Gout is a form of arthritis caused by buildup of uric acid in the joints, according to MedlinePlus. Purines are natural substances usually metabolized by the body into uric acid and eating too much of purine-rich foods may lead to buildup of uric acid in the blood, and possibly the joints. Patients at high risks for gout attacks should consume low-purine diets.
Meat
Meat sources such as chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb, veal, venison and poultry contain very high levels of purines, according to University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Organ meats such as liver, kidney, brains and heart contain even higher amounts of purines. Types of fish that contain high amounts of purines include anchovies, sardines, mussels, codfish, herring, scallops, haddock, mackerel and trout. Patients at high risk for gout attacks should consume limited amounts of these types of meat.
Carbohydrates
Patients at risk for gout should consume plenty of carbohydrates because they help the body get rid of extra uric acid, according to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Examples of carbohydrate-rich foods with low amounts of purines include cereals, pasta, macaroni, rice, cake, cookies, bran and whet germ. Patients should avoid baker's or brewer's yeast supplements because they contain high amounts of purines.
Fatty Foods
Patients at risk for gout should limit the amount of fat in their diets, according to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Fat holds onto uric acid in the kidneys leading to high levels of the acid in the body. Examples of high-fat foods to be avoided include French fries, whole milk, sour cream, gravies, salad dressings and avocado. Patients should also increase fluid intake to help flush out excess uric acid from the body. Patients who are overweight should lose weigh gradually because rapid weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the body.
