Anyone who suffers from gout may benefit from a diet for gout that is specifically created to reduce uric acid levels in the blood and eliminate gout attacks. This diet is intended to increase the intake of specific foods and beverages which help to fight this disease, while eliminating or reducing foods and drinks that can trigger a painful attack or increase the level of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Low Purine Diet For Gout
A diet for gout starts with plenty of liquids, preferably water. Any liquid which is unsweetened and free of alcohol counts towards the daily goal of at least twelve glasses of liquid a day. Alcohol should be avoided at all costs, because this is a big contributor to gout and high levels of uric acid. Protein from animals should be limited in a gout diet, with these consisting of small portions, less than six ounces, at one meal three or four times a week. Remove the skin from any chicken or fish, because this has a high purine concentration, and try to avoid canned fish in the store, including tuna fish. Shellfish should also be avoided as much as possible because these also increase uric acid in your system. Organ meats, like kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, gizzards, tripe, and others, can also increase the risks of a gout attack, so stay away from these meats if you suffer from this condition. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be very beneficial for this condition when added to your diet. Fruits like strawberries, grapes, cherries of all varieties, apple, blueberries, and others are low in purines and can help to reduce the uric acid in your blood.
Being Overweight Can Make Gout Worse
A diet for gout is a big step towards controlling your disease, but lifestyle changes should also be made. Try to stay at the ideal body weight for your height and body type. Even being ten pounds overweight will increase the stress on your joints and can make gout worse. If you are overweight, discuss this with your doctor to devise a safe and healthy way for you to lose the extra weight without increasing your risks of a gout attack. High protein diets will not work for anyone who suffers from this condition and will only cause more frequent attacks.