10 Foods to Avoid with Gout

People with high uric acid know that diet plays a key role in regulating it. Since neglecting this condition could cause several health problems (e.g. gout), it is important to know which foods to avoid and which to prefer on a daily basis.

Gout diet

The ideal diet for people with hyperuricemia, with or without gout, has been the subject of studies for many years.

The main conclusion that has been reached is that the frequent and large consumption of foods rich in purines should be avoided.

• What are purines?

Purines are chemical compounds found naturally in our body, while they can also be obtained through our diet. Uric acid results from their catabolism and when its levels increase, so-called uric acid crystals are created and they accumulate in the joints.

That is why it is recommended that people with high uric acid levels avoid foods rich in purines.

According to studies, both the Mediterranean Diet and the Dash Diet – known for maintaining healthy blood pressure – are beneficial for people with elevated uric acid and protect against gout, inflammatory diseases, Metabolic Syndrome and cardiovascular disease, conditions that have been linked to hyperuricemia!

Common features of the above eating patterns are:

1. The limited consumption of processed foods, animal protein, fatty foods and alcohol.
2. Increased fiber intake from legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

List of foods to avoid with gout

As mentioned above, the main diet-related tip for those with high uric acid and/or gout is to avoid foods that contain a significant amount of purines and to prefer those that contain them in relatively small amounts.

So you should avoid the following:

1. Offal, such as the liver, kidneys, brain, heart.

2. Fatty red meats & game. Avoid meat options such as lamb and goat, especially those that are very young. Also, it is no coincidence that animal hunting (e.g. partridge, pheasant, hare, rabbit, duck, goose) was one of the reasons why hyperuricemia was considered “the disease of the rich” in the Middle Ages!

3. Meat broth and meat derivatives (e.g. cold cuts and mainly turkey, sausages, etc.). Prefer lean meat and ideally boil it, but do not consume its broth, as it is a source of purines.

4. Seafood & some oily fish. Limit seafood consumption, especially shrimp, crayfish, crab, mussels and scallops, as well as fish such as herring, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, tuna, sea bream.

5. Roe and caviar. Preparations made from fish eggs are also included in this list.

6. Alcoholic drinks. The reason why you should avoid them is because they cause dehydration and can increase uric acid levels. However, beer requires even more attention, as it is also an important source of purines!

7. Foods & drinks rich in fructose & added sugars. Such examples are high fructose corn syrup, fructose containing soda, concentrated fruit juice, compotes, jams, agave syrup, honey. We often find them in processed foods and snacks.

8. Processed carbohydrates e.g. white bread, pastries, cake. In general, the faster a food raises blood glucose (blood sugar), the worse it is for uric acid levels.

9. “Heavy meals & sauces”. It’s important to avoid fried foods and fatty meats with heavy sauces like meat sauces, as they can damage your health in a number of ways (e.g. increasing uric acid levels, triggering inflammation, etc.).

10. Yeast and yeast products.

Regarding meat consumption, attention should be paid to the frequency and quantity, but it is not recommended to completely avoid it.

Regarding plant origin foods (vegetables, legumes, cereals, fruits) that contain a significant amount of purines (e.g. asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, beans, peas, mushrooms, oat bran), the latest research shows that it would be best not to cut them out of your diet as they contain many other nutrients essential for health. It is recommended, of course, not to overconsume them!

Benefits of a low-purine diet

The benefit of a low-purine diet in reducing uric acid levels is proven. In fact, it contributes to the prevention of gout, but also to the better management of its symptoms.

At the same time, due to the relationship that seems to exist between hyperuricemia and several other pathological conditions, this particular diet can in many ways help protect our cardiovascular system and our overall health.

Are there any downsides?

Despite the great benefit that one could see by following the nutritional guidelines mentioned above, a low purine and at the same time healthy & balanced diet can be quite restrictive and not particularly easy for everyone to follow.

In addition, the avoidance or limited consumption of a large number of foods that, although high in purines, are also highly nutritious, can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially if there is no supervision/guidance from a specialized nutritionist.

Conclusion

In summary, diet is an important part of managing hyperuricemia and gout.

By making the appropriate dietary changes you will be able to improve your uric acid levels and achieve a better quality of life!