There are a number of measures that will help prevent gout from developing or prevent recurrence of gout attacks.
- Avoid foods high in purines.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Lose weight (if necessary) and maintain an appropriate weight.
Gout pain is caused by glass-like crystals of uric acid that build-up in your joints. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of waste products called purines. Therefore, one of the main treatments for gout is to avoid foods and beverages that are high in purines. These include:
-
Organ meats, such as:
- Liver
- Kidney
- Brain
- Sweetbread
- Heart
- Fish roe
- Mussels
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Sardines
-
Legumes, such as:
- Dried beans
- Peas
- Soybeans
- Meat extracts
- Consomm
- Gravies
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Poultry
-
Alcoholic beverages, especially:
- Beer and wine
- Binge drinking of any type of alcoholic beverage
The severity of gout varies from person to person. Talk with your healthcare provider about how strict your diet should be for your individual situation.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Fluids help flush uric acid from the body, so drinking lots of fluids can help control and prevent recurrence of gout attacks.
Lose Weight and Maintain an Appropriate Weight
Losing weight can help lower uric acid levels. If you are overweight, losing weight should help reduce your symptoms and prevent future gout attacks. However, do not go on a crash diet because this can make your gout worse. Consult your healthcare provider for help designing a safe and effective weight loss program that includes:
Setting a proper weight loss goal
An appropriate diet to both lose weight and maintain a proper weight. For more information on achieving and maintaining a healthful weight, click here.
A regular exercise program. For more information on starting a regular exercise program, click here.
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html.
American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
Last reviewed May 2007 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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