Gout is a type of arthritis caused by increased levels of uric acid in your body. When uric acid levels rise, sharp painful crystals form in your joints and cause gout. Uric acid is a waste product produced in your body when your body breaks down a substance in food called purines. Foods that are higher in purines can generate higher levels of uric acid production. Dietary changes that include a reduction of high-purine foods may help decrease attacks of gout.
What is a Gout Diet?
A gout diet can help control the production and elimination of uric acid, which may prevent or reduce attacks of gout. A gout diet resembles healthy eating with a watchful eye on meat and alcohol intake. It can also assist you in maintaining a healthy weight and help you avoid chronic diseases, such as heart disease. Eliminating high-purine foods and avoiding the use of alcohol are the basic elements involved in a gout diet.
Foods to Avoid
Watch out for organ meats, such as liver and heart, which contain high levels of purines. Eat lean cuts of poultry and beware of red meats, such as beef, pork and lamb. Eat seafood in limited amounts and avoid fatty fish, such as herring, anchovies and mackerel. Limit your intake of all animal protein to 4 to 6 oz per day, since all animal proteins contain purines. Do not drink alcohol, especially beer. Alcohol interferes with uric acid elimination and can cause attacks of gout.
Dietary Recommendations
Consider eating foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties, such as garlic. Foods that contain high levels of antioxidant properties, such as blueberries and strawberries, are additional foods that may help with gout symptoms. Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce body weight and consider drinking vitamin-fortified water. Add plant-based proteins to your diet, such as beans and legumes and eat low-fat or fat-free dairy products. In some cases, a dairy intake of 16 to 24 oz each day may help to reduce your risk of gout.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for gout so drop a few pounds if you are overweight. Fasting and rapid weight-loss can initiate attacks of gout; talk with your doctor about weight-loss strategy prior to beginning a weight-loss program. Your doctor can evaluate your health history and suggest dietary changes that are appropriate for you, as well as an exercise program to help you maintain a healthy weight.
References
- GoutRelief.org: Changing Your Diet to get Gout Relief
- MayoClinic.com: Gout Diet: Mayo Clinic Staff; March 10, 2010
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Low-Purine Diet
- American College of Rheumatology: Patient Education-Gout: H. Ralph Schumacher; August 2009
- FamilyDoctor.org: Gout: FamilyDoctor.org Staff; March 2010
