Gout And Your Diet: What Foods To Avoid With Gout

• January 15, 2024
• Dr Peter Landsberg

Last updated on January 15, 2024

The twinges and swollen joints experienced with gout attacks can be intensely debilitating and painful. For many, the answer to managing these symptoms lies in the food they eat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the association between gout and diet, unravelling the mysteries of why some foods cause gout to worsen. With some helpful hints of what to eat at the end, you will be well on your way to improved joint health!

If gout is holding you back, contact ArthritisCARE and make an appointment with one of our Rheumatologists. Our comprehensive and holistic approach is designed to treat all aspects of your condition, including what foods to avoid with gout.

A comprehensive guide to what not to eat with gout to avoid gout attacks and improve your overall health.

Why diet matters in managing your gout symptoms

Diet plays an instrumental role in managing gout symptoms. This is because certain foods can raise plasma uric acid levels in your bloodstream. These high uric acid levels may form painful crystals in the joints, leading to a gout attack.

By carefully choosing what we eat, focusing on a gout-friendly diet and knowing what foods to avoid with gout, you can reduce the risk of gout flares. In essence, making the right food choices can help manage gout more effectively.

The gout diet

Central to understanding how diet influences gout is the concept of purines. Your body makes uric acid, a natural by-product of breaking down certain foods, especially those high in purines. As we know, too much uric acid forms uric acid crystals that cluster in the joints and cause the painful inflammation associated with gout.

By controlling the intake of high-purine foods, we can better manage our levels of uric acid and, in turn, gout attacks and symptoms.

It’s worth noting that while the body produces uric acid when breaking down purines from foods, not all foods with purines significantly impact gout. Always consult a healthcare professional, dietitian or nutritionist to understand better which foods can be problematic for individual cases.

Knowing what foods not to eat with gout is a great way to take a proactive approach to your condition and prevent gout attacks.

10 foods not to eat with gout

Here’s a handy list of foods to avoid with gout (mainly as they are high in purines) to manage your condition and reduce the risk of gout attacks.

Red meat: High purine content can raise uric acid levels.

Seafood, especially shellfish: Contains high levels of purines.

Organ meats (like liver, kidney, and sweetbreads): Among the highest in purine content.

Sugary drinks and foods: Can elevate uric acid levels.

Processed foods: Often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, high fructose corn syrup and sometimes purines.

Alcohol, especially beer: Can impede the removal of uric acid from the body.

Refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes): This can make gout symptoms worse in some individuals.

Certain moderate to high-purine vegetables (asparagus, cauliflower, spinach): Though they have moderate purine levels, they might still affect some individuals.

Fried foods: Can increase the risk of gout attacks, as well as contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other medical conditions.

High-fat dairy products: May contribute to increased uric acid levels and can be inflammatory.

High-purine foods tend to increase uric acid levels, leading to a painful gout attack. Organs meats, seafood, red meat and sugary foods should be avoided.

Establishing a balanced diet

Consider adopting the Mediterranean diet to help keep gout at bay. Celebrated for its emphasis on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, this diet could be the key to unlocking a gout-free life. It consists of foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish that can actively reduce gout-related inflammation.

Portion control is also another vital element of a gout diet. A low-purine diet, reduced saturated fats, and smaller meal portions can help with losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. This decreases the workload on your joints, can help reduce uric acid levels and can also lower the risk of developing gout in the first place.

Healthy gout-diet choices

Now you know what NOT to eat for gout, here’s a list of healthy foods you should eat:

• Cherries: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to lower uric acid levels.
• Leafy greens: Such as kale, lettuce, and spinach; they are low in purines.
• Whole grains: Like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
• Nuts: Especially walnuts and almonds which are anti-inflammatory.
• Low-fat dairy products: Low-fat or non-fat options like yoghurt and milk have been shown to reduce gout risk.
• Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and trout have beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eggs: A good protein source that is low in purines.
• Water: Drinking plenty of water may help to flush uric acid from the system.

A healthy low-purine diet and drinking plenty of water can help lower gout risk and has many healthy benefits.

Taking control with informed dietary choices

Diet can be a powerful tool in the management of gout, but it’s vital to couple this knowledge with expert medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals like Rheumatologists and dietitians before making significant dietary changes. Armed with the insights from this article and guided by expert advice, you can navigate the journey to healthy joints and reduce your risk of a gout attack.

FAQs

How do you flush uric acid out of your body?

Flushing uric acid from the body primarily involves increasing your water intake to promote kidney function and urine production. Consuming a balanced diet low in purine-rich foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can also support the body in lowering uric acid levels.

Are tomatoes bad for gout?

The topic of tomatoes and gout is a subject of debate. Some research suggests that tomatoes might trigger gout flare-ups for some individuals, while other studies find no such link. It’s essential to monitor how your body reacts and consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Should I cut out purine-rich foods?

While you don’t need to entirely cut out purine-rich foods to have a good gout diet, it’s advisable to reduce their intake. High-purine foods, such as red meat, certain seafood, and organ meats, can elevate uric acid levels, contributing to an increased risk of gout attacks. Everybody reacts differently, so it is important to monitor your own reaction to these foods.

Does fructose cause gout?

Excessive consumption of fructose, particularly from sugary soft drinks, fruit juice and processed foods, has been linked to increased uric acid levels and a higher risk of gout. It’s advisable to limit your intake of high-fructose foods and beverages

Can I drink alcohol?

Moderation is key. Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can impair the removal of uric acid from the body and can trigger gout attacks. People with gout should limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether, especially during acute flare-ups.

Should I drink lots of water?

Yes, drinking plenty of water can assist in flushing out uric acid from the body and reducing the risk of uric acid crystal formation. It also helps in keeping the body hydrated, which is beneficial for overall health.

Where can I get advice about my diet?

For tailored dietary advice, especially concerning a medical condition like gout, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide specific guidelines based on your health needs. Additionally, consulting with a Rheumatologist or General Practitioner can offer insights into managing gout through a low-purine diet and other means.