Hi there! Thank you for your question. Gout is a syndrome caused by the inflammatory response to tissue deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) and symptoms or ““attacks”” occur when there is too much uric acid in the blood. The way it works is purine rich food will broken down to simpler forms and uric acid is the byproduct of that process. When uric acid levels are high, crystals of it can accumulate in your joints.

This process triggers the swelling, inflammation and pain. Because of this both proper diet and medications are important for the control of gout. Food rich that has high purine content should be avoid such as:
1. Organ meats (brain, kidney and liver)
2. Game meats (veal, venison and pheasant)
3. Fish: (sardine, tuna, haddock, herring, trout, mackerel, anchovies, haddock and more)
4. Other seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops and roe)
5. Sugary beverages (sodas and fruit juices)
6. Added sugars (corn syrup, honey and nectar)
7. Yeasts
8. Refined carbs (cakes, biscuits and bread)

Research shows that high-purine vegetables do not trigger gout attacks. This is one exception to the rule. There are researches that show that there are food that reduces uric acid levels or contains low purine levels. These include:

1. Fruits. All fruits are generally fine for gout. Cherries may even help prevent attacks by lowering uric acid levels and reducing inflammation.
2. Vegetables such as potatoes, peas, mushrooms, eggplants and dark green leafy vegetables.
3. Legumes such as lentils, beans, soybeans and tofu.
4. Nuts
5. Whole grains such as oats, brown rice and barley.
6. Dairy products. All dairy is safe, but low-fat dairy appears to be especially beneficial
7. Eggs
8. Beverages such as coffee, tea and green tea.
9. Herbs and spices
10. Plant-based oils such as canola, coconut, olive and flax oils.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your inquiries. Thank you.