Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, tendons, and other bodily tissues. Even as the medical condition is more common amongst men over 30, it is also known to develop in women who are post-menopausal or hypertensive. Several risks factors increase the chances of developing gout; therefore living a healthier life-style is crucial. Consequently, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease have recommended a variety of foods to avoid for gout.

Gout is the result of high concentration of uric acid in the bloodstream or hyperuricemia. The high levels of uric acid form hard crystals or urates in the joints causing pain and inflammation. More so, chronic gout may lead to a chalky, gritty substance called tophi that lodges in the joints or deposits inside the ears.

In even worse cases, the condition can lead to kidney stones. As you can see, if gout is left untreated, it is significantly damaging to major organs and tissues of the body. One significant way to deter the damage caused by the disease is to self- educate regarding the foods to avoid for gout.

In most cases, an excess amount of uric acid in the blood is simply the result of living an unhealthy life- style. Specifically, the gout victims’ diet is extremely unhealthy. There are a variety of foods or beverages that people consume daily that are rich in the chemical purine that converts into uric acid.

An unhealthy rich-purine and rich-protein diet leads to uric acid build up in the body which alleviates the kidney’s ability to properly excrete the toxins. As gout is often associated with cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney failure, a healthy diet is beneficial. Major risk factors for gout are obesity and excessive alcohol intake. These factors can also be controlled with a proper diet.

The key to preventing and controlling gout is to avoid foods that increase the level of uric acid in the body. The long list of foods to avoid for gout will include not only foods, but also beverages which are considered healthy and safe. Some beverages that people who are at risk for chronic gout should avoid include:

- Coffee
- Tea
- Cocoa
- Chocolate
- Beer

Some foods that are high in purine and should be avoided to deter painful gout attacks are:

- Hearts
- Mussels
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Sweetbreads
- Mutton
- Veal
- Yeast
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Trout
- Pheasant
- Goose
- Scallops
- Liver
- Bacon

Avoiding these foods and beverages and living a healthy life-style will control and perhaps prevent excess uric acid levels. The ultimate goal for gout therapy is to prevent pain and further gout attacks.