GOUT
WHAT IS IT?
Gout is a form of arthritis. Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joints which then cause inflammation and pain. These crystals form when a person has high levels of uric acid in their blood. This may happen if your body makes too much uric acid or your kidneys don’t get rid of enough in your urine. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down a compound called purines. Purines are found naturally in your body and also in many foods.
If you have gout, one way you can help minimize your risk of gout attacks is to a follow an anti-gout diet. Here is some advice to follow during attacks and remissions:
DURING AN ACCUTE ATTACK:
–Drink 8 to 16 cups of fluid/day (at least half as water)
–Do not drink alcohol
–Limit animal foods
–Eat a moderate amount of protein; recommended sources: Low-fat or nonfat dairy foods, tofu, eggs, and nut butters
–Limit meat, fish, and poultry to 4 to 6 oz/day
DURING REMISSION:
–Consume 8 to 16 cups of fluids/day (at least half as water)
–Limit/avoid alcohol
–Follow a well-balanced diet–continue to eat a moderate amount of protein.
–Maintain a healthy weight, however, do not fast or follow a high-protein diet for weight loss. This can increase your risk for a gout attack.
FOODS HIGH IN PURINES
Beverages–Beer and other alcoholic beverages
Fats and Oil–Gravies and sauces made with meat
Protein—-Anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, tuna, codfish, scallops, trout, haddock, bacon, organ meats (such as liver), wild game, goose