Gout is a form of arthritis that is the result of uric acid buildup in your body. This buildup leads to the formation of crystals in your joints and your joints become inflamed. Symptoms include pain in your joints, red and stiff joints, and fever. Eating certain foods can contribute to the onset of gout. Furthermore, certain foods can continue to trigger and worsen symptoms. You should be aware of these foods in order to help reduce or manage symptoms.
Common Food Allergens
Foods that commonly cause allergies may contribute to and worsen symptoms of gout. If you suffer from gout you should avoid or eliminate these foods. You can consult your doctor about an elimination diet or food allergy testing. Foods that typically cause allergies in people include dairy, corn, preservatives and food additives. Gluten, a protein found in grain products such as barley, wheat and rye, may also be a trigger of gout symptoms.
Foods High In Purines
Eating foods rich in purines can contribute to gout. When purines break down, they produce uric acid in your body. If you consume an excess of purine-containing foods, then you accumulate too much uric acid and form more painful crystals in your joints. Foods high in purines include many animal products such as beef, organ meats and goose. Certain kinds of fish and seafood may also be high in purines including herring, mackerel and anchovies. Other sources of high-purine foods include yeast and commercially baked goods such as sweetbreads, cakes and pies.
Foods Moderate In Purines
Many of the foods you eat may also contain moderate purine content. Sources of these include many other animal proteins such as meats and poultry. In addition, some of the plant-based foods you eat may be moderately high in purines. These include vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and dried peas, and other foods such as lentils and beans. If you have gout, you may need to monitor your intake of these foods in order to avoid worsening symptoms.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to gout-like symptoms and may need to be avoided or eliminated if you have gout. These beverages or products can have a dehydrating effect on your body. Dehydration can trigger gout attacks in people. Alternatives to this include water, which can hydrate your body and also help flush uric acid crystals from your blood.
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