Gout occurs due to the formation of uric acid crystals in your joints. Foods contain a substance called purine, which produces uric acid when the body breaks it down. The higher the purine content in foods, the higher the level of uric acid production, and the more likely you are to suffer from attacks of gout. To reduce attacks, eat foods that are lower in purines and eliminate high-purine foods from your diet.
Meat and Seafood
Meat is generally high in purines and so are certain types of seafood. You should completely avoid eating organ meats, game meats and certain types of seafood, such as scallops, mussels, herring, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Do not eat meat extracts or meat gravies, and consume lower purine choices, such as lamb, veal pork, poultry or beef in limited quantities. Consume other types of seafood in small quantities until you are sure they don't trigger a gout attack.
Dairy Products
When it comes to dairy products, avoid whole-fat milk products. Consume yogurt, cheese, milk and other dairy products in skim or low-fat varieties, which are lower-purine choices. There is a link between milk products and lower risks of gout, so aim for an intake of 24 oz. each day.
Breads and Grains
Limit your intake of whole-grain breads and other whole-grain foods, such as oatmeal, wheat germ, bran and cereal. Consume low-purine enriched breads, rice and pastas instead, and limit your intake of high-fat breads, such as muffins and pancakes. Also, limit the amounts of dried beans, peas and lentils you consume each day.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are generally low in purines. Consume all fruits, vegetables and juices you can tolerate with only a few exceptions. Do not eat avocados and limit your servings of asparagus, mushrooms, spinach and cauliflower, which are higher in purines. In addition, do not add high-fat condiments or sauces to vegetables.
Alcohol and Caffeine
It may surprise you to know that coffee may be good for gout sufferers. There is a link between coffee and lower risks of gout in men, and MayoClinic.com suggests an intake of 4 to 6 cups each day. Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, causes problems for gout sufferers. Drinking alcohol not only increases the production of purines but also interferes with your body's ability to purge itself of uric acid. In addition, there is a link between beer and increased attacks of gout.
