Gout is a chronic condition that never goes away completely. Individuals suffering from this form of arthritis should maintain a healthy lifestyle and take proper measures to prevent the discomforting and often painful symptoms from flaring up. While there are many factors that can trigger a gout attack, more often than not it occurs due to the high uric acid levels in the blood that results from the consumption of certain food items. High levels of uric acid in the blood lead to a gout attack that usually occurs in the middle of the night.

Mentioned below are dietary tips for gout to prevent these attacks.

1. Red meat and organ meats
Red meat like lamb and pork and organ meats such as kidney and liver are known to trigger gout attacks. These food items are packed with purine that causes the uric acid levels to rise leading to a gout flareup. Avoiding these high-purine food items is among the most useful dietary tips for gout.

2. Sugary drinks
The consumption of sugary beverages such as soda and fruit juice can wreak havoc in the uric acid levels in the blood. This, in turn, can flare up the painful and discomforting symptoms of gout. It is highly recommended to stay away from sugary drinks that contain a high content of fructose to ward off a gout attack. Go through the label to make sure that the drink you consume does not contain high levels of sugar.

3. Processed foods
Pre-packaged and processed foods such as chips, frozen food, etc., are loaded with ingredients like corn syrup that contain a high content of fructose. Studies have established that consumption of high-fructose food items can lead to a rise in uric acid levels. An increase in uric acid levels causes gout attacks in patients. Limit or cut down on processed foods consumption to prevent the flaring up of symptoms like swelling and inflammation in the joints.

4. Seafood
Various clinical studies have found that seafood such as shellfish, tuna, sardines, anchovies, herring, etc., can increase the risk of a gout flareup. The moderate to high content of purines in these seafood items make them unhealthy for gout sufferers. Consuming these high-purine items can increase the uric acid levels and put you at risk of a gout flareup that involves mild to severe pain and inflammation in the joints, especially in the big toe.

5. Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks like beer can increase the risk of a gout attack. Even hard liquor could trigger a painful gout attack. Individuals suffering from this chronic inflammatory condition should steer clear of alcoholic beverages to prevent a sudden rise in the uric acid levels in the blood that causes gout symptoms like pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joint to become severe. In order to keep them away, it is best to avoid the consumption of these drinks.

Following the aforementioned dietary tips for gout can help you manage this chronic inflammatory condition. Limit or avoid the consumption of these food items to reduce the risk of a gout attack.