Salmon bad for gout: Top Foods to Avoid When You Have Gout
Top Foods to Avoid When You Have Gout
If you have gout, do all you can to avoid foods high in purines. Here’s what to watch out for.
By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Samir Dalvi, MD
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed
Certain foods are problematic for people with gout, and you’ll feel better if you avoid them.Canva
If you live with the painful form of inflammatory arthritis called gout, you may take medication to manage your symptoms and prevent flares. But you can also help yourself avoid gout symptoms by watching what you eat and drink.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood, which for some people can lead to swollen, painful joints. Uric acid is a waste product produced when your body breaks down chemicals called purines, which are found naturally in many foods.
Limiting the foods you eat that are high in purines is one dietary change the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends as part of your gout treatment.
Here are some foods and drinks you should avoid.
Alcohol
The ACR recommends everyone with gout limit the amount of alcohol they drink. The group’s 2020 gout management guidelines cite research that shows people who don’t drink have lower uric acid levels and are less likely to have gout flares than people who do.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the process of digesting any kind of alcohol raises your uric acid levels. Beer in particular is risky because it also has a high purine content.
Meat
Animal protein is a big source of purines. Researchers who’ve measured the purine content of different foods have found them in every kind of meat they tested. Many low-purine gout diets, like the one described by the Mayo Clinic, have you eat less red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, and more poultry. You may need to experiment to see which kinds of animal protein you can tolerate, and in what amounts.
People who live with the chronic pain of gout should consider avoiding organ meats, such as kidneys, sweetbreads, and liver, because they are high in purines.
Seafood
Some seafood is higher in purines than others. At the top end are anchovies, herring, mackerel, roe (fish eggs), sardines, tuna, trout, and many kinds of shellfish, including mussels, oysters, scallops, and shrimp.
Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of eating certain kinds of seafood may outweigh the risks for you. Some, like salmon, contain heart-healthy fats.
A Caution About Vegetables
As good for you as vegetables are in general, some have been found to be high in purines, including asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, and certain mushrooms. But research published in the December 2020 issue of Nutrients found that high-purine vegetables don’t aggravate gout the same way that high-purine animal-based foods do. One further precaution when balancing foods and gout: Many dried beans, peas, and lentils are high in purines, and you may find you need to avoid them.
Fructose and Gout
Fructose is what gives some fruits (and vegetables) their natural sweetness.
And high-fructose corn syrup is used to make thousands of products, from soft drinks to baked goods.
Uric acid is a by-product of your body’s digestion of fructose, so foods and drinks high in fructose can trigger gout symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation. But not all sources of fructose are the same.
The ACR says you should limit high-fructose corn syrup. That means cutting out soda and checking the labels on processed food and drinks. As far as whole fruit, researchers have found it to be generally safe for people with gout, possibly because fruit has other nutrients that blunt the effects of uric acid.
Gout Treatment and Diet
Avoiding purine-rich foods is only part of your gout treatment. The ACR also recommends losing weight to help your gout symptoms. Just be sure your weight loss is slow and steady: If you lose weight too rapidly, the amount of uric acid in your body may increase. Overall, the best diet is one based on foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber.
Talk to your doctor about how to create a gout diet that’s right for you.
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Choosing whole grains, vegetables, and fruits — especially cherries — may help gout.Getty Images
Gout causes swelling and inflammation in the joints. It’s a painful form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body.
A Look at How You Get Gout
Uric acid is a normal waste product in the blood that comes from the breakdown of certain foods.
It’s processed in the kidneys before being eliminated from the body in urine.
Excess Body Weight and Gout
Being overweight is associated with higher-than-normal uric acid levels. Since this is a major risk factor for gout, losing weight is often the goal of a gout diet.
Dieting and Weight Loss to Prevent Gout
Losing weight may help lower your uric acid levels and reduce your risk of future gout attacks. A 2017 review of studies suggested that a weight loss of about eight pounds or more led to long-term reductions in uric acid levels and gout attacks in overweight or obese people. (1)
An Overview of Dietary Approaches to Manage and Prevent Gout
The main principles of a gout diet are usually the same as those of any healthy, balanced diet.
They include:
- If you’re overweight, reduce the number of calories you consume.
- Choose unrefined carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods.
- Limit your intake of red meats and organ meats (such as kidney, liver, or sweetbreads).
- Cut back on saturated fats.
