1. Avoid Foods High in Uric Acid
Gout is an illness that results from having elevated uric acid levels in the body. Organ meats (chicken liver, beef kidneys, sweetbreads, etc.) have long been blamed for causing gout, and it's true that these foods do cause the body to be too acidic. However, the list of foods that raise the body's uric acid levels includes much more than rich meats. Coffee, alcohol, dried fruits, fatty dairy products, sugar, chocolate, bacon and rich fowl (such as duck) can also cause gout. The key is to move away from acid-forming foods so that there won't be an excess of uric acid in the body.
White flour, table salt and artificial sweeteners can contribute to gout, as can smoking cigarettes, drinking soda and eating excessive amounts of sugar. Avoiding these foods, especially if they are staples of your current diet, can help avoid acid buildup in the body.
2. Choose Low-Fat, High-Alkaline Foods
A diet high in alkaline will lower the levels of fat and acid in the body. High-alkaline foods include fresh fruits and vegetables. Avocados, almonds and bananas are excellent high-alkaline foods, as are prunes, raisins, carrots and fresh (not cooked) spinach. Since the body operates optimally when it is more alkaline than acidic, changing the acid-alkaline balance in the body can result in a lessening or even eradication of a number of physical complaints. When the body is more alkaline, the cells slough off toxins more quickly and can regenerate more easily. This means that gout and other uncomfortable conditions can be kept at bay.
3. Excess Weight and Gout
Obesity lends itself to the exacerbation of gout. Most gout sufferers are counseled to shed excess pounds to help their bodies fight the illness. Although eating high-alkaline foods and avoiding rich, fatty foods that cause gout will very likely result in weight loss anyway, knowing that a drop in weight can reduce painful, even debilitating, gout flare-ups can be a powerful motivator to reassess your lifestyle. Replace calorie- and acid-laden beverages, such as alcohol, soda and coffee, with water. This will not only reduce your daily calorie consumption but help your body more effectively flushi out uric acid. In addition, developing an exercise plan can improve circulation, which can also prevent gout.
