List Of Foods To Avoid With Gout & Why

Gout disease is a complex form of arthritis. It can affect anyone and gives rise to symptoms such as sudden and severe pain, inflammation, swelling and tenderness in the joints. The sudden gout attack is so severe that it limits the range of motion of the affected person. Even the weight of a sheet may seem intolerable and discomforting with the gout attack.

So, let us first understand what causes such symptoms.

What leads to gout condition?

Gout, the painful form of arthritis occurs when an excess amount of uric acid accumulates in the blood. The high levels of uric acid form crystals that get deposited in and around the joints giving rise to painful gout symptoms.
Uric acid is produced in the body when it breaks down a chemical known as purine. Purines naturally exist in your body and are also found in certain foods such as red meat and fish like sardines. In a healthy individual, uric acid passes out from the body through urine. But in individuals suffering from the gout condition, either the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys do not filter the uric acid completely. It gives rise to the accumulation of uric acid in the form of needle-like crystals in the body, around the joints that causes severe pain, inflammation and swelling. Therefore, consuming a low-purine diet that helps in reducing the uric acid levels in the body helps in the gout condition.

List of foods to avoid with gout

Following the list of foods to avoid with gout might not help in curing the condition but helps in managing it effectively.

Red meat - Avoid consuming lamb, beef and pork, glandular meats such as pancreas and organ meats such as kidney and liver. For protein intake, consume low-fat dairy such as yoghurt and skim milk and lentils.

Seafood – Avoid consuming particular seafood such as shellfish, shrimp, lobster, sardines and tuna that are high in purines.

Sweetened beverages & foods – Avoid drinking beverages with high fructose corn syrup, soda and naturally sweet fruits juices. Instead, eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Do not consume sweetened candies, ice-cream, bakery products and cereals.

Alcohol – Avoid drinking alcohol, especially beer and other grain liquors like vodka and whiskey as they are high in purines and increase the gout attack.

If you’re overweight, try to reduce or manage a healthy weight. As excessive weight can put additional stress on the joints and increase the severity of gout pain. As per some research studies, little intake of vitamin C and coffee helps in reducing the risk of gout. However, the consumption should be in moderation and if the gout patient is suffering from some other medical conditions too, consulting a doctor about the consumption is required.

Besides keeping in mind this list of foods to avoid with gout, simultaneously take Ayurveda treatment to control the production of uric acid levels in your body and prevent future gout attacks. At Jiva Ayurveda, the doctors offer holistic, comprehensive treatment for the gout condition, personalised for each individual. Besides suggesting personalised medicines, they provide patients with a customised diet and lifestyle chart that not only helps treat the condition from its root but also improves the overall quality of life.