Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup around joints in the body. Diet is a contributor to the development of gout. A special diet may be able to help prevent attacks of gout by maintaining normal uric acid levels in your body. Consult your doctor before beginning dietary treatment for gout.
Purine Containing Foods and Gout
Purines, found naturally in many foods, breakdown in the body to form uric acid. When uric acid levels in the body become too high, uric acid may form crystals which cluster around joints in your body and cause the pain and inflammation associated with gout.
By limiting high purine containing foods, you may be able to prevent attacks of gout.
Foods high in purines include:
- Red meat and especially organ meat, including: kidney, liver and heart
- Yeast and yeast extract
- Fish and seafood including: anchovies, shrimp, tuna, sardines, scallops and caviar
It is recommended that you keep your intake of all meat, poultry and seafood to 1, 4-6 ounce serving per day, or about the size of a standard deck of cards.
Alcohol and Gout
Limiting alcohol may help to prevent attacks of gout. Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, has been shown to increase uric acid levels in your body. By limiting or avoiding alcohol, you may be able to help control attacks of gout. Recommendations for alcohol are no more than one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men. If you choose to drink, wine is a safer option.
Include Low-fat or Fat-free Dairy Products
Including low-fat or fat free dairy as part of an overall healthy diet is recommended for prevention of gout. Increasing your intake of dairy may help to prevent the occurrence of gout. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese, and include about two to three cups per day.
Weight Loss and Gout
Maintaining a normal weight may be the best prevention against gout. Gout is much more common in people who are overweight or obese. If you're carrying extra weight, losing weight may be beneficial in controlling attacks of gout or in preventing the development of gout.
Remember to lose weight at a normal rate, no more than one to two pounds per week. Losing weight too rapidly may actually increase the uric acid levels in your body. Seek the advice of your doctor or a dietitian if you need assistance with weight loss.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine", Obesity, Weight Change, Hypertension, Diuretic Use, and Risk of Gout in Men; Choi, Atkinson, Karlson, Curhan; 2005
- Mayo Clinic, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Gout Diet; Mayo Clinic Staff; March 2010
- "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010"; US Department of Health and Human Services; 2010
