Have Gout? Then Avoid These Foods

If you have gout, which is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and intense pain and swelling in the joints, what you eat can often trigger painful attacks. In addition to proper treatment, being aware of what foods to avoid can also be helpful in preventing these gout attacks and prevent long-term damage to the affected joints.

 

How does gout develop?

Uric acid is formed as a result of the body breaking down purines, which is then transported to the kidneys and passed through urine. Gout forms when an excess of uric acid builds up, whether it’s from low kidney function or high uric acid production.

 

Symptoms

Common symptoms include sudden and intense pain, inflammation, redness and irritation. The pain can last for several hours, and tends to return to the same area within months, causing damage to the joint. People who are at risk include men, those with kidney problems or those who follow a poor diet.

 

Foods to avoid

Medications for the pain and inflammation, icing, and staying hydrated can help address gout attacks acutely, but following a low purine diet is a great way to prevent them from occurring in the first place. 

  • Red meat

  • Organ meat

  • Shellfish, shrimp, anchovies, sardines

  • Sugary drinks and sweets - especially those including high fructose corn syrup

  • Alcohol

 

Other ways to lower your risk of gout attacks include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Follow a diet full of vegetables and whole grains

  • Stay hydrated

 

Get high-quality podiatric care

If you experience gout attacks, be sure to consult with a board-certified podiatrist to ease your pain and get advice on other ways to ease your discomfort like custom orthotics. At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, our team of dedicated podiatrists, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher, offers compassionate, individualized care for all types of foot and ankle conditions. Struggling with joint pain, heel pain, or diabetes-related foot problems? Our foot doctors are ready to help! Contact us to schedule an appointment at our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro, CA.