Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that causes swelling, redness, and tenderness of the joints. It is caused by an accumulation of too much uric acid that crystallizes and deposits in the joints. This causes pain and inflammation. Acute gout attacks are very painful and can come suddenly. They often are treated by anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. A strict diet can also help avoid painful attacks.
Below are several trigger foods to avoid when you have gout:
1. Avoid red meat
If you are someone that eats red meat often but suffers from gout you will want to cut back tremendously. Gout does not happen overnight. It comes from a slow buildup of uric acid in the body. Red meat is high in purine which turns into uric acid when broken down. Excess uric acid can cause gout to advance and worsen. It is best to eliminate red meat from your diet.
2. Stop drinking beer
Beer should be avoided if you have gout. When your body breaks down beer it causes uric acid levels to rise. Beer can also cause dehydration which makes the uric acid elimination process slow down. Doctors suggest that people with gout eliminate alcohol from their diet for the most part besides a moderate amount of wine here and there.
3. Limit seafood
Many types of seafood are high in purines. Scallops are one of the many. They can be eaten on rare occasions but too much can trigger gout attacks so it’s best to stay away. There are certain seafoods that are lower in purines and are safer to eat if you have gout. These foods include shrimp, salmon, lobster, and crab.
4. Asparagus
Many vegetables are high in purines. Asparagus is one of the highest. Although they don’t tend to cause gout attacks as often as meats high in purines avoiding asparagus it is still recommended to avoid as a precaution. There are many other vegetables that are low in purines and can act as a good substitute for asparagus.
5. Sugary drinks
Sweet drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup are also very bad for gout. Too much of this sugar creates an abundance of uric acid which could trigger a gout attack easily. It’s better to stick with freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas.
Gout can be controlled by following a strict diet and taking doctor-prescribed medications. There are many foods that are recommended for a gouty arthritis diet. To avoid gout attacks, stick with fruits and vegetables that are low in purines as well plant based oils, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Beverages such as coffee, green tea, herbal teas, and water are all beneficial to a gouty arthritis diet and aid in the prevention of gout attacks.
