Dr. Ashutosh Chaudhari M.B.B.S., M.S. Ortho (Mumbai), Fellowship in Joint Replacement

Food to be avoided in gout



High levels of uric acid can cause gout. High purine foods in a diet can increase uric acid levels in the body. Therefore, the gout diet usually limits food with high purine.

Gout Diet / Low Purine Diet

* Alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided. Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink 3 times a week.
* Drink 2 to 3 L of fluid daily. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urinary uric acid. Avoid High-Purine foods (see below)
* Consume a moderate amount of protein. Limit meat, fish and poultry to 4 - 6 oz per day. Try other low-purine good protein foods such as low fat dairy    products, tofu and eggs.
* Limit fat intake by choosing leaner meats, foods prepared with less oils and lower fat dairy products.
* Avoid caffeine(coffee,tea,cola,chocolate)
* Avoid chikoo and sitaphal
* Reduce intake of dals and pulses

Avoid High-Purine foods

* liver
* Beef kidneys
* Brains
* Herring
* Mackerel
* Scallops

Use in Moderation

* Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas
* Lentils, dried peas and beans
* Beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood
* Oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ

Aside from avoiding high purine foods, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for gout patients as well. Obesity can result in increased uric acid production by the body. Follow a well-balanced diet to lose excess body weight. Do not follow a high-protein low-carb diet as this can worsen gout conditions.