Gout used to be known as the “disease of kings” due to its association with rich men who overindulged on rich foods and drink. A few rich and powerful people of note who have suffered with Gout are King Henry VIII who was rather obese, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

In modern times Gout is not just a problem suffered by the rich but it is part of a specific class of diseases commonly referred to as “Diseases of Affluence”. In modern times however, it is brought on by the standard Western diet of sugar, low nutrient processed foods and fat. The condition of Gout is brought on by an excess of saturated fat, too much purine rich food and not enough fiber in the diet.

The Basic Gout Diets

Firstly it is important to drink lots of water as this has the effect of diluting the amount of uric acid found in the urine, much reducing the chance of an attack. The reduction of the intake of alcohol is a key method in reducing the chances of a Gout attack as is a reduction in body weight.

Foods To Avoid On Gout Diets

The most important factor when on Gout Diets is the avoidance of foods high in purine.  These are the foods that make your body produce large amounts of uric acid, which is the main cause of Gout. Purine is found naturally in the body and is good for you in moderation. However, eating an excess of foods high in purine has the effect of significantly raising the levels of uric acid in your body. This means if you lower your intake of purine rich foods then you significantly lower your risk of developing Gout.

Protein rich foods are typically high in purine. Foods such as, turkey, sweetbreads, red meats, organ meats, sardines and anchovies.

Specific foods that you will want to limit your intake of are:

Fish and shellfish, such as: Shrimp, cod, haddock, anchovies, herrings, trout, mussels, crab, oysters and lobster.
Meat, such as: Turkey, bacon, kidney, liver, beef and pork.

Other foods with moderate levels of purine are: Chicken, duck, asparagus, kidney beans, mushrooms, Lima beans and spinach.

These foods need not be completely eliminated from your diet however as they have many health benefits, but as with anything, they should be eaten in moderation.

It is important to try to limit the intake of refined sugars such as fructose and sucrose as they have the effect of raising the level of uric acid in the body.

A great addition to Gout diets are cherries, these can be red, black, sweet yellow or red sour, these have been proven to prevent future Gout attacks and have many other health benefits.

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Gout Cures – Tip #1

One of the best ways to prevent gout, and other dietary related condition, is to eat a healthy diet. If you get any early symptoms of an initial gout attack you should immediately consider having a change of lifestyle, because the attacks will only get more frequent and more severe until you remove the causes of gout from your diet.

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Gout Cures – Tip #2

In addition to using proper medication, and some natural remedies, you can also help reduce the incidence of gout attacks through a couple of good habits. High-risk individuals are usually advised to maintain their proper weight to avoid gout. This is a gout treatment that relies much on your ability to discipline yourself.

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Gout Cures – Tip #3

Along with offering valuable information, online support groups also provide gout sufferers with emotional assistance. Some patients who suffer from the pain of gout may benefit from the inspiring stories of people who are successfully living and dealing with gout.

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