The Gout Diet: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Find out all the facts and recommendations on what you should be eating and what you need to cut out if you’re at risk for gout.

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What is Gout?

Gout it a painful type of arthritis which usually strikes the big toes, but can also strike the ankles, knees, fingers, and other joints. It causes extreme pain, redness, and swelling.

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What Causes Gout?

Gout is usually caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid crystals form and deposit in joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.Purines, which are chemicals found in some foods, are broken down into uric acid. Because of this, diet has always been an important treatment for people with gout. This video runs through some of the science of gout and the way diet and food plays a part in the painful condition.

Gout used to be called the ‘disease of kings’ because men who can afford rich food and alcohol were the most common sufferers from the condition.

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What Can I Eat on a Gout Diet?

A good diet if you are trying to prevent gout is full of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruit. Dairy products and coffee also help to prevent gout attacks. You should also be drinking a lot of water (8-16 cups per day) to help flush the uric acid from the body.

Try to Eat More:

• Leafy Greens
• Vegetables
• Rice
• Pasta
• Quinoa
• Barley
• Bread
• Yogurt
• Low-Fat Milk
• Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
• Peanut Butter and Nuts

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What Can’t I Eat on the Gout Diet?

Doctors recommend that people at risk of gout attacks limit consumption of fruit drinks, sugary foods, soda, alcohol, seafood, and red meat. Aim to have no more than one serving of meat, poultry, of fish per day. Also consider going meat-free one whole day per week.

Try to Limit:

• Any Organ Meats (liver, sweetbreads, etc)
• Soda
• Anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Beef and Poultry
• Shrimp and Other Shellfish
• Fish (especially anchovies, trout, and mackerel)
• Alcohol
• Certain Vegetables (asparagus, mushrooms, green peas, cauliflower, beans, spinach)

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Sample Meal Plan for the Gout Diet:

Breakfast:

Scrambled Eggs
Sliced Avocado
Coffee or Tea
2 Cups of Water

Lunch:

Quinoa Salad
Fresh Fruit Smoothie
2 Cups of Water

Dinner:

Arroz con Pollo
Kale Salad
Yogurt and Berries
2 Cups of Water

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