Dietary Causes of Gout and Gouty Arthritis
Some people with gout find it helpful to eliminate specific high-purine foods from their diet. (2) Certain high-purine foods may trigger gout attacks in some people.
Most people with gout will still need medication even if they follow a diet for gout.
Dietary changes alone can lower your uric acid levels by up to 15 percent, according to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, an independent scientific institute that evaluates the benefits and harms of medical interventions. (2)
It’s not necessary to avoid all high-purine foods if you have gout. Studies have shown that purine-rich vegetables don’t trigger gout. (3) And certain high-purine foods can be a good source of lean protein to incorporate into your diet.
Purine-rich vegetarian foods to include in your diet are:
- Peas
- Beans
- Lentils
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Oats
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
Foods to Avoid to Control or Prevent Gout
The following foods may trigger gout attacks in some people:
- Red meat
- Organ meats
- Certain types of seafood (anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops)
- Products containing high-fructose corn syrup
Drinks that can trigger gout include:
- Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, whiskey, gin, vodka, or rum
- Sugary drinks, including sodas, juices, energy drinks
- Coffee and other caffeinated beverages. While some studies show that caffeine can actually protect against gout pain, others find that sudden spikes in caffeine intake can trigger a gout attack.
Dietary Supplements for Gout Management and Prevention
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or vitamins you take or may want to take.
Supplements and other remedies may interfere with medication.
Vitamin C supplements (up to 500 mg daily) are sometimes recommended for people with gout. (4)
One study found that taking 500 mg of vitamin C per day had a mild uric-acid–lowering effect. (5) Yet it’s not clear whether vitamin C helps relieve gout symptoms.
A 2013 study showed that supplementing with 500 mg of vitamin C for eight weeks did not significantly lower uric acid levels in patients with gout. (6)
Cherry Juice for Gout Management?
Cherries and cherry juice are a popular folk remedy for gout, but the scientific evidence to support their supposed benefits is still coming in.
In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to several cherry product manufacturers for overselling the health benefits of their products in advertisements. (7)
Nonetheless, there’s reason to believe that cherries may help fight gout. They contain chemical compounds called anthocyanins, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation.
(8)
Cherries may also have a beneficial effect on uric acid levels.
One large study of people with recurrent gout found that eating cherries was associated with a lower risk of gout attacks, especially when cherry consumption was combined with taking a common uric acid-lowering drug. (9)
Despite these findings, experts say that more research is needed before any definitive recommendations can be made about cherries or cherry juice for gout.
Gout Cookbooks and Gout-Friendly Eating Plans
- Martin K. The Gout Diet and Cookbook: An Introduction to Low Purine Foods and Meals for People With Gout. 2016.
- Preston C. Gout Diet: The Anti-inflammatory Gout Diet. 2015.
- Shah M. Gout Cookbook: 85 Healthy Homemade and Low Purine Recipes for People With Gout (A Complete Gout Diet Guide and Cookbook). 2016.
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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Nielsen S, Bartels E, Henriksen M, et al. Weight Loss for Overweight and Obese Individuals With Gout: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. October 9, 2017.
- Gout. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. May 17, 2018.
- Gout Diet: Dos and Don’ts. Arthritis Foundation.
- Neogi T. Lifestyle Modification and Other Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Gout Flares and Progression of Gout. UpToDate. August 31, 2022.
- Huang HY, Appel L, Choi M, et al. The Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum Concentrations of Uric Acid: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism. June 2005.
- Stamp L, O’Donnell J, Frampton C, et al. Clinically Insignificant Effect of Supplemental Vitamin C on Serum Urate in Patients With Gout: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism. May 30, 2013.
- Cherry Companies Warned by FDA Against Making Health Claims. The Produce News. November 1, 2005.
- Do Cherries Prevent Gout? Arthritis-health.com. February 19, 2020.
- Terkeltaub R. Are Cherries Now Ripe for Use as a Complementary Therapeutic in Gout? Appraisal of the State of Evidence. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. December 2013.
Weight Loss for Overweight and Obese Individuals With Gout: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. October 9, 2017.
Show Less
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Is tilapia good for gout?
Because they are finned fish, tilapia is a good choice for gout but we are not big fans of this fish here at Dr. gourmet. Because most tilapia are farmed and fed soy or corn, they often have higher levels of omega-6 fats.
