Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, which occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body. Typically uric acid dissolves in the blood or is flushed out through urine. But if there is an issue with the normal functioning of the body, this process gets hampered, leading to extra uric acid collecting in joints, causing painful aches. Fortunately, there is a certain low-cost strategy to manage this condition. Given below are some of the foods to avoid for gout.

• Alcohol

Since uric acid comes from high-purine foods, it is best to avoid anything that contains it. Beer comprises an extremely high amount of purine, which makes it hard for your kidney to get rid of uric acid. It’s best to avoid other distilled liquors or limit the consumption to reduce any risk for recurrent gout attacks. At the very least, clinicians recommend drinking in moderation, which is not more than a drink or two in a day. But completely abstain from drinking when you’re experiencing a gout flare.

• Organ Meat

Organ meat is one food you should fully avoid if you have gout. It contains a high amount of purines, especially meat like liver, kidney, heart, tripe and glandular meats like the thymus or pancreas (you may know them as sweetbreads). You can replace it with lamb or beef, which has low purine content. However, the portion size should be controlled regardless of the protein.

• Soft Drinks

Though sugar fructose in soft drinks is not high in purines, your body breaks it down to form it. So, it’s good to avoid soft drinks that are high in sugar. Even fruit juices like orange juice should be restrained from, as it contains high levels of uric acid. Avoid beverages such as pop soda, pre-packed fruit drinks, specialty coffee and tea drinks, candy, and sugary desserts like pastries, donuts, cake, and cookies as well.

• Seafood

Particular types of seafood such as anchovies, scallops, mussels, tuna, crab, shrimp, sardines, herring, trout, mackerel, shrimp, lobster, haddock and more, contain moderate to high levels of purine. While it may be okay for an occasional indulgence, you should try to cut back on them. You have a little more freedom in your food choices when your gout is at bay, but it’s still a good idea to keep seafood and meat intake to a minimum.

• Turkey

Gout-prone people should also minimize the intake of turkey and goose meats since they have higher levels of purine than other foods. Switch to safer choices like chicken or duck, which comparatively have low purine levels.

• Asparagus

Some vegetables that are high in purine level are asparagus, cauliflower, and spinach. There is no harm in consuming them till the time the portion size is controlled. The body has an easier time removing purines from vegetable sources than meat.