Gout Diet

If you have gout, your doctor may recommend that you follow a specific gout diet. But, what is it and why will it help your condition?

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs because of a high level of uric acid in the body. The uric acid collects in the joints and forms crystals, which cause the joints to become inflamed and painful. The first symptom is usually pain in the big toe that continues up the leg. Attacks can be experienced in the heels, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Medication is usually prescribed to reduce the amount of uric acid the body makes. Gout mainly affects men over age 35.

What is the Gout Diet?

Although most uric acid is made by the body, some foods can increase the amount of uric acid in the blood. These foods contain purines. If someone is known to experience attacks of gout, it is best to avoid these foods and follow a low-purine diet, especially during a flare-up.

High-purine foods include:

• Organ meats such as liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and sweetbreads
• Bouillon
• Broth
• Consommé
• Goose
• Gravy
• Legumes such as dried beans and peas
• Mackerel
• Mincemeat
• Mussels
• Beer and other alcoholic beverages
• Yeast
• Anchovies, sardines canned in oil, herring
• Scallops

Moderate-purine foods include:

• Fish
• Shellfish
• Meat
• Poultry
• Asparagus
• Dried beans and peas
• Lentils
• Mushrooms
• Spinach

Best Foods for Gout

So, what should a person with gout eat and drink? It depends on whether or not a flare up is occurring. During an attack a high intake of fluid, about 8 to 12 cups a day, is recommended to flush out the excess uric acid in the blood. The recommended strategy is high in carbohydrates (grains such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, and fruits and vegetables), moderate in protein, and low in fat.

The best form of protein for a gout sufferer is tofu or bean curd. It has been shown to increase the elimination of uric acid from the body. Other good sources of protein are low fat dairy products and minimal amounts of eggs and peanut butter. No more than 4 to 6 ounces of meat, poultry, or fish should be eaten daily.

To limit fat intake, fried foods and rich desserts should be avoided. Limit butter, margarine, and oils to 3 to 6 teaspoons per day.

It is important to limit alcohol consumption because alcohol can increase the amount of uric acid in the blood. No more than 3 drinks per week is recommended.

In between flare-ups, or if the condition is chronic, drink at least 8 cups of fluid each day, limit alcohol, eat a moderate amount of protein each day, and focus on nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoiding the high purine foods is also a good idea so as to ward off another attack.

Weight Control

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important. Overweight or obesity can cause build-up of uric acid. Lose weight slowly and steadily; one to two pounds a week is recommended as quicker weight loss can cause an episode of gout.