Gout Diet: 5 foods to avoid
Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause severe pain and swelling in the joints. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can crystallize in the joints and cause inflammation. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for gout, there are certain foods that you should avoid if you have gout. Here are five foods to avoid:
- Organ meats: Organ meats like liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads are high in purines, which can lead to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood.
- Seafood: Certain types of seafood like shrimp, lobster, crab, and sardines are high in purines, which can trigger gout attacks.
- Red meat: Red meat is also high in purines and can increase the risk of gout attacks.
- Alcohol: Alcohol, especially beer, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks.
- Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice are high in fructose, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood and contribute to gout.
If you have gout, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized diet plan that works for you. In addition to avoiding high-purine foods, they may recommend eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of gout attacks.