Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joint. Gout may occur when the body makes too much uric acid or has a hard time getting rid of uric acid. Build-up of uric acid crystals causes swelling and inflammation in the joints. Kidney stones are crystals that form in the kidneys from substances found in the urine. Patients with gout and kidney stones should consume certain foods.
Gout Diet
Patients with gout should avoid foods rich in purines, which occur naturally in the body. Purines are broken down into uric acid by the body. Limiting consumption of purine-rich foods leads to low levels of uric acid in the body. Examples of foods high in purines include organ meats such as liver, heart, sweetbreads and kidneys, anchovies, herring, dried beans and peas, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower and brewer's yeast. Patients should also avoid high-protein diets which can cause the body to produce too much uric acid.
Calcium and Oxalate-Rich Foods
Patients with previous histories of kidney stones should limit consumption of foods containing calcium and oxalate-containing products. Most kidney stones are calcium stones in the form of calcium oxalate, according to MayoClinic.com. High levels of oxalates are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts and chocolate. Patients with kidney stones should avoid calcium supplements.
Fluids
Patients with both gout and kidney stones should drink plenty of fluids, according to MayoClinic.com. Fluids help flush out excess uric acid and kidney stones from the body. Kidney stones form when the body is dehydrated, resulting in concentrated urine that contains crystal-forming substances such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. These substances stick together to form kidney stones. Drinking lots of water prevents these substances from sticking together.
