If you suffer from gout, you might be surprised to learn that it used to be thought of as an ailment of the rich and famous. According to the Cleveland Clinic, that's because doctors used to think people developed gout from eating lots of rich foods and indulging too much in fine wines. Now, doctors know that diet is not the primary cause of gout. However, your diet can contribute to your painful symptoms---and the right diet also can help you recover and stay healthy.
About Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when a substance called uric acid---which normally is eliminated from the body through urine---accumulates and builds up in the blood. Excess uric acid forms crystals and accumulates in a joint, often the big toe. That causes the inflammation and arthritis. According to the National Institutes of Health, proper treatment can prevent most people with gout from developing a severely disabling form of the disease.
Causes
Risk factors for gout include having a family history of it, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, having certain ailments such as kidney problems and high blood pressure, and taking certain medications such as diuretics and aspirin. It's more common in men than women, according to the National Institutes of health. Eating foods rich in purines can aggravate gout because they can contribute to excess uric acid.
Foods to Avoid
High-purine foods include meats, seafood and even some vegetables: anchovies, asparagus, beef kidneys, brains, dried beans and peas, game meats, gravy, herring, liver, mackerel, mushrooms, sardines, scallops and sweetbreads. According to MayoClinic.com, all animal proteins contain some purines, so it makes sense for gout patients to eat more plant-based foods instead, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Other Food Tips
Some studies have shown that low-fat or fat-free dairy products can reduce the risk of gout, advises MayoClinic.com. Good choices include skim milk and reduced-fat yogurt. Sugar's effect on uric acid levels is still being studied. But since it definitely is linked to overweight and obesity, limit your intake of foods with refined sugars, such as white bread, cakes and candy.
Advice on Drinking
The MayoClinic.com gout diet stresses that drinking lots of fluids, especially water, can help eliminate uric acid from the body. Try for at least eight glasses per day. But drinking alcohol---especially beer---is linked to gout attacks. A small glass or two of wine daily probably won't affect your risk, but in general, avoid alcohol, especially during times when your gout symptoms are severe.
