Gout is a type of arthritis, typically caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. When levels of uric acid build up, it can cause crystals of uric acid to be formed, which deposit in joints and cause irritation, inflammation and swelling. This is known as a gout attack, which can be very painful. There are several reasons why the blood may contain high levels of uric acid. It may be a result of the kidney's reduced ability to clear the uric acid. It may be an overproduction of compounds known as purines. It may be a combination of both.

While medications are key factors in the management and treatment of gout, dietary factors can also play an important role. Following dietary advice may or may not accompany medications, but can help to stabilise levels of uric acid in the blood, which can reduce the risk of gout attacks.

What can you do to prevent attacks of gout?

Reduce your purine intake Purines are natural compounds found in many foods. When purines are metabolised, they are broken down and their end product is uric acid. Therefore, reducing purine-rich foods, particularly if they are regularly consumed, may help to prevent attacks of gout.

Reduce meat (particularly red meat such as beef, pork and lamb), seafood and poultry as these are primary sources of purines. Eat these foods in moderation. Aim to have no more than one serving of meat/fish/poultry per day, and it may be helpful to have 1-2 meat-free days each week. To make sure you are getting enough protein, include meat free sources of protein such as eggs, low-fat dairy products, tofu, cheese, nuts or beans with lower purine content such as haricot beans. Evidence suggests that plant foods aren't associated with increased risk of gout, even if they have a higher purine content. 

There are certain foods that are very high in purines and should be considerably limited, if not avoided completely. These include:

Meat Sources Liver, heart, kidney, sweetbreads, ox, game (eg, venison, rabbit), meat extracts (eg, stock cubes/gravies).

Fish Sources Anchovies, crab, fish roes, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, shrimps, sprats, whitebait.

Other Sources Yeast and extracts, beer, high fructose corn syrup.

Reducing the amount of uric acid levels in the blood can help to prevent gout attacks. This can be done by:

  • Achieving a healthy weight
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Avoiding/reducing foods high in purines
  • Drinking plenty of fluid
  • Limiting foods sweetened with fructose 

    These include:

    • Bread
    • Yoghurts
    • Frozen pizzas
    • Cereals and cereal bars
    • Jarred sauces
    • Some condiments such as jams, ketchup, mayonnaise or salad dressings
  • Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
  • Consuming low-fat dairy products :  (such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, and low-fat cottage cheese)