Gout is a form of arthritis and according to the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society, gout is characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness as well as stiffness and swelling of affected joints. Gout most often affects the large joint of the big toe, but some people also experience pain in the ankle, knee, fingers, elbow, wrists and heel. Gout is more common in men than in women and the first episode usually strikes between the ages of 40 and 55.
Purines
A diet rich in purines may trigger a gout attach. Eating purine-rich foods elevates the levels of uric acid in your body. Normally, uric acid is eliminated by the kidneys but with gout, high concentrations of uric acid accumulates in the blood before crystallizing in your joints and other tissues causing gout. Purine is mostly found in beer and alcohol made from grain, as well as in red meat, organ meat and seafood, especially shrimp and lobster.
Fructose
Fructose consumption is associated with gout. Fructose is a sugar naturally found in fruits but is also in high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar and honey. Soft drinks, some breakfast cereals, candies, ice cream, juices, fruit drinks, baked goods and many processed foods or fast foods contains high amounts of fructose, which can trigger a gout attack. Eating too many fruits can also contribute to gout. If you are prone to gout, limit your fruit intake to no more than one to two daily servings, especially for fruits high in fructose such as cherries, apples, dates, peaches, plums, grapes, pears and prunes.
Excessive Food Intake
A body mass index, or BMI, above 30 puts you at increased risk of having a gout attack. Obesity, along with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and uncontrolled blood cholesterol levels are associated with an increased incidence of gout. Eating too much food and too many calories can result in weight gain and predispose you to suffering from gout. Losing weight is therefore recommended to prevent future episodes. However, the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society cautions against crash diets because rapid weight loss can increase the amount of uric acid in the body and trigger a gout attack.
Inadequate Fluid Intake
Not drinking enough fluids can increase your risk of having a gout attack. It is recommended to drink at least 2 to 3 L of fluids a day to help dilute and excrete uric acid properly. Choose water and other unsweetened beverages to avoid increasing your fructose or carbohydrate intake.
