Foods for a Gout Diet

Gout is a type of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis seen among males and is caused by hyperuricemia, or too much uric acid in the bloodstream. Gout is a painful disorder that can cause swelling and inflammation in the joints. Males who are obese, have high blood pressure, drink alcohol, use diuretics on a regular basis and eat large amounts of red meat and seafood are more likely to have gout.

Meat and Seafood

Diet plays an important part in managing gout. The disease was once thought to be a "rich man's" illness, as excessive amounts of meat and alcohol contribute to the problem. If you suffer from gout, it's important to cut back on foods that have a high purine content, because uric acid forms when purines break down in the body. These foods include red meat, liver and other organ meats, mussels, anchovies, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Poultry and fish contain a moderate amount of purine. Chocolate, lentils, beans and some vegetables---including spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms and peas---also contain small amounts of purine.

Foods to Enjoy

Plan your meals around foods that are low in purines and high in antioxidants. Most fruits and vegetables have low amounts of purine. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help curb the inflammation that accompanies gout. Foods high in antioxidants---including cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers---help to lower uric acid. Dairy foods, eggs, breads and pasta can be part of your diet, but stick to whole grains for your bread and pasta. Aim for a balanced diet that helps you maintain a good weight. If you need to lose weight---and gout patients often do---make sure you go on a diet supervised by your physician, as rapid weight loss can trigger a gout attack.

Drinks

Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can set off an attack of gout. Coffee, tea and cola beverages all contain purines, although in fairly low amounts. Stay away from alcohol; it's especially important for gout patients not to indulge in binge drinking.

Herbs

Herbs can be an important part of your gout diet, but check with your doctor before adding large amounts of herbal supplements to your meals. As a start, drinking unsweetened cranberry juice daily can help with kidney problems, and caffeine-free green tea is dense in antioxidants.