Gout
Nutritional approach
Gout is a very common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden attacks of pain in one or more joints. The pain most often occurs in the big toe joint, but any joint can be affected.
Gout attacks, also called flares, are accompanied by severe pain and usually occur suddenly and at night. They cause the affected joint to become swollen and purplish red.
Gout is an inflammatory reaction to the presence of too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a normal waste product that your body produces when it breaks down purines, substances that are naturally present in certain foods. When uric acid levels are abnormally high, it can be deposited as crystals in the joints.
The following can increase your risk of gout:
- Inefficient elimination of uric acid by the kidneys
- Excessive consumption of high-purine foods
- Genetic predisposition
- Certain medications
- Certain health problems
Many factors play a role in gout, and eating right is essential to help prevent future attacks.
Avoiding foods that are high in purines or fructose can reduce the likelihood of gout flares. It may help to limit or altogether avoid the foods listed in the table below:
Foods to limit or avoid
| High-purine foods |
|---|
| Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, veal) |
| Red offal (heart, liver, kidneys) |
| Game meat (duck, deer, rabbit, guinea fowl) |
| Mollusks (oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, squid, octopus, snails) |
| Crustaceans (crab, shrimp, lobster) |
| Fatty fish (sardines, mackerel) |
| High-fructose foods |
|---|
| Corn syrup |
| Agave syrup |
| Honey |
| Sweetened beverages (e.g., soft drinks) |
| Other |
| Alcohol* (especially beer, red wine, whisky, gin, vodka, and rum) |
*Alcohol can raise uric acid levels in the body, increasing the risk of a gout flare.
Stay hydrated
Gout attacks can be triggered by dehydration. What's more, the accumulation of uric acid in the kidneys can lead to kidney stones. That's why it's important to drink plenty of fluids—around 2 to 3 litres (8 to 12 cups) a day*. Water is the best choice to help your body flush out uric acid. Moderate coffee consumption may have a slight protective effect.
* If your medical condition allows. Some people need to limit the amount of fluids they consume, for example if they have heart failure.
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet helps reduce uric acid levels. Conversely, excess weight can increase the risk of gout attacks. Speak to a dietitian to see how you can optimize your diet.
Aim to eat more of the following foods:
- Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, kale, broccoli, oranges, kiwis, and strawberries
- Nuts and whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
Always watch your diet:
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.