Gout Diet
Gout is a very nasty four-letter word. It’s a painful form of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. The buildup of uric acid can lead to sharp uric acid crystal deposits in joints, often in the big toe. Deposits of uric acid (called tophi) look like lumps under the skin, and kidney stones from uric acid crystals in the kidneys. For many people, the first attack of gout occurs in the big toe. What’s the relationship between gout and diet? Gout diets can help to alleviate gout. Aside from medication consisting of an anti-inflammatory, there is also a diet for gout.

A diet for gout patients won’t completely take the pain away, but if followed properly, a gout diet can greatly reduce the pain and maintain it at a tolerable level. A gout diet is also sometimes referred to as arthritis gout diet.

One of the major gout dietary restrictions is the elimination of foods high in purines. Red meat has long been known to be a major factor in contributing to gout pain. A gout treatment diet would normally have limited sources of protein and seafood, and foods such as cauliflower, legumes, yeast, and anchovies would be avoided. Not only would this diet be prescribed for gout, but it can also be used as a diet to prevent gout.

Let’s take a look at gout diet foods, the foods that you CAN safely eat if you suffer from this condition. Dark berries are wonderful for the gout diet, as they contain chemicals that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation. Tofu (a popular meat replacement among vegetarians) which is made from soybeans may be a better choice than meats. Certain fatty acids found in certain fish such as salmon, flax, olive oil, or nuts may possess some anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, it is important that gout diets are low in oxalate. According to the American Medical Association, balanced gout diets for people with gout include foods:

• High in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)


• Low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, poultry)


• No more than 30% of calories from fat (10% animal fat)

If you are diagnosed with gout, it doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive to find the best diet for gout. Your physician is an excellent resource for obtaining a gout diet, and can advise you on the best and worst foods for your condition. You can find free gout diet plans on the internet, especially by visiting in the American Medical Association’s website. Gout is a manageable condition and by following a good gout diet plan, you can greatly reduce your symptoms.