Gout is a painful arthritic condition caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the bloodstream. The excess uric acid forms sharp crystal-like deposits in the cartilage tissues near joints, causing inflammation and excruciating pain in the affected joint. Gout most commonly starts at the big toe, but can go on to affect other joints too, like the ankle, heel, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, etc. Knowing about gout foods is absolutely essential in gout control and management, because certain types of foods are known to aggravate the condition.

Essentially, it is the presence of purines in some foods that enhances the formation of uric acid, and it is such purine-rich foods that need to be kept at bay as far as possible. On the other hand, neutral and alkaline-type foods facilitate the elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. Here are the different types of gout foods that you should include/exclude if you are suffering from gout:

Gout foods to eat (alkaline-forming and neutral foods that do not contain purine):

The following foods can be had without any restriction: fruits like melon, banana and watermelon, cantaloupes, dried dates and figs, lime, mango, papaya, parsley, water cress, seedless grapes, apples, apricots, alfalfa, bananas, grapefruit, pears, leafy green lettuce, fresh peas, fresh green beans, broccoli, ginger, turnips, sweet corn, fresh coconut, almonds, cherries, sweet tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, egg-plant, egg yolks, tofu, whole sesame seeds and sour dairy products.

Gout foods to have in moderation (low-purine foods):

The following foods must be had in restricted amounts: syrups, fructose, lentils, plain popcorn, refined grains, pasteurized honey, homogenized low fat milk, seeds, walnuts, egg whites, fresh cream, salted butter, mild cheeses, milk, whey, nutmeg, peanuts, processed dairy products, oils like avocado, canola, corn, flax, olive, safflower, sesame and groundnut – well, some of these may be unavoidable, so you can moderate their intake.

Gout foods to avoid (high-protein and purine-rich foods)

Foods like red meat and seafood must be completely shunned, because they are high-protein as well as purine-rich. Some of the other purine-rich foods are: cranberries, rice rye, wheat, cashews, peanut butter, peanuts, pecans, beef, carp, clams, fish, lobster, pork, chicken, shrimps, venison, noodles, pasta, vinegar, black beans, chick pea, lima beans, soy beans, etc.

Acid-forming foods like alcohol (all kinds of alcoholic drinks, including wine), tobacco products, packaged fruit juices, colas, processed syrups, commercial pickles, ketchup, cakes, sauces, tapioca, artificial sweeteners, custard and table salt must also be avoided.

The lists above are not all-inclusive. Do check with your healthcare professional and nutritionist for more information. Anyway, what you have read above can help you create an ideal diet for gout.

If you are suffering from gout, then you must immediately minimize your intake of the following gout foods and consult your doctor for a proper elaborate gout diet:

• All kinds of alcohol, including wine
• Some vegetables like spinach, anchovies, cauliflower, mushrooms
• All red meats and seafoods
• All processed meats
• All fried foods
• All fatty foods (pastries, cakes, donuts, etc.)
• Colas
• Caffeine (yes, you have to stop sipping coffee too!)
• Dry fruits in general

Gout can be controlled successfully if you follow the advice of your doctor and eat good gout foods.