gout FAQs

Q: I am trying to find out what kind of foods are good to eat to help your body if you have gout.

A: To relieve the pain of gout, there must be a way to eliminate the uric acid that has accumulated in the body. Normally, the body eliminates enough uric acid in the urine or through the intestines to keep its concentration at a healthy level. In people with gout, however, the body either produces excessive amounts of uric acid or its ability to eliminate uric acid is impaired in some way. In either case, the high concentration results in its crystallization within the joints and possibly in other areas of the body.

For current attacks of gout, one of the best natural therapies to reduce the pain and inflammation is black cherry juice. Black cherry juice neutralizes uric acid. Fresh cherries and fresh strawberries also help neutralize uric acid, as do nuts, seeds, and grains, although to a lesser extent. For long-term relief of gout symptoms, changes in diet are suggested, most especially eliminating or reducing consumption of foods that are high in uric acid.

Foods that contain uric acid include:

All meats (including organ meats)
Alcohol
Fried foods
Roasted nuts
Anchovies
Herring
Mussels
Sardines
Mushrooms
Food made from or containing refined white flour.

The foods listed above carry differing amounts of uric acid. If you suffer from gout, you will be able to determine which foods you can tolerate and which foods you must avoid by keeping a food diary.

Q: I recently heard that eating a lot of protein in your diet can later increase your chances of getting gout. I was wondering if this is true.

A: Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of substances called purines. Foods high in purine are generally protein-rich foods. So there may be a connection. Purines are found naturally in our bodies as well as in certain foods. Foods high in purines include organ meats (liver, brains, kidney and sweetbreads), anchovies, herring and mackerel. Smaller amounts are found in all meats, fish and poultry.

Historically, gout was considered primarily a disease of the wealthy because it seemed to be caused by eating rich foods and by drinking too much alcohol. Changes in diet were viewed as the proper treatment. Today, medications such as allopurinol are much more effective in controlling gout and dietary restrictions assume a secondary role.

Gradual weight loss can lessen the load on affected weight-bearing joints. It can also decrease uric acid levels. Avoid fasting or rapid weight loss, however, because this can actually raise uric acid levels. Avoiding excessive animal protein is also recommended.

Nutritional Considerations

In the past altering the diet has been the main recommendation for the control of gout. However because the body also produces uric acid - only a small portion of which is a result of eating purine rich foods -- dietary changes alone may not effectively control gout. But for those who cannot or choose not to take medication for their gout, restricting the intake of purine rich foods may help.

Alcohol and purine rich foods like anchovies, asparagus, crab, fish roe (caviar), herring, kidney, liver, meat gravies and broths, mushrooms, mussels, peas, beans, and sardines may trigger a gout attack. A balanced low-fat, high-fiber diet is recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water may also help flush uric acid out of the body.

Weight loss is recommended if you are overweight, but avoid fasting or rapid weight loss because these can actually increase uric acid levels.

Last Updated: May 2005