Gout Diet - Foods to Avoid

Gout is one of the painful forms of arthritis which leads to inflammation in joints, especially in the big toe of the foot. This condition develops due to abnormal metabolism of uric acid in the body. The excess uric acid gets accumulated in the joints which leads to pain and inflammation. The exact cause of gout is unknown, however, there are several factors that are believed to trigger off this condition; the most common being improper diet that is rich in meat and consumption of alcohol.

Foods to Avoid in Gout Diet

As mentioned above, gout is caused due to deposition of the excess uric acid in the body. This occurs as the kidneys either due to excess formation of uric acid in the body or due to malfunctioning of the kidneys. This uric acid gets stored in crystallized forms in the joints resulting in gout. The excess uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in varying levels in a variety of foodstuff and it is essential to avoid foods high in purines in order to treat and prevent gout. All kinds of meat, especially red meat and organ meat, contain high amounts of purines and hence, should be avoided. Secondly, foods having higher fat content can also contribute in increasing the uric acid in the body and trigger off gout, therefore, they should be avoided.

• Beef
• Bacon
• Chicken
• Goose
• Pork
• Pepperoni
• Salami
• Sausage
• Scallops
• Turkey
• Veal
• Herring
• Sardines
• Cod
• Crab
• Clams
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Trout
• Haddock
• Scallops
• Mussels
• Cakes
• Donuts
• Pastries
• Whole milk
• Cream
• Gravies
• Salad dressing
• Consommé
• Yeast
• Alcohol

All foods made from white flour are also harmful for a person suffering from gout. It is advisable to go for whole wheat or whole grain products and brown rice. Secondly, foods like hotdogs, sweet breads, meatloaf, etc., should be excluded from the diet. One should note that obesity is one of the common gout triggers and hence, it is essential to avoid foods that lead to weight or fat gain in the body.

Foods Safe to Eat

There are several foods that are safe to eat as they do not trigger off gout. The following is a list of foods to eat when suffering from gout.

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Cereals
• Rice
• Pasta
• Low fat dairy products
• Vitamin C foods
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Flax seeds
• Tuna

These are the foods that can be eaten safely and included in your anti gout diet. On a happier note, chocolates and sweet fruits like strawberries and raspberries can also be eaten as they do not worsen gout. On the other hand, all the low-fat dairy products, tofu, etc. can be safely consumed. It is essential to follow the diet for quick treatment and recovery of the condition. It is also recommended to consult the doctor before making any major dietary changes.

Lastly, note that excluding high purine containing foods, alcohol and maintaining your weight under control can help in quick treatment of gout. Take care!