A painful form of arthritis, gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the bloodstream and collect in the joints. It is often a hereditary condition, but it may be exacerbated by eating certain types of foods, or during times of surgery, infection or stress. Gout is a chronic condition that results in attacks of joint swelling, pain and fever lasting several days and then subsiding, only to occur again later. Avoiding some types of foods may help to prevent attacks of gout.
The American Dietetic Association
The American Dietetic Association, or ADA, is a professional organization that provides nutritional guidance for consumers. These recommendations help people to make better food choices in order to control symptoms of illness and to prevent further health problems. A gout attack could be preceded by eating certain kinds of foods, such as those high in purines. Purines are components of food that create uric acid when they break down during digestion.
Gout Attack
During an acute gout attack, the ADA recommends choosing foods that are low in purines and drinking fluids, which may help to reduce symptoms. Increase your fluid intake to eight to 16 cups per day and eat small to moderate amounts of protein. Choose foods that are low in fat, such as low-fat or non-fat dairy products, eggs or peanut butter. Limit meats to 4 ounces to 6 ounces per day and avoid meats that are high in purines, such as goose, herring, liver, mackerel and scallops.
Prevention
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation states that you can help to prevent gout attacks by following a healthy diet that is low in fat. Cut back on alcohol and sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice, as these drinks could increase your risk of developing another gout attack. Choose foods that are low in purines as part of a healthy and balanced diet, including bread, cereal, eggs, milk, rice and vegetables.
Other Foods
Although there are many medications used to treat gout, you may still need to modify your diet to prevent symptoms from recurring. In addition to limiting foods with high purine levels, you may need to reduce your intake of foods with even moderate amounts of purines, including beef, lamb, pork, mushrooms or poultry. Your body may secrete more uric acid if you eat high-fat foods, and many of these foods may also be high in purines. Alternatively, eating more vegetables may lower your uric acid production. Consult your doctor about what kinds of foods you should avoid if you have recurring gout attacks.
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