If you're suffering from pain and swelling in your joints due to gout, you'll probably have to make a number of lifestyle changes in order to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for your joint inflammation or drugs that block the production of uric acid, the metabolic byproduct of protein metabolism that builds up in joints and causes gout pain. Eventually, though, you're going to have to take the reins and make some changes to your diet.
Limit Purine Consumption
Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry and eggs contain a substance called purine, which is also present in many of your body tissues. When purines are metabolized, they break down into a substance called uric acid. Uric acid crystals can gather in your joints, causing stiffness and pain. Although the vast majority of uric acid in your body does not come from dietary sources, it does help to limit your dietary intake of purine-rich foods, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.
High-Purine Foods
Meats of all kinds contain purine, but organ meats have the highest concentrations. You'll need to avoid eating kidney, liver, heart and brains, as these are very high in purine. Game meats such as venison are high in purine, according to Boston University's Online Gout Study, and as for poultry, goose and partridge are especially high. Fish such as anchovies, mackerel, herring and scallops contain high purine concentrations, so eliminate them from your diet. Avoid gravy and meat sauces. Other fish, lamb, pork and beef are a bit lower in purine, but should not be consumed in quantities greater than 6 oz. per day, or 3 oz. per meal.
Other Foods with Purine
Some vegetables contain moderate amounts of purine and should be avoided if you are experiencing gout symptoms. Asparagus, dried beans, lentils, mushrooms, peas and spinach contain purine and should be eaten only in moderation. Oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ also contain moderate amounts of purine.
Other Considerations
Alcohol can also increase the amount of uric acid in your blood stream and should be avoided if you are suffering from gout. Drinking other fluids will help flush the uric acid from your body, and the Ohio State University Medical Center suggests drinking 8 to 12 cups of fluid daily. Consult your doctor to get your own personalized gout diet plan.
