Gout is a type of arthritis which causes inflammation in joints. Gout disease is caused when there is an excess amount of uric acid in blood. This acid can form needle-like crystals in joints which can cause redness, intense pain, and swelling in the joints. While gout diseases mostly occur in the big toes, there is also a high possibility that it may occur in fingers, wrists, knees, and heels. The food you eat plays a very important role in minimizing or triggering gout attacks. Gout attacks are mainly triggered due to the intake of diet which is high in purine. Digesting purine can make your body produce uric acid as a waste product, hence aggravating the gout situation. Foods which may be preferred during gout include fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, peas, mushrooms, legumes such as lentils, beans, soya beans, all nuts and seeds, and dairy products. However, there are also certain foods which you must avoid in case you have gout.
Here are 7 foods you must avoid if you have gout
1. Meats
Meats such as red meats and organ meats such as liver, kidney, sweetbreads, and brain must be avoided during gout. These contain high levels of purine and hence can prove fatal during gout. Other meats such as pheasants, veal, and venison should also be strictly avoided. They can trigger gout attacks at night.
Meat can trigger gout attacks at night
2. Beverages
Beverages high in fructose and sugar can rapidly increase formation of uric acid and hence increase severity of gout disease. Even though such drinks are not high in purine, they can still be dangerous because of high content of fructose. Such beverages increase uric acid by activating certain cellular processes in the body. Out of all, one should most adamantly avoid fruit juice, sugary sodas, and alcohol (especially beer).
3. Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbs such as white bread, cakes, white rice, sugar, and cookies should be seriously dismissed during gout. Such foods are neither high in purine nor high in fructose, but their nutritional value is really low which leads to an increase in uric acid in the body.
Refined carbs should be avoided in case you have gout