The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society says that gout is a condition marked by pain in the joints, particularly in the lower joints and often in the big toe. Elevated uric acid levels contribute to gout formation although other factors such as obesity are a risk factor. Lowering the intake of gouty foods can help manage the symptoms.
Causes of Gout
Gout is the result of uric acid build up in the joints. Uric acid is a natural waste product in the breakdown of chemicals known as purines. Purines are found in almost all foods but some foods are particularly rich in this chemical. As purines are broken down into uric acid, the body normally eliminates uric acid in the urine. However, some people cannot efficiently excrete uric acid for reasons not well understood. The result is serum uric acid buildup, which becomes especially concentrated in the joints. As the concentration of uric acid increases, it begins to crystallize into tiny spikes inside the joint capsule. These crystals are the source of joint pain, particularly when the joint moves. The painful symptoms can last from days to weeks, while episodes can be separated by months or years.
Inclusion Diet
Since purines are the ultimate source of uric acid production, a diet low in purines should be maintained if you're prone to gout. Foods especially low in purines are low fat and non-fat dairy products such as milk and cheese. Soy-based foods are also desirable. Vegetables in general are very good food choices, especially green fresh vegetables. Alfalfa, artichoke, cabbage, asparagus, beans, broccoli, onions, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, yams and squash also are good food choices to keep purine consumption low. Colorful fruits such as bananas, limes and oranges should be eaten. Unsweetened or artificially sweetened drinks are also recommended.
Exclusion Diet
Purines are particularly concentrated in certain foods and these should be avoided to lower the risk of gout. Such foods include most red meats like lamb and beef. Most seafood is high in purine concentration and should be avoided. Especially avoid eating shellfish such as clams, scallops, lobster, crabs and shrimp. Many grains also contain large purine concentrations. Other foods that are devoid of purines yet contribute to gout are those high in simple sugar concentration, particularly fructose and sucrose. This means avoid eating sweetened foods such as processed baked goods, ice cream and candies. High sugar fruits such as dates, plums, apples, peaches, prunes and cherries should be eaten sparingly, while fruit drinks should be eliminated from the diet completely.
Alcohol and Obesity
Alcoholic beverages alone do not contain purines. However, alcohol impairs kidney function so that they have difficulty excreting uric acid. Therefore, if you are prone to gout you should consuming avoid liquor and beer altogether. According to the Gout and Uric Acid Education Society, people increase their risk of gout attacks if they are overweight and do not exercise. A higher body mass index is correlated to episodes of gout.
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