Dr. Lam Labs, LLC

Foods That Can Cause Gout

People should be aware that there are a number of factors that contribute to gout attacks. These include certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol in the blood, and arteriosclerosis or narrowing of arteries.

Medications such as diuretics and even low dose aspirin can trigger gout attacks because these increase uric acid levels. If other family members have gout, the risk also increases. It is also more commonly seen in males than in females.

Probably the most manageable of these risk factors is the diet. Unknowingly, there are certain foods that can increase the risk of gout. These include diets high in protein and those high in purines. These cause increased levels of uric acid in the body which can form into crystals in the joints. These crystals cause inflammation and pain, commonly in the big toe. 

Seafood such as scallops, mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines, and salmon are included in those with the highest purine content. Shrimp and crab should also be avoided.

Organ meats such as liver, kidneys, brains, heart, and beef tongue are especially high in purines. These should be limited or avoided especially during a gout attack.

Similarly, meats like beef, pork, and lamb should be limited. Game meats such as pheasant, squirrel, grouse, and deer meat have fairly high levels of purines. Limit the serving size of meats to two to three ounces per day. Poultry such as turkey and chicken are considered as having moderately high amounts so these can be eaten in moderation.

Processed meat such as hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats, sausages, bologna, salami, and pepperoni can also cause gout when eaten in large amounts.

Vegetables that are found to be moderately high in purines include peas, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, and cauliflower. These vegetables should be consumed in moderation so as not to increase the risk of gout.

Cherries have been shown to exhibit anti inflammatory properties. In a study, a cup of cherries appeared to prevent future gout flare ups. This has been very useful in gout treatment and a gout supplement that has wild cherry can also be taken along with the usual gout medications to prevent gout attacks.