Dietary Recommendations for Gout
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Uric acid results from the breakdown of purines. Purines are found in many foods. The excess can be caused by either an over-production of uric acid by the body or the under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. Also, the ingestion of foods high in purines can raise uric acid levels in the blood and precipitate gout attacks in some people.
According to the American Medical Association, purine-containing foods include:
- Beer, other alcoholic beverages
- Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring
- Yeast
- Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads)
- Legumes (dried beans, peas)
- Meat extracts, consomme, gravies
- Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower
Beneficial Foods
Foods which may be beneficial to people with gout include:
- Dark berries may contain chemicals that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation
- Tofu which is made from soybeans may be a better choice than meats
- Certain fatty acids found in certain fish such as salmon, flax or olive oil, or nuts may possess some anti-inflammatory benefits
Avoiding purine-rich foods is only one aspect of treatment however. It is important to take prescribed medications as directed, maintain a healthy/balanced diet, drink appropriate amount of fluids/water, exercise and maintain a healthy body weight. Diets designed for quick or extreme weight loss will work against you though -- they increase uric acid levels in the blood.
Balanced Diet
According to the American Dietetic Association, a balanced diet for people with gout include foods:
- High in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
- Low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, poultry)
- No more than 30% of calories from fat (10% animal fat)