Gout is characterized by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The high level of uric acids results to crystal formation which results in pain and inflammation. Its symptoms include swelling, redness, inflammation and tenderness of the affected area. The main target of gout is the toe but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the ankles, feet, hands, joints and even the surrounding tissues.
There are certain foods which are responsible for the production of excess uric acid. Purine and protein-rich foods are one of them. It includes alcohol, anchovies, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, consommé, herring, meat gravies, broth, bouillon, mussels, sardines, red meats, organ meats, processed meats, fried foods, roasted nuts, any food cooked in oil, products that use sugar and white flour such as cakes, dark greens vegetables, dried fruits, seafood (salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab and shrimp), fish, caffeine, beans, lentils, eggs, oatmeal, peas, poultry, yeast products (baked good), acetaminophen, all fried foods, and low doses of aspirin.
These foods are to be avoided as well: Artificial sweeteners, Carbonated soft drinks & fizzy drinks , Cigarettes , Flour (white wheat), Goat, Lamb, Pastries & cakes from white flour, Pork, Sugar, Beer, Brown sugar, Deer, Chocolate, Coffee, cream and ice cream, rich desserts, spices, oatmeal, whole grains, caffeine, Custard with white sugar, Jams, Jellies, Liquor , Pasta, Rabbit, Semolina, Table salt refined & iodized, Tea black, Turkey, Breads White / Wheat, White rice, vinegar.
Of course, these foods carry different amounts of uric acid. Gout patients are able to determine which of these foods they can tolerate. If you have no idea yet, keep a food diary to help you list down which foods to take and not to take.
The food list may seem long but avoiding them will control and in some ways, prevent the formation of excess uric acid in your body. Following a strict healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent gout pain and further gout attacks.
Instead of these food groups, eat plenty of foods that are high in minerals, like fruits and vegetables that help maintain a lower level of uric acid in the blood. Drinking plenty of fluids is also beneficial is it can help remove uric acid from the body. Maintain a steady, healthy weight to avoid putting more risk on your joints and to avoid increasing the risk of hyperuricemia or gout.