If you have gout, then it is likely that you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. When these levels get too high, the kidneys can no longer process it, and it turns into crystal deposits around the joints instead. Uric acid is mainly found in the foods that we eat, which also means that it is preventable and avoidable. All you really need to know is what are the most common foods that cause uric acid, and learn to avoid them. Let's take a look at some important things to know.

Purines:

The cells of the body contain numerous chemical compounds, one of which is purines. Purines are also found in foods. They are essential to the body, because they meet our protein needs and give us energy, to name but a few benefits. When the body uses purines, it creates uric acid. This is then processed by the kidneys, and any excess uric acid becomes waste and is excreted from the body. The kidneys only retain what the body actually needs. However, when purines metabolize, it is possible for them to create too much uric acid. Similarly, it is possible the kidneys are incapable of dealing with high levels of purines. This then leads to elevated levels of uric acid, which then forms crystal deposits in the joint, and that leads to a gout attack.

Most Common Foods that Cause Uric Acid:

If you suffer from gout, you have to make sure that you learn how to lower your levels of uric acid, and that you are able to keep them at the normal level as well. You must do this if you are currently going through a gout attack and you want to reduce your symptoms, you also have to do this to prevent a future attack. Furthermore, in lowering your levels of uric acid, you will also stop further damage from occurring to your kidneys and joints.

Purines exist in the foods we eat, which is why you need to make sure that you avoid the most common foods that cause uric acid, which are the ones that are high in purine. Unfortunately, there are many foods with high and very high purine levels. Broadly speaking, they fall into the categories of legumes, shellfish, fish, poultry, game, organ meat, and red meat. More specifically, you need to change your diet so that you no longer include:

  • Meat extracts
  • Fatty red meats
  • Pheasant
  • Venison
  • Pork
  • Grouse
  • Hot dogs
  • Burgers
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Broth
  • Heart
  • Goose
  • Consomme
  • Turkey
  • Duck
  • Sardines
  • Anchovies
  • Mackerel
  • Scallops
  • Mussels
  • Herring
  • Dried legumes
  • Shrimp
  • Yeast extracts
  • Brewer's yeast
  • Baker's yeast

This isn't a complete list, but it does demonstrate the types of foods you need to cut out of your diet in order to avoid gout attacks. Unfortunately, a known trigger for gout attacks is alcohol, and most particularly beer, so that needs to be avoided as well. Do make sure, however, that you continue to consume the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that you need.