GOUT

FOODS THAT HARM

Organ meats

Game meats

Anchovies

Sardines

Herring

FOODS THAT HEAL

Water

Fruit juice

Herbal teas

Vegetable broth

Soy

FOODS TO LIMIT

Cauliflower

Asparagus

Dried beans and peas

Oats

Whole grain cereals

Wheat germ and wheat bran

Mushrooms

Poultry

Alcohol

WHO’S AFFECTED

Between 2 and % of North Americans

More men than women are affected, but prevalence increases with age for both groups, especially for women after menopause

Those who have a family history

Those who are overweight, drink too much alcohol, or eat too many foods rich in purines

Those who have had an organ transplant
Marked by swelling, inflammation, and excruciating tenderness in the joints, gout most commonly affects the joints at the base of the big toe, other foot joints, knees, ankles, wrists, and fingers
The slightest touch—even that of a bedsheet—may be unbearably painful during an attack of gout

QUICK TIP:

Avoid overheating
Recent research has found that external heat, such as warm summer days, may play a role in triggering gout attacks
So stay cool to stay pain-free
Long known as “the disease of kings” or “rich man’s disease,” gout has been associated with overindulgence and high living, as well as obesity
But in actuality, gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by an inherited defect in the kidney’s ability to excrete uric acid

Nutrition Connection

To reinforce the beneficial effect of drug treatment, people with gout should make dietary changes to help reduce their production of uric acid
The following are general guidelines: Avoid foods that are high in purines
Foods with a high content of naturally occurring chemicals called purines promote overproduction of uric acid in people with a tendency for gout
Steer clear of high-purine foods such as anchovies, sardines, liver, kidney, brains, herring, mackerel, scallops, and game
Limit foods with a moderate level of purines
Such foods include whole grain cereals, wheat germ and wheat bran, oatmeal, dried beans and peas, nuts, asparagus, cauliflower, and mushrooms
These may be taken in moderation
Limit your intake of meat, fish and poultry
Because meat products are high in purines, you’ll need to more closely monitor the amount of these foods you eat
About 4 to 6 oz (113 to 170 g) is recommended per day
Eat more plant-based proteins
Add more plant-based sources of protein such as soy
These foods contain the essential protein you need without the purines contained in meat products
Consume plenty of liquids
Try to drink at least 2 qt (2 L) a day to dilute urine and prevent kidney stone formation
Limit or avoid alcohol
Any alcohol can interfere with the elimination of uric acid
Gout sufferers should drink only distilled alcohols in small amounts
Avoid low-carb diets
High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets should be avoided since these diets encourage the formation of ketones, metabolic by-products that hamper the body’s ability to excrete uric acid
Lose weight gradually
Although losing weight—especially fat around the abdomen—often prevents future gout attacks, weight loss should be gradual because a rapid reduction can raise blood levels of uric acid and provoke gout
People with gout should avoid skipping meals; fasting also increases the blood levels of uric acid

Beyond the Diet

Colchicine, a drug derived from the autumn crocus flower, is one of the most effective gout medications, but it can also cause severe nausea and diarrhea
Follow these suggestions to keep gout under control: Possibly modify your drug therapy
Sometimes gout is brought on by using aspirin or diuretics for high blood pressure
These medicines may interfere with normal kidney function and the elimination of uric acid
Address other health issues
Gout sufferers also may have hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol
Talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your unique situation