Foods That Trigger Gout and How To Prevent Flares

Gout, a type of arthritis, causes severe joint pain as a result of unpredictable flare-ups that occur when excess uric acid accumulates in the blood. Typically, the body dissolves uric acid and eliminates it through the kidneys and urination.

However, certain trigger foods can cause an excess of uric acid to build up and crystallize in the joints. To reduce the frequency of these painful flare-ups, individuals prone to gout should be cautious about their dietary choices, avoiding or minimizing specific foods known to exacerbate the condition.

Red Meat

Certain meats are rich in purine, a substance that the body converts into uric acid. Excessive uric acid in the bloodstream can lead to painful gout attacks.

Red meat tends to have a higher purine content than white meat, with lamb being particularly problematic. To prevent gout flare-ups, individuals should moderate their consumption of beef and pork, restricting meals containing these meats to a maximum of three times a week.

If lamb is consumed, it is advised to opt for chops rather than leg meat.

Fish

People with gout should steer clear of certain fish high in purine, such as herring, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies.

Instead, opt for low-purine alternatives like salmon, which is typically deemed safe for gout sufferers when consumed in moderation. To prevent flare-ups, individuals with gout should limit their fish intake to no more than twice a week.

Wild Game

Individuals susceptible to gout should steer clear of consuming wild game meats, particularly rabbit, venison, quail, pheasant, and goose. Similar to beef, pork, and lamb, these animals possess a high purine content, which heightens the likelihood of gout flare-ups.

Health experts suggest opting for white meat, as it is generally deemed safe to consume in moderation when accompanied by a generous serving of vegetables.

Scallops

Healthcare professionals often advise individuals with gout to steer clear of seafood like scallops, as well as other fish high in purines such as shellfish, sardines, herring, anchovies, cod, trout, and haddock.

Instead, they recommend healthier options with lower purine content like lobster, shrimp, salmon, and crab.

It’s important for those with gout to limit their total seafood intake to no more than six to eight ounces per day. While enjoying scallops occasionally is acceptable, they should consider opting for a less problematic delicacy if flare-ups become more frequent.

Organ Meats

In recent years, there has been a growing conversation surrounding the health benefits of organ meats.

However, for individuals suffering from gout, it’s important to steer clear of these animal parts, including tongue, liver, brains, kidneys, and sweetbreads.

Cutting these items from your diet can significantly reduce the risk of gout flare-ups and help maintain overall health.

Beer

Individuals suffering from gout are advised to steer clear of beer consumption, as its breakdown in the body leads to a surge in uric acid levels. Additionally, beer dehydrates the body, hindering the removal of uric acid.

While most health professionals recommend that people with gout avoid alcohol completely, the occasional glass of wine is typically considered acceptable.

Sugary Drinks

Sweet beverages often contain large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, which can stimulate uric acid production and heighten the risk of gout attacks.

Opting for fresh-squeezed juices and herbal teas instead of packaged fruit drinks and sodas is a healthier choice. To help prevent gout attacks, it’s wise to steer clear of all foods containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Some Vegetables

While experts advise those suffering from gout to consume a diet abundant in vegetables, it’s important to note that certain produce, such as asparagus, mushrooms, peas, spinach, and cauliflower, are high in purines.

These vegetables may not provoke a gout flare-up as easily as other problematic foods; however, doctors might still suggest avoiding them, along with dried fava and garbanzo beans, as a precautionary measure.

Some Fruits

Similar to beverages containing fructose, specific fruits can also instigate the production of uric acid, which may trigger gout flare-ups.

Dates, prunes, lychees, plums, and pears are among the fruits to watch out for.

However, experts recommend that individuals susceptible to gout can still enjoy these fruits in moderation, provided they steer clear of other purine and fructose-rich foods on the same day. If these fruits appear to cause issues, it’s wise to avoid them in the future.

High-Fat Dairy Products

There is a debate surrounding the impact of dairy products on individuals susceptible to gout attacks. The majority of research indicates that consuming higher amounts of cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may actually reduce the risk of gout.

However, it’s important to note that overindulging in high-fat dairy products can lead to other health concerns and potentially contribute to gout flare-ups.

Help Prevent Gout Flares with Weight Loss

Besides steering clear of certain foods, individuals with gout or those susceptible to it can take several measures to lower their risk of experiencing flare-ups. By adopting a proactive approach to their health, they can effectively manage and prevent gout symptoms.

Carrying excess body fat can significantly increase the risk of developing gout. This is because uric acid, which is responsible for causing gout, is eliminated through the kidneys, and being overweight or obese can impair their functionality and efficiency.

One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is belly fat, specifically the visceral type that surrounds the organs, rather than the fat that sits just beneath the skin.

Visceral fat releases chemicals that contribute to systemic inflammation and can lead to related metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance. By losing weight, you can effectively reduce inflammation and lower your risk of experiencing gout attacks.

Complex Carbohydrates Can Keep Gout Away

Incorporating complex carbohydrates into your diet can help reduce gout flare-ups, but it’s essential to choose the right forms. Fructose, a sugar found in honey and fruits, can quickly raise serum purine levels and increase the risk of a gout attack when broken down.

However, complex carbohydrates such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables are beneficial for managing gout, as they are digested slowly.

While fresh fruits offer numerous health advantages, those with gout should limit or avoid naturally sweet fruit juices due to their high fructose concentrations.

Ease Gout Flares by Hydrating

Maintaining proper hydration is an easily accessible method for managing gout. Hyperuricemia, a condition where the blood contains excessive uric acid, can result from various factors, such as certain diseases and medications.

By drinking water, uric acid levels in the blood are diluted, and the organs are flushed, promoting the excretion of uric acid. The more water one consumes, the more uric acid is removed, thereby reducing the risk of urate crystal formation in the joints.

Healthy Fats Can Minimize Symptoms of Gout

Incorporating certain healthy fats into your diet can help reduce the frequency of gout flare-ups. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for the human body, as it is unable to produce them on its own. While gout medications can help manage the disease, they may not always be effective in preventing recurrent attacks.

Omega-3s, which are well-known anti-inflammatories, can also aid in managing other arthritis conditions. However, not all sources of omega-3s are equally effective.

Consuming two or more servings of cold-water fish, such as mackerel or salmon, can be more effective in reducing recurrent gout attacks by at least 33 percent compared to taking fish oil supplements.

Consume Lean Protein to Prevent Gout Flares

A crucial aspect of managing gout involves selecting proteins with low purine content, as purines can elevate uric acid levels and provoke gout flare-ups. Foods like beef, shellfish, and organ meat are high in purines, whereas eggs, nuts, seeds, and tofu are considered safer options.

In the past, doctors believed that milk could also be harmful. However, recent findings indicate a connection between low vitamin D levels and hyperuricemia. Incorporating low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt into your diet can actually help reduce the risk of gout attacks.