Gout Diet Restrictions

Gout is a very painful condition that affects the joints, usually the toe joint, and strikes without warning. Prompt treatment of gout can offer relief, but modifying your diet can help avoid or prevent future attacks.

Features of Gout

• Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs in joints; it most commonly affects the big toe but can affect the knees, elbows, fingers and thumbs as well. Gout can be excruciating and attacks occur without any symptoms. Ninety percent of gout sufferers are men and the condition is rarely seen in children. Gout occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood. When there is too much uric acid, it forms into crystals, called tophi, and become concentrated in the joints, causing pain.

Gout and Diet Restrictions

• Attacks of gout can be helped with prompt treatment of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and corticosteroid injections. However, some doctors recommend that you reduce certain types of foods that are associated with chronic (ongoing) attacks of gout, according to mayoclinic.com.

  Eliminating red meat and animal fat is part of a gout diet. You should also not eat meat extracts, such as gravies and bouillon or organ meats like kidneys and liver.

  Fish that are preserved, such as anchovies, herring and sardines, may also cause gout and should be avoided, as well as shellfish.

  Simple carbohydrate sugars, such as table sugar, candies and pastry, should not be eaten, and alcohol should be avoided, too.

Foods to Help Avoid Attacks of Gout

• Adding in certain other foods to your diet may help reduce attacks of gout. Complex carbohydrates from cereals, fruits and green, leafy vegetables are thought to suppress symptoms of gout. Berries, especially cherries, are especially helpful in treating gout with diet. Eating 8 oz. of cherries or any berry or berry juice a day can help treat pain and avoid recurring bouts.