Did you know diet can impact the frequency of gout flare-ups? In combination with medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle, a research-backed meal plan can support your joint health. We’re serving up the foods to avoid and the foods to enjoy so you can lower your number of flare-ups.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a painful condition that occurs when your body has an excess of uric acid that crystallizes in your joints. It happens suddenly and usually only affects one joint at a time, most commonly the joint in the big toe. When this happens, it’s called a flare-up.
Foods to Avoid
Your body creates uric acid when it digests foods that are high in purine, so naturally, you can decrease your risk of flare-ups by limiting your intake of certain purine-rich foods, including:
- Organ meat, such as liver and sweetbreads
- Game meat, like bison and venison
- Shellfish, such as crab and shrimp
- Beer, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
- Liquor, such as whiskey and tequila
- Refined carbs, like white bread and baked goods
- Salty foods, such as cheese and lunch meat