Some foods contain higher levels of purines (a type of organic compound) than others and when purines are broken down by the body they produce uric acid as a by product. Uric acid is usually removed from the body as a waste product but in some bodies either there is too high a level for this to happen, or the liver and kidneys are not functioning adequately. This usually gives rise to a condition known as gout, which is similar to arthritis and is characterized by the build up of uric acid within the joints.

As a result of gout being caused by purines it makes sense that we look straight towards food to reduce the amount of purines that we consume, and allow our bodies to recover from the condition. For some people this is easier said than done but once you have identified the gout causing foods and have taken a look at the guideline daily amounts for each food group it is easy to find alternatives and still have a balanced diet.

Gout is particularly hard on meat eaters, with beef, lamb, venison, pork and bacon being the main culprits. Fish and all seafood is also very high in purines so it's important to find a good replacement for the protein you get from this kind of food. Protein should make up 1/8 of your diet so while it's not as important as fruit and veg (1/3) you should still be including it. You can get protein from nuts, eggs and pulses so instead of tuna mayonnaise on a jacket potato have egg salad with salad cream instead.

The other food group affected by a gout friendly diet is starch which should make up a huge 1/3 of your entire diet. This group includes carbohydrates such as rice, bread, pasta, cereals and potatoes. Gout causing foods in this food group are only the ones that contain yeast, and therefore bread. You can replace bread with any of the other foods in this food group but do remember that beer, ale and lager all contain yeast too. If you are going to have an alcoholic drink try mixing a spirit with a soft drink or sticking to wine.

Of course, if you order a meal and you discover it has bacon in the sauce, or a bread base then just eating these gout causing foods once a week will not do too much harm. Do try to remember though that the less, the better and you need to be very strict with yourself in terms of diet.

Avoiding gout causing foods is essential if you are to prevent your condition from getting worse and try to improve it. What is just as important, however, is that you don't simply remove foods without replacing them either. If you don't think you will be able to do this then discuss it with your doctor who may refer you to a dietitian who will help you plan a rota for meals and ones that will keep you in optimum health.

Stan Tian

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