Gout Diet

Gout is a form of arthritis usually occurring in the cooler extremities of the body, like feet or toes.

It results from excessive uric acid in the bloodstream which leaves needle-like crystal deposits in the joints causing redness, inflammation, swelling and extreme pain.

Normally the uric acid dissolves in the blood stream but there is a problem if:

• There is an increase in uric acid production.
• The kidneys are not functioning sufficiently to eliminate uric acid.
• There is an increased consumption of foods containing purines. Purine is a chemical found in certain foods that forms uric acid when broken down in the body.

Gout Diet and Nutrition

As Gout seems to be more prevalent in overweight people it is important to maintain a healthy body weight.

Besides keeping your weight in check their are some dietary guidelines to follow.

• Extra fluid can help flush uric acid crystals out, so drink plenty of water.
• It can be helpful to follow a low purine diet, avoiding foods that are high in purine and eating low purine foods moderately.
• Alcohol should be avoided, primarily beer because of it’s high purine content.

Purine Food Chart

High (Avoid)	Beer, anchovies, organ meat (brains, kidney, liver, sweetbreads), game meats, gravies, yeast, meat extracts, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops.
Medium (Moderation)	Fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, eel, meat, poultry, meat soups and broth, asparagus , mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, legumes, oatmeal, bran, wheat germ, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs.
Low (Consume)	Breads and cereals (low-fiber, white flour, or refined grain types), nuts, peanut butter. Vegetables not high in purines, soups – cream style or vegetable without meat extract, coffee, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks, gelatin, sugar, low fat cheeses.

Gout Diet – Foods That May Help

Some people have had success using the following foods to treat or prevent gout attacks.

• Cherry Juice: Some people have found @cherry juice@ or strawberries helpful.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Organic, unfiltered variety.
• Dark Berries: Some chemicals contained in dark berries may help reduce the inflammation and lower the uric acid.
• Omega-3: Oily fish like salmon, or fatty acids in @flax seed@ or olive oil or nuts may reduce inflammation too.
• Meat Substitutes: It has been suggested that using tofu (from soybeans) instead of meat could also be helpful.
• OPC3 Antioxidant Supplement: Some have found gout relief by taking this supplement.

See the Gout Diet and Treatment guide