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Diet for Gout

Submitted by Nick on January 11, 2011

Gout often refers to a complex type of arthritis that is generally characterized by sudden spells and bouts of pain. These spells can be so intense, that a patient can actually wake up from deep sleep, crying in pain. The main factor that causes this problem is the excessive buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, in the areas of the joint connections. Apart from the intense bouts of pain, there are other symptoms that can be associated with gout, such as tenderness in the joints and reddening of the skin. The areas that are affected the most by gout are the toes and the feet, which tend to feel hot, swollen and very tender.


Even the slightest tough during a gout attack can intensify the pain further. Gout affects men between the ages of 40 and 50 more commonly. However, women do become more susceptible to gout, after reaching menopause.


Gout what not to eat:

Fortunately, it is possible to treat gout as well as prevent the attacks from recurring. There are certain foods not to eat with gout condition. Such foods should be strictly avoided by gout patients.


Purine is one of the key factors that increase the levels of uric acid in the body. Hence foods and beverages that are high in purine can add to the level of uric acid in gout patients, thereby worsening the condition.

Red meat is the most common food to avoid with gout.


This includes meats like lamb, pork and beef. Meat products that should be eliminated from the diet include organs too. There are times when gravies are enriched with meat extracts. Such gravies should also be strictly avoided. In addition to red meat, seafood is also bad for gout patients, since it increases the buildup of uric acid in the body. Therefore all forms of seafood should be eaten only on rare occasions. Beverages like cola, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are probably a part of your everyday life; however, gout patients should abstain from these beverages completely. Even a one-off episode of indulgence can bring on a severe gout attack. Additionally, alcohol beverages, especially beer, should be strictly off limits for people who suffer from gout. Surprisingly, there are several foods that are actually very healthy, but should be avoided only because they increase the levels of uric acid in the body. Given below is a comprehensive list of foods that tells you what not to eat with gout:

1. Red meats and game meats
2. Meat organs (Heart, tripet, liver, kidney, brain, gizzard and tongue)
3. Mushrooms
4. Shrimp and scallops
5. Herring
6. Sardines
7. Mussels
8. Cods
9. Fish eggs
10. Anchovies
11. Mackerel
12. Sweetbread
13. Yeast
14. Asparagus
15. Lentils
16. Beans
17. Spinach
18. Peas

It is important to know what not to eat with gout, so that they can be avoided and the attacks of pain can be prevented. Knowing what not to eat for gout, can help you increase your consumption of foods that are good for gout, which include:

1. Cherries & cherry juice (especially black cherries or wild cherries)
2. Rice
3. Strawberries
4. Cheese
5. Cereals
6. Nuts
7. Seeds
8. Vegetables (except potatoes and corn)

Gout can be treated, by adopting the right approach, which includes drinking a lot of water throughout the day, eating the right foods and getting adequate amounts of exercise. Moreover, there are certain medicines that treat the condition and reduce the occurrence of the gout attacks. However, before making any alterations to your diet or your lifestyle, it is important to check with your doctor first.

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