Gout is a painful condition caused by the build-up of sharp, uric acid crystals in joints. While diet isn't the root cause of all cases of gout - kidney problems are also a major contributor - eating certain foods and avoiding others can help reduce the frequency of attacks and their severity.
A Healthy Diet
Maintaining a low-fat diet and eating foods low in purines and high in Vitamin C are good ways to combat gout. A low-fat diet helps you maintain a normal weight and puts less pressure on your kidneys and other organs, making it easier for your body to process uric acid. Eating foods low in purines - a source of uric acid - is also recommended. Low purine foods include cereal, fruit, bread, pasta. rice, eggs, milk products and most green vegetables. Foods that are high in Vitamin C include oranges, bell peppers and strawberries.
Avoid Certain Foods
Avoiding the wrong foods is just as important as eating the right ones. Keep the amount of meat you eat at a minimum since meat produces uric acid when it's digested. Also avoid foods that are high in purines. Many seafoods are on this list and it's best to avoid sardines, anchovies, cod, trout, haddock, mussels and fish eggs. Vegetables like beans, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms are also high in purines and should be restricted.
Other Healthy Tips
Excessive consumption of alcohol - especially beer - causes gout flare-ups and should be kept at a minimum or avoided altogether. Taking fish oil supplements has also proven to reduce the frequency of attacks in some patients. Black cherry juice is another beverage that can help prevent gout flare-ups and reduce their severity. And always drink at least eight glasses of water each day to keep your body hydrated and well flushed. Following these diet do's and don'ts should help you keep gout flare-ups at a minimum.
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