As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday we always think of the things we are thankful for. One thing that will hamper one’s Thanksgiving is gout. Gout can flare up after a large Thanksgiving meal. Gout affects more than 8.3 million people in America and the number has continued to rise over the last decade. Gout is caused by an increase in uric acid in the body. More than 70 percent of people who suffer from gout experience their first gout attack in their great toe (the big toe ). Though gout attacks are not always 100% preventable, there are certain foods you can avoid to decrease your chances of having an attack. This isn’t always easy, especially when you are gathered with family. A table full of high-fat foods and alcohol can exacerbate gout attacks.  Below is a list of some foods that you will want to avoid. These foods are high in purines, a chemical that helps create uric acid.

• Organ meats like livers and kidneys. (Definitely not on my list of Thanksgiving foods)
• Seafood such as shrimp, lobster, crab and shellfish. These foods might not always be the main dish but could be in some of your recipes.
• You don’t want to over consume meat in general. Lean meat is better but is still protein, which you should limit. I like to recommend consuming no more than 4 to 6 ounces daily.
• Alcohol. Gout’s biggest enemy and one of the biggest triggers. Alcohol also dehydrates you which can lead to another attack.
• Rich and heavy meals. Especially your mother or grandmother’s famous giblet gravy. (https://mgtrailer.com) This contains a ton of fat and purines. (There goes that purine word again. Stay away from it)

Fun Thanksgiving facts

• Americans consume over 51 million turkeys a year! WOW!
• America spends over $2 BILLION on Thanksgiving dinner each year.
• A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
• The first Thanksgiving lasted for three days.