What Foods to Avoid With Gout

Gout is one of the oldest recognized forms of arthritis, with a medical history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally known as a “rich man’s disease” because it was associated with rich foods and alcohol, which were generally unavailable to the lower classes.

Today it affects people of all socioeconomic statuses. The types of foods you eat can have a direct impact on gout symptoms and severity. More specifically, foods high in purines tend to result in more symptom flare-ups.

Among people with gout, acute purine intake increased the risk of recurrent gout attacks nearly fivefold, according to a 2014 study.

What Are Purines?

Purines are chemical compounds found naturally in foods, as well as in your body.  Natural purines in your body are called endogenous purines, whereas purines found in foods you eat are called exogenous purines. Exogenous purines are broken down in the body by the digestive system. 

Uric acid is created as a byproduct when either exogenous and endogenous purines are processed by the body. The majority of uric acid is reabsorbed by the body, with the remainder being excreted in the urine and feces.

If the amount of purines in the body is more than it can process, uric acid builds up in the blood, in a condition called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia results in a buildup of uric acid crystals in the body, often leading to kidney stones or gout, though some people have no signs or symptoms at all.

It’s recommended that people with hyperuricemia or gout avoid or limit eating foods that are high in purines to help reduce the purine load in the body. Foods high in purines include some sugary foods, red meats, organ meats, seafood, yeasts, and alcoholic beverages.

Sugars

Sugar seems to increase uric acid levels. Fructose is a natural form of sugar found in some foods. Fructose, as well as the high-fructose corn syrup added to some foods, can increase serum uric acid levels. Avoiding or limiting foods high in these sugars may help lessen the symptoms of gout.

Some fruits are naturally high in fructose, though the association between fruit and gout is unclear. If you have gout, you don’t have to avoid all fruit. However, some fruit juices may need to be avoided or limited.

Be sure to consume only one serving of fruit at a time, such as a small apple or orange, 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice, 1 ounce (a palm-full) of dried fruit, or a half-cup of fresh fruit. Gout triggers can be individual, so pay attention to the fruits (and amounts) you eat and if they seem to set off a gout attack.

Sugar-sweetened beverages can increase uric acid levels in the blood. A 2020 review of studies found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was significantly associated with an increased risk of gout and hyperuricemia in adults. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks or soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks.

Processed Foods and Refined Carbs

The modern Western diet is often high in processed foods and refined carbohydrates. In addition, processed foods and refined carbohydrates have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain.

A 2017 study looked at gout incidence in people who followed either a Western diet or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The researcher found the DASH diet was associated with a lower risk of gout, whereas the Western diet was associated with a higher risk of gout.

To help prevent gout symptoms, it’s best to limit highly processed foods and beverages and foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, baked goods and pastries, chips, crackers, cookies, candies, soda, ice cream, white breads, and some pre-made frozen meals.

Eating highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates in moderation will not only help with your gout, but your overall health as well.

Red Meat and Organ Meat

Red meat and organ meats are high in purines. Eating these foods increases the uric acid levels in the blood and the risk of gout and gout attacks.

Keep your red meat (including beef, venison, and bison) and organ meats (including liver, heart, sweetbreads, tongue, and kidney) intake low. Chicken has moderate amounts of purines, and therefore should be eaten in moderation.

Protein is important for the body, and though you may need to limit protein from some animal sources, you can still get protein from other sources. Low-fat dairy seems to decrease the risk of gout and is a good source of protein in the diet. Other protein foods you can eat include eggs, nuts and nut butters, beans, and tofu.

Meats to avoid:

• Beef, pork, and chicken livers
• Other organ meats, such as kidney or heart
• Wild game

Meats to limit:

• Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
• Poultry
• Meat-based soups and gravies
• Processed meats, such as salami and prosciutto

Fish and Seafood

Certain types of seafood are high in purines, and therefore should be avoided on a gout-friendly diet. Other seafood are moderate in purines and should be limited to one to two, 2- to 3-ounce servings daily.

Fatty fishes, such as tuna and salmon, are generally considered a healthy, nutritious addition to the diet, mostly due to the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids they contain. However, due to their higher purine content, it is currently recommended to limit these foods if you have gout.

With that said, a 2019 study found that eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids was associated with lower risk of recurrent gout flares, but supplemental omega-3 fatty acids were not. More research is needed to clarify these effects. 

Seafood to avoid:

• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Jack mackerel
• Herring
• Mussels
• Codfish
• Scallops
• Trout
• Haddock

Seafood to limit:

• Lobster
• Crab
• Shrimp
• Oysters
• Clam
• Salmon

Beer and Liquor

Alcohol consumption has long been associated with gout. As a result, it's recommended to avoid alcohol with gout. In particular beer, hard liquor and other grain alcohols.

Frequent alcohol intake is known to cause chronic hyperuricemia, increasing the risk of gout and gout attacks. Because of this, it is recommended to avoid some alcohol, such as beer, altogether and consume others, like wine, only in moderation.

Alcohol to avoid:

• Hard liquor
• Beer
• Other grain alcohols

Alcohol to limit:

• Wine

Yeasts

Certain yeasts and yeast extracts are high in purines and should be avoided with gout. Supplements and foods with these should be avoided to keep uric acid levels down. Yeast extract can sometimes be found in foods, such as some soy sauces, canned soups and stews, frozen dinners, and salty snacks.

High Purine Vegetables Are OK

Some vegetables and plant foods, such as peas, beans, lentils, spinach, mushrooms, oats, and cauliflower, are high in purines. However, several studies have shown that they do not increase the risk of gout.

In fact, the opposite seems to be true, with a vegetable-rich diet being associated with a lower risk of gout compared with the lower consumption of vegetables. Therefore, you do not need to limit or avoid any vegetables on a gout-friendly diet.

Weight Management

Besides reducing gout symptom flare-ups, following a gout-friendly diet may have other health benefits as well. Following a diet with less processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, and that is rich in vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods may help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. 

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases suggests that a higher body mass index is a risk factor for gout and that people who were overweight and obese were at significantly higher risk of incident gout. In addition, people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or both were at higher risk of incident gout and of gout flares in those with prevalent gout.

Being at a healthy weight may also be less taxing on your joints, thereby slowing the progression of joint damage. If you desire to lose weight, a slow and steady approach is best for your health, as you'll be more likely to maintain this healthy lifestyle change over the long run.

A Word From Verywell

Following a gout-friendly diet may seem difficult or unrealistic to some people, especially if the foods to avoid are ones you frequently consume. Work with your healthcare providers and start by making small changes to help you to feel more empowered.

Remember that gout triggers can be individual, and what causes a flare-up for one person may not make noticeable difference to another. Have patience and keep your long-term goal of living a healthy life free of gout symptoms in mind.