What Is a Good Diet for Gout?

Gout is an acutely painful type of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid in one of the body's joints. Chronic gout occurs with repeated episodes of inflammation and pain that typically involves multiple joints. The exact cause of gout is not known. It seems to be hereditary in nature and is more common in men and postmenopausal women as well as in those who drink alcohol. Gout was referred to as "The Disease of Kings." Diet and lifestyle changes may help to prevent attacks.

Avoid Purine-Rich Foods

Uric acid develops with the digestion of foods rich in purines, one of the components of complex proteins and amino acids that make up your DNA. Your body recycles purines, so overconsumption can lead to the production of more uric acid than your body can handle. Specific foods to avoid include organ meat such as liver and kidney, brewer's yeast, anchovies, shellfish, herring and sardines. A good rule of thumb is to consume foods low in protein, as purines are found in all protein foods. It is also helpful to limit red meat intake.

Avoid Fatty Foods

Overweight people and those suffering from hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes tend to have more occurrences of gout. Excess weight increases stress on the joints, leading to an increased risk of developing gout. Limit fat intake to 30 percent of your total calorie intake. Avoid fatty foods including whole-dairy products and fried foods to help maintain a healthy weight. Lose the bulk of weight through cutting calories rather than vigorous exercise, which tends to increase the production of uric acid.

Increase High Complex Carbohydrates

Consume foods high in complex carbohydrates such as fiber-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Cherries and blueberries especially are rich in antioxidants that help with inflammation as well as the release of histamine, one of the compounds that causes the intense pain that accompanies gout.

Increase Low-Risk Food Intake

Low-fat dairy products, including skim milk and low-fat yogurt, may decrease your risk of developing gout. Essential fatty acids such as those contained in oily fish such as salmon, or the fatty acids in olive oil, nuts and flax seed also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing gout.

Fluids

Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of nonalcoholic fluids, especially filtered water, to help flush uric acid from your body. Avoid alcohol, especially spirits--such as whiskey and gin--and beer, which contains brewer's yeast. Alcohol interferes with your body's ability to flush uric acid. Also limit your intake of sugared soft drinks, which have been linked to increased incidence of gout.