Gout is a painful arthritic condition that can attack anywhere from every few weeks to every few years. Medicines can help control the underlying problem and relieve pain, and diet modification frequently is recommended to reduce eating foods known to cause gout. Prunes are one such food.
About Gout
Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. It occurs when the body breaks down purines, which are natural chemicals in certain foods. The breakdown product is known as uric acid. In some people, the kidney does not excrete uric acid properly and it starts to build up in the blood. Over time, the buildup begins to concentrate in the joints, mostly of the feet and toes. In time, the uric acid forms into tiny sharp crystals that irritate the joint tissues. This is the source of gout pain, the most common complaint of this condition.
Eating Prunes
Prunes contain large amounts of fructose. While prunes contain very low purine levels, a diet rich in fructose is correlated with having gout, according to the Gout and Uric Acid Education Society. Thus, like most sweet fruits, prunes should be avoided if you have gout. Other fruits to avoid include apples, pears, peaches, cherries, dates, grapes and plums. If you must eat sweet fruits, limit them to 1 to 2 cups per day.
Best Foods to Eat
The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society recommends eating certain foods low in purine content to lower your risk of gout, including non- or low-fat dairy products such as fat-free milk and cottage cheese. Soy alternatives also are good. Fresh vegetables are highly recommended, as are whole grain versions of bread, rice and pasta. Chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon and nuts also will limit uric acid production. While fruits in general are to be avoided, colorful fruits like tangerines and bananas are acceptable.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are known to contain high levels of purines and will therefore yield high levels of uric acid. Those foods that the Gout and Uric Acid Education Society recommends avoiding are primarily red meats and shellfish, including lobster, clam, shrimp, crab and scallop. Sardines also are high in purine content. Consuming fructose- and sucrose-rich foods also should be limited. You should limit foods such as processed baked goods like cookies and cakes as well as candies, soft drinks and juices. Since alcohol impairs the kidney's ability to excrete uric acid, beer and liquor also should be avoided.
