Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is related to increased uric acid production in the body. Certain foods can worsen the condition or cause a flare-up. Foods high in a chemical called purine can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood and trigger a gout attack. Although there is no cure for a gout, reducing or eliminating purine-rich foods from your diet will help you to manage the disease.
Historical Information
Since ancient times, people associated gout with certain types of foods and alcoholic beverages, which were mainly available to the upper class of the society. That is why gout gets its name of the "rich man's disease."
Other Risk Factors
Factors other than food may increase your risk of developing gout. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease, can contribute to gout. Medications like diuretics and some cancer treatments can also trigger gout. Men tend to develop this disease more often than women, and a genetic factor seems to play a role.
Foods to Avoid
Do not completely eliminate any types of foods, except alcohol, to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Excessive alcohol intake, particularly beer, can trigger a gout attack.You should limit your intake of high-purine foods. Meat and seafood are high in purines, and some types are higher than the others. If you like bacon, organ meats, wild game, goose, sardines, mussels, scallops and haddock, enjoy those foods only once in a while and in small amounts. These types of meats are particularly rich in purines and can cause a gout attack, especially if consumed with alcohol. A diet high in fat, as well as being overweight or obese, can also promote gout. Chose low-fat foods and try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Foods to Eat
Eat plenty of plant-based foods if you have gout. All fruits and most vegetables, with the exception of asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and green peas, are low in purines and do not contribute to gout. Grains, such as oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ, contain moderate amount of purines, so include them in your diet sparingly. Nuts, eggs and low-fat dairy are a good source of low-purine protein. Eat them daily to ensure adequate protein in your diet. Spices and most condiments, including salt and vinegar, are allowed on a low-purine diet. Drink 2 to 3 qts. of fluids per day. Fluid helps eliminate the excess of uric acid from your body, helping to prevent gout attacks. Water, low-fat milk, juices, tea, coffee, cocoa and carbonated beverages are a good choice and will not increase the uric acid content in your blood.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Gout
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Uric Acid and Diet -- Insights Into the Epidemics of Cardiovascular Disease; Richard Johnson, et al.; March 2004
- "Arthritis Today": Foods' Purine Content
- American Dietetic Association: Low-Purine or Purine-Restricted Nutrition Therapy
