Diet Therapy - Gout - Dietary Recommendations

Dietary changes that may be helpful:

There is a clear relationship between diet and gout. Foods that are high in a compound called purine raise uric acid levels in the body. Restricting purine intake can help control uric acid levels and in turn, the risk of an attack in individuals susceptible to gout. Foods high in purine are generally protein-rich foods, such as sweetbreads, anchovies, mackerel, sardines, chicken, dried beans and peas, liver and other organ meats, herring, scallops, red meat, and turkey.

Limit the consumption of alcohol, particularly beer, refined sugars, including sucrose and fructose. They raise uric acid levels.

Individuals with gout should not consume nutritional yeast or brewer's yeast, as they can raise uric acid levels.

Cherries: According to a 1950 study of twelve individuals with gout, eating one-half pound of cherries or the equivalent amount of cherry juice prevented attacks of gout. Black, sweet yellow, and red sour cherries were all effective. Since that study, there have been many anecdotal reports of cherry juice as an effective treatment of the pain and inflammation of gout. Strawberries, blueberries and other red-blue berries are also believed to be beneficial.

Individuals who are overweight or have high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing gout. However, lose weight gradually and not rapidly because restriction of calories is known to increase uric acid levels temporarily.

Foods to Eat

Adzuki congee (a traditional breakfast food)

Cook brown rice and water in a covered pot four to six hours on a very low flame or warm burner. Use lots of water to make the grain soupy and easy to digest. The dish strengthens the blood and qi, harmonizes digestion, cools, and is highly nourishing. Other vegetables, such as carrots, onions, shiitake mushrooms, or broccoli; or another grain, such as barley, can be added to the broth. This congee is very healing for the liver, joints, spleen, and digestion.

Vegetable and fruit juices: especially non-citrus juice, vegetable juice, celery and parsley juice, red cherry juice, and carrot juice

Purified water (dissolves toxins)

Celery
Celery renews joints, bones, arteries, all connective tissue; clears digestive fermentation, which causes dampness and acidic blood, according to Chinese medicine.

Tomato
After digestion, tomato alkalizes the blood and is good for treating acid blood condition of gout.

Seaweed

Cherries, strawberries, blueberries and other red-blue berries

Lots of vegetables, especially kale, cabbage, parsley, and other green, leafy vegetables

Bananas

Foods to Avoid
Rich foods
Greasy, oily foods
Red meat and meat extracts such as bouillon and gravies
Organ meats such as liver, kidney
Coffee, sugar and white-flour products
Refined sugar and other concentrated sweeteners
Alcohol
Sweetbreads
Refined carbohydrates
Yeast products
Spices
Shell fish, poultry, preserved fish such as sardines, herring and anchovies
Dried beans and peas