Gout is a form of arthritis that can occur suddenly and often manifests at night. It frequently affects the joint of the big toe, but also affects joints in the feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Joints can exhibit redness, inflammation and extreme pain. If you experience intense joint pain that appears suddenly, contact your doctor.
Function
Many foods contain a substance called purine. When the body breaks these foods down, a waste product called uric acid results. In most cases, uric acid dissolves into the bloodstream and exits the body as urine, but in some cases excess uric acid remains, causing sharp crystals to form in the joints. Avoiding foods that contain high levels of purine is helpful in the management of gout.
High-Purine Foods
To aid in the management of gout you need to avoid high-purine foods. Avoid animal protein or limit it to 4 to 6 oz each day. Beef; pork; poultry; game meats such as venison and organ meats including liver, brains and kidneys are all high-purine foods. Do not consume seafood such as mackerel, anchovies, sardines, scallops, shrimp and lobster, which are high-purine foods. Dried beans, peas, mushrooms and asparagus have relatively high levels of purine.
Vitamin C and What to Eat
Vitamin C may lower uric acid levels but is not an approved treatment for gout. Citrus fruits such as oranges contain vitamin C; and vitamin C supplements are available over the counter. It is possible for vitamin C administered in megadoses to increase uric acid levels, so ask your doctor how much vitamin C is safe for you to consume.
Cherries, blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes, raspberries and other dark-colored fruits exhibit uric acid lowering abilities. Tofu and nut butters are proteins that are good for gout sufferers, as are low-fat and fat-free dairy products, which protect against gout.
Beverages
Drink 8 to 16 cups of fluid each day and consume half of that in water. Avoid alcohol, which hampers the removal of uric acid from the body. Beer in particular increases gout attacks. If you have gout and want to drink alcohol you should check with your doctor first. Drinking coffee is beneficial in managing gout in men.
Symptom Relief
Remove heavy clothing and bedding, which can cause painful pressure to affected joints, and apply ice to inflamed joints to provide pain relief. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can reduce swelling, but consult your doctor prior to taking any medication.
