Gout, an arthritic condition which causes extreme pain and swelling in joints, is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is produced from the metabolism of purines. Purines are substances which occur naturally in the body, but they are also found in certain foods and beverages.
Which Foods Cause Gout?
Consuming food and beverages high in purines may increase uric acid levels and the risk of a gout attack. Meat and seafood products are particularly known for their purine content and their effect on gout symptoms.
Gout sufferers may benefit from avoiding high-purine foods and foods with moderate amounts of purines, although different people react differently to different foods. Keeping track of foods in the diet which contain high levels of purines can help determine which foods in particular aggravate gout symptoms.
A List of Foods High in Purines
These foods are considered high in purines:
- Liver, beef kidneys, brains, sweetbreads
- Bacon, veal, venison
- Herring, sardines, anchovies, trout, haddock, mackerel, codfish, mussels, scallops
- Brewer’s or baker’s yeast
- Meat gravies
- Sugary soft drinks
- Beer
These foods contain moderate amounts of purines:
- Beef, pork, chicken, duck
- High-fat lunch meats
- Lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters
- Asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, dried beans and dried peas
- Liquor
A Low-Purine Diet
A low-purine diet restricts foods that contain high or moderate amounts of purines. This is more practical than trying to avoid purines altogether, as many foods, including foods considered healthy, contain them.
All animal protein contains purines, but it can still be included in a low-purine diet. Aim to eat no more than 3 ounces of meat and seafood per meal, and choose low-fat dairy products and plant-based proteins such as beans and legumes more often. Eat more complex carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, fruits and whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates.
Gout and non-gout sufferers should avoid binge drinking and only drink alcohol in moderation (or avoid it altogether). Ideally a gout sufferer should abstain from drinking alcohol, especially during an attack. If alcohol is to be consumed, wine is a better choice than beer or spirits as it contains less purines. It is important to drink plenty of water to flush out uric acid from the body - aim for at least 8 cups each day.
Avoiding certain foods and following a healthy diet may help people minimise their gout symptoms, but diet is just one important aspect of gout prevention. Other important lifestyle changes include taking regular exercise, losing weight if necessary and maintaining a healthy body weight.
For further information about gout, readers may be interested in What is Gout and What Causes It? and Symptoms and Treatment of Gout.
Resources:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Gout" (Accessed 13th January 2011).
FamilyDoctor.org. "Low-purine Diet" (Accessed 13th January 2011).
Mayo Clinic. "Gout Diet" (Accessed 13th January 2011).
National Institute of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Gout" (Accessed 13th January 2011).
Ohio State University Medical Center. "Low Purine Diet" (Accessed 13th January 2011).
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
