Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis. Dietary changes, such as avoiding purines and preferring plant-based meals, may help control symptoms and prevent flares.
Foods to Avoid
There is proof that certain foods may cause an attack of gout. Some of these items are discussed in greater depth in the parts that follow:
Purines
Purines in animal and plant meals may aggravate gout symptoms because the body transforms them into uric acid. Therefore, some study indicates that consuming animal-based foods high in purines may raise the chance of getting gout.
Plant-based meals containing purines do not have the same impact. Furthermore, dairy products, foods rich in vitamin C, soy products, and specific plant oils may lower the chance of gout.
The following meal contains purines:
- Lamb, beef, pork, and red meat
- Organ meats, along with kidney and liver
- Seafood like tuna, sardines, trout, scallops, mussels, and anchovies
- Alcohol, especially beer
Gout sufferers should attempt to restrict or avoid these foods.
Fructose
When individuals consume high-fructose meals, their bodies deplete adenosine phosphate. This, in turn, can result in uric acid overproduction.
As a result, individuals with gout should avoid meals high in fructose. This does not imply that a person's diet should be devoid of food or honey, but consuming it in small quantities and in moderation.
However, a person should attempt to avoid drinking sugary sodas and eating prepared foods that contain high fructose corn syrup as an additive.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, which contain sugar and may raise blood sugar levels, can contribute to the formation of insulin resistance. This is strongly linked to elevated uric acid levels.
Every carbohydrate-containing meal has a glycemic index (GI) number. This metric tracks how much a meal raises a person's blood sugar.
Some high-GI carbohydrate meals to avoid include:
- Most breakfast cereals
- Fruits like watermelon, banana, pineapple, grapes, and mangoes, as well as juices
- Starchy vegetables like potatoes, winter squash, parsnips, rice, and corn
- Snacks like cakes, pop-tarts, cookies, donuts, and chips
Fasting
Some individuals choose to fast on occasion. This could be for faith purposes or health reasons, such as losing weight.
Although losing weight can help reduce gout symptoms, the Arthritis Foundation warns that fasting can cause gout symptoms if a person becomes exhausted.
When fasting, people with gout should take extra care to consume plenty of water.
Sample Food Menu for a Gout Patient
The following is an example of a healthful meal that may be appropriate for a gout patient. However, nutritional adjustments should be discussed with a doctor:
Breakfast
- Oats made with milk
- Cherries and berries
- Walnuts and almonds
Lunch
- One to two boiled eggs, a dressing of olive oil and vinegar, fruit, avocado, flaxseed, and a loaded salad with leafy greens
- 1 cup of black bean soup
- One to two glasses of water
Dinner
- Barley, half a cup of brown rice, or another type of whole grain
- 1–2 cups of broccoli
- Half a cup of kefir
- One to two glasses of water
- Half a cup of skinless chicken breast
The Final Verdict
Avoiding certain foods and beverages can help manage gout symptoms by reducing uric acid levels in the body. High-purine foods, such as organ meats, seafood, and red meat, should be limited or avoided altogether.
Alcohol, sugary drinks, high-fat foods, and certain vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus, should also be consumed in moderation. Concentrating on a diet high in whole, low fat foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, is important to support overall health and manage gout symptoms.
Consultation with a physician or a certified nutritionist can help create an individualized meal plan tailored to your needs.