Professional Faqs: What Should People With Gout Avoid Consuming?

Gout image

Expert opinion from Sandeep Kumar Reddy Mallela

MBBS BMB Pediatrics persevering · 2 years of experience · India

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood cause crystals to form and accumulate in and around a joint. Uric acid is produced, when the body breakdowns a chemical called purine. Purine occurs naturally in our body, but it is also found in certain food. A gout diet may help in decreasing uric acid levels in the blood, but it is not a cure. It only lowers the risk of recurring gout attacks and slow down the progression of joint damage. Avoid red meat and organ meat, which have high purine levels and contribute to high blood levels of uric acid. Some types of seafood such as anchovies, shellfish, sardines, mussels, herring and trout are high in purines than other types of fish, so avoid eating them. But, the overall health benefits of eating fish, may outweigh the risks of people with gout, so moderate portions of fish can be a part of a gout diet. Studies have shown that high purine containing vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach wouldn’t increase the risk of gout or recurring gout attacks. Alcohol like beer and distilled liquors are associated with an increased risk of gout and recurring attacks, but 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 the attacks. Limit or avoid sugar-sweetened food such as sweetened cereals, bakery goods and candies. Limit consumption of highly processed food and beverages and food high in refined carbohydrates. Certain yeasts and yeast extracts are high in purines, so they should be avoided in gout.

→ Learn more about gout: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to gout.

Expert opinion from Umesh Deshmukh

MBBS · 1 years of experience · India

Gout is a complex type of arthritis. It is caused by deposition of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Uric acid is formed when purines breakdown. So protein-rich food must be avoided. Decrease the consumption of seafood and red meat. Avoid alcohol. Avoid sweetened beverages.

Expert opinion from Sai Kiran Kumar K

MBBS, MD · 9 years of experience · India

People with gout should avoid consuming food that contain high nitrogen content like red meat, pork, Lamb etc. Avoid consuming organ meat such as kidney, liver etc. Avoid consuming seafood like shellfish- lobster, mussels, sardines etc. Avoiding beer, whiskey, vodka etc.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.