Gout is a type of bone disorders attributable to excessive uric acid in the bloodstream. Excess uric acid can lead to a formation of fluid that surrounds the joints, which can lead to uric acid crystals. The formation of these crystals causes the joints to swell, become inflamed, and cause excruciating pain. However, it is interesting to know that gout can be controlled. In addition to taking medications, nutritionary and changes in lifestyle can offer great help in preventing painful attacks. A gout-friendly diet involves a specific plan formulated to avoid painful gout attacks.

Foods to Avoid

There are also some foods that reduce gout effects and some which can worsen the condition. So, it is better that they are avoided or at least their consumption is reduced tremendously. Here are some of them.

Animal Protein

It has been observed the the level of uric acid in the body increases to a significant degree due to the intake of animal meats, especially organ meat. Consequently, it’s a good idea to avoid organ meat like liver, brain, kidney, meat extracts etc. Also, reducing the intake of poultry and other kinds of red meat can certainly help in the cutting down on the uric acid. If you cannot completely eliminate them from your diet, then take them in subsequent to boiling or steaming them. Avoid fried foods, as gout conditions can worsen with fried foods.

Alcohol and Alcoholic Wine

The consumption of excess alcohol has also been known to increase the occurrence and intensify the symptoms of gout. Hence, avoiding alcohol is the best option.

Seafood and Fish

Some fish and seafood are also known to reduce the discomfort caused by gout. Fish like mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, etc. are ones to refrain from. Also, other seafood shrimp, lobster, oysters, scallops, calamari, caviar, etc. are best avoided.

Common Carbohydrates

For a person suffering from gout, the consumption of common carbohydrates, i.e., in the form of sugar and sweets should be reduced or completely shunned. So, stay away from excess sugar consumption.

Foods with High Fructose

As far as, avoid foods that incorporate high levels of fructose (sweetened corn syrup). These include sweetened juices and soft drinks.

Other Foods

Try to avoid the consumption of beans, peas, lentils, and mushrooms due to their high purine content.

What to Avoid Entirely?

A gout-friendly diet will help to manage uric acid levels in the body while enhancing overall health. According to the American College of Rheumatology, a diet that has an incredible amount of the following foods can lead to gout: seafood, red meat, sugary beverages and alcohol.

All of these foods have high purine contents. Having this knowledge, a gout diet should avoid or limit the following foods: organ meats, brain, sweetbreads, heart, kidney, liver, beef, pork, lamb, herring, anchovies, mackerel, mussels, smelt, sardines, scallops, tuna, yeast, beer, wine, and liquor, fruit juices and soda.

What to Limit?

Animal proteins are high in purines. Since the formation of purines can lead to heightened levels of uric acid, which in turn may result in gout, it is best to avoid or exclusively limit these foods in your diet.

Foods Moderately High in Purines

These foods are somewhat high in purines; eat in moderation: grouse, mutton, bacon, salmon, turkey, partridge, trout, goose, haddock and pheasant.

Therefore, pay much attention to what you eat or drink when you are experiencing gout. Above all consult your prior to going on any dietary plan.

Gout is a type of arthritis and it is caused by uric acid in the blood. It is normally harmless as the body produces it, most of it is excreted through waste. However, in some cases it builds up and when the levels become too high it creates grit like crystals that collect around the joint, and irritate the joint tissue. This causes swelling, inflammation, and pain.

This is a gout attack and results in severe attacks of pain as swelling worsens in one, or more, joints. In order to beat the attack quickly, an anti-inflammatory painkiller is taken. There are plenty of lifestyle factors that could increase your risk of gout: obesity, poor diet, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Gout attacks can be prevented by allopurinol and/or Vitamin C.

The majority of gout sufferers have kidneys that function normally otherwise, however in the case of uric acid are unable to keep the levels in check.

There are a number of factors which could cause the build-up of uric acid:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• A Vitamin C deficiency
• Drinks high in fructose (that includes fruit juices, as well as soda)
• Some foods such as sardines, mussels, herring, heart, and yeast extracts
• Diuretics, aspirin, and chemo medicines
• Psoriasis and blood disorders
• Obesity
• Illnesses including: kidney damage, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone marrow disorders, vascular disease, enzyme defects, and lipid disorders

Gout affects around 1 in 200 adults and men are more likely to suffer from it. While gout typically occurs in middle age, it can affect younger people. There is also evidence that it runs in the family, this appears to be the case in 1 in 5 cases.

It occurs in attacks, and an attack can develop over a number of hours. It generally affects just one joint and it is the base of the big toe that is the most frequent victim. Saying that, any joint can fall victim to gout, and more than one joint can be affected. It generally starts with swelling and skin becoming red and inflamed. If it is left untreated, an attack can last up to 10 days.

While gout isn’t particularly serious, it is incredibly painful. If you have recurring attacks, then it can cause permanent joint damage. In some cases, the crystalized uric acid form kidney stones, or cause kidney damage.

The general tactic to treat a gout attack is to raise the affected limb in order to reduce swelling. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers and ice the affected area for 20 minutes, and repeat as required. Ensure you wait until the affected area has returned to normal temperate before applying ice again.

Some lifestyle changes that can help you prevent gout attacks:

If you have overweight, try to lose weight, but do not opt for a high protein diet, or diets that involve starvation. Ensure you eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid rich foods. If you’re an alcohol or sugary soft drink consumer, then reduce the amount you are drinking. If you take any medications regularly check the side effects to see whether they cause gout. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, and have your blood pressure checked annually.