Gout: Diet and Management
What is gout? 
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid deposits in the joints, and this is painful. The pain usually starts in the toe and goes up the leg.
What causes gout?
The exact cause is unknown. Men get gout more often than women, and it is possibly genetic. Other risk factors include:
*Heavy alcohol use (especially beer)
*Diabetes
*High blood pressure
*Obesity
*Sickle-cell anemia
*Kidney disease
*Certain medicines (may also increase risk)
What is a gout attack?
A gout attack is sudden pain, often with fever, chills, and fatigue. An attack can last several days. Stress, alcohol, drugs, crash diets, or another illness can cause an attack. Another attack may not occur for a long time and often seems to occur at random.
Did my diet cause my gout?
A diet high in meat and saturated fats, alcohol intake, obesity, and some medications are all associated with gout. Eating too much, drinking too much, and gaining weight seem to make a person more apt to get gout.
What should I eat?
To help manage your gout:
*Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids during or between attacks (this is important)
*Limit your alcohol intake
*Limit the following foods:
Organ Meats (brain, kidney, and heart;) Anchovies, Sardines, Shellfish, Fish, Eggs,
Asparagus, Dried Beans, Lentils, Mushrooms Dried Peas, Spinach, Meats, Poultry, and Fish (you can have 4−6 ounces/day)
References: American Dietetic Association. Nutrition Care ManualŪ.
