Foods to Prevent Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis. It is caused when the body produces too much uric acid, causing tiny crystals to develop in certain areas of the body. Many people with gout feel the effects in their joints, particularly in the feet. Diet, such as meats containing purines, is one of the primary causes of this condition. There are a number of foods to prevent gout.

Water

• Water is not technically a food, but drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day keeps the urine diluted, which prevents the build-up of uric acid.

Potassium-Rich Foods

• Potassium-rich foods like bananas and kiwis liquefy the crystals in the body, so they can be eliminated from the body.

Fiber

• Fiber helps the body eliminate waste, so eating fiber-rich foods, like leafy greens, prevent gout by keeping uric acid at bay and absorbing liver bile.

Cherries

• Uric acid causes inflammation in the joints, and cherries prevent gout by reducing swelling caused by this painful condition.

Tea

• Like water, tea prevents gout by assisting in the elimination of excess waste, including uric acid.