How to Eat Healthy With Gout

Gouty arthritis, also known simply as gout, is a form of arthritis caused by an overproduction or underproduction of uric acid, which forms urate crystals around your joints. The result of a build-up of urate crystals is a sudden, sharp pain in your joints that also causes inflammation and redness, according to "Beating Gout: A Sufferer's Guide to Living Pain Free." Eating healthy while suffering from gout requires avoiding foods that are high in purines, the organic compound found in food that increases uric acid levels.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Reduce consumption purine-rich foods. High amounts of purine can be found in meats including herring, liver, sardines, kidneys, mackerel, scallops and game meats, according to "Beating Gout." Other foods that are high in purines include sweetbread, gravy and meat extracts. You will still need at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, which means you should get your daily protein from other sources such as low-fat dairy products.

• 2

  Limit consumption of certain vegetables. Asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, mushrooms and peas contain moderate amounts of purines, and should be limited to 1 serving daily or every other day to reduce risk of pain and tenderness. Limit your intake of lentils and beans as well, due to their levels of purines, according to "Beating Gout."

• 3

  Drink water. Water and other fluids such as juice dilute uric acid, which prevents the formation of urate crystals. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily.

• 4

  Eat a balanced diet. According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005," your diet should consist of non-starchy vegetables, fruit, meat and starches such as bread, cereal and potatoes. Non-starchy vegetables include cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, peppers, okra, corn and beets.

• 5

  Avoid alcohol. Alcohol, specifically beer, may increase gout symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Limit your consumption to determine if it is contributing to your pain.

• 6

  Keep a food journal. Write down everything you eat during the day, and present it to your doctor during your visits to help her determine what foods may be causing increases in your uric acid level.