Gouty Arthritis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Diet 

• Weight loss. Being overweight increases the risk of developing gout, and losing weight lower the risk of gout. Research suggests that reducing the number of calories and losing weight — even without a purine-restricted diet — lower uric acid levels and reduce the number of gout attacks. Losing weight also lessens the overall stress on joints.

• Complex carbs. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which provide complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods and beverages with high-fructose corn syrup, and limit consumption of naturally sweet fruit juices.

• Water. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water.

• Fats. Cut back on saturated fats from red meat, fatty poultry and high-fat dairy products.

• Proteins. Focus on lean meat and poultry, low-fat dairy and lentils as sources of protein.

• Organ and glandular meats. Avoid meats such as liver, kidney and sweetbreads, which have high purine levels and contribute to high blood levels of uric acid.

• Red meat. Limit serving sizes of beef, lamb and pork.

• Seafood. Some types of seafood — such as anchovies, shellfish, sardines and tuna — are higher in purines than are other types. But the overall health benefits of eating fish may outweigh the risks for people with gout. Moderate portions of fish can be part of a gout diet.

• High-purine vegetables. Studies have shown that vegetables high in purines, such as asparagus and spinach, don't increase the risk of gout or recurring gout attacks.

• Alcohol. Beer and distilled liquors are associated with an increased risk of gout and recurring attacks. Moderate consumption of wine doesn't appear to increase the risk of gout attacks. Avoid alcohol during gout attacks, and limit alcohol, especially beer, between attacks.

• Sugary foods and beverages. Limit or avoid sugar-sweetened foods such as sweetened cereals, bakery goods and candies. Limit consumption of naturally sweet fruit juices.

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C may help lower uric acid levels. Talk to your doctor about whether a 500-milligram vitamin C supplement fits into your diet and medication plan.

• Coffee. Some research suggests that drinking coffee in moderation, especially regular caffeinated coffee, may be associated with a reduced risk of gout. Drinking coffee may not be appropriate if you have other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about how much coffee is right for you.

• Cherries. There is some evidence that eating cherries is associated with a reduced risk of gout attacks.

• Whole-grain, unsweetened cereal with skim or low-fat milk

• 1 cup fresh strawberries

• Coffee

• Water

• Roasted chicken breast slices (2 ounces) on a whole-grain roll with mustard

• Mixed green salad with vegetables, 1 tablespoon nuts, and balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing

• Skim or low-fat milk or water

• 1 cup fresh cherries

• Water

• Roasted salmon (3 to 4 ounces)

• Roasted or steamed green beans

• 1/2 to 1 cup whole-grain pasta with olive oil and lemon pepper

• Water

• Low-fat yogurt

• 1 cup fresh melon

• Caffeine-free beverages, such as herbal tea