Foods that Cause Gout
Technically food is not the only cause of gout. Some people simply have a condition that does not allow their body to eliminate enough uric acid causing the excess acids to crystallize in the joints causing the symptoms of pain, redness and swelling. However, foods high in purines can directly effect the frequency and intensity of gout flares.
Learn more about gout symptoms.
Unfortunately, now that you have been diagnosed with gout, many of the foods that you love will have to be limited or eliminated to alleviate your symptoms. However, this can act as an opportunity to broaden the scope of foods you enjoy.
Why Purines are a Problem
As part of the digestion process, purines become uric acid in your body. When you eat too many purines, suffer from certain disorder or have compromised kidneys your body cannot adequately dispose of this build up of uric acid. As the acid travels through your bloodstream it begins to crystallize and collects in joints causing the arthritis pain you are familiar with. For more information about the foods and diet that is right to manage your condition, please speak with your physician.
Purine Dense Foods
This is not a complete list but the items from the top two lists should be limited or eliminated to reduce gouty arthritis attacks.
Highest Purines per Serving
(400mg or more)
- Sardines
- Mushrooms
- Swine organ meats
- Baker's yeast
- Brewer's yeast
- Calf liver
- Ox liver
Moderate Purines per Serving
(100mg to 400mg)
- Beef
- Fish
- Chicken
- Caviar
- Mungo bean
- Goose
- Raisins
- Chickpeas
- Rabbit
- Pork
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Veal
- Venison
- Sausage
Low Purines per Serving
(100mg or less)
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Barley
- Beans
- Avocado
- Beer
- Bamboo shoots
- Bananas
- Apricots
- Eggplant
- Artichoke
- Blueberries
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Dates
- Endive
- Kale
- Corn
- Grapes
- Lunch meats
- Cantaloupe
- Oyster
- Pumpkin
- Potato
- Plum
- Tofu
- Tomato
- Strawberries
- Yogurt
Other Dietary Considerations
While limiting purines in your diet is very important when managing your gout symptoms it is also important to limit alcohol and simple sugars. Instead, try to increase the amount of complex carbohydrates in your diet as these help to flush the system. Increased water intake is also very beneficial for the same reason.
