Gout is a very painful affliction that affects the joints in the body. It is a type of arthritis that is brought about by high levels of uric acid in the system. Some people may have higher than normal levels of uric acid and not have gout, but in those who do it can be a painful and even debilitating affliction. Uric acid levels may become high in one of two ways; either the body produces more uric acid than normal, or the person cannot eliminate the acid fast enough and it builds up in the system. The uric acid then crystallizes and sits in the joints while the body tries to catch up on evacuating it. This crystallized form of uric acid is very sharp and it aggravates whatever joint it may have settled into. Most commonly this is in the big toe or the foot, however gout can attack any number of joints. It can be seen in the knee, hip, and in rare cases it can even attack the elbows and hands.
Foods high in purines cause uric acid to build up in the system. Purines are found in many types of foods, and the breakdown of purines in the body during digestion causes uric acid to be released into the bloodstream. Hyperuricemia is the condition that arises when uric acid levels are higher than normal in the bloodstream. Again, some people with hyperuricemia don’t develop gout, and by itself hyperuricemia isn’t bad. However, if uric acid crystals start to develop, they will be stored in the body’s joints and at that point gout will have developed.
Diet is one of the most important considerations for people who have gout to stave off an acute gouty attack. Avoiding foods that are high in purines is the best way to avoid building up uric acid in the blood stream, and thus avoiding uric acid crystals from forming in joints. For those who already have gout it is best to stay away from foods that are high in purines. One of the main culprits is beer and alcohol. Most alcohol contains purines, but beer seems to be a major contributor to developing gout and also to leading to gout attacks. Other foods that are bad for gout sufferers are shellfish (especially lobster, clams, shrimp), asparagus, mushrooms and gamey meat. Liver, sweetbreads, brains, anchovies, and beans are all high in purines and so contribute to gouty attacks. Gravy, sardines, and broth also are high in purines. Beef is higher in purine content than chicken, so substituting chicken dishes rather than beef dishes is recommended.
Drinking a high quantity of water is also recommended because it flushes out uric acid faster. A couple of quarts of water a day will help in preventing an acute gouty attack. This will also help with many other health problems and is a very good idea in general.
Sources:
http://www.agingincanada.ca/alcohol_and_gout.htm
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Gout/default.asp
