Information on a Gout Diet

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood causes crystals to form in your joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, regulating your diet can help you avoid gout.

Significance

• Certain foods contain high levels of substances called purines, which are found in certain meats and vegetables like mushrooms and asparagus. Cutting down on purines will lower the level of uric acid in your body.

Identification

• A gout diet focuses on cutting out animal proteins, alcohol and sugar. Adding lots of water, proteins derived from plants and complex carbohydrates like grains and fruit, replaces these other foods in a gout diet.

Considerations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a gout diet alone often is not enough to stop gout attacks without medication as well. However, dieting and losing weight can cut down on the frequency of attacks.