Gout is an arthritic disease that is caused by an inherited defect in the body’s ability to excrete uric acid. An estimated 16 out of 1,000 people, mainly men, suffer from this painful condition. The rumor that Gout attacks those who have overindulged in rich foods and a high life style is unfounded. Together with a change in diet and prescribed medication, Gout can be controlled.
It is true that alcohol, red meat and seafood have higher levels of purine content that cause an overproduction of uric acid. By cutting out these foods altogether, the gout attacks may be less severe and experienced less often. Obesity, fast weight loss, hypertension and diabetes can also add to the frequency of an outbreak.
There is no better time to improve your intake of water than when gout has been diagnosed. Water helps to flush out the uric acid and also controls the onset of kidney stones. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are not high in purines. Those with a high level of purines include cauliflower, asparagus and mushrooms.
The two worst alcoholic beverages for gout are red wine and beer. Foods that are very high in purines include organ meats, game, shellfish, lentils and chocolate.
For more information on fighting this debilitating disease, see: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) at http://www.niams.nih.gov.