5 Foods to Avoid for Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. The condition is often apparent from the constant flare-ups triggered by the weather, stress, and other factors. Although doctors prescribe medications for keeping symptoms under control, diet is also very effective. One can incorporate changes in their diet by avoiding certain foods, such as the ones mentioned here.
1. Alcohol
Beer, wine, and other types of alcohol contain a high level of purine, which gets converted into uric acid later. An excess of this acid can crystallize and accumulate in the joints, triggering gout flare-ups along with pain and discomfort. Thus, alcohol can do more harm than good for those with gout. Therefore, the best thing to do would be to have alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
2. Shellfish
Shellfish is one of the best foods for a healthy heart. They are rich in good fats and omega-3 fatty acids. However, shellfish may prove to be harmful to those with gout. This is because of their high purine content. Regularly eating mussels, scallops, and other types of shellfish will increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to gout flare-ups, followed by stiffness, redness, pain, and inflammation in the affected joints.
3. Anchovies
Seafood such as anchovies are rich in purine and are good for the heart and for managing cholesterol. Thus, they can be nutritious in most cases, but not for those with gout and arthritis. As mentioned, high uric acid levels due to purine trigger gout flare-ups leading to inflammation and stiffness. Therefore, opting for other heart-healthy foods instead of anchovies that do not cause gout flare-ups is advisable for those with gout.
4. Sugary beverages
Packaged fruit juices, soda, carbonated drinks, and other sugary beverages can be quite refreshing occasionally. However, these beverages have a high amount of sugar derived from fructose, a compound found in corn syrup. While naturally found fructose in honey and sugar can be nutritious, it can worsen gout symptoms. This is because purines are produced when the body breaks down fructose. It also increases serum acid levels in the body, leading to gout flare-ups.
5. Organ meat
One can occasionally add organ meat, such as kidneys, tongues, sweetbreads, brains, and livers, to their diet for health benefits. However, it would be better for those with gout to keep away from all types of organ meat. Once again, this is because they are high in saturated fats and purine, and contribute to obesity, straining the joints affected by gout. The purine will be converted to uric acid, triggering gout symptoms more often.