Diet for People With Gout

Gout is a painful form of arthritis occurring in the lower parts of the body, usually in the feet or toes. It is the result of too much uric acid in the bloodstream and causes swelling, redness and extreme pain. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines, found in many meats and meat products. Treatment includes a combination of medication and dietary changes.

A Balanced Diet

According to the American Medical Association, a balanced diet is key to minimizing the effects of gout. The diet should be high in complex carbohydrates, low in protein and should contain no more than 30 percent of calories from fat.

Avoid Purines

Foods very high in purines trigger gout symptoms and should be avoided. They include sweetbreads, sardines, yeast, mussels and herring. Foods moderately high in purines should be eaten in very small amounts, including anchovies, veal, bacon, salmon, turkey and trout.

Beneficial Foods

Foods that may be helpful to people with gout include dark berries such as cherries and blueberries, which lower uric acid and reduce inflammation, and tofu as a substitute for meats.

Nutritional Supplements

Quercetin, an antioxidant also found in skins of apples and in red onions, and bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple juices, provide the same nutritional benefits of cherries. These supplements can be found in tablet form.

Supplements to Avoid

High doses of vitamin C will increase the production of uric acid and should therefore be avoided. Iron supplements should also be avoided as too much iron in the bloodsteam causes uric acids to form in the joints, increasing gout symptoms.