Gout is a disorder that causes attacks of pain in your joints, most often in the joints of the toes or foot. Men are at more risk for gout than women, although the risk for women increases after menopause. Other risk factors include excessive use of alcohol, having high blood pressure or diabetes, or having high blood cholesterol. Certain foods that are high in purines may aggravate the symptoms or increase the frequency of attacks. Consult your doctor or a dietitian for help developing a dietary plan that is right for you.
The Role of Food
When urate crystals develop in or around a joint, they cause inflammation and pain, triggering an attack of gout. Crystals form when uric acid levels in blood are too high. Food contains natural compounds called purines that produce uric acid during their metabolism. People with gout either produce too much uric acid while digesting certain foods, or their kidneys are inefficient at removing it from their blood. Avoiding foods rich in purines may help keep levels of uric acid low, preventing or lessening the severity of attacks of gout.
Animal Proteins
Some animal sources of protein are high in purines and may worsen symptoms of gout. These sources include turkey and game birds such as pheasant, partridge and goose. Among the meats, veal, mutton and bacon are also rich in purines, as are organ meats such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads and heart. Certain fish and seafood are also purine-rich including haddock, salmon, herring, anchovies and scallops. MayoClinic.com suggests that gout patients consume no more than 4 to 6 ounces of protein each day.
Vegetables and Fruits
Although their purine content is not as high as some of the meats, several vegetables and fruits contain moderately high levels of purines. These include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and legumes. Among the fruits, bananas, grapes and plums contains relatively high levels of purines. Replace these fruits with fresh cherries, blueberries, apples or strawberries and choose vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers to keep your purine consumption low.
Alcohol and Foods Containing Yeast
Alcohol contains high amounts of purines, as does any food containing yeast or yeast-products. Beer is an especially bad choice for gout patients, along with any of the vegetable spreads that contain yeast. MayoClinic.com recommends that these products be totally avoided by all gout patients. It also suggests you drink lots of fluids, primarily water, with a goal of 2 to 4 liters daily.
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