Foods To Avoid With Gout

Gout is an arthritis-related condition that can result in intense joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.

It is a relatively common condition, affecting about 4% of the population.

Though gout can affect anyone, it is most common in men over the age of 40.

There are many different treatments for gout, but one of the most important things you can do is to avoid foods that trigger gout attacks.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common trigger foods and why you should avoid them.

Gout, What Is It?

The joints are impacted by gout, a type of arthritis.

It is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body, which can lead^[1] to the formation of crystals in the joints.

The affected area may become painful, swollen, and red as a result. The area involves^[2] the foot, ankle, wrist, and fingers.

Gout could be^[3] a chronic condition, and it is important to seek treatment from a doctor if you think you may have it.

There are many different treatment options for gout, and the best option for you will depend on the severity of your condition.

If you have gout, you may be prescribed medication to help manage the pain and swelling.

You may also be advised to make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and avoiding certain foods that can trigger gout attacks.

7 Foods to Avoid With Gout

Certain foods and drinks can trigger gout attacks or make them worse. These include-

1. Alcohol

   Alcohol is known^[4] to aggravate gout symptoms, so it is important to avoid it if you have this condition.

   Drinking beer could worsen the problem as people with gout could experience a hard time if they drink alcoholic beverages.

   So next time you’re reaching for a drink, make sure it’s something that won’t make your gout flare up.

2. Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

   There is growing evidence that sugar-sweetened drinks are a significant contributor to obesity and other chronic health conditions.

   For this reason, it is important to avoid these drinks as much as possible.

   There are a few different ways to avoid sugar-sweetened drinks as they have been linked^[5] to increased gout condition.

   First, you can choose to drink water or unsweetened beverages instead.

   Second, you can limit your intake of sugary drinks by only having them occasionally.

   And third, you can make sure to read labels carefully so that you know how much sugar is in a particular drink.

   By following these tips, you can help to keep your sugar intake under control and improve your overall health.

3. Foods High In Purines

   Several foods are high in purines, which can worsen the symptoms of gout. These include red meat, organ meat, seafood, and alcohol.

   If you suffer from gout, it is important to avoid these foods as much as possible.

   Instead, focus on eating foods that are low in purines, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. They may help^[6] in managing blood pressure.

4. Refined Carbs

   Purines are also found in many other food groups, including refined carbs. Refined carbs are foods that have been processed^[7] and had their natural fiber removed.

   This includes foods like white bread, white rice, and pasta. It has a high glycemic index. This means that they are quickly absorbed into the blood, causing a spike in blood.

5. Processed Foods

   Processed foods are a major source of uric acid, so avoiding them is a key part of managing gout.

   Processed foods include things like packaged snacks, frozen meals, processed meats, and sugary drinks.

   These foods are high in purines, precursors to uric acid.

   So by avoiding processed foods, you can help to reduce the amount of uric acid in your blood and prevent gout flare-ups.

6. High-Fructose Fruits

   One potential dietary trigger of gout is the consumption of high-fructose fruits.

   According to this study^[8], fructose can increase blood uric acid levels in women, which is a risk factor for gout.

   Additionally, these fruits can also contribute to weight gain, which is another risk factor for gout.

   You may want to limit your intake of high-fructose fruits.

   This includes apples, grapes, oranges, pears, and watermelons. canned fruits, fruit juices, and dried fruits should also be limited.

7. Yeast

   Yeast is a type of fungus that is found in the digestive system of humans and other animals.

   It is a normal and healthy part of the gut flora. However, in some people, yeast can overgrow and cause various health problems.

   One of the most common problems associated with yeast overgrowth is gout.

   The waste product that results from the body’s breakdown of purines is uric acid. Purines are found in many foods, including yeast.

   People with gout often have high levels of yeast in their gut. This is because yeast overgrowth can lead to increased purine production.

   In turn, this can cause a build-up of uric acid and the development of gout. If you have this condition, try to minimize food with yeast and yeast extracts.

Tips For Living With Gout

Here are a few tips for living with gout:

• Eat a healthy diet– Avoiding foods that are high in purines (such as red meat, organ meat, and seafood) can help to reduce the risk of gout flares.
• Drink plenty of fluids– Staying hydrated can help to flush out the excess uric acid that can build up in the body and cause gout.
• Exercise regularly– Exercise can help^[9] to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with gout.
• Take medications as prescribed– Medications such as anti-inflammatories and uric acid-lowering drugs.

 A Model Menu Plan

To help you, plan your meals, here is a sample meal plan for gout.

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with fresh berries
• Whole grain toast with peanut butter

Lunch:

• Chicken salad with diced apples and celery
• Greek yogurt with honey and granola

Dinner:

• Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables
• Brown rice
• Green salad with vinaigrette dressing

Snacks:

• Fresh fruit
• Vegetable sticks with hummus
• Greek yogurt
• Trail mix

Final Remark

In conclusion, it is important to avoid foods that trigger gout attacks.

Foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and legumes, can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks.

Alcohol, especially beer, can also trigger gout attacks. sugary drinks, such as soda, can also contribute to gout attacks.

To avoid gout attacks, it is best to avoid these foods and drinks.

References/Sources

Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.

1. Qiong Yang, Chao-Yu Guo, L Adrienne Cupples, et al. Genome-wide search for genes affecting serum uric acid levels: the Framingham Heart Study. Metabolism.2005 Nov;54(11):1435-41. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2005.05.007. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16253630/
2. Edward Roddy.Revisiting the pathogenesis of podagra: why does gout target the foot? J Foot Ankle Res. 2011; 4: 13. Published online 2011 May 13. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-4-13
3. Pascal Richette , Thomas Bardin. Gout. Review Lancet. 2010 Jan 23;375(9711):318-28. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60883-7. Epub 2009 Aug 17. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19692116/
4. Edward Roddy and Hyon Choi. Epidemiology of Gout. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2014 May; 40(2): 155–175. Published online 2014 Feb 19. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.01.001
5. Martin Underwood. Sugary drinks, fruit, and increased risk of gout. BMJ. 2008 Feb 9; 336(7639): 285–286.
   doi: 10.1136/bmj.39479.667731.80.
6. Daisy Vedder, Wendy Walrabenstein, Maaike Heslinga, et al.Dietary Interventions for Gout and Effect on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019 Dec; 11(12): 2955. Published online 2019 Dec 4. doi: 10.3390/nu11122955
7. Bhaskar Bhardwaj. Death by Carbs: Added Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates Cause Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Asian Indians. Mo Med. 2016 Sep-Oct; 113(5): 395–400.
8. Hyon K Choi , Walter Willett, Gary Curhan. Fructose-rich beverages and risk of gout in women. JAMA. 2010 Nov 24;304(20):2270-8. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1638. Epub 2010 Nov 10. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21068145/
9. Miki Kakutani-Hatayama, Manabu Kadoya, Hirokazu Okazaki, et al. Nonpharmacological Management of Gout and Hyperuricemia: Hints for Better Lifestyle. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2017 Jul-Aug; 11(4): 321–329. Published online 2015 Sep 2. doi: 10.1177/1559827615601973