Likewise, are shrimp high in uric acid? Tip #1: Cut down on seafood
Some seafood, such as shrimp, crab legs, lobster, oysters, clams, and scallops, are rich in purine, which is broken down into uric acid in the body.
Is galunggong good for gout? Fish oil capsules contain omega-3 fatty acids; these fats can help relieve some of the symptoms of gout, as well as many other heart and blood disorders.
Second, is chicken high in uric acid?
One of the most important purines to watch out for is hypoxanthine. Chicken is mostly a moderate purine food. But the amount of purines in certain cuts ranges from low to very high.
Cuts, safe for gout.
| Purines in chicken | ||
|---|---|---|
| CHICKEN CUTS (100g) | TOTAL PURINE | RANGE |
| Chest, without skin | 141.2 mg | Moderate |
| Liver | <300 mg | High |
• 29January 2022
In addition to the above, is salmon high in uric acid?
Some seafood contains more purines than others. The worst for people with gout are anchovies, cod, haddock, herring, mackerel, mussels, caviar (fish roe), sardines, scallops and trout.
“Salmon seems to be the exception and the best seafood choice for gout sufferers,” Sandon says.
Contents
Can I have chicken with gout?
Resume. Chicken is a lean, healthy type of protein. This can help you lose weight and keep it off. But it contains purines, which are harmful to gout patients.
Is salmon good for gout?
Some seafood contains more purines than others. The worst for people with gout are anchovies, cod, haddock, herring, mackerel, mussels, caviar (fish roe), sardines, scallops and trout. “Salmon seems to be the exception and the best seafood choice for gout sufferers,” Sandon says.
High uric acid chicken?
All chicken cuts fall into this category, although some other poultry—such as goose, partridge, and duck—contain 100 to 1,000 milligrams of purine compounds per 3-ounce serving and should be avoided.
Does pork cause gout?
Does pork cause gout? Pork itself does not cause gout.
However, a diet high in purines may increase the risk of developing gout. 6 Gout occurs when the body produces more uric acid than it can remove, resulting in crystals in the joints and tissues.
Does tuna cause gout?
Fish, such as tuna, are high in purines, which can trigger a gout attack. People without gout should also limit their intake of tuna, as it contains high levels of sodium and moderate to high amounts of mercury. Too much is bad for you.
Is it possible to eat potatoes with gout?
Lots of starchy carbohydrates
These can be rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, couscous, quinoa, barley or oats and should be included in every meal. These foods contain only small amounts of purines, so they, along with fruits and vegetables, should form the basis of your diet.
Is pork good for gout?
Pork Nutrition
Loin tenderloins such as pork loin, filleted pork chop and filleted pork roast are excellent sources of lean protein.
These cuts can be part of a healthy gout diet. Lean protein is also a good choice for people looking to lose or maintain weight for gout-related health reasons.
What kills uric acid in the body?
Nutritionists usually advise us to drink plenty of water to remove excess uric acid from the body, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Is it possible to eat noodles with gout?
Optional: Cereals and grains (rice porridge, noodles, pasta, rice, crackers, white bread), vegetables (other than those mentioned above), potatoes, taro, yams, fruits, fruit juices, eggs, fatty or low fat dairy products. 5. Avoid alcohol.
Is there a lot of uric acid in canned tuna?
Tuna and other cold water fish are considered healthy but are relatively high in purines, which can be problematic for gout. Purines are chemical compounds that break down to form uric acid, a substance that causes gout attacks in susceptible people.
Do eggs cause gout?
Researchers found no significant association between the risk of gout and consumption of the following foods: eggs.
Can I eat turkey if I have gout?
Purine compounds can increase the level of uric acid, which then accumulates in the joints and causes the painful symptoms of gout. Examples of meats that gout patients should avoid are bacon, turkey, goose, veal, venison, and organ meats such as liver, kidney, or sweetbread. Instead, meat lovers should try chicken and duck.
Is there a lot of uric acid in pork?
Since pork is moderately high in purines, eating too much or too often can increase uric acid levels, making gout symptoms worse. Fatty cuts of pork and pork cooked with high-fat butter, cheese, or creamy sauces can exacerbate inflammation by increasing the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
Are potatoes good for gout?
Purine digestion can cause your body to produce uric acid as a by-product, making gout worse.
Foods that may be preferred for gout include fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, peas, mushrooms, legumes such as lentils, beans, soybeans, all nuts and seeds, and dairy products.
Is bacon good for gout?
