Dietary Recommendations For Gout

The condition of gout has often been referred to as "the disease of kings" due to the fact that the overindulgence of certain foods and beverages - specifically seafood, meat, and alcohol - are associated with its cause.

In the past, one of the primary treatments for gout was the recommendation to avoid the foods that were rich in purines because they cause an excess of uric acid to be produced by the body, however, purines are contained in numerous foods and eliminating these foods creates a very restricted diet that most individuals are unable to stick too.

Fortunately, medications that have been developed specifically for the treatment of gout have alleviated the need for such a restrictive diet. However, it is still very beneficial to maintain a healthy diet as well as limit the intake of certain foods along with taking these medications to reduce the frequency of gout attacks as well as their severity.

In this medical guide for the physical complication of gout, you will discover many other dietary recommendations that will assist you in coping with the symptoms associated with this arthritis related condition. Remember to consult your medical doctor prior to starting any type of diet program.

Limit Foods that are high in Purine and Avoid Alcohol

While purine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, it is also found in high levels in many of the foods we consume. Uric acid is produced by the body when breaking down these purines and when an excessive amount of foods that contain purine are consumed the body can produce an excess amount of uric acid that can eventually form into the hardened crystals that accumulate in the joints and cause the symptoms of gout.

Therefore, avoiding these foods is very beneficial in controlling this production of uric acid. These foods include red or fatty meats such as beef, lamb, and pork, and fatty fish such as lobster, scallops, tuna, and shrimp.

Other foods that are high in purine include organ meats, mussels, sweetbreads, sardines, yeast, smelt, and herring. An alternative for consuming protein that is contained in many of these foods is the consumption of plant-based proteins that includes such food items as legumes and beans.

Alcohol - particularly beer - is known to be another contributing factor to gout and should especially be avoided during an attack. It is also recommended that plenty of fluids - particularly water - be consumed throughout the day with this recommendation being eight to sixteen eight ounce glasses.

Dairy Products and Carbohydrates

Low fat dairy products are thought by some medical experts to lower the risk for developing or having frequent reoccurrences of gout. Studies conducted have indicated that low-fat or skim milk as well as foods such as yogurt containing these ingredients have been beneficial to patients with gout.

Avoiding simple carbohydrates such as white bread, refined sugar, candy, and cakes is also recommended and should be replaced by foods that contain complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, vegetables, and fresh fruits.

While following these recommendations may help in reducing the level of uric acid in the blood, it most patients who suffer from gout it will not be significant enough to eliminate any prescribed medications, however, it may help to reduce the symptoms and frequency of gout attacks.