Gout: Changing your diet
Introduction
Gout is a form of arthritis marked by sudden attacks of painful, inflamed joints. If it is not controlled, gout can cause severe damage to joints, tendons, and other tissues.
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. This used to be treated with a strict diet, but now there are medicines that can control it. These medicines have largely replaced the need to restrict what you eat.
But making changes in your diet may still help with your gout. If you want to try an eating plan for gout, this Actionset can help you learn more about how to eat in ways that may help you keep your gout under control and still get the nutrition you need.
Key Points
To help control your gout:
- Limit foods that are high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer.
- Eat a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need and helps you control your weight.
- Eat low-fat dairy products, which may lower your risk of gout.1
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids. This can help your body get rid of uric acid.
What are purines and uric acid?
Why might you want to follow an eating plan for gout?
How to eat to help control your gout
Where to get more information
Now that you have read this information, you can make choices that limit high-purine foods in your diet. Talk with your doctor about the changes to your diet. He or she may have more suggestions and tips on how to avoid high-purine foods. You may also want to meet with a registered dietitian for more ideas about a healthful diet for you.
Return to topic:
Gout.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 24, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology | |
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