Gout Diet

Gout Diet - Reduce the Symptoms of Gout

Patients with Gout typically suffer sudden, severe attacks of pain and tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in some joints. Gout strikes when uric acid builds up in the body to such an extent that the kidneys are unable to flush it out. (Uric acid is a substance that normally forms when the body breaks down waste products called purines.) The uric acid crystallises, then collects around the joints causing inflammation. In about 7 out of 10 cases the first area hit is the big toe, to which crystals are drawn by gravity. In addition, Gout can be inherited or happen as a complication of another condition. Insulin resistance may also play a role in the development of gout. The condition can affect anyone of any age, but typically it affects men over the age of 40 and women after menopause.

Low-Purine Gout Diet

A low-purine gout diet is often prescribed for individuals with gout. Purine is a compound that is mainly found in animal protein which is metabolized to uric acid in the body. A low-purine diet and medications (eg. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and allopurinol) are commonly used to treat gout. Best case: the less purine in your diet, the fewer gout attacks you are likely to suffer. Worst case: the less purine in your diet, the fewer anti-gout drugs you'll need.

Gout Diet Guidelines

The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage the intestine. This is true for anyone with the disease, including people who do not have noticeable symptoms. Depending on a person's age at diagnosis, some problems, such as delayed growth and tooth discoloration, may not improve.

Foods not permitted in a Gout Diet - These foods have very high purine levels, and should be avoided completely. This list of foods is not comprehensive. Consult your doctor for a complete list.

Anchovies, Bouillon, Brains, Broth, Consommé, Dried legumes, Goose, Gravy, Heart, Herring, Kidneys, Liver, Mackerel, Meat extracts, Mussels, Partridge, Roe, Sardines, Scallops, Shrimp, Sweetbreads, Yeast (baker’s and brewer’s), Yeast extracts (eg. Marmite, Vegemite).

Foods to Beware on an Gout Diet - These foods have high purine levels and should be eaten in moderation.

Fish (including shellfish), Poultry.

Better Foods to Help Reduce Gout Symptoms - But see your doctor for specific advice about an anti-gout diet for you.

Beverages (carbonated), Butter, Cereals and cereal products, Cheese (all kinds), Cocoa, Corn, Cornbread, Eggs, Fruit juices, Fruits, Ice cream, Milk, Noodles, Nuts, Refined wheat flour, Tapioca, Vegetables, White bread and crackers (except whole wheat, which is moderately high in purines), White rice.

Other dietary suggestions include:

Drink plenty of fluids to increase uric acid excretion from the body.

Increase consumption of vegetarian-based protein.

Reduce calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight. However, avoid fad diets or very low calorie diets as rapid weight loss can precipitate gout.

Reduce alcohol consumption.