Although there are many causes of gout, adjusting your diet for gout may help to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks. The main focus of a diet for gout is to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body. No one can predict when the next gout attack will occur, so it is important to do everything that you can to manage your diet and try to help reduce the occurrences. It is always important to talk with your health care professional to determine if a diet change is right for your individual situation.

To start off, obesity or excessive weight is commonly associates as a risk factor for gout. If you are overweight, you should focus on weight management to achieve a healthy weight, which in turn may reduce the gout symptoms and occurrences. Be careful to avoid fasting or rapid weight loss though, they may cause dehydration or other factors that might prompt an increase in uric acid.

No specific dietary plan has been proven to always reduce the symptoms of gout, by there are some suggested steps that can be taken in a diet for gout. You should try to avoid alcohol consumption and also cut back on the amount of animal protein that you consume, especially red meat and seafood. Avoid organ meats such as kidney, liver and brains. Also avoid eating foods such as anchovies, herring, and other meats high in purines. Some studies have also found that a diet for gout should also avoid asparagus, mushrooms and spinach.

Increase your consumption of complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads) and low-fat dairy products (such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese). Watch your food portions, make sure that you do not over eat.

Drink plenty of fluids so that you stay hydrated and avoid all forms of alcohol. Drink healthy drinks such as water and natural fruit juices, avoid soda. Some studies have shown an association between coffee intake and lower uric acid, although there is no solid research to prove this correlation.

Your diet for gout should include cherries and other dark fruits may help to lower your levels of uric acid. Eat fruits such as blackberries, purple grapes, raspberries, and any other dark-colored fruit. Additionally, vitamin C may also help reduce uric acid levels by increasing uric acid excretion, so eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C.

Keep your levels of potassium normal, a potassium deficiency may increase your uric acid levels. Eat foods that contain potassium such as potatoes, bananas, avocados, apricots, soybeans and orange juice.