Gout is a painful form of arthritis that develops when too much uric acid builds up in the blood. Normally, uric acids dissolves in the blood and then moves through the kidneys before being flushed out in the urine. In people prone to gout attacks, uric acid crystals form deposits in the joints that cause pain and inflammation. Often, gout first strikes the big toe, although it can affect any joint. Uric acid is found in purines, which naturally occur in the body's tissues and in some foods. Changing your diet can help gout sufferers prevent attacks.
Low-purine Diet
When purines are broken down in the body, uric acid is one of the byproducts. Because of this, eliminating or strictly limiting purine consumption can help prevent gout attacks. Purines are found in all meat, poultry and seafood, but some animal proteins are particularly high in purines. People who are prone to gout should avoid eating organ meats, game meats and certain types of seafood, including scallops, mackerel, anchovies, herring and sardines. In addition, the Mayo Clinic suggests people prone to gout limit their intake of animal proteins to between 5 and 6 oz. a day.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can also play a role in the development of gout attacks. For example, beer is high in purines and some other alcoholic beverages contain purines to a lesser extent. Additionally, consuming alcoholic drinks inhibits your body's ability to flush out uric acid. People who are prone to gout should eliminate or strictly limit alcohol intake, especially of beer. If you are suffering a gout attack, do not consume any alcohol until the attack passes.
Fluid Intake
Increasing your fluid intake can help treat and prevent gout attacks because it will help the body flush out uric acid more efficiently. The Mayo Clinic recommends gout sufferers drink between eight and 16 glasses of fluids each day, with at least half of the overall intake being water. Nearly all nonalcoholic beverages can be beneficial at flushing out uric acid, but soda and soft drinks sweetened with sugar should be avoided because they can increase the likelihood of suffering a gout attack.
Beneficial Foods
Studies have shown that some foods may be helpful at treating and preventing gout. Cherries, for example, have been linked to lower uric acid levels and can be beneficial for people with the condition. Regularly eating cherries and other dark berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, can help treat and prevent gout attacks. Vitamin C can also reduce uric acid levels in the blood. No studies have proven vitamin C as an effective treatment of gout, but eating appropriate levels may help keep attacks at bay. Large doses of vitamin C, however, have proven to increase uric acid levels.
Because animals proteins should be limited in people with gout, alternative protein sources are necessary. Gout sufferers can get their protein from low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
