Foods You Can Eat If You Have Gout

Written by Ellen Swanson Topness

28 November, 2018

Gout, a form of arthritis that occurs when high uric acid blood levels cause crystals to form around a joint, is partially connected to diet. Uric acid is produced as your body breaks down purines, found in foods such as meat, seafood and alcohol. In the past, the treatment of gout included significant dietary restrictions. Newer medications for this disease, however, reduce the necessity of such a severe regimen. If you have been diagnosed with gout, you will still receive dietary recommendations, but they will offer options and a wide variety of food choices.

Beverage Selection

While you will need to limit or avoid alcohol, especially beer, when you are having an active attack, you do not need to give up alcohol completely. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that one drink for women and two drinks for men in a day is acceptable on a gout diet. Though you should avoid or limit drinks like soft drinks or juice drinks that are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, you may freely drink juices that contain 100 percent fruit juice. Coffee may also be an option for gout sufferers. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation reports that two separate studies show four or more cups of coffee a day actually reduce the risk of gout in men and that increasing coffee consumption decreases uric acid levels in men and women.

While you will need to limit or avoid alcohol, especially beer, when you are having an active attack, you do not need to give up alcohol completely.
In fact, the Arthritis Foundation reports that two separate studies show four or more cups of coffee a day actually reduce the risk of gout in men and that increasing coffee consumption decreases uric acid levels in men and women.

Protein Parameters

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Animal proteins are problematic as they are high in purines. If you avoid the very-high purine foods of organ meats, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, scallops, herring and game meats, however, you may be able to enjoy a moderate amount of meat, fish or poultry daily. Keep your intake to approximately 6 ounces a day.

Saturated Fat

Plant-based proteins, such as beans and legumes, are excellent options on a gout diet. If you choose these as your primary protein source, not only will you be avoiding the purines in animal proteins, but you will also be eating less saturated fat. Saturated fat decreases your body's ability to get rid of uric acid, so it may increase the risk of gout symptoms. For this reason, though dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are allowable, opt for low-fat or fat-free choices. According to Gout.com, consumption of low-fat dairy products has also been associated with a decreased risk of gout.

Plant-based proteins, such as beans and legumes, are excellent options on a gout diet.

Acceptable Carbohydrates

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Most carbohydrates are acceptable on a gout diet. You can eat fruits, vegetables and grains. You may need to limit high-purine vegetables, including spinach, cauliflower, asparagus and mushrooms. The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society, however, reports that these vegetables may not increase gout symptoms to the extent once thought. High-fructose fruits such as apples, peaches and pears may need to be kept at two servings a day. In addition, whole-grain products are better choices than refined carbohydrates like white bread and cookies. Whole-grain products tend to create a sense of fullness and may be helpful in losing weight. This is important because obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing gout.

Most carbohydrates are acceptable on a gout diet.
High-fructose fruits such as apples, peaches and pears may need to be kept at two servings a day.

Add Cherries

An interesting suggestion for gout is to add tart cherries to your diet. Dr. Andrew Weil reports that laboratory findings at Michigan State University showed consumption of 20 tart cherries a day inhibited an enzyme that caused inflammation. Cherries have also been connected with a decrease in uric acid levels. Before you make any dietary changes, however, consult your physician.

An interesting suggestion for gout is to add tart cherries to your diet.
Dr. Andrew Weil reports that laboratory findings at Michigan State University showed consumption of 20 tart cherries a day inhibited an enzyme that caused inflammation.