Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid accumulates and forms needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to swelling and inflammation of the joints. Uric acid is an end product of the breakdown of purines, which are natural substances found in the body. Patients with gout should avoid purine-rich foods because they trigger gout attacks.
Protein-Rich Foods
Patients with gout should avoid consuming high amounts of protein-rich foods, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. The end product of protein digestion is uric acid. Eating foods rich in proteins causes an accumulation of uric acid in the body, which leads to gout. Examples of protein-rich foods include red meat, milk, fish, poultry and eggs.
Purine-Rich Foods
Patients with gout should avoid consuming purine-rich foods. Purines are compounds found in the body and in some foods. Purines are broken down into uric acid, and eating high amounts of purine-rich foods causes an accumulation of uric acid, which leads to gout. Examples of purine-rich foods include organ meats, such as beef, liver and heart, mussels, anchovies, herring, mackerel, brewer's yeast and sweetbreads. Some vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, beans, lentils, dried beans and peas, also contain moderate amounts of purines.
Alcohol
Patients with gout should limit alcohol intake, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from the body. Drinking beer has been linked to frequent gout attacks. During an attack, alcohol should be avoided. Patients should increase water intake to help flush out excess uric acid from the body.
