Foods that cause gout

General Information about Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops as a consequence of accumulation of excess of uric acid in the joints. In people suffering from gout the level of acid uric is increased and this elevation results either from a production of too much uric acid or an insufficient elimination of the substance from the body. Once uric acid starts to accumulate around the joints, substance starts to crystallize. These crystals of uric acid are responsible for joint swelling and other symptoms and signs of an inflammation.

It is essential to mention that not all people with an increased level of uric acid will develop gout. Why the condition occurs in the first place has not been fully understood yet. There are data which confirm that condition runs in families and that it predominantly affects men. Gout is also common in people who drink alcohol or take certain medications (hydrochlorothiazide etc.). Gout is also frequent in people who are already suffering from certain illnesses such as diabetes, kidney diseases, obesity, sickle cell anemia and leukemia. Foods That Cause Gout

Proper diet plays a significant role in patients suffering from gout. The condition generally affects people who consume food rich in purines. For example organ meats, beans and red meats are only some food products that contain purines and can cause an increase in level of uric acid in the body and act as triggers of gout. So by avoiding foods that contain purines one can prevent gout attack and control the disease.

Foods that are rich in purines include hearts, herring, mussels, smelts, yeast and sweetbreads. Furthermore, foods with moderate amount of purines include many kinds of meat such as mutton and veal and different animal parts including liver and kidneys. Anchovies, salmon, trout, scallops and haddock also contain moderate amounts of purines. And finally, even turkey, goose, pheasant, partridge and grouse contain sufficient amount of purines to increase the level of uric acid.

A person suffering from gout should also avoid the following vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms.

Alkaline urine is highly suitable for elimination of uric acid. This is why patients suffering from gout should avoid food that leads to increased acidity of urine and slow down excretion of the acid from the body.

And finally, it is essential to cease with intake of alcohol and caffeine-rich drinks. Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from the body and this way increases its level while caffeine may accelerate the break down of proteins hence induce the gout attack.