Diet has a direct effect on gout because the uric acid that causes a gout attack comes from food. Your body creates the uric acid when it breaks down the purines in certain foods. When there’s too much uric acid in your blood stream, it crystalizes and settles in your joint spaces, causing gout. By eating gout-safe foods and avoiding ones that have high purine contents, you help control the levels of uric acid in your blood. This decreases the odds of a flare-up.

This means sticking to a strict diet. You’ll have to cut out or limit red meat. Many types of seafood, including anchovies, scallops, and tuna, are bad as well. Cut out alcohol as much as you can, too. Beer and liquors are especially bad for gout. Instead, consume lots of water, fruits and vegetables, and moderate amounts of whole grains. Lean meats and low-fat dairy products supplement your protein. If you’d like more help managing your gout, or you’re concerned your diet puts you at risk for it, let us at Carolina Podiatry Group know. You can make an appointment online, or call: (803) 285-1411 for our Lancaster office, or (803) 548-FEET to reach us in Indian Land.