Gout is a type of arthritis caused by increased levels of uric acid in the body. Normally, the kidneys secrete uric acid in urine. If the uric acid levels increase too much, the acid crystallizes and settles in a joint. Gout may affect any joint in the body and occurs frequently in the big toe, knee or ankle. Symptoms of gout include pain, redness and swelling in the affected joint. Purine in some foods changes to uric acid in the body, so if you have gout, you should limit purine-rich foods.
Meats and Eggs
Several meat products, such as organ meats and sweetbreads, contain large amounts of purines. Additional meats that are high in purines include game meats, such as duck and goose. If you have gout, you need to limit this type of animal proteins to approximately 4 to 6 oz each day. Products made from these meats, such as bouillon, broth and gravy, contain a large number of purines and a person with gout should use them sparingly. Although eggs contain low amounts of purine and individuals suffering from gout should limit eating eggs three to four times weekly to help prevent a buildup of purines in the body.
Seafood
Some fish and other seafood contain high levels of purines. Examples of fish to avoid when suffering from gout include tuna, sardines, anchovies, mackerel and herring. Additional seafood products that contain high purine levels include scallops, mussels, lobster, shrimp and roe.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the levels of uric acid in the body and worsen gout symptoms. The alcohol causes increased uric acid levels because it alters the body's ability to secrete the excessive uric acid from the body. Beer and brandy are both types of alcohol with a direct correlation to worsening gout symptoms.
Sugar
Sugary foods contain calories that fill up a stomach and leave little room for the healthy foods needed to help prevent a gout attack. Drinks containing fructose as a sweetener may also increase uric acid levels. Common drinks sweetened with fructose include orange juice and sodas. Eating sugary foods also increases the risk of obesity, which contributes to developing gout.
Vegetables and Grains
Certain vegetables contain a moderate amount of purines and may worsen gout symptoms. These vegetables include asparagus, cauliflower, spinach and mushrooms. Beans, lentils and green peas also have moderate amount of purine levels. Pasta, rice and breads contain smaller amounts of purines.
