become red, tender and swollen. The condition can also cause kidney damage. Gout results from excessive amounts of the chemical uric acid building up in the body and forming crystals in the joints. For some people, diet can trigger gout symptoms, requiring the avoidance of specific foods.
Alcohol
A study in the medical journal "The Lancet" in 2004 examined the relationship between attacks of gout and alcohol intake. The researchers studied 730 cases of gout and concluded that alcohol intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of an attack of gout. Beer was found to confer the greatest risk, followed by hard liquors. Moderate wine drinking did not increase the risk of an attack.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Meat, poultry and fish are associated with attacks of gout; the more of these consumed, the greater the chances of having an attack. Meats contain concentrations of chemicals called purines that the body metabolizes into uric acid. If you are susceptible to gout, the uric acid will build up and precipitate as crystals in your joints.
High Fructose Beverages
A 2008 study in "Current Opinion in Rheumatology" by Dr. Elisabeth Hak found that soft drinks sweetened with high fructose corn syrup are strongly associated with increased gout risk. Similar to meat, these beverages raise uric acid levels and increase the chances of developing gout.
References
- "The Lancet"; Alcohol intake and risk of incident gout in men: a prospective study; H.K. Choi et al.; April 2004
- "Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease," 8th ed.; Vinay Kumar et al.; 2009
- "Current Opinion in Rheumatology"; Lifestyle and Gout; Elisabeth Hak; March 2008
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