Gout is a form of arthritis– but more painful. It occurs when you consume high levels of uric acid and causes crystals to accumulate around your joints. Uric acid levels can increase, depending on your diet, so if you are experiencing excruciating pain in your joints or want to avoid getting gout– you will need to avoid eating and drinking some types of food and beverages. 

What to Avoid

Here is a list of things you should avoid if you want to prevent gout or reduce the symptoms of gout:

• Alcohol: You should definitely avoid drinking beer and distilled liquor–especially during gout attacks. If you haven’t experienced gout but your uric acid levels are getting high– you should definitely try to drink moderately or switch to wine. 

• Red meat: Steaks are good, but everything should be in moderation. Avoid eating beef, pork, and lamb. You should also avoid organ and glandular meats too.

• Seafood: Food like tuna, sardines, shellfish, and anchovies have higher purine levels, but eating seafood in moderation is acceptable.

• Sugar: Limit your consumption of sweets and other sugary food. 

How to Prevent Gout

The key to preventing the pain, which is gout, is to regulate your uric acid levels by:

• Taking vitamin C: This vitamin not only helps boost the immune system but can also lower your uric acid levels. Usually, 500mg doses of vitamin C would do the trick, but it is ideal to speak to your doctor and ask for their recommendation first. 

• Drinking Coffee: Some studies suggest that drinking one cup of coffee a day can reduce the risks of gout. However, you need to ensure that you do not have any existing medical conditions triggered by caffeine.  

• Having a proper diet: the best way to prevent gout is to watch what you eat and avoid food and beverages high in uric acid.

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