Gout is caused by high blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product. The waste product is the result of the breakdown of purines, which are substances naturally found within your body. Purines can also be found in many types of foods. Gout treatment used to require strict diets. However, medications that combat gout have made it easier to manage the condition. Some dietary modifications are still recommended to help you avoid gout flare ups. Gout medications can have serious side effects.
Diet Changes
Changing your diet can help you avoid flare-ups. Avoid foods high in purines such as liver, kidney, sweetbread and anchovies. Other foods, such as meat, poultry, and fish, have lower levels of purines, so it is recommended that they be consumed in moderation.
- Do not consume alcohol at all, or limit your intake to a small amount. Drinking excessive alcohol can increase the risk of hyperuricemia. This is because the alcohol blocks the body’s natural removal of uric acid. Avoid alcohol if you have gout or are suffering from gout attacks.
- Ensure that you drink enough fluids to flush out your system of uric acid. You should aim to drink around 2 liters of fluids per day, more if your job or exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Your joints will be more stressed if you have excess weight. This can increase the risk of developing gout. You should lose excess weight, but not by following a rapid weight loss program. They can cause an increase in blood uric acid.
- Low-carb diets are high in protein and fat. Hyperuricemia can be caused by eating too many of these foods.
Low Purines
Gout can be controlled by eating foods low in purines. Below is a list containing low amounts of purines.
- Breakfast: Cereals and breads; coffee, tea, oatmeal, juices, milk, peanut butter, cheese (low-fat), milk, and cereals.
- Dinner – Pasta, macaroni and eggs, as well as vegetables, pasta, macaroni, eggs and breads, low-fat cheeses, soups and other dishes. Gelatin, fats, oils (in small quantities), soda, sugar, syrups and other sweets are also low in purines.
Moderation is key to a low-purine diet. Beef, lamb, pork, and vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, and wheat germ are some foods that have moderate purines. These foods can be eaten as long as they are not too much. You can eat high-purine foods occasionally, unless you have gouty symptoms or are under attack.