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TheGout Diet is a diet that was designed to relieve gout. Gout is a form of arthritis, which is usually found in the "cooler" areas of the body, for example the feet or toes. Gout occurs when there is excessive uric acid in the bloodstream. This causes crystal deposits to develop in the joints, which causes redness, swelling and extreme pain. For most people uric acid dissolves in the blood stream. However, a problem could arise if there is an increase of uric acid that is produced, or the kidneys do not function properly to eliminate uric acid. Recent studies have also shown that an increased consumption of foods that contain a high amount of purine can lead to gout. Purine is a chemical that forms uric acid when it is broken down by the body.

Dr. Hyon K. Choi led a study to determine if the foods consumed had an affect on gout. Dr. Choi's findings were reported in the March 11, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research team in this study followed 47,150 men who had no prior history of gout. They studied these men over a twelve year period. During the course of the twelve year period 730 men were diagnosed with gout.

The study concluded that participants who consumed the highest amount of meat were 40 percent more likely to have gout than those who ate the least amount of meat. Also, the participants who ate the most seafood were 50 percent more likely to have gout than those who ate the least amount of seafood. Dr. Choi's team also found that not all foods that are high in purine were associated with an increased risk of gout. Peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, and spinach did not increase the risk of gout. They also found that low fat dairy products help to decrease the risk of gout, while protein overall had no effect on gout. A final conclusion of the study is that the same diets that are linked to cardiovascular disease are also linked to gout.

What Should I Eat if I Have Gout?

You may ask yourself, "how much purine is allowed in a gout diet?" People who suffer from gout should eat a diet that is made up of foods that are high in complex carbohydrates as well as low in protein and low in fat. They should avoid foods that are high purine foods, and focus their eating on low purine foods. Foods that have a medium level of purine can be consumed in moderation.

High Purine Foods

* Beer
* Anchovies
* Organ Meat (i.e. liver, kidney, etc.)
* Game Meats
* Gravies
* Yeast
* Sardines
* Mackerel
* Scallops

Medium Purine Foods

* Fresh Fish
* Saltwater Fish
* Shellfish
* Poultry
* Meat Soups and Broth
* Asparagus
* Mushrooms
* Cauliflower
* Spinach
* Legumes
* Oatmeal
* Bran
* Wheat Germ
* Whole-Grain Breads and Cereals
* Eggs
* Lentils
* Dried Peas
* Dried Beans

Low Purine Foods

* White Flour, Low Fiber, or Refined Grain Breads and Cereals
* Nuts
* Peanut Butter
* Vegetable Soups
* Cream Style Soups from Low Fat Milk
* Coffee
* Tea
* Fruit Juices
* Soft Drinks
* Low Fat Cheeses
* Ice-cream
* Pudding
* Vegetables (Not On the List Above)
* Pasta
* Rice
* Gelatin
* Sugar (In Small Amounts)

Keep a Healthy Body Weight

It is very important for a person with gout to keep a healthy body weight. Obesity can increase uric acid production in the body and worsen gout. Talk to your doctor to come up with an appropriate well balanced diet to help you lose any excess body weight. Also, stay away from high protein- low carbohydrate diets, because they can actually worsen gout conditions.

Recommendations

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