Gout Foods to Avoid

Gouty arthritis is a common affliction that many people struggle with today. It is a condition mainly caused by a diet which is filled with food items that have high purine content. Listed below are gout foods to avoid, assuring slim chances of developing the condition.

Foods items which are known to be very rich in purines include yeast, sweetbreads, herring, mussels, smelt and sardines. There are also vegetables that fall into this category. Asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms are some vegetable sources that have been known to precipitate gout. Those at risk for developing the condition should minimize the consumption of these foodstuffs. Likewise, food sources which are moderately rich in purines include veal, turkey, mutton, grouse, bacon, pheasant, scallops anchovies, kidneys, goose, trout, liver and salmon. These may also have the potential to worsen existing gouty conditions.

When considering gout foods to avoid, caffeine and alcohol should also be taken in moderation. Caffeine present in coffee promotes faster breakdown of proteins and promotes purine deposition. Hence, more caffeine in the system aggravates the condition. Similarly, alcohol increases the production of uric acid and hinders optimal excretion by the renal system. This increases the circulating levels of uric acid.

Experts also believe that acidic foods may also contribute to the development of the disorder. The excretion of Uric acid accelerates if the urine achieves a basic or alkaline condition. Conversely, the urine reaches an acidic state in the presence of more acids. The normal pH of neutral Urine is 7.0. If it reduces to 6.0, the excretion rate of uric acid is significantly lowered. There are various foods that can fall under this category. As they are of a wide variety and extremely common in the average diet, it is better to consume these in moderation as opposed to completely avoiding these food items. Some of the more common items include: Carbonated soft drinks & fizzy drinks, White Pasta, Chicken, Pork, Beef, Brown sugar, Chocolate, White Sugar, Wheat bread, White rice and Processed White vinegar.