Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body and the crystallization of uric acid in the connective tissue between the joints. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purine found in you tissue and the foods you eat. The abnormal buildup of uric acid can result from the body producing too much uric acid or the kidneys' inability to excrete uric acid. Avoiding foods that are high in purine may help to reduce uric acid buildup.
Purine in Foods
Foods that are highest in purines include fish (particularly anchovies, sardines mackerel and fish roe), shellfish (especially scallops and mussels), organ meats (brain, kidney, liver and heart), game meat (like goose) and yeast extracts. Foods that have moderate amounts of purines are crab, shrimp, eel, red meat (beef, lamb, pork and veal), poultry, other fish (like trout and herring), legumes, asparagus, mushroom and spinach.
According to a study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in March, 2004, it is the combination of high protein and high purine foods that contributes to gout. Some foods that are high in purine but lower in protein, like legumes and mushrooms, were shown not to increase the risk of gout in men.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can enhance uric acid production and reduce the clearance of uric acid by the kidney. Drinking excessive alcohol, particularly beer, can cause uric acid to build up in the joints. Many beers contain large amount of purine from the fermenting process. A study published in the April, 2004 issue of "The Lancet" shows that the risk of developing gout is greater in moderate regular beer drinkers--one 12 oz can of beer per day--compared to those who drink equivalent or lower amounts of alcohol in the form of spirits (one shot) or wine (two glasses of wine).
Fatty Foods
Fried and fatty foods, like heavily marbled meats, poultry skin and butter, should be limited as they increase uric acid production in the body. Foods high in fat are high in calories--and being overweight--are also associated with gout attacks. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight by avoiding high fat foods can help decrease your risk of gout attacks.
Fructose
Fructose has been shown to increase uric acid production. Fructose is the type of sugar in fruit. However, the amount of fructose you consume from whole fruits is a lot less than the amount from added sugars like table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sucrose and fruit juice concentrates. Fructose makes up half of the sugar molecules in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Sugar sweetened beverages, like sodas and fruit juices, are associated with higher uric acid levels and you should avoid or limit your consumption if you have gout.
References
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Purine-Rich Food, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men; H.K. Choi et al.; Mar. 11, 2004
- "The Lancet"; Alcohol Intake and Risk of Incident Gout in Men: A Prospective Study; H.K. Choi et al.; Apr. 17, 2004
- "British Medical Journal"; Soft Drinks, Fructose Consumption and the Risk fo Gout in Men: A Prospective Cohort Study; H.K. Choi et al; Jan. 31, 2008
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