Foods for Preventing Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that usually develops in the hands and feet. It is caused by needle-like crystals made up of excess uric acid in the blood. Gout results in extreme pain, redness and swelling. Excess uric acid in the blood can result from improper removal of uric acid due to kidney malfunction or an increase in uric acid production. Insufficient liquids in the diet to flush out the crystals or high levels of purine in the diet have been shown to be causes as well, ones that can be easily prevented.

Gout Prevention Foods

• Medications and increased water consumption can keep gout symptoms at bay, but changes in your diet can also prevent gout attacks. Cherry juice and strawberries contain chemicals that reduce inflammation, as do foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flax seeds and olive oil. Many sufferers have gotten help from consuming those foods in addition to a low purine diet.

Purine

• Purine is a chemical found in foods which turns into uric acid after being broken down in the body. It is primarily found in foods with high protein content. A diet low in purine reduces the amount of purine available to be turned into uric acid, preventing a buildup in the blood and the onset of gout attacks.

High Purine Foods

• Avoiding foods that are high in purine is not difficult, as they are not among the most common foods in the average diet. Organ meats like liver and kidneys should never be eaten. Game meats, anchovies and sardines, herring and mackerel, beer and scallops, as well as meat gravies and extracts, should be eaten only occasionally.

Moderate Purine Foods

• Most meats, fish, shellfish, poultry and eggs are higher in purine and need to be eaten in moderation. Some vegetables, such as mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, cauliflower and beans, also contain elevated levels of purine, as do bran, oatmeal and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Low Purine Foods

• Low purine foods are plentiful and include most vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, nuts, peanut butter and refined breads and cereals. Low purine foods should be eaten as part of a sensible diet. Fat should be limited to 65g or less and total protein to 100g or less per day. Meat serving sizes need to be three to four ounces each, with no more than two servings a day. Try to drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily and avoid alcohol.

Weight and Gout

• Gout is prevalent among the overweight, so losing weight and maintaining a sensible weight is important. Any diet should encourage slow and sustainable weight loss of no more than two pounds per week; rapid weight loss and very low calorie diets actually aggravate gout.