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Gout: Changing Your Diet
Overview
Gout is a form of arthritis. It's caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. It causes sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness. Gout usually occurs in one joint, especially the big toe. Medicines can help stop a gout attack and prevent future attacks.
Medicines have largely replaced the need to restrict what you eat when you have goutgout. But making changes in your diet may still help.
To help control gout:
- Limit foods high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer.
- Avoid foods and drinks that are made with high-fructose corn syrup.
- Eat low-fat dairy products.
- Drink plenty of water. This can help your body get rid of uric acid.
How to eat to help manage gout
How to eat to help manage gout
There are several things you can do as part of an eating plan for gout.
- Avoid or limit foods that are high in purines.
Purines (specific chemical compounds found in some foods) are broken down into uric aciduric acid. A diet rich in purines from certain sources can raise uric acid levels in the body, and this can lead to goutgout.
Foods that are high in purines include:
- Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains.
- Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb.
- Game meats.
- Any other meats or poultry in large amounts.
- Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops.
- Gravy.
- Alcohol, especially beer.
- Avoid foods and drinks that are made with high-fructose corn syrup.
These include many soft drinks and processed foods.
- Eat foods that may lower your risk of gout.
These include:
- Low-fat or fat-free milk.
- Low-fat yogurt.
- Drink plenty of water.
This can help your body get rid of uric acid.
- Avoid eating habits that can raise your uric acid levels.
For example:
- Avoid diets that cause rapid weight loss.
- Avoid alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor such as whiskey and gin.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.comwebmdignite.com.
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