People with severe gout conditions often need to watch their diet. A gout-friendly diet plan is an effective measure to control uric acid levels in the body as higher levels cause pain and sudden inflammation in the joints, affecting toes, wrists, heels, knees, and fingers. Patients suffering from gout attacks are recommended to lose weight too if they are overweight. Experts believe that dietary plans can go a long way in losing weight, leading to lowered uric acid levels in the body. Following healthy dietary tips for gout means taking care of what you eat and maintaining the right nutrition levels while eliminating foods that trigger gout symptoms. So what would these tips include?

Certain foods high in purines are known to trigger uric acid levels. These include offal, red meats, seafood, and alcohol. Hence, according to various dietary tips for gout, include foods with low purine content in your diet. However, some food items like sugar-sweetened beverages and fructose also cause gout pain although they are not purine-rich and a higher intake of these food items often increases the risk of the condition. They raise the uric acid level by triggering several cellular processes. To reduce gout attacks, it is important to also moderate lifestyle habits along with medication.

Here are a few dietary tips for gout that will reduce gout attacks and ensure healthy weight loss:

Fruits
All fruits are good for this condition. Some fruits like cherry can help prevent gout attacks by reducing uric acid levels in the body.

Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, eggplants, and all vegetables, in general, are good for gout and can be added to all meals.

Whole grains
Oats, barley, and brown rice among others are beneficial in reducing uric acid levels in the body. Hence, a wholesome meal must include whole grains for nutrition and health.

Meats in moderation
Chicken, beef, pork, and lamb can be added to meals in extremely regulated, limited proportions since they contain a moderate amount of purines.

Plant-based oils
Canola, coconut, olive and flax oil are plant-based oils and are ideal for patients suffering from gout flares.

Beverages
Coffee, tea, and green tea are good for gout but should be ideally taken without sugar if you wish to lose weight.

Legumes
All legumes, including lentils, soybeans, tofu, and beans are recommended in this condition.

Foods to avoid when suffering from gout
Certain foods high in purine such as anchovies, sardines, offal foods such as liver, kidney, sweetbreads, gravy, stock cubes, meat and yeast extracts (e.g. Vegemite), sugary drinks and alcohol must be avoided. Additionally, it is important to make note of the following.

Avoid refined carbs
White bread, cakes, and cookies must be avoided. Although low in purines or fructose, they are low in nutrients, and hence, not ideal for gout patients.

Cut saturated fat intake
Constant intake of saturated fat can slow down the body’s natural ability to eliminate uric acid. Hence, it is recommended to go slow on these and switch to more lean proteins and low-fat dairy products.

Stay hydrated
Adequate water intake lowers the risk of developing urate crystals around the joint and also cuts toxins in the body. Staying hydrated through the day also helps in weight loss.