Gout is a painful form of arthritis that has been associated with diet. Uric acid in the blood can form crystals that can collect in various joints of the body and cause gout. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, which are substances found naturally in the body and in a variety of foods. If you suffer from gout, you may want to avoid foods that contain high levels of purines to keep your uric acid levels low and to decrease your likelihood of a flare-up of the condition.
Organ Meats and Red Meats
Organ meats contain high levels of purines, as noted by Drugs.com. Examples of these types of meats include brains, hearts, kidneys and livers. If you have a history of gout, you should limit your intake of these meats or avoid them altogether. According to MayoClinic.com, red meats like beef, bacon and lamb are associated with an increased risk of gout because each contains significant amounts of purines as well. You should limit your intake of animal protein to 4 to 6 oz. per day to help manage your gout.
Certain Fish
Fatty fishes like herring, sardines or mackerel also contain high levels of purines, as noted by Drugs.com. Other high-purine seafood includes anchovies, scallops, mussels and roe, or fish eggs. In order to better manage your gout symptoms, you should avoid these foods. Other types of seafood may also contain purine, but the levels are not as high. You can discuss meal planning and the inclusion of seafood in your diet with your dietitian.
Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages
Beer is high in purine and has been associated with attacks of gout, as reported by MayoClinic.com. Other alcoholic beverages like vodka and gin can also cause uric acid problems because the alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from your body. Wine may not increase uric acid levels as much as other alcoholic drinks, according to Drugs.com. You should discuss any alcohol consumption with your dietitian or health care provider; however, it is a good idea to avoid alcohol if you are having an active gout attack.
Game Birds
Other animal proteins that contain high amounts of purine are game birds like partridge, goose and pheasant, says the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Other types of poultry like turkey and chicken may contain purines as well; your dietitian can give you suggestions about how many servings of poultry you should eat each week, according to Drugs.com.
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