Gout is a painful arthritic condition caused by the collection of uric acid crystals in various joints around the body; these crystals lead to inflammation, swelling and stiffness, as noted by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Uric acid crystals form when purines accumulate in your blood; one of the breakdown products of purines is uric acid. Obesity is an additional risk factor for gout. While medications can be used to improve the symptoms of a flare-up, physicians also may recommend dietary changes in order to prevent flare-ups and manage the symptoms of gout.
Lower Intake of Foods High in Purines
One of the dietary changes your physician may recommend may be to decrease your consumption of foods that are high in purine content. Foods that are high in purine content include organ meats including liver, brains, kidneys and hearts, sardines, anchovies and mussels. Other foods have moderate levels of purines -- such as fish, other types of seafood and meats -- and should be eaten in limited amounts by people with a history of gout. You should limit your intake of meats and fish to 4 to 6 oz. each day, since animal proteins have a significant amount of purines, MayoClinic.com reports. Vegetables with high levels of purines including beans, peas, cauliflower, and spinach have not been shown to be associated with flare-ups of gout, according to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
Get More Protein from Plant Sources
Although you may have to limit your animal protein intake, you will still need to consume sufficient levels of protein to maintain a healthy balanced diet. You need protein for cell function and cell repair. Vegetable-based protein sources such as beans and grains can supply the needed protein in your diet. These foods contain fewer unhealthy fats and can help lower your risk of weight gain, which can worsen gout, according to MayoClinic.com.
Lowfat Milk
Low-fat dairy products may be somewhat protective against developing a gout attack, according to MayoClinic.com. The proteins in milk may lower uric acid levels in the body. Eating a healthy balanced diet with lowfat dairy may help you manage your gout symptoms.
Limit or Avoid Alcohol Intake
Alcohol may make gout symptoms worse because it can interfere with the body's ability to eliminate uric acid, as noted by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Beer contains high levels of purines but all types of alcohol including wine and hard liquors may cause higher levels of uric acid. During an active gout attack, you should avoid alcohol completely. You should also discuss your alcohol consumption during periods when you are not having an attack with your physician to get advice for your condition.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water can help you remove excess uric acid from your body. You should aim to drink eight glasses of water each day to maintain adequate hydration, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. If you are working out or sweating more than usually, you may need to increase your fluid intake.
