Gout Diet Foods to Avoid

Gout is a disease in which joints swell and become painful. Most commonly the arthritic condition affects a person's big toe, specifically the biggest joint of the big toe. A gout attack occurs when the body is unable to process purines in food, leading to a buildup of uric acid. Avoiding foods that are high in purines can decrease the number and severity of gout attacks.

Alcohol

• Alcohol intake should be reduced or completely eliminated in a gout diet. Beer is the worst type of alcohol for those who suffer from gout.

Meat

• Meats such as pork, beef and lamb are high in purines and should be avoided. Also stay away from meat that comes from the organs of animals, like kidney, heart and liver. Also avoid gravies made with organ meats.

Seafood

• Some types of seafood should be avoided while on a gout diet. Sardines, anchovies, mussels, cod, scallops, haddock, herring and fish eggs are high in purines.

Other Foods

• Other foods high in purines include certain legumes and vegetables. Cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, beans, lentils, peas and spinach are all on this list.