Having the gout can be bothersome and painful. It is an arthritic condition that can be caused by having too much protein in the diet. Protein breaks down into uric acid, which in susceptible persons builds up in a joint. This causes inflammation, pain and swelling. If you have gout, or are prone to gouty arthritis, there are certain foods that you should avoid.
Meats
Eating a diet rich in meats is often associated with having gout. Organ meats and red meats can exacerbate gout symptoms. Limit your intake to 3 to 4 oz. a day, recommends MayoClinic.com, if your doctor tells you to follow a gout diet.
Seafood
If your diet inclues a lot of rich seafood, you may want to consider cutting back. Fatty fishes and seafood should be avoided if you are trying to prevent the gout, since they are high in purines. Some examples are tuna, shrimp, lobster and scallops. Anchovies and salmon are also high in protein and should be avoided. Limit intake of animal and seafood protein or avoid it until symptoms resolve.
Other Foods to Avoid
When you have the gout, there are some plant foods that should also be avoided. These include mushrooms and asparagus. Beans and legumes are also high in purines and should be avoided. Alcohol can raise the amount of uric acid in your body, so refrain from drinking.
Foods to Eat
Make sure you eat lean proteins instead of fatty meats. To prevent symptoms, eat lean meats like chicken or fish and plant-based protein sources such as beans and legumes. Be sure to have enough vitamin C in your diet, which can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Instead of regular milk and dairy products, try using low-fat or nonfat milk and yogurt. Be sure to drink lots of fluids to assist with flushing uric acid out of the body. Eating a healthy diet at all times can help to prevent the gout.
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