7 Foods That Trigger Gout

Gout is a condition that leads to joint pain. Fortunately, people suffering from gout can make dietary changes to alleviate their symptoms. Avoiding foods that trigger gout improves the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of an attack.

web on July 3, 2023

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What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product produced when the body breaks down a molecule called purine. Purines are nitrogen-containing organic building blocks found in the cells of all living things. Too much uric acid in the blood can form tiny, sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals can cause redness, inflammation and intense pain, which are symptoms of gout. 

A gout attack can be very painful. Most commonly, gout affects the big toe joint. However, it can also affect a person’s ankles, knees or wrists. Walking can be challenging if gout happens in the toe, ankle or knee.

How Is Gout Diagnosed? 

Medical providers diagnose gout based on symptoms, medical history, physical exam, imaging and lab tests. A specialty doctor called a rheumatologist can treat gout. 

A rheumatologist will help lower uric acid levels with medications if indicated. A person with gout can help to prevent future attacks and reduce the severity of gout flare-ups by changing their diet and avoiding foods high in purines.

Symptoms of Gout

People who suffer from gout experience symptoms similar to arthritis, paired with systemic or whole-body symptoms.

  • Sudden, severe pain in a joint
  • Inflammation, redness and warmth in the affected joint
  • Tenderness: the joint is tender to the touch
  • Fever: a temperature greater than 100.4 F

Treatment for Gout

Gout treatment typically involves taking medication to lower uric acid levels in the blood and reduce joint inflammation. Dietary changes are a big part of the treatment plan. Diet changes can help to prevent further gout attacks. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol can also help prevent gout flare-ups.

7 Foods That Trigger Gout

A buildup of uric acid in the blood causes gout. Uric acid is the waste product the body creates when it breaks down a substance called purines. Many foods contain purines, including meats, seafood and foods containing high fructose corn syrup and alcohol. Additionally, when the body processes sugar or fructose, they release purines and cause uric acid levels to rise.

For a person suffering from gout, avoiding foods high in purines will help lower their uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout attacks.

  1. Red meats: Red meats such as beef, pork, lamb, bacon, veal and venison are high in purines. A person with gout should limit eating red meat.
  2. Organ meats: Organ meats like liver, kidney and heart are incredibly high in purines. A person with gout needs to limit or avoid these foods.
  3. Seafood: Shellfish such as lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops and mussels are high in purines. Additionally, seafood, including sardines, anchovies, codfish, herring, haddock and trout, is also high in purines. To avoid flare-ups, people with gout must limit eating shellfish and some seafood.
  4. Sugary drinks: Drinks like soda and fruit juices with natural or added high sugar content increase the risk of gout attacks.
  5. High-fructose corn syrup: Candy, pastries and other sweets are high in purines. A person with gout should limit foods containing high fructose corn syrup.
  6. Fruits: Some fruits are bad for gout. Apples, oranges and dates are fruits with naturally high fructose content. Avoid high fructose-containing foods.
  7. Alcohol: Alcohol, especially beer, can increase the risk of gout attacks. When the body processes alcohol, it raises the uric acid level. Beer is high in purines. A person with gout needs to limit alcohol consumption.

Foods That Help a Person Suffering from Gout

While certain foods aggravate gout, there are diet changes that can help. Eating foods low in purines and fructose will keep the body’s uric acid level down, helping to avoid future gout flare-ups. The following diets and foods can improve gout.

  1. Following the DASH diet can help a person with gout.
  2. Fresh vegetables, low-purine fruits and whole grains can help prevent gout flare-ups.
  3. Low-fat dairy products are helpful for a person with gout. Proteins found in low-fat or fat-free milk products help flush uric acid from a person’s body.
  4. Low-purine fish such as salmon, sole, tuna, flounder and tilapia can be part of a healthy diet for a person with gout.
  5. Lean poultry, like chicken breast, is leaner than thighs or drumsticks, making it suitable for a person with gout.
  6. In moderation, eggs, peanut butter and nuts are good protein sources in a healthy diet for a person with gout.
  7. Though a person with gout should avoid red meat due to purines, when they do have a serving, limiting the fat content is necessary. Avoid meats such as roast, chuck roast and ground chuck which are high in fat. Eat lean meat from the butcher.
  8. Sticking to unsaturated fat oils like olive, coconut or avocado oil can help maintain a healthy diet for a person with gout.

Additionally, remaining hydrated by drinking plenty of water or unsweetened tea is essential, as this helps flush the uric acid from a person’s system.

Living with Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is in the blood. Following a health care provider’s instructions, maintaining a healthy weight and eating foods low in purines can help reduce the inflammation and pain of gout. With diet changes, a person with gout can reduce flare-ups and live a happy, healthy and active life.

More to Read

Think you may have gout?

Talk to your primary care provider about whether you need a referral to a rheumatologist.

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Medically reviewed by Bernadette C. Siaton, MD, MEdHP.

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