Purine compounds can increase the level of uric acid, which then accumulates in the joints and causes the painful symptoms of gout. Examples of meats that gout patients should avoid are bacon, turkey, goose, veal, venison, and organ meats such as liver, kidney, or sweetbread.
What kind of meat is possible with gout?
Red meat does not have as many purines as organ meats, but they are sufficient, so it is wise to eat beef, venison and bison only occasionally to lower uric acid levels. Your safest bet is white meats like pork and chicken.
Is chicken good for gout?
Potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. Eggs (in moderation) Meats like fish, chicken, and red meat are good to eat in moderation (4 to 6 ounces per day).
Vegetables: You may see vegetables like spinach and asparagus on the high purine list, but studies show they do not increase the risk of gout or gout attacks.
What is the best bread for gout?
Although whole grain bread contains more purines than white bread, if you are on a low calorie weight loss diet, whole grain bread may be the best bread for gout because it has a higher nutritional value than white bread. There is some evidence that vitamin C may help lower uric acid levels.
Is cheese good for gout?
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are low in purines and are well suited to a diet to treat or prevent gout. They are a good protein alternative to meat, and low-fat dairy products are lower in saturated fat than full-fat ones.
Is bread good for gout?
White bread, pasta and noodles
Refined carbohydrates are safe for gout sufferers because they are low in purines.
Is sweet potato good for uric acid?
Be Picky About Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates can be good or bad for your gout health. The healthiest carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Sweet potatoes, beans, apples and popcorn can be served in healthy and delicious ways as part of a healthy gout diet.
7 foods not to eat with gout
Gout is an ancient disease that causes a lot of trouble to a person. This disease is characterized by a metabolic disorder in which a large amount of uric acid accumulates in the body. Attacks of gout lead to terrible suffering. But proper nutrition can save you from this.
Although gout is incurable, its attacks can be minimized. How? It is enough to simply remove some foods from the diet. And the editorial “So Simple!” will tell you what you can not eat with gout and what foods are strictly prohibited.
Nutrition for gout
As soon as purine metabolism is disturbed, a person develops gout.
The amount of uric acid in the body just rolls over. This process leads to the fact that urates begin to accumulate in the periarticular tissues. And the main problem is that the process is not limited only to the joints: the deposition of urates also occurs in the internal organs, especially in the kidneys.
To avoid damage to internal organs, the patient must comply with the necessary rules. Eliminate foods that increase uric acid levels from your diet. Let’s find out which products made this list.
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Meat products
A patient with gout must follow a strict diet. And the first thing to exclude from the diet is meat products. This is especially true of offal: heart, liver, kidneys. Pork and goose meat are banned, it is better to completely exclude them from the diet.
The well-known and beloved chicken legs are also famous for their high content of uric acid, but the chicken breast is much safer in this regard. You can’t stay without meat at all, so chicken fillet can be left.
Just severely limit its use.
Fish
There are types of fish that contain a lot of purines and are not at all suitable for a gout diet: herring, trout, sprats and sardines. Forget about canned fish. It is important to note that fish cannot be completely excluded from the diet, because it simply contains a huge amount of nutrients needed by the body.
Vegetables
Vegetables for gout can be consumed in unlimited quantities, but cabbage and sorrel should not be among them. It is also necessary to exclude radish and horseradish. Spinach is also banned.
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Legumes
Legumes are high in purine and should be kept to a minimum. Although legumes, and especially peas, are rich in protein. But one plate of pea soup can cause an attack of gout and a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition.
Mushrooms
As a result of expert research on the content of purines, ceps took the 1st place.
The product is strictly not recommended for patients with gout. The amount of purine in mushrooms can reach 12.8% of the total mass of the product. Fresh champignons and porcini mushrooms contain 5.5% of the prohibited component. The use of mushroom soups, sauces and broths causes an exacerbation of the disease.
Spices
Spices are a special issue. Some people cannot imagine their life without them. But it is important to know that with gout, spices are strictly prohibited. There are also healing tinctures, which include spices. Such tinctures can aggravate the disease instead of the desired improvement.
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Alcohol
The most important prohibition against gout is alcohol. Any alcohol, without exceptions and concessions. There is a myth that gout is cured with red wine. But this is a myth! Any alcoholic beverages are contraindicated for a patient with gout. Wine increases the amount of uric acid in the body and causes excruciating attacks of gout in the